Seven questions, seven answers. Munich Startup in conversation with Philipp and Sebi from JUNIK. Lifestyle.
1. Who are you? Please introduce yourselves briefly!
The founding team behind JUNIK. lifestyle consists of Philipp Ortwein (31) and Sebastian Zureich (29). Sebastian and I studied business administration and met after graduation at a management consultancy. During our consulting years, we repeatedly discussed new business models. We share a passion for watches and high-quality, handcrafted products like bespoke Italian shoes. At the same time, we love things with their own unique character, like vintage cars. JUNIK. was born from the combination of these two passions.
2. What product do you want to use to change the world?
Changing the world? We'd rather leave that to Google & Co. (for now). 😉 We're more of a small business owner.
Our focus is on the Interplay of tradition and fashion awarenessA (mechanical) watch often has a special meaning and story for its owner. Perhaps it was bought with your first salary after graduating from college, it's an heirloom from your grandfather, or you even sailed the Atlantic wearing it. Watch straps are often quite different: They wear out quickly, need replacing, and their significance is reduced to simply securing the watch to your wrist.
JUNIK.'s approach is to not only produce leather bracelets of excellent quality, but also own character and history Based on our passion for vintage cars and high-quality products, we use only the finest leather, for example from private jets, sports cars, or helicopters. Wearing a JUNIK strap also means always carrying a piece of contemporary history with you.
In addition to the exceptional leathers, we attach great importance to the high-quality handcraft from GermanyEach strap is crafted by master leather craftsmen in Germany, requiring up to 170 steps; the same applies to the wooden cases we ship the straps in. Furthermore, we only produce limited editions of a maximum of 50 pieces.
3. But that's been around for a long time!
Watch straps are plentiful. When it comes to watch straps made of vintage leather with their own history, things get a little thinner. However, the fact that they're handcrafted and of outstanding quality already gives us a more than sufficient unique selling point. We've also noticed this in the very positive feedback we receive from our customers.
4. What are the three main ingredients for your recipe for success?
First: True enthusiasm for what we do and unconditional focus on quality and the exceptional.
Secondly: A very good network, not least for getting hold of rare leather.
Third: Lots of humor, even when things get difficult 😉
5. Let’s get down to business: How is business going?
We're still a long way from the IPO. We'll keep you posted ;).
6. What does Munich mean to you?
For us it is the second home since we moved to Munich in 2011. For an exclusive product like ours, Munich is certainly one of the best locations in Europe. Even though the majority of our customers are located in the USA, Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates, and Asia, Munich remains a very attractive city and offers us many opportunities for local partnerships. Munich's honest commitment to tradition fits perfectly with JUNIK. This is something that our partners and suppliers are always impressed with. Furthermore, The startup scene here is becoming increasingly better connected, which is essential for a startup. We learn meet new interesting people almost every day, which open up new opportunities. last but not least the city is simply great location, the mountains and lakes on your doorstep, what more could you want?!
7. Hugo or Munich Mule?
Philip: The Munich Mule is always a hit. A Munich classic and very high on my list of favorite drinks.
Sebi: Can I have a Tegernseer Helles, please?
