A Blog To Watch Weekly

This week on aBlogtoWatch Weekly, Rick is back in the hosting seat and joined by Ariel, Ripley, and David for a typical wide ranging conversation that moves from Japanese watch culture to retail power plays, with only a mild amount of chaos along the way. Ariel shares highlights from his recent trip to Tokyo, including how Seiko, Grand Seiko, Citizen, and Casio are presented at home, why Seiko currently wins the prettiest display contest, and what it feels like to stand in front of an entire rainbow of Mount Iwate dials. The team then dives into a deep discussion about Rolex and the growing pressure placed on authorized dealers, from costly boutique remodels to brand controlled retail experiences, sparking a lively debate about independence, real estate strategy, and who really benefits when luxury retail gets a facelift.From there, the episode rolls straight into Hit Miss Maybe, covering a new pilot inspired release from Oris, a lightweight Zagato concept from Chopard, and a technical deep dive into a high end Ferdinand Berthoud piece, complete with chain drives, constant force mechanisms, and strong opinions about skeletonization. The Brand Wheel of Death makes its long awaited return, putting Tudor and Tissot back in the spotlight, while Czapek quietly exists. Along the way, the crew debates value, design direction, and whether some brands need a 50 year timeout. The episode wraps with plenty of laughs, sharp industry takes, and just enough Brand Wheel energy to remind everyone that no watch company is ever truly safe.To check out the ABTW Shop where you can see our products inspired by our love of Horology:- Shop ABTW - https://store.ablogtowatch.com/To keep updated with everything Superlative, aBlogtoWatch Weekly, and aBlogtoWatch, check us out on:- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ablogtowatch/- Website - https://www.ablogtowatch.com/- Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/aBlogtoWatch If you enjoy the show please Subscribe, Rate, and Review!

This week on aBlogtoWatch Weekly, Ariel is once again holding down the host chair while Rick continues his mysterious multi week sabbatical (last we heard he was crossing mountains by donkey, so fingers crossed). Joined by Ripley and David, the team digs into Ariel's latest essay on why luxury watch brands should embrace controlled discounting, unpacking how pricing psychology, gray market realities, and unrealistic investment narratives have distorted modern collecting. The conversation then shifts to Ariel's recent trip to Tokyo, now arguably the world's most exciting city for watch enthusiasts, with deep dives into Japan's booming pre owned scene, Grand Seiko sightings, tax free deals, and how local retailers are reshaping displays to match global demand. From there, things jump wildly upmarket with a breakdown of the Louis Vuitton and De Bethune collaboration and its four million euro Sympathique clock fantasy, before crashing back to earth with tiny G-Shock ring watches, blind box buying culture, and whether gamified collecting is the future or just Pokémon with timekeeping. The episode wraps with thoughts on Breguet's latest Type 20 chronograph, vintage inspired design choices, and why watches should probably go back to being worn instead of treated like speculative assets, all delivered with the usual mix of industry insight and playful cynicism, plus one conspicuously empty chair while Rick continues his mysterious travels.To check out the ABTW Shop where you can see our products inspired by our love of Horology:- Shop ABTW - https://store.ablogtowatch.com/To keep updated with everything Superlative, aBlogtoWatch Weekly, and aBlogtoWatch, check us out on:- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ablogtowatch/- Website - https://www.ablogtowatch.com/- Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/aBlogtoWatch If you enjoy the show please Subscribe, Rate, and Review!

With the aBlogtoWatch Weekly crew unavailable this week, we're doing something a little different. In this special crossover episode, we're revisiting standout conversations from our Superlative podcast to bring you three perspectives on watch collecting, craft, and the culture that surrounds modern horology. You'll hear from Jay Leno on his personal relationship with mechanical watches and why tangible objects still matter in a digital world, Fred Savage on how watches create connection, identity, and community, and George Bamford with candid insight into collector psychology, industry risk, and what it really means to navigate trust in the watch space. Each segment comes from a longer Superlative conversation, curated here for aBlogtoWatch Weekly as a look back at classic moments that highlight the human side of timepieces and why this hobby continues to resonate across generations.Check out each episode with our featured guests:Jay Leno - https://youtu.be/y6Lhs0h0S-I Fred Savage - https://youtu.be/-vthxT-uSsM George Bamford - https://youtu.be/SOBwXcXXm3A To check out the ABTW Shop where you can see our products inspired by our love of Horology:- Shop ABTW - https://store.ablogtowatch.com/To keep updated with everything Superlative, aBlogtoWatch Weekly, and aBlogtoWatch, check us out on:- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ablogtowatch/- Website - https://www.ablogtowatch.com/- Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/aBlogtoWatch If you enjoy the show please Subscribe, Rate, and Review!

This week on aBlogtoWatch Weekly, Ariel is joined by Ripley and Sean, proving that the show can still stay on the rails even without Rick in the room, before cutting straight to the heart of modern watch collecting, originality, and why taste and intention matter more than rigid rules. The discussion kicks off with Sean's modified 1960s Omega Seamaster and quickly expands into a thoughtful debate about vintage purity versus lived-in character, the difference between collecting as time travel and collecting as personal expression, and why aftermarket changes are not always the sin the internet makes them out to be. From there, the conversation moves through current releases, including Maurice Lacroix's heavily skeletonized offerings, and Zenith's Defy Skyline lineup (why it continues to punch above its weight), and the strange appeal of ultra-luxury skeletonized gold watches that are impossible not to smile while wearing. The team also touches on Marathon's Arctic Edition diver, the ongoing fixation with faux-aged lume, and the widening gap between functional tool watches and fashion-driven design. The conversation also takes a candid turn toward Tudor's current identity struggles, questioning whether the brand has lost its experimental edge and what it says when Rolex appears more willing to innovate than its so-called adventurous sibling.To check out the ABTW Shop where you can see our products inspired by our love of Horology:- Shop ABTW - https://store.ablogtowatch.com/To keep updated with everything Superlative, aBlogtoWatch Weekly, and aBlogtoWatch, check us out on:- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ablogtowatch/- Website - https://www.ablogtowatch.com/- Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/aBlogtoWatch If you enjoy the show please Subscribe, Rate, and Review!

