This week on aBlogtoWatch Weekly, Rick, Ariel, David, and Ripley tackleanother full slate of watch talk and industry laughs. The crew opens with thelatest missteps in media watch coverage before getting hands-on with thestriking Zenith Defy Zero-G in blue sapphire. From the return of Las Vegas as ahub for luxury watch events to an engaging look at Breguet’s legacy andtechnical mastery, they explore the craftsmanship behind iconic movementsand the enduring influence of historic innovation on modern watchmaking. Thefour also untangle the age-old mix-up between chronographs and chronometers,proving that while one measures time and the other measures accuracy, confusionbetween the two might just be the most consistent complication in watchcollecting. When Rick reads a YouTube comment claiming that watch collectingisn’t a hobby, Ariel fires back with a passionate, red-hot defense that turnswhat started as a casual jab into a full-blown debate about obsession,identity, and why passion for watches is anything but casual. Between specifieddefinitions, rants, and confessions of “it’s not an addiction, it’s aninterest,” the team finds humor in just how seriously enthusiasts take theirso-called pastime. If you enjoy smart banter, watch nerdery, and the kind ofchemistry only this team can deliver, then tune into this week’s episode andjoin the conversation.
0:00 Start
[00:01:06] Weekly "Clapage": The team discusses a reader-submitted find from the London Times, which featured an article on the "hottest designs for autumn 2025" but mistakenly used a picture of a vintage Tag Heuer triple calendar moonphase instead of the new Carrera Astronomer.
[00:08:43] Las Vegas Watch Scene: Ariel is excited about the revival of Las Vegas (JCK and Couture) as a major destination for watch events in the United States, reminiscing about the days before Baselworld's decline.
[00:15:14] Hands-On: Zenith Defy 50G Blue Sapphire: The group discusses Ariel's hands-on with the 46mm blue sapphire Zenith, featuring the unique "ZeroG" gimbal-style mechanism designed to keep the balance wheel horizontal.
[00:23:08] Show Within a Show: Rant
In response to a YouTube comment ("It's not a hobby"), Ariel delivers a rant defending watch collecting as the very definition of a hobby, citing the time spent learning, socializing, trading, and building.
[00:30:50] Show Within a Show: Brand Spotlight
Breguet: The team discusses the immense historical importance of Abraham-Louis Breguet, his foundational inventions (tourbillon, overcoil), and the brand's modern struggles and triumphs in living up to that legacy.
[00:38:39] Show Within a Show: 101 Corner
Chronograph vs. Chronometer: A foundational discussion explaining that a Chronograph is a watch with a stopwatch function, while a Chronometer is a watch certified for its high accuracy (e.G., by COSC). They also discuss good entry-level mechanical chronographs, like those with the Valjoux 7750 movement.
[00:50:44] "What You Like" Game: Scottish Cuisine
Lorn Sausage (Square Sausage): Compared to the Hublot Square Bang.
Rumble Thumps (Potatoes, Cabbage, Cheese): Likened to a G-Shock (a reliable side dish to a collection) or a Rolex Datejust (a comforting classic).
Haggis: The consensus lands on the Rolex 1908 "Land Dweller"—a watch with a bad reputation (or name) that is surprisingly good once you experience its high-quality movement.
[01:07:02] Next Week's Topic: Classic horror movies (The Thing, Nightmare on Elm Street, Gremlins).
[01:08:19] Wrist Checks
Ariel: Casio G-Shock 30th Anniversary Neon Genesis Evangelion.
Ripley: Casio 2100 series ("CasiOak") with a green dial.
David: Bulgari Octo Finissimo with a copper/salmon dial.
[01:10:44] Hit, Miss, Maybe
Breguet 7225
Urwerk UR10 Space Meter:
This week’s episode opens with our hosts in recovery mode from another whirlwind of watch events in New York City. Between too many cocktails, too few hours of sleep, and an overload of new releases, they manage to squeeze in some insight into what makes this strange little world of watch collecting tick.
