Analog Explorer

In this episode of the Analog Explorer Podcast, I meet Ken Lam—founder, designer, marketer, photographer, customer service rep (and just about everything else) behind ARKEN Watches, live from the Vancouver Timepiece Show. If you've ever wondered what it means to be a true one-man brand, Ken's story is a masterclass in building something from the ground up with heart, creativity, and humor.https://www.analogexplorer.com/p/ae-35-arken-watches-vancouver-timepiece

In this episode of the Analog Explorer, I caught up with James from Farer Universal, one of my favorite British watch brands, live from the inaugural Vancouver Timepiece Show. On the wrist, James and I discovered we were “wrist twins” — both of us wearing the Roché, Farer's World Timer, though he had the updated Mark II version (I'm still proudly rocking the Mark I red rotor version).https://www.analogexplorer.com/p/ae-34-farer-universal-vancouver-timepiece

In this episode of the Analog Explorer Podcast, I sat down with JP Ribeiro, owner and founder of Noctua Watch Corp, live from the Vancouver Timepiece Show. Noctua's story is not one deeply steeped in historical horology, but rather in pandemic and a passion.https://www.analogexplorer.com/p/ae-33-noctua-watches-vancouver-timepiece

In this edition of the Analog Explorer Podcast, I catch up with Rémi Martin, the showroom manager of Baltic's New York boutique, live from the Vancouver Timepiece Show.

In this edition of The Analog Explorer, I had the chance to chat with Austen from VAER Watches live from the Vancouver Timepiece Show.

In this episode of The Analog Explorer, I caught up with Matt Zinski of Typsim Watches live from the Vancouver Timepiece Show. First featured back in Episode 19, he returns to the show with many of the ideas he hinted at then, now fully realized in the metal. ...

A Conversation with Jason Hutton at the Vancouver Timepiece ShowWe're back with Season 5 of the Analog Explorer Podcast, and we're kicking things off with the first special episode recorded live at the inaugural Vancouver Timepiece Show, held April 25–27, 2025, at the historic Pipe Shop Venue in North Vancouver, British Columbia.On the podcast, I sat down with Jason Hutton, the producer behind both the Vancouver and Toronto Timepiece Shows, and the founder of ZENEA Watches. We chatted just outside the venue on a surprisingly perfect, and yet rare, PNW sunny spring afternoon, talking about the motivation behind bringing a watch show to Vancouver, what goes into organizing something like this, and the unique energy that independent and microbrand communities bring to the scene.For full notes, photos, and video links subscribe or support the Analog Explorer on Substack -  https://open.substack.com/pub/analogexplorer/p/ae-28-jason-hutton-vancouver-timepiece?r=8z6az&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true

For full notes, photos, and video links subscribe or support the Analog Explorer on Substack - https://analogexplorer.substack.com/

For full notes, photos, and video links subscribe to Analog Explorer on Substack - https://open.substack.com/pub/analogexplorer/p/ae26-america-wasnt-assembled-it-was This month wraps the 4th season of Analog Explorer Podcast as we sit down with R.T. Custer, CEO and founder of Vortic Watches dedicated to bring back American watchmaking at scale right in Colorado

For full notes, photos, and video links subscribe to Analog Explorer on Substack - https://analogexplorer.substack.com/p/ae-25-etienne-malec-baltic-watches Etienne Malec is the founder and Chef d'Orchestre behind Baltic Watches. He is a photographer, classic car collector, and a friend of ours in the #watchfam. What draws so many of us to Baltic Watches is the symphony Etienne has orchestrated of vintage design, modern manufacturing, and affordable watches. While Baltic Watches pays homage to design concepts of the past, Baltic has formed its own unique design language that makes its watches stand out with every new release. There is always something that resonates in the #watchfam with a Baltic watch. In this episode, we explore its beginnings. For full notes, photos, and video links subscribe to Analog Explorer on Substack - https://analogexplorer.substack.com/p/ae-25-etienne-malec-baltic-watches --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/analogexplorer/support