In this episode of aBlogtoWatch Weekly, the team dives headfirst into the watch media identity crisis sparked by Ariel's recent essay on who actually pays for honest coverage and why everyone seems to want it without footing the bill. The conversation then shifts into the uncomfortable reality of independence, sponsored content, and where the line gets drawn in a very small industry. From there, things take a sharp turn into horology with a deep discussion of a very serious watch that also happens to look suspiciously like Mickey Mouse. Ariel breaks down Breguet's high frequency chronograph history, magnetic escapement technology, and why the brand is simultaneously capable of brilliance and baffling aesthetic decisions.The episode then moves through the not quite LVMH Watch Week releases, including Louis Vuitton's Escale complications explosion, which quickly devolves into an on air world timer geography quiz no one was prepared for. Along the way, TAG Heuer's latest Seafarer revival sparks a spirited debate about tide complications and dog walking use cases, raising the question of whether modern watches sometimes try a little too hard. The group also touches on TAG's ongoing CEO turnover, broader brand direction questions, and why some watch companies appear to be having fun while others absolutely are not.As always, tune into their conversation this week to hear a blend of industry insight, watch nerdery, and exactly the kind of chaos that makes aBlogtoWatch Weekly feel less like a roundtable and more like group therapy with bezels.Check out this week's sponsor - Movado Watches:- https://www.movado.com/ To check out the ABTW Shop where you can see our products inspired by our love of Horology:- Shop ABTW - https://store.ablogtowatch.com/To keep updated with everything Superlative, aBlogtoWatch Weekly, and aBlogtoWatch, check us out on:- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ablogtowatch/- Website - https://www.ablogtowatch.com/- Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/aBlogtoWatch If you enjoy the show please Subscribe, Rate, and Review!

With Ariel off on a mysterious, possibly horological, possibly diplomatic mission somewhere in Germany, Rick, David, and Ripley take the wheel. They immediately veer into Hungarian folk heroes, goose-based revenge myths, and the comforting knowledge that Disney will eventually monetize all of it. From there, the clappage gives way to Oris' Year of the Horse watch and the genuinely baffling decision to celebrate an animal by wearing part of it. That choice sparks a long, ethically curious spiral involving cordovan straps, zodiac logic, pet straps, April Fool's trauma, and whether anyone thought to ask a horse enthusiast first. From there, the episode turns into an unintentional audit of the modern watch internet. SevenFriday, U-Boat, and Swatch demonstrate that search functions are optional, vowels are negotiable, and websites may simply choose not to work. Along the way, the group revisits the watches they “missed” in 2025, including aggressively plastic divers, kindergarten crayon designs, watches that tick loudly enough to inspire resonance experiments, collabs that feel more like t-shirts than timepieces, and diamond-studded bison fantasies that send at least one host mentally relocating to Texas. The chaos culminates in a brutally honest round of the Picker Wheel of Death. Chronoswiss, Tutima, and Jaeger-LeCoultre face resurrection, mercy, or total erasure from the timeline as the debate somehow becomes philosophical, existential, and deeply online. It ultimately proves, once again, that this is, in fact, a watch podcast, even if it refuses to behave like one.To check out the ABTW Shop where you can see our products inspired by our love of Horology:- Shop ABTW - https://store.ablogtowatch.com/To keep updated with everything Superlative, aBlogtoWatch Weekly, and aBlogtoWatch, check us out on:- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ablogtowatch/- Website - https://www.ablogtowatch.com/- Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/aBlogtoWatch If you enjoy the show please Subscribe, Rate, and Review!

In this episode of aBlogtoWatch Weekly, the conversation opens exactly where it should for a new year: questioning whether the word “master” needs to be retired from watch naming altogether, before immediately veering into geopolitical hypotheticals, Swiss invasion logistics, and the undeniable truth that Geneva traffic would stop any army dead in its tracks. Once the dust settles, the group dives headfirst into Seiko's latest releases, kicking off a familiar round of “guess the price” that once again proves Seiko pricing remains as unpredictable as ever, with King Seiko, Prospex Speedtimers, anniversary models, and Astron pieces all seemingly priced by different departments that may or may not be speaking to one another. From there, the discussion broadens into material choices, marketing language, sustainability footnotes, and the growing frustration with watches that feel overexplained yet under-justified. The episode then shifts gears into a full-fledged Omega marketing rant, unpacking celebrity placements, perceived popularity, and whether the brand has stopped explaining why its watches are actually good, before reluctantly admitting that Omega still makes excellent watches despite the noise. Things spiral further into horological absurdity with a deep dive into ultra-high-end independent watchmaking, including Roger Smith's painstakingly handcrafted Series 6 and the realities of six-figure handmade perfection. The back half of the show fully embraces chaos with the return of the Brand Death Wheel, debates over which brands deserve resurrection or oblivion, and a surprisingly passionate detour into vacuum cleaners, industrial design, and why some machines, much like watches, are built to last while others are just shiny distractions. As always, the episode wraps with sharp opinions, running jokes, and the lingering sense that no matter how much the industry changes, confusion, contradiction, and spirited debate remain the true constants.To check out the ABTW Shop where you can see our products inspired by our love of Horology:- Shop ABTW - https://store.ablogtowatch.com/To keep updated with everything Superlative, aBlogtoWatch Weekly, and aBlogtoWatch, check us out on:- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ablogtowatch/- Website - https://www.ablogtowatch.com/- Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/aBlogtoWatch If you enjoy the show please Subscribe, Rate, and Review![00:00] Intro: Playing the "Guess the Seiko Price" game[00:48] Banter: Should "Master" be removed from watch names?[05:32] Discussion on new two-tone black and gold Seikos[09:50] Guessing the price: King Seiko KS1969[12:32] Critique of the new "movable lug" Seiko strap[13:51] Rant on "Leather Working Group" and sustainability marketing[17:25] Shock at the actual Seiko prices (Astron & Prospex)[20:10] Ariel's rant: Omega's celebrity-obsessed marketing[22:43] "Omega Corner": Trying to find technical positives for the brand[26:40] Review: Hautlence Sphere Series 3 (The "Muppet Strap")[31:23] Game: "Brand Wheel of Death" (Keep, Kill, Resurrect)[32:52] Brand 1: Brew Watches[33:16] Brand 2: Dornblüth & Sohn[33:43] Brand 3: Romain Jerome (Discussion on resurrecting it)[37:22] The Final Verdict: Resurrect RJ, Keep Brew, Kill Dornblüth[38:18] Tangent: The Kirby vs. Dyson vacuum cleaner debate[41:16] Highlights of the handmade Roger Smith Series 6[46:07] Browsing the Roger Smith configurator[48:20] Review: Atelier Wen Tantalum (Integrated bracelet)[54:45] Industry News: The decline of LVMH Watch Week events[56:14] Teaser: Ripley's upcoming review involving a tiny Hot Wheels car[57:44] Rating the episode's "Watch Content" vs. "Filler"[58:16] Final Debate: Kirby the vacuum vs. Kirby the Nintendo character[01:00:55] Closing remarks