Our recent watch-enthusiast survey gets dissected, revealing that the average collector spends less than you’d think, most of them also play guitar, and nearly everyone pretends to understand constant-force mechanisms. Cue a lively debate about integrated bracelets (“Free the bracelet!”) and why the supposedly sacred “three-watch collection” rule might be the dumbest idea the hobby ever produced.
Omega’s latest Speedmaster drops into the conversation like a well-timed meme — inspiring both awe and eye-rolls. The crew then takes a detour into rebranding gone wrong, using the fictional “Brahmot” as a case study in how to confuse your fanbase while trying to sound modern. Spoiler: Clear communication still matters more than Helvetica font choices.
The discussion gets philosophical — and slightly unhinged — about consumer education, certification programs, and Seiko’s website, which earns the definitive verdict: “Seiko doesn’t run good websites.” Somewhere between talk of health insurance, music, and cultural references, the group concludes that the watch industry runs best on caffeine, optimism, and a bit of chaos.
It’s a fast, funny, and brutally honest ride through the watch industry’s weird ecosystem — equal parts therapy session and roast. Whether you’re rocking a Speedmaster or a Seiko 5, remember — collecting watches is supposed to be fun. Don’t let your bracelet hold you back.
This week’s aBlogtoWatch Weekly is part philosophy seminar, part farmyard documentary. Rick, Ariel, David, and Ripley debate whether COSC should start certifying desks and chocolate, ponder the “tonic immobility” of watches, and introduce a new segment — Show Within a Show — featuring a brand (Hublot), a rant (Mecha-Quartz), and a novice question (Equation of Time).Elsewhere, the team explores whether novelty is just a fancy word for “same watch, new colour,” Ariel teaches everyone the phrase obliquity of the ecliptic, and David explains why his mum now owns a crooked Meissen mug. Plus: wedding-watch picks, fat-man festivals, and an honest attempt to compare watches to 1990s video games.
This week’s episode of aBlogtoWatch Weekly serves up a stir-fry of watch talk, fast food analogies, and hot sauce banter. Rick kicks things off with his thoughts on "the watch recognition experience" before diving into notable new releases from Grand Seiko, Doxa, and Tudor. From Tudor’s new moonphase strategy to the nuances of the Doxa 750T, the discussion reveals how brand positioning and regional markets shape today’s watch landscape. And then the guys digress to, of all things, hot sauces — with Cholula, Sriracha (sung to the tune of "Let's Call the Whole Thing Off.") The conversation then takes a nostalgic turn, with shoutouts to 90s arcade games and their thematic connection to watches as fun, memory-triggering objects. Personal wrist checks keep the dialogue grounded. Then there's the question of Versace’s evolving approach to watchmaking (ambitious, but what about execution?) — on the other hand, designer David Candaux’s bold creations are boundary-pushing indies. The episode closes with a spotlight on the Timex Atelier collection, an accessible entry point for enthusiasts seeking entry-level quality.
This episode of the aBlogtoWatch Weekly Podcast starts with cooking-and-wine banter before serving up a full course of watch talk — from the buzz around Dubai Watch Week (and the city's surprisingly good dining scene) to the eternal tug-of-war between hobbyists and luxury buyers. Celebrity endorsements get side-eyed for hype over substance, while Watches & Wonders is hailed as the big stage for fresh releases. The team celebrates wild designs like Roger Dubuis’s Knights of the Round Table, pokes fun at the idea of “test-driving” a table, and dives into the perennial nostalgia factor, comparing defunct camera brands like Minolta to beloved watch marques. The guys explore how “obsolete” complications find new life, tease barely associative future tangents about hot sauces, and wrap it all in their now-trademark irreverence, turning serious industry insights into an entertaining conversation that keeps watch talk as approachable as it is deep-diving.