For full notes, photos, and video links subscribe to Analog Explorer on Substack - https://analogexplorer.substack.com/p/ae-24-80th-anniversary-d-day-and In this episode, we commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day. Dan (@timely_moments) from the Zulu Time Podcast rejoins the show as the Analog Explorer foreign history field correspondent giving the WWII background behind the new project called the Langstone field watch commemorating the 80th anniversary of D-Day today. For the second part of the episode Christophe Hoppe the founder and CEO of Bausele Watches (@bausele) joins the show giving the background behind Bausele and supporting the creation of the Langstone. The Bausele Langstone Project incorporates the design aesthetic and build quality of Bausele, yet remaining historically accurate and respectful to the original 'Tuna Can' COSD Watches issued to the COPP Canoeists. For full notes, photos, and video links subscribe to Analog Explorer on Substack - https://analogexplorer.substack.com/p/ae-24-80th-anniversary-d-day-and --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/analogexplorer/support

For full notes, photos, and video links, subscribe to Analog Explorer on Substack https://analogexplorer.substack.com/p/ae-23-fabien-cousteau-watch-collection-b42 Welcome to the finale of the “Undersea Explorer Series” by the Analog Explorer for the Made Under Pressure podcast! Fabien Cousteau almost needs no introduction. He is a renowned aquanaut, explorer, environmental advocate, and filmmaker who is one of the leading figures in ocean exploration and conservation. But deeper than that, he is a father, a vintage motorcycle enthusiast, and a friend of ours in the #watchfam. Throughout his career, Fabien Cousteau has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to the oceans. His immersive underwater missions, educational outreach, and innovative watch collaborations continue to inspire a global audience to appreciate and protect our planet's precious marine environments. Fabien's work stands as another beacon of hope and a call to action for the preservation of our underwater world. For more including full notes, photos, and links, subscribe or support to Analog Explorer on Substack - https://analogexplorer.substack.com/p/ae-23-fabien-cousteau-watch-collection-b42 --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/analogexplorer/support

For full notes, photos, and video links, subscribe to Analog Explorer on Substack - https://analogexplorer.substack.com/p/ae-22-cristina-mittermeier-mitty In my career as a professional photographer, several artists come to mind who have inspired me as an artist. However, one in particular stands out both for her work with indigenous peoples worldwide and for her underwater environmental photography; Cristina Mittermeier. She is an award-winning wildlife and conservation photographer, a marine biologist, a renowned portrait photographer, co-founder of SeaLegacy, and a mom. And if that isn't enough, she is also secretly a friend of ours in the #watchfam as an explorer supported by the Rolex Perpetual Planet initiative. For more including full notes, photos, and links, subscribe or support to Analog Explorer on Substack - ⁠https://analogexplorer.substack.com/p/ae-22-cristina-mittermeier-mitty⁠ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/analogexplorer/support

For full notes, photos, and video links, subscribe to Analog Explorer on Substack - https://open.substack.com/pub/analogexplorer/p/ae-21-shooting-for-the-moon-monolith

For full notes, photos, and video links subscribe to Analog Explorer on Substack - https://analogexplorer.substack.com/p/ae-20-jason-heaton Jason Heaton has carved out a distinctive niche for himself in the #watchfam. He and his wife, Gishani, are an adventuresome traveling duo. Diving around the world to photograph and write about some of the most horologically heavy-hitting dive watches that the world, and the deep, have ever seen. Jason's writing has been featured in print and online in Outside magazine, Gear Patrol, Men's Journal, and Hodinkee just to name a few. His passion for diving and dive watches was recognized by the New York Times in 2017, bestowing upon him the title as the world's "test pilot for undersea timepieces." In his writing, Jason's experience comes through as an avid outdoor enthusiast. His newsletter on Substack, Swimpruf, is an ongoing ‘dispatch' of his adventures, his Land Rover, and stories around his watches. He also co-hosts the popular podcast, The Grey NATO, with James Stacey, where they share about “adventure, diving, driving, gear…and most certainly, watches.“ On the Analog Explorer, we dive into (pun very much intended) watches, diving, and how adventure found Jason and formed his writing career. As a world traveler who has taken over 200 timepieces down with him on over 500 dives, we touch on diving trends and where gear might go in the future. Since the pandemic, Jason has expanded his writing into fiction. First, with his novel "Depth Charge" (2021), and now his new novel, "Sweetwater" (2023). As a fan of his two novels, our chat turned to the watches that showed up in the adventure series and why he paired them to their characters. We also explore what some of the real life inspirations were for his characters and locations. For more including full notes, photos, and links subscribe or support to Analog Explorer on Substack - ⁠https://analogexplorer.substack.com/p/ae-20-jason-heaton⁠ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/analogexplorer/support