This week on aBlogtoWatch Weekly, Rick, Ariel, Ripley, and David stumble headfirst into a horological fever dream that begins with their favorite Christmas gifts and quickly escalates into “God complex watches”, starting with Vacheron Constantin's wildly unsettling Métiers d'Art creations that somehow manage to combine astronomical complications, golden humanoid figures, cult leader aesthetics, and a price tag that suggests you might also receive a henchman with purchase. (Prompting a spirited debate about whether watches are meant to tell time or simply assert dominance over humanity). From there, Ariel dives into the increasingly uncomfortable question of whether there are simply too many watch brands in the modern market. He explains why brand failure does not automatically equal industry collapse and how pricing, distribution, and ego have quietly set the stage for a long overdue reckoning. That discussion naturally inspires Rick to introduce the “Brand Death Wheel”, a highly scientific and extremely responsible method for deciding which brands live, die, or are Thanos snapped out of existence. The process includes eulogies, resale speculation, and the unanimous realization that Tissot is not the brand we deserve but the brand we absolutely need.The conversation then swings through some of the most talked about articles of the year, including why rage drives engagement, why accuracy ranges that resemble guesses are no longer acceptable, and how discounting might actually save the industry's soul. The group also explores why wealthy collectors complaining about prices may be the loudest warning sign of all. From there, the episode moves into a rapid fire tour of notable releases from Timex, Casio, and TAG Heuer, along with the ongoing identity crisis between flagship models and halo pieces. They ultimately circle back to the most important unresolved question of the episode: if this group truly has the power to decide which brands survive, should they also be trusted to choose a watch for Rick in 2026. Finally, (and appropriately), the episode closes with a solemn and completely earned send off set to the Hungarian national anthem.To check out the ABTW Shop where you can see our products inspired by our love of Horology:- Shop ABTW - https://store.ablogtowatch.com/To keep updated with everything Superlative, aBlogtoWatch Weekly, and aBlogtoWatch, check us out on:- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ablogtowatch/- Website - https://www.ablogtowatch.com/- Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/aBlogtoWatch If you enjoy the show please Subscribe, Rate, and Review!

This week on aBlogtoWatch Weekly, the team opens the floodgates on Watch Heritage™, questioning whether celebrating anniversaries still means anything when brands seem more excited about dates than doing something new today. As the conversation unfolds, Rolex, Omega, Tudor, and Breguet all get pulled into a spirited debate about when history becomes inspiration and when it turns into a crutch, with discontinued models, hypothetical anniversaries, and imaginary relaunches doing most of the heavy lifting. From there, things take a sharp turn as Ariel breaks down the Porsche Design Chronograph 1 and why car brand watches somehow feel acceptable when Porsche does it, even if the pricing still makes everyone flinch. The episode then ventures into dangerous territory with the watch website you DARE not visit, as the crew attempts to navigate the mysteriously elusive Peacock Watches site while discussing whether a Chinese tourbillon can actually impress seasoned collectors. Along the way, magnetism, innovation, value, and modern watch enthusiasm collide as everything nearly derails completely when Ripley almost drops an F-bomb over cookies, biscuits, wrappers, and the true meaning of holiday snacks. It's heritage, heresy, horology, and holiday chaos, exactly as intended.To check out the ABTW Shop where you can see our products inspired by our love of Horology:- Shop ABTW - https://store.ablogtowatch.com/To keep updated with everything Superlative, aBlogtoWatch Weekly, and aBlogtoWatch, check us out on:- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ablogtowatch/- Website - https://www.ablogtowatch.com/- Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/aBlogtoWatch If you enjoy the show please Subscribe, Rate, and Review!