This week on aBlogtoWatch Weekly, Ariel, David, and Ripley take the reins while Rick is away (Vacation? Sick? Secretly testing a smartwatch/tractor collab prototype?) And the conversation spins faster than a tourbillon on espresso. They roast Patek’s new Cubitus (“Nautilus that went wrong?”), debate whether a $220K Greubel Forsey in steel is worth it for the mirror-polished backplate that mostly reflects your arm hair, and spar over whether watchmakers should run brands or leave it to the marketers. The trio dives into Geneva Watch Days tales of photographing grail pieces in suffocating, windowless hotboxes and gets lost in the Behrens x Vianney Halter KWH collab that somehow channels both energy meters and Nokia’s “Snake” game. Toss in critiques of Hublot’s dial-free Square Bang and admiration for Berneron’s steel-armored platinum annual calendar, and you’ve got an episode full of horological heresy, genuine insights, and more oxygen-deprived giggles than a Swiss trade show should allow.
Fresh from Geneva Watch Days, the crew dives into highlights from the event. Fears Watch gets high marks for models that feel handcrafted without being too precious to actually wear. H. Moser, always the provocateur, is praised for its gutsy designs — though the point is made that telling the time shouldn’t require a PhD in horology or a pair of binoculars. The Berneron Quantième Annual Calendar wins the day as a rare complication that’s both clever and actually usable. Zenith takes the award for “coolest watch box we might keep forever,” and its latest designs feel like the brand is fully leaning into its moment. JLC’s Master Grand Tradition is described as both brilliant and borderline overengineered, like a watch designed by someone who really wanted to impress other watchmakers. Other stops include the perfectly fine but “maybe too polite” Sinn 104 Classic, Singer’s Caballero (a pricing curveball), and Vianney Halter’s Messina Lab piece, which is either genius or something you’d wear just to confuse strangers. The episode wraps with giddy anticipation for A. Lange & Söhne’s Richard Lange, which everyone agrees they want, price be damned.
This episode of the ABTW Weekly Podcast proves that time really is relative — especially if you’re a watch collector trying to survive daylight savings. The team kicks things off by pondering the baffling relationship between time zones and watches — shouldn't every new release come with a PhD in geography? The guys move on to the topic of celebrity endorsements, because nothing says “luxury horology” quite like a B-list actor pretending to love a brand they can’t pronounce.
The material debate takes a turn when titanium enters the chat. Citizen’s Super Titanium earns respect, while Rolex’s titanium attempts are described with the same enthusiasm usually reserved for airline food. The gang jokes that titanium may be the future — if the luxury crowd can get over missing the extra heft of steel. Diamonds also sparkle in the discussion, from the surprisingly affordable Armatron Knox to the meme-worthy concept of “diamond hands” in horology.
Certina’s DSX GMT gets a nod for being tough enough to survive both jet lag and a toddler tantrum, while microbrands continue to punch above their weight, sometimes making legacy brands look like they’re stuck in, well, daylight savings. The episode ends with colorful trends, AI watch reviews, and plenty of laughs about how absurdly serious watch culture can be — even when the time’s all wrong.
This week’s aBlogtoWatch Weekly podcast illustrates that watch talk is never just about watches. The team opens up with its trademark mix of banter and sharp observations, spotlighting the eccentric world of auctioning watch memorabilia — equal parts fascinating and absurd.
The conversation shifts to Frank Müller and Swatch, as the team dissects advertising missteps as cases in point regarding how even established brands stumble when trying to capture attention in today’s market. From there, the convo pivots to tariffs and trade policy, a pressing issue reshaping the pricing of luxury watches in the U.S. and influencing both consumer behavior and brand strategy.
Listeners also get a close review of the Formex Essence 41, with its refinements over earlier versions prompting debate about how new models stand out in an increasingly crowded field.
On the release front, Roger Dubuis’ Excalibur Spider Flyback Chronograph in pink gold earns admiration for its fearless design, reaffirming the brand’s boundary-pushing identity. In contrast, Loki’s Pacific Coast Highway watch offers a mission-driven, locally inspired approach that brings a refreshing perspective to new launches.