For full notes, photos, and video links subscribe to Analog Explorer on Substack  Typsim Watches. Designs inspired from the past, tested in the PNW, and made to age with time with its wearer. While meeting up with my fellow watch enthusiasts at RedBar Seattle, I was able to catchup with Matt Zinski. Matt is a classically trained architect, founder of Typsim Watches based in Seattle, Washington, and a friend of ours in the #watchfam. On the episode we chat about Typsim's start, it's watch models, including a diver watch not yet released, the newly announced a field watch (The Guide), and I get to pick his brain as to what he has in store for his Seattle watch brand. See Substack post for the full notes including images and links. https://open.substack.com/pub/analogexplorer/p/ae-19-typsim-watches?r=8z6az&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/analogexplorer/support

Looking at the history and alternative methods of measuring time with and without a complication in a mechanical movement. For full notes, photos, and video links subscribe to Analog Explorer on Substack, and as always with a AE x ZT collab-episode, there will be an extended conversation version on the Zulu Time Podcast feed. There has been a lot of buzz surrounding affordable GMT complications in microbrand watches. On the mic is long-time Analog Explorer alumni  ⁠Dan⁠ ( @Timely_Moments ) from the ⁠Zulu Time Podcast⁠, and in this collaborative episode, we explore how the bezel surrounding GMT movements can enhance their functionality. We cover a brief history of the evolution of bezels and what they measure. And we put out our conjecture that perhaps we may see a revival of simpler bezel designs that allow for different timing options without the added expense and complexity of a mechanical 4-hand movement. Show notes available | https://analogexplorer.substack.com/p/ae-18-bezel-action --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/analogexplorer/support

For full notes, photos, and video links subscribe to Analog Explorer on Substack  https://analogexplorer.substack.com/p/ae-17-the-antiquarian-horologist The rise of artificial intelligence has captured society's attention yet again, with machines now able to simulate human intelligence and behavior. It's like magic inside a box or a ghost in a machine. But have we seen this before? Could there have been an Analog Artificial Intelligence? In this episode, I delve into the world of mechina-intelligence through the gears and springs of automata. I chat with Brittany "Nico" Cox, an Antiquarian Horologist and owner of Memoria Technica in Vashon Island here in Washington State, who specializes in the conservation and restoration of antique automata, complicated clocks and watches, and singing bird objects. Discover more in the full show notes on Substack. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/analogexplorer/support

For full notes, photos, and video links subscribe to Analog Explorer on Substack  and as always with a AE x ZT collab-episode, there will be an extended conversation version on the Zulu Time Podcast feed. Just in time for the upcoming Watches and Wonders, on the mic is long-time Analog Explorer alumni  ⁠Dan⁠ ( @Timely_Moments ) from the ⁠Zulu Time Podcast⁠. This was a collaborative episode that came out of several different text threads we've been sharing over the last few weeks, hitting on three topics we've wanted to record about: Moonshine Moonswatch | and a retrospective one year later after the first Moonswatches Watches and Wonders | ‘Predictions,” hopes, and what trends we'd like to see. State of our collections | and goals for the next year Show notes available | https://analogexplorer.substack.com/p/ae-16-watches-and-wondering --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/analogexplorer/support