This week on aBlogtoWatch Weekly, the conversation starts with watches, traditions, and how certain design ideas get passed around as fact, even when no one fully agrees on where they came from. From there, things quickly drift into watch etiquette, including whether guilloché is meant to be admired quietly or kept well away from people with curious fingers. The crew dives into Jay Leno's approach to watch collecting, why curiosity matters more than status, and how a non-Cartier Tank can sometimes be more interesting than chasing the usual icons. As the discussion rolls on, Rick, Ariel, David, and Ripley tackle new releases, retail realities, and brand decisions that feel increasingly hard to defend, eventually landing on the kind of strong watch opinions that might earn you a long conversation with Swiss passport control. (Time for a social media audit before the next trip to Geneva.) By the end, the lines between serious watch talk and end-of-year-chaos completely blur, making getting banned from Switzerland feel less like a risk and more like part of the job.To check out the ABTW Shop where you can see our products inspired by our love of Horology:- Shop ABTW - https://store.ablogtowatch.com/To keep updated with everything Superlative, aBlogtoWatch Weekly, and aBlogtoWatch, check us out on:- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ablogtowatch/- Website - https://www.ablogtowatch.com/- Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/aBlogtoWatch If you enjoy the show please Subscribe, Rate, and Review!

This week on aBlogtoWatch Weekly, the team asks the only question that matters: “Are we Hublot or are we dancer”? What begins as a discussion of Cloud Dancer color palettes quickly becomes a full identity audit for one of the boldest brands in the industry, complete with Rick's Big Bang Convergence Theory making yet another appearance. From winter editions shown in Dubai to snowflake rotors and unexpected design choices, the crew explores why Hublot watches are always equal parts fascination and confusion. The conversation then shifts into true science fair territory as Ripley breaks down the newest Breguet experiment. Magnets, floating components, frictionless escapements, and a price tag that inspires Rick to call it a three-hundred-thousand-pound desk toy all take center stage. Ariel and David weigh in on the technology, the servicing challenges, and whether innovation still matters when the dial is nearly impossible to read. Finally, the group dives into one of the most unintentionally funny watches of the week, which sparks the unforgettable “forget my birthday pocket watch” debate. Between confusing apertures, mismatched layouts, and jump hour windows that practically require a translator, the team reflects on what makes a watch thoughtful versus what makes it feel like a last-minute gift. To check out the ABTW Shop, where you can see our products inspired by our love of Horology:- Shop ABTW - https://store.ablogtowatch.com/To keep updated with everything Superlative, aBlogtoWatch Weekly, and aBlogtoWatch, check us out on:- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ablogtowatch/- Website - https://www.ablogtowatch.com/- Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/aBlogtoWatch If you enjoy the show, please Subscribe, Rate, and Review!** YouTube Monetization ID for Copyright Material From PremiumBeat.com: #3826449

This week's episode begins with a hearty round of “clappage” for a €1,500 Omega dial book that looks like it was assembled during mandatory arts and crafts time, with hand glued pages, candlelit workshops, and enough fumes to convince someone this was a good idea, sparking what becomes the Watch Chime Anti Climax saga as the guys marvel at how brands keep uninventing printing and romanticizing hand binding as if the entire history of modern machines never happened. That sends everyone straight into “Planet Ocean Blue Gate”, where Omega's new Planet Ocean looks wildly blue in every promotional image yet is not blue at all, causing David to question reality, Ariel to ask why the images tell lies, Ripley to declare that they blew it themselves, and Rick to desperately try and fail to summon an Omega customer service advisor like he is attempting contact with the spirit realm. From the wide lugs to the disappearing helium escape valve to center links polished so perfectly you can literally watch your own disappointment reflected back at you, the team analyzes every confusing detail before wandering into a discussion about bullying a watch AI, especially once Ariel introduces the completely radioactive looking G Shock that feels like something an AI would choose to wear specifically to unsettle humans. They wrap with praise for Dubai Watch Week and Ariel's recounting of a brilliant HBO watch cameo featuring a fake Submariner and even faker watch guy dialogue, sealing this episode as a perfect mix of misleading marketing, glossy regret, chime-related frustration, and the ongoing psychological torment of any artificial intelligence unfortunate enough to wade into the world of watches.Check out this week's sponsor: Movado- https://www.movado.com/To check out the ABTW Shop where you can see our products inspired by our love of Horology:- Shop ABTW - https://store.ablogtowatch.com/To keep updated with everything Superlative, aBlogtoWatch Weekly, and aBlogtoWatch, check us out on:- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ablogtowatch/- Website - https://www.ablogtowatch.com/- Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/aBlogtoWatch If you enjoy the show please Subscribe, Rate, and Review!