This week’s episode starts off in familiar aBlogtoWatch fashion — lighthearted banter, a touch of mischief, and just enough side-eye at industry quirks to keep things interesting. The first eyebrow-raiser? Tim Cook’s awkward watch-related gift to Donald Trump, a moment that sparks a wider discussion on the sometimes-clumsy dance between corporations, politics, and tariffs. And those tariffs aren’t just awkward— they’re a genuine threat to the U.S. luxury watch market, nudging brands to rethink their American footprints and pushing watch enthusiasts to consider their buying habits.
Then, the conversation shifts to the soul of watch collecting. Generic, personality-free assortments are roasted for their lack of spark, while outlandish collections (think Inspector Gadget wristwear) get a weird nod for their unapologetic individuality. This sets the stage for a string of playful “what-if” designs, from timidly “sheepish” straps to the gloriously bizarre “Bongo Bang” collector’s piece.
The episode isn’t ALL hypothetical whimsy. The hosts spotlight three notable models that balance form, function, and market positioning: the retro-cool Glashütte Original 70s X Chronograph, Bulgari’s travel-friendly yet distinct Octo Roma World Timer, and the versatile TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 200. These watches hit the sweet spot where practicality meets emotional connection— a recurring theme as the team muses on the evolving tastes of luxury watch buyers.
Other trends get airtime, too. Comfort and wearability are emerging as must-haves, solar-powered movements are winning over practical-minded enthusiasts, and defunct brands are enjoying a nostalgia-fueled revival. By episode’s denouement, the tone circles back to humor, leaving listeners with a mix of market insight, design critique, and just enough absurdity to remind us why talking about watches never really gets old, especially when the straps are sheepish and the bongos are ready to bang.
This week’s episode of aBlogtoWatch Weekly ranges through a broad spectrum of topics, from geopolitical tariffs to cartoon-inspired timepieces — with plenty of hot takes along the way. The show kicks off with a deep dive into IWC’s marketing strategy, highlighting how the brand skillfully ties its messaging to cultural moments and events. The conversation then pivots to travel and watch spotting, with the team discussing how being on the road reshapes their perspectives on watch culture. That dovetails into the real meat of the episode: the rising profile of German watchmaking, especially in light of new tariffs impacting Swiss watches. Brands like Glashütte Original are gaining traction stateside, and the guys muse about whether newcomers to the Glashütte scene might shift the balance in this traditionally Swiss-dominated industry. In a burst of pop-culture crossover, we explore Fossil’s Marvel collaboration, which is part mass-market appeal and part celebrity endorsement (both real and hypothetical) — how do these influence public perception? The Citizen Promaster Skyhawk is praised for sheer utility, while the Seiko Datsun Limited Edition raises eyebrows over questionable branding decisions. The team riffs on the fine line between homage and gimmick, and Venezianico earns a nod for balancing fashion-forward flair with functional sensibilities. Of course, no aBlogtoWatch Weekly episode would be complete without a visit from Chives the Watch Butler, who once again brings levity and absurd charm. A brief but brilliant detour into cartoon-inspired watches and the bizarrely practical idea of a “watch for car detailers” reminds us that this hobby doesn’t always have to take itself so seriously. Whether you’re in it for the mechanics, the market trends, or the memes, this episode delivers the goods
Check out this weeks sponsors:
Marathon Watch - https://www.marathonwatch.com/
Ace Jewelers - https://www.acejewelers.com/
In this episode, Rick, David and Ripley fire up the engines and roast the rubber right off the horological racetrack, starting with F1 sponsorships. Richard Mille is, not surprisingly, everywhere — possibly even sponsoring Nico Hülkenberg’s breakfast cereal, though sadly not his wrist. Bremont and Oris get a few pity laps around the F1 circuit, too, mostly to remind us they exist. Then comes the GPHG segment, where Bernie Watch’s entry is dissected with surgical sarcasm, and the entry fee gets more airtime than some indie brands' entire press cycles. Ripley’s debut on Watchonista is both celebrated and roasted — equal parts milestone and meme. His age? Unclear. His relevance? Surprisingly intact. David’s deep dive into watch accuracy sparks a debate about whether a $200 watch should be accurate or just accurate-ish. Casio’s mechanical debut and Seiko’s NH35 go under the loupe, with everyone pretending to be regulation experts. Then it’s time for “Which Watch is Like…”, a wildly off-the-rails analogy fest: Seiko is Golden Road Brewing (too many SKUs), Panerai is ProTech knives (tough but niche), and Hamilton is Crystal Geyser (dependable, often overlooked, possibly better cold). New releases get dunked on and dissected: The Blancpain Fifty Fathoms “Tech” is questioned for lacking actual tech, the Zeitwerk Date in pink gold is labeled “bougie but temperamental,” and the Vario x RZE Trench Watch is the rare affordable winner.