For full notes, photos, and video links subscribe to Analog Explorer on Substack Meet Karel Bachand, founder of Barrelhand watches. While studying engineering in his undergraduate program, he stumbled upon watchmaking but not in the traditional sense. Blending his newly discovered fascination with watchmaking and his futurist vision of 3D printing, as a freshmen in college he set out to create a 3D printed watch. By a sophomore, he was flown out to Switzerland by the avand-guard watch company Urwerk because of what he created. And by his senior year in college he had an all original watch design of his own and the start of his own company Barrelhand. Oh, yeah, and he graduated with his engineering degree too. In this episode of AE, we sit down with Karel to hear his crazy story, where he is now as 28 year old, and what is in the works for Barrelhand watches. All from the lens of the term "avant-garde," and how it plays a role in analog explorations. https://analogexplorer.substack.com/p/ae-15-karel-bachand-of-barrelhand --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/analogexplorer/support

On this episode, Dan from the Zulu Time Podcast and I join back up for a joint

Dan is the host of the Zulu Time Podcast, based out of the UK, a military watch collector, an Analog Explorer alumni, and a very good friend of ours in the #watchfam. For full episode notes, photos, and videos, be sure you have subscribed to the Analog Explorer on Substack | Link In this two-part joint episode between the Zulu Time Podcast and the Analog Explorer, AJ and Dan take a look at the notion around Collecting Around Watches. To listen to the whole hour and a half episode you will have to do a little collecting yourself. Part one can be heard on the Zulu Time Podcast Ep. 61 | Link. And on this second part, Dan and AJ are diving into the topic from the lens of the recent Cole Pennington (Hodinkee) wrote in the article “Buying, Selling, & Collecting So You Collect Watches, But What Else? This Is How You Make The Hobby More Fun.” Check out the link and see if you can spot the mention (and patch) of the Zulu Time Podcast Cole's article. Remember to subscribe to BOTH podcasts for the full hour and a half episode, and for show notes (and there is A LOT with this one) be sure to check out the post on the Analog Explorer on Substack | Link https://analogexplorer.substack.com/p/collect-ing-around-watches --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/analogexplorer/support

Meet Neil Ferrier, Owner at Discommon, Co-Founder of Blok Watch Company (@blokwatches), and a friend in the #watchfam. See the Adventure School video on how my 5-year-old lives life in the PNW, with a blok 33 https://www.instagram.com/p/Ce_T7I5g-KL/ There are much more notes to this episode! For full notes, photos, and video links subscribe to Analog Explorer on Substack. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/analogexplorer/support

Meet Kyle Snarr (@kyality), cofounder of @cantonmentco, newly announced Head of Partnerships @wornandwound, a brand consultant, and a friend in the #watchfam. For full notes, photos, and video links subscribe to Analog Explorer on Substack. Cantonment is "... dedicated to helping you strike a better balance by creating high-quality accessories that are stylish yet useful. aka: Stylized Substance™" Instagram @CantonmentCo --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/analogexplorer/support

Meet the plastic watch that aligned the planets of different kinds of enthusiasts all on the same morning around the world.... Analog Explorer alumni Dan (@timely_moments) of the Zulu Time Podcast joins this conversational episode on the Omega x Swatch Moonswatch event. For full notes, photos, and video links subscribe to Analog Explorer on Substack: https://analogexplorer.substack.com/p/ae-10-the-moonswatch-analog-explorer Some background: Making of the Moonswatch - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iKcCAKdld-g --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/analogexplorer/support