This week on aBlogtoWatch Weekly, Rick, Ariel, and Ripley dive straight into the chaos of modern watchmaking and immediately land in the world of Death By Line Extension, a place where brands keep serving new colors and new variations faster than anyone can remember the last thing they released. As Ariel and David just returned from Dubai Watch Week, Ariel explains that someone asked if he was tired of watches, which is hilarious to him because he seems to have a strange superpower that allows him to absorb an endless stream of new releases without losing his mind. The team laughs their way through Omega price increase drama, Rick mourns the loss of the helium escape valve with the seriousness of a national tragedy, and Ripley pitches a country song about no longer being able to afford an Omega. The conversation moves into full Beige Tudor Energy when Ariel admits that a new Tudor release gave him absolutely no emotional response, which is apparently almost impossible. Then comes the Big Bang Convergence Theory, a running joke where Ripley points out that watch design is starting to evolve like crab evolution, but for luxury stainless steel, complete with Hublot-inspired chaos and Zenith pieces that Ariel swears look like artificial intelligence was left unsupervised. The episode continues with stories from Dubai Watch Week, a fantasy about a tractor-themed watch festival on Rick's farm in Scotland, a moon phase that only a werewolf would truly appreciate, and a one hundred fifty thousand dollar Tag Heuer that looks ready to jump into a Formula One pit lane. Listen in and join the conversation for a full buffet of watch industry humor, confusion, passion, and gentle suffering wrapped in beige energy on this week's episode of aBlogtoWatch Weekly.00:00 – Intro: “Watch Fatigue” & Line Extensions 01:10 – Special Request: Fewer Releases, More DigestibleSpecials 02:00 – Ariel's Superpower: Infinite Watch Absorption 03:00 – Price Increases & The Industry's ‘Bad Habits' 04:20 – Omega Identity Crisis & Price Creep 06:00 – Country Song Pitch: ‘Remember When I Could Afford anOmega' 07:10 – Bond Watches, Planet Ocean Controversy & TheMissing Helium Valve 09:00 – Rolex CEO Dubai Interview: Overblown Headlines 10:30 – ‘Speedmaster Irrelevant' April Fool's Dream 12:00 – Dubai Watch Week vs Watches & Wonders 13:20 – Proposal: ABTW Farm Watch Week (Scotland Edition) 14:50 – Tractor Watches, Farmer Rolexes & LamborghiniTractors 16:40 – Whisky + Watches Tour Pitch 20:00 – Transition Back to Dubai Watch Week (Finally) 20:45 – Golden Diamonds Hall & Weird Influencers 22:20 – Does Watches & Wonders Have a Problem? 23:00 – Plane Movie Reviews 24:00 – Wearing Watches at Shows: Dubai vs Geneva 25:20 – Moser Streamliner Perpetual Moon Concept Meteorite 31:00 – Audemars Piguet “Robot Watch Setter” Device 35:20 – Zenith Defy Extreme Lapis Lazuli 39:00 – New Tudor 36mm Beige Dial Ranger/Explorer Style 41:45 – TAG Heuer Monaco Split Seconds Chronograph ‘Air 1' 47:40 – Who Gets the 30 TAGs? (F1 Political Discussion) 48:20 – Wrap-Up & Tease for Next Week's Omega Rant

This week on aBlogtoWatch Weekly, Rick, David, and Ripley settle in for a wonderfully chaotic ride through the watch world as they pick apart the GPHG results with the kind of disbelief usually reserved for tax bills and airport delays, wondering aloud how a collection of chronographs that no human can physically read ended up representing the best of the year. After David signs off to begin his travels, Rick and Ripley carry on with a rapid-fire tour of the latest drops, including the Dryden Heartlander Solar, which somehow outperforms the previous MoonSwatch conversation without even trying, and the Benrus Ultra Deep, which weighs in as a certified THICC-BOI. They explore the Todd Snyder and Unimatic GMT collaboration, which proves that the moment David signs off is when the fashion talk suddenly spikes. The two give us a serious analysis of who, exactly, is spending $120,000 on a Harry Potter-themed tourbillon. To close the episode, David sits down in Geneva with famed Bulgari designer Fabrizio Buonamassa for a rare and thoughtful conversation about the evolution of the Octo Finissimo, the creative process behind his iconic sketch editions, the challenges and pride of producing movements in house, the role of human craft in a rapidly changing industry, and why true artistic vision will always outlast trends and technology. If you want the full range of watch talk, from award show absurdities to high-design philosophy, this is the episode to tune into.

This week on aBlogtoWatch Weekly, Ariel, Rick, and Ripley kick off with a philosophical spin on time itself before diving into the irony of Phillips celebrating a watch that resold for less than before, and how auction houses keep fueling inflated prices that manipulate market perception. Ariel revisits his article on the realities of watch auctions, exploring how media hype perpetuates unrealistic valuations. The group then shifts to the retail side as Ariel breaks down why the luxury watch industry's high pricing strategy has created its own worst enemy, and why consumers are growing weary of inflated retail tags. Their conversation expands to the fate of brands like Timex, Daniel Wellington, and Fossil, with sharp insights into how microbrands are reshaping entry level watch culture. They dive into Nick Jonas' Fossil endorsement, questioning if anyone has ever actually seen him wear one or if it's just the most expensive wrist costume in pop history, Trump's “gold bar” moment, and the absurdity of “tiny window” watches. The team closes with two fiery rants, one from Ripley on why the MoonSwatch is not really affordable and another from Ariel on brands that think tiny illegible watch windows are the next big thing

This week on aBlogtoWatch Weekly, the show kicks off in the best kind of chaos as Rick, Ariel, David, and Ripley dive straight into the bizarre world of Casio's new AI-powered pet, the Moflin, a furry robot companion that sparks a hilariously unhinged debate about whether Casio has gone too far or stumbled into genius-level diversification. Between jokes about Furbies, USB charging ports, and data-collecting guinea pigs, the crew manages to make sense of it all before officially starting the show and shifting into Ariel's latest editorial on the evolution of in-person watch events. From Windup to Watches and Wonders, they explore how shows since the beginning of the pandemic have reshaped the way brands connect with collectors, whether there are too many of them, and how smaller gatherings create opportunities for more meaningful conversations. Ripley's rant of the week follows with a deep dive into a watch that mistakenly called itself an annual calendar when it was actually a complete calendar, prompting a Watchmaking 101 lesson about the differences among complete, annual, and perpetual calendars, delivered with just enough watch-nerdy humor to make it stick. As things wind down, the team debates who is more obsessed with the moon, NASA or Omega, and somehow ends up joking about Bond watches, space marketing, and Panerai's habit of rewriting its own history. From AI guinea pigs to calendar complications, this episode captures the chaos, curiosity, and wit that make aBlogtoWatch Weekly a must-listen for anyone who loves watches, good stories, and a little bit of absurdity along the way.[00:00] Weekly Banter: The show begins with a discussion about YouTuber Nico Leonard's partnership with CIGA Design.[04:08] Casio's New Product: The hosts talk about the "Casio Moflin," a furry, AI-powered "smart companion."[12:18] The State of Watch Shows: Ariel discusses an article he wrote about the evolution, challenges, and opportunities of consumer-facing watch events post-pandemic.[29:46] Rant: Haim Annum Watch: Ripley Sellers expresses his disappointment with the new Haim Annum watch, which was marketed as an annual calendar but is actually a complete calendar.[37:40] Watches 101: Calendar Types: Following the rant, the hosts explain the differences between various watch calendar complications:[38:12] Perpetual Calendar: Accounts for months and leap years[38:40] Annual Calendar: Accounts for different month lengths but needs to be reset at the end of February .[39:59] Complete/Triple Calendar: Displays the day, date, and month but needs to be manually adjusted for months with fewer than 31 days.[44:30] Brand Discussion: Omega vs. NASA: The hosts debate the question, "Who cares about the moon the most, NASA or Omega?"[57:28] Horror Movies as Watch Brands: The "Watch You Like" segment returns, matching horror films to watch brands:[59:40] The Thing: Bremont [01:01:34] A Nightmare on Elm Street: Tiso PRX (for hair pulling) or Daniel Wellington (for buyer's remorse) [01:05:32] Gremlins: A Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime, due to its complexity and rules (don't get it wet, don't set it after midnight) .[01:05:41] Next Week's Challenge: In honor of Jay Leno's Scottish heritage, the hosts will match watch brands to sweets from the Scottish company Golden Casket.[01:10:20] Hit, Miss, or Maybe (Part 1): The hosts review the Chopard Mille Miglia GTS Power Control.[01:15:22] Hit, Miss, or Maybe (Part 2): The final watch reviewed is the Ball Roadmaster M Model A, a mechanical alarm watch, which receives a "Hit," a "Miss," and a "Maybe"** YouTube Monetization ID for Copyright Material From PremiumBeat.com: #3826449