Check Out This Week's Sponsor:
Ace Jewelers - https://www.acejewelers.com/
This week, Ariel, Rick, David, and Ripley are back with a wrist-worn whirlwind of hilarity, horology, and Hungarian heroes. This week's ceremonial clap-in goes to the Sowind Group for being one of Switzerland's "best managed companies". (We are just as confused as you are). Ariel gets serious with a thought-provoking take on how luxury brands are selling “desirability” while consumers crave substance and value. Is the era of genuine innovation behind us? Hungarian folklore meets watch industry vengeance: Goose Boy vs the world! Which brand is the goose-avenging, underdog legend of horology? And why might it be Vortic? The team also spirals into AI-generated visual horrors involving a well known watch media brand founder hugging Ariel courtside, a watch named "Peripheral Salmon" (yes, really), and taupe being tragically declared “essential.” Some of the crew profess their love for bund straps, David insists on changing the name of a popular weekly segment to “Hit, Miss, Maybe, Kill it with FIRE” (thanks, Spongebob), and so much more on this week’s episode of the aBlogtoWatch Podcast.
Check out this week’s sponsors:
Marathon Watch - https://www.marathonwatch.com/
Ace Jewelers - https://www.acejewelers.com/
Strap in (or click your bracelet extension into place) for this week’s episode of aBlogtoWatch Weekly. The team dives into the ever-bubbling cauldron of watch world weirdness with Ripley looking at the Citizen Promaster Diver 41mm, a watch so "unremarkably good it's almost remarkable." The crew debates its enthusiast appeal vs gift-watch greatness and ponders the eternal question: Why don’t more people love Super Titanium? Rick manages to break through his technical difficulties at the start of the show in what new listeners might think is his first podcast rodeo, and the group asks if the Piaget “Andy Warhol” Black Tie and its $61K price tag are a tribute to the man, or just a tribute to marketing ambiguity.... You can decide. Also, Bell & Ross designs a Bell & Ross about Bell & Ross, so squint and adjust your screen brightness to check it out. Next, given Rick's new beekeeping hobby, the Bulova Super Seville "Honeybee" Edition feels especially apt with its delightfully whimsical design. Want a geography lesson with your timepiece? Then the CIGA Design Blue Planet Atlantic II is your dream watch. Ariel and the crew walk us through this Earth-tilted, counterclockwise wonder that reminds us that time, space, and maps are all relative.Check out this week’s sponsor:
Marathon Watch - https://www.marathonwatch.com/
In this delightfully irreverent episode of aBlogtoWatch Weekly, Rick and the guys dive wrist-first into the absurd, the insightful, and the gloriously unnecessary corners of the watch world. Kicking things off, they give a standing ovation (well, a sarcastic slow clap) to Chrono24 for their marketing email announcing... drumroll... dark mode. Yes, folks, in 2025, turning your app background black is apparently still a press-worthy event. The team now proposes a weekly award for the most inane watch-related marketing announcement, so keep those PR disasters coming!