Meet Matthew Graham, owner and manufacture of the PNW based ARES Watch Company in Stanwood Washington USA. - https://www.areswatches.com/. In this episode, we take a look at a regular daydream that drifts into mind of many watch enthusiasts; to make a watch, or, to make a watch company? I took a 45 min drive south from Bellingham to meet up with Matt at the all new ARES HQ and newly establish manufacturing facility. ARES Watches is a 3 year old company producing PNW built tool watches with mission timer functionality, high depth rating, Swiss (ETA) movements, and with a case that is manufactured here in the Pacific Northwest in the town of Stanwood Washington. Matt on Instagram= @areswatchco https://www.instagram.com/areswatchco/ To support the Analog Explorer analogexplorer.com Subscribe on Substack = https://analogexplorer.substack.com/ Instagram = @ajbarse Patreon= patreon.com/ajbarse The Bellingham Podcast www.bellinghampodcast.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/analogexplorer/support

Following the backstory of the Peninsula Kelp Co. from AE 07, meet Graham Gannon a diver, underwater farmer, and a friend of ours in the #watchfam. Peninsula Kelp Co. - https://peninsulakelpco.com/ Aquascaphe Bronze - https://www.ajbarse.com/baltic-aquascaphe-bronze/ Jacques Cousteau, the original Capt. Barnacles - https://www.ajbarse.com/jacques-cousteau-octonauts/ Elliot Brown Watches (UK)- https://elliotbrownwatches.com/ Holton- https://elliotbrownwatches.com/collections/holton-professional EB Heritage Strap - https://elliotbrownwatches.com/collections/straps/products/str-n12-dark-blue-with-sky-blue-pinstripe-webbing-strap Baltic Watches - https://baltic-watches.com/en --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/analogexplorer/support

Meet Graham Gannon, professional diver and co-owner of the Peninsula Kelp Co based out of Northern Ireland Peninsula Kelp Co. - https://peninsulakelpco.com/. In this episode, we dive in [literally] into the backstory of Graham and the Gannon family and what it took to become a kelp farmer...or should I say a farmer of sustainable ocean nutrition. This is part one of two parts, this first part goes into the backstory of Graham and the Peninsula Kelp Co, and AE 08 goes back to the conversational side of the podcast where we go into our watches, our family, and the sea. Graham on Instagram= @peninsulakelpco To support the Analog Explorer analogexplorer.com Instagram = @ajbarse Patreon= patreon.com/ajbarse --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/analogexplorer/support

This episode is a special edition of The Analog Explorer x The Bellingham Podcast for our #watchfam listeners. The guest on this episode just how 'air tight' a good idea and design can be. His name is Darren, owner and creator of the Zulu Alpha Strap and a very good friend of ours in the watchfam. Read about my use of Zulu Alpha Straps on my blog: "From the Office to the Trailhead" https://ajbarse.com/from-office-to-trailhead/ Hopefully you all wherever you are in the world are in good form and good health. Zulu Alpha Straps Instagram: @zulualphastraps: https://www.instagram.com/zulualphastraps Web: zulualphastraps.com The Analog Explorer: www.theanalogexplorer.com The Bellingham Podcast www.bellinghampodcast.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/analogexplorer/support

On this last episode to the mini-series, we take a look at what watches can mean between generations. Meet Jared of Buying On Time. He is known online for passion for Bulova watches, the founder and owner of the vintage sales & restoration of watches on the site Buying On Time, and  friend of ours in the #watchfam. BuyingOnTime on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/buyingontime/ BOT on the web https://www.buyingontime.com/watches --- The Analog Explorer: www.theanalogexplorer.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/analogexplorer/support

Meet Alena; a watchmaker in Seattle, a lover of cars, a avid PNW adventurer, and friend of ours in the #watchfam Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alenagracediaz/ Seattle Watchmaking https://www.instagram.com/seattlewatchmaking/ --- The Analog Explorer: www.theanalogexplorer.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/analogexplorer/support

Meet Eric of EA Leather Goods. He is known online for his  bespoke leather craft, his custom leather watch straps, and for being a good friend of ours in the #watchfam EA8 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ea8/ Where to get a check out EA8's leather craft  https://www.instagram.com/ealeathergoods/ --- The Analog Explorer: www.theanalogexplorer.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/analogexplorer/support

Meet Terry of ToxicNatos, a name well known in the community for his killer NATO