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: RantIn 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 SpotlightBreguet: 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 CornerChronograph 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 CuisineLorn 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 ChecksAriel: 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, MaybeBreguet 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 goodsCheck 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/ 

This week on aBlogtoWatch Weekly, Rick, in a move unprecedented in all of history, designates the start of a show without a clap-in, substituting it for a round of applause — for himself and Ariel, David and Ripley. What does this mean? It means that the warmup content has made prime time. The guys move on to discussions of AI and watch industry jobs. Things get weird pretty fast when talk turns to Crocs — and to be precise, wearable Swatch Crocs. (In order to read the time, you have to contort yourself.... but they do light up, so there's that. ABlogtoCroc, anyone? Talk turns to the new Casio Edifice EFK 100, the first-ever mechanical Casio. Now, that's news. Also, very serious timepiece has gotten the teams attention, namely, the new Vacheron Constantin, which generates a lot of interest. Before moving onto the always highly anticipated Hit, Miss, Maybe, Rick asks what everyone is wearing. No, what watches are they wearing, silly?

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!

This week on aBlogtoWatch Weekly, Ariel, David, and Ripley are holding down the fort as Rick is off handling VIP (Very Important Panerai) business. Maybe. We think. OK, we're just assuming. The team begins the show with talk of G-Shock's seeming pause on its focus to develop NEW features, instead recycling the same features throughout the brand's various price points. Ariel asks David and Ripley about their hunger for data that their watches can give them: “Aren't you data-hungry?” The guys explore the significance of thematic watches and delve into the appeal of ceramic watches while the rest of us likely suffer from “ceramic ignorance,” AKA ceramignorance (say that three times fast). Join this week's conversation as we discuss the evolution of the Tag Heuer Monaco, the introduction of new technologies in brands like Certina, and why you should potentially prepare for a watch tan line competition, coming soon to a podcast near you!

Note To Follow.

This week on aBlogtoWatch Weekly, Rick starts the show with a question about Ariel's recent column about luxury watch pricing and its downstream effects. Ariel has much to say about this topic beyond the obvious. Who knew this was a can o' worms? Leave it Ariel to dig up questions in a space that seems well understood. Check your assumptions, people! Ripley and David weigh in from their own experiences as longtime enthusiasts. Rick then pops a photo on the screen of a luxury yacht designed to hold eight people, sinking under the weight of 32 souls. Not sure what this has to do with watches, except those sinking like they have stones in their pockets are likely debating how to save the watches they're wearing. In a similar vein, David presents his favorite marketing pitch — yes, this was an assignment — can you tell these guys get a lot of emails that seem quite random? (Don't miss the bit about the Trump watch error. We Americans love it when Rick rubs our noses in the country's current political administration. "No, I'm laughing WITH you!") The fun continues throughout the hour with a mix of levity and serious watch talk. Tune in!

To Follow

Rick starts the show by referencing the preceding rant edited out of the produced show. To wit: The live show took on the gazillion emails the guys have been getting about which celebrity wore what watch at the Met Gala. But onto something more important — grammar! Whether you could or couldn't care less, that is the question. Now, down to some actual content. David's latest “Grinding Gears” column is all about the gap between watchmakers and the consumers who don't know what they're looking at. This divide causes some problems, as David explains. Ariel has a lot to say about this, especially regarding value. Next up? Guess the Price of the Seiko! Then, onto a discussion of the Seagull Okeanos release, which also results in a discussion of pricing and tariffs. Ariel asks, “Why are tariffs invading our hobby?” And that is the question of the day. Kevin Roberts joins the foursome to discuss the latest from Doxa, Breguet, and other brands. Tune in to hear the latest.

This week on aBlogtoWatch Weekly, the quartet is a trio. Ariel is away, and David is super-excited about the new collab between Bulova and IFL. He waxes poetic about the hand-painted artwork on the dial, and it's hard to tell if/when he might take it off. And he's impressed with the price (just 1,200 Euros, including a Bulova movement). They move on to discuss two documentaries about brands — Bulova and IWC — before taking a look at the latest Gerald Charles release. Semi-usual suspect Kevin Roberts joins the show, as does Guy Blaskey. Ripley gets tuned in and heated up about the contemporary face of Bremont (there's a parallel to spam — don't ask), and the fivesome banters about the topic, which is more controversial with each passing day. Then, the segment we all wait for: Hit, Miss, Maybe! Listen in.