The philosophical meat of the show? Whether you wear a watch for yourself or for other people. Cue the existential crisis. Ariel insists that slapping a watch on your wrist is a statement—whether it's “I'm refined and mysterious” or “Please ask me about my diver that’s never been near water.” They discuss how social context, parenting, and introversion all factor into what you wear — meaning your G-Shock might be saying, “I’m just trying to survive the school run.”
Next up: watch visibility. The gang fantasizes about creating a game show where they spot watches from 100 yards away like horological snipers. Panerai, of course, is the peacock of the watch zoo — recognizable from space.
They geek out over high-frequency movements — because if you can’t flex your obscure mechanical knowledge in a podcast, where can you? They lovingly mock the fact that quartz is better in every measurable way... but mechanical is cooler, because fantasy timelines where quartz never existed are more fun.
Finally, they gently roast the Tudor Black Bay—perfectly reliable, always available, like that one friend who never moved out of your hometown. Boring? Maybe. Comforting? Absolutely.
For the grand finale: You guessed it. Hit Miss, Maybe!
Check Out This Week's Sponsor:
Löbner - https://lbnr.com/
This week on aBlogtoWatch Weekly, the conversation kicks off with a round of applause for Tudor (applause is the new clap-in), followed by an examination of whether the watch industry needs a metaphorical “intervention.” Or maybe a literal one? The guys debate transparency, digital transformation, and sustainability as key areas careening through their horological brains. And speaking of horological…. There’s a playful riff on how watch geeks sometimes take their obsession too far — chasing ultra-niche complications or hyper-rare references. It’s a thing. The question is asked: “Are we torturing ourselves for the sake of tiny mechanical details?” It’s loving critique of the hobby’s tendency to overthink.“ Rick’s title, part of which is “Twerking Your Resence,” might seem tongue-in-cheek, but knowing Rick, it probably maybe isn’t. Tune in to find out!
Check Out This Week's Sponsor:
Ace Jewelers - https://www.acejewelers.com/
To Follow
Rick is bouncy-bright this morning, Ripley is clapping concrete, and Ariel is wearing a concrete watch — so don’t ever say we aren’t coordinated! David draws a line about what he will and won’t look at on the shared screen. ABTW Week #176 begins as such. The guys set about analyzing the nomenclature of the new Grand Seiko Tentagraph, and David offers some suggestions for improvement. On to the Chrono 25. More watch for less? Listen in to find out if that’s a thing. When talk turns precipitously to the touchy subject of outsourcing, Rick asks whether the Swiss have outsourced themselves into irrelevance. It’s all eyes on David where Chopard is concerned. (Spoiler alert: He really likes this brand!) The vibes turn to underwhelm when the spotlight is placed on the new pastel Blancpain. Is it a Swatch? Or is it a watch that costs as much as a new home? Sad that we have to ask. The mood is redeemed with an invigorating few rounds of Hit, Miss, Maybe.
This week on aBlogtoWatch Weekly Rick is finally back from his Panerai adventures while David is the one we are missing. Rick, Ariel, and Ripley start the show by diving into a watch with a unique party trick, the Ball Engineer II Magneto S, and Ripley shows off what he is wearing with the exact opposite trick. Rick takes a look at Hublot’s website in order to “Return to Antikythera”, they play “Guess the price of the Seiko”, and they share what they think the love interest storyline in the new F1 movie could be. (Hint: a man and his car..) As always Rick, Ripley, and Ariel also play everyone’s favorite game, Hit, Miss, or Maybe with the Citizen Promaster Aqualand, the Ulysse Nardin Freak, and the Laurent Ferrier Sport Auto 79. Listen and join in on the conversation to hear an episode where third place feels like a win, (with a side of Mc Hammer and Muppet references), to witness an unveiling of the new unit of time, #KariTime, and so much more on this week’s episode of aBlogtoWatch Weekly!
To Follow