This week on aBlogtoWatch Weekly, it's a party! Rick has, count'em, five guests, all of whom are wearing black. In addition to Ariel, David, and Ripley, special guests Pete McConnell and Kevin Roberts are in the house. Ariel's presence was unplanned, as he's in Italy, where Pope Francis has just died, so he's feeling special in a strange way. Ripley is continuing to grow a mustache this week as he prepares to try to avert being placed on a jury. The guys get down to it with the question: Can one upset Rolex? Like, is it possible? Pete says "no," Ripley says, "kinda sorta, not really," and Ariel says, "heck yeah." There's only one way to find out the whys of these various answers, and that's to tune in to the show. Another big highlight of this festive episode is a conversation about Blancpain — lots of praise with a caution about the price (no surprise there, though). And guess what's back? Hit, Miss, Maybe. Join in!

This week on aBlogtoWatchWeekly, Ariel gets right to his most burning question: Why is everyone still so worried about tariffs? Because he isn't. In contrarian fashion, Ariel is worried about other things, like the watch industry eating its own tail. What does he mean by this? Tune in to find out. On the various home fronts, there are earthquakes in Los Angeles and wildfires in Scotland.Metaphor much? Along those lines, "regurgitation" is the word of the day, and it's not as icky as it sounds because Ariel argues that it can be an art form, especially in the context of Watches & Wonders 2025. David has a different view, and the guys bat around their ideas about Chopard, TAGHeuer, Hublot, and other heavy hitters to lend their expertise to the ongoing conversation. Ripley underscored the new tech and old design, a nicer way of approaching the regurgitation theme. This word itself is controversial. See what side you land on by listening in: strategy, art form, both, or neither?

This week on aBlogtoWatchWeekly, Rick, Ariel, and Ripley launch the show with thevestigial clap-in and get right to the hot topics of the week: Watches &Wonders, of course, and the many varying views on Trump's tariffs and howthey'll affect the watch industry. But first, Ripley puts in a plug for betterswag at the event next year. Underwear and socks would be awesome! He ran outof clean shirts before his flight home, so he was ever-so-grateful for abrand-new Oris t-shirt. And Doxa gave out passport covers so Americans couldobscure their identities — score! Rick asks the rapidly devaluing 64k question:What is the collective sound a gaggle of watch executives makes the day aftertariffs are announced? Ariel observes that already very high prices were apre-emptive strike among said execs, who'll just absorb these new costs. Davidarrives, wondering where the convo is at, and he commiserates on the swagissue. Post-W&W decompression has obviously been needed (folks are giddy!),but the guys DO get down to talking about actual watches — first, through thedoor of Ariel's parallels with The Brutalist. You'll simply have tolisten to understand this one. Rick scrolls down the list of 60 brands featuredat the show, and they proceed to talk about Chanel, Chronoswiss, Bell &Ross, Nomos, U-Boat, Norqain, and more. You'll have to click through to findout whether the news is good or bad.

Watches & Wonders is in full swing, as are the hot takes! Rick wrangles the usual suspects (and some potato-quality internet connections) for an unscripted, no-holds-barred roundup of standout releases, questionable design choices, and horological head-scratchers.Highlights:

This week on aBlogtoWatch Weekly, the guys get into the big vocab quickly, with Ripley identifying the routine clap-in as "vestigial." Yeah, like an appendix! But Rick likes it, and traditions die hard, so we don't anticipate the clap-in going anywhere. Rick, David and Ripley are waiting to see whether or not Ariel, fresh back from Thailand, will join. Formula 1 is still top of mind, mere days ahead of Watches & Wonders Geneva.... until Ariel arrives and turns our attention to Pharrell Williams' LEGO movie, which he watched on the plane and features a watch throughline. Somehow, this gets Ariel onto a jag about how "the value of watches has absolutely nothing to do with horological appreciation." And this seems like a reasonable observation and a good reminder. Next up: Is David a part of Team Star Trek or Team Steve Jobs? There's a great deal of pondering about Ariel's recent column regarding the rabbit hole of "sustainability" in the watch industry. He also argues that "efficiency is the enemy of luxury," perhaps a more controversial statement. Take a read, take a listen, and jump into the comments on the article, which are robust. But first, a round of Hit, Miss, Maybe!

This week on aBlogtoWatch Weekly, the team isnow three. Where's Ariel? Rumor has it he's in Thailand, watch capital of....nowhere! We hope he's relaxing at a White Lotus hotel. Ripley is chilling inhis panic room, and Rick is home under the gray Scotland sky. David appears tobe having a normal kind of day. As you might guess, Formula 1 is the talk atthe top of the show, and Ripley and Rick debrief on the standings. Rick pivotsto the news of Frédéric Arnaud leaving LVMH, which leads David to surmise thatcompeting Richemont brands might be getting wise to the problem of"overlords" and cutting out middle management. This slippery slopeleads the guys to the Panerai website and a discussion of price-to-water-resistance ratio, if such a thing exists. Next, suddenly, aguest appears! It's Guy Blaskey of Detrash, a sustainability-focused brand that makes watches out of trash. On to talk of recent hands-on reviews, starting with the MB&F M.A.D. 2green watch, an homage to 1990s club culture. They turn their attention to anew release, the King Seiko Vanac watches, honing in on the excessive thickness of this time-only timepiece series. Hit, Miss, or Maybe? Listen in to find out. Switching gears to our newest game, Judge the Collab,the guys weigh on on the new Maurice Lacroix Aikon Automatic Wotto limited edition.There are vast discrepancies! Listen to find out who your views most alignwith.

This week on ⁠aBlogtoWatch Weekly⁠, all the guys are in a jolly mood. What's in the water? Perhaps spring has sprung, or somesuch, and as Alfred Lord Tennyson said, "In the spring, a young man's fancy lightly turns to thoughts of love" — only in this case,"love" is possible Watches & Wonders. Anyhoo, the team dives into the latest and greatest (or not altogether wonderful) watch releases, industry insights, and other watch-related thoughts that come to mind. This week, they discuss the ⁠Tudor Pelagos FXD GMT⁠, ⁠Seiko 5 Sports X Moon Eyes SBSA287⁠, ⁠Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Tech Ocean Commitment 4⁠, ⁠Junghans Mega Futura⁠, and the Hamilton Boulton DeathStranding 2. They pack a lot into an hour! And they even have some fun coming up with the most ridiculous watch name combination ever! I'm not allowed to say what it is, so tune in to find out!Check out ⁠ABTW on YouTube⁠ to catch upon the latest episodes of ABTWW, Hit, Miss,Maybe, video reviews, and more.We'dlove to hear from you with feedback or suggestions for future show topics orguests. Advertising opportunities are also available. Comment or contact ⁠podcasts@aBlogtoWatch.com. ⁠Youcan also send us a WhatsApp message at: +44 7386 690 897.

This week on aBlogtoWatchWeekly, Ariel calls in from a cabin in the woods, David ishome in Budapest sipping a hot beverage, Rick is at the farm office, and atired Ripley appears to be at home in L.A. — all reprobate seals clapping in,says Rick. Host-with-the-most Rick takes time to explore each person's space,perhaps to delay what's coming next. To wit, David has found a Morgan-Stanley2023-2024 report comparing watch brands, which reveals that the top 50 brandsdropped production of watches by more that 2 million between 2023 and 2024 — astat that causes some alarm — for everyone but Ariel, whose interpretation isthat some of these brands are playing with the notion of scarcity as amarketing strategy. Interesting.... What do the others think of this notion?Rick is struck by the fact the Zenith produced on 10,000 watches. "Shouldwe only talk about Rolex?" he ponders. The only brand that surprises Arielis Tudor, which dropped production by nearly 40 percent. Since Tudor doesn'tget as much"free marketing" as Rolex, maybe it needs to do more onthe marketing front. While you all bookmark this report to ponder later, theteam moves on to discuss some recent articles, starting with, speak of thedevil, the Tudor Black Bay Ceramic "Visa Blue" Master Chronometer,which Ariel likes because it's not for everyone — a "Swiss middle fingerto Omega," as he puts it. Next up is the Rolex Day-Date 36 with Roman Numerals, which David has afascination with — specifically, the deconstructed Roman numerals. AudemarsPiguet released an all-black ceramic Royal Oak Offshore, consensus about which seems tobe that, while it's not particularly new and creative, it's really pretty watchthat honors the brand name in refinement, if ambitiously priced. March L.A.B's new watch, whose name is toolong for Rick and Ariel to bother with, has more fonts than Rick can count. Theshow concludes with a riff on a Mission to Uranus. You'll have to listen to the show find out what that's about.

This week on aBlogtoWatchWeekly, Rick reveals that he's now deputy director of theFBI (now that podcast hosts can hold such roles), and Ripley confirms that Rickis a solid enough conspiracy theorist that.... well, it works. Rick thenannounces that this will be an "F1 episode," and it's hard to knowwhat that might mean. One clue is the red robin on which F1 team each teammember likes best. When talk turns to watches, first up is the IWC Big Pilot's Watch Perpetual Calendar in Green, and Rickshakes things up by starting with "Judge the Collab." The news isn'tgreat. Back to the F1 theme, we pivot to the eyebrow game of the Aramco team.David then departs for the airport after speed-packing just off-screen.Fiiiiiinally, it's back to watches with a look at the hands-on review of the Tudor Black Bay Chrono "Flamingo Blue" Watch. And there's some hemming and hawing about the new Omega Seamaster Diver 300M Bronze Gold and Burgundy Watch.Ripley calls it by recollecting that "the road to hell is paved with goodintentions." Rick closes the show by introducing his new theme song forthe F1 Champions League. Tune in!

This week on aBlogtoWatch Weekly, the guys areall in their respective Brady Bunch-like squares, and speaking of square,SpongeBob SquarePants watches are high horology! This segues quite nicely intoAriel's experience as an attorney specializing in contracts and his articleabout what watch brands need from their owners. In his column, According to Ariel, Ariel discusses why buying a watchbrand isn't about extracting profit but rather thinking about the overall valueof the company — and even the future perceived value. Next up, talk turns tothe Hublot Big Bang Unico, which David says looks like it hasthe bubonic plague. Well, alright, then! Another recent release is Vacheron Constantin's 270th-anniversary watch (don't askabout the 275th anniversary, as VC only celebrates the whole numbers). It wasan innocent question, nonetheless, but the team was in lockstep with theanswer. And then the question comes up: Is the Louis Vuitton Tambour catching on? There's talk ofblue-chip luxury, and the guys muse about the future of the Tambour.Semi-regular Azad joins, and they end with our Rick-invented game, Hit, Miss,Maybe! We wondered if it was coming back, and now we know. Tune infor the fun!Check out ABTW on YouTube to catch upon the latest episodes of ABTWW, Hit, Miss,Maybe, video reviews, and more.We'dlove to hear from you with feedback or suggestions for future show topics orguests. Advertising opportunities are also available. Comment or contact podcasts@aBlogtoWatch.com. Youcan also send us a WhatsApp message at: +44 7386 690 897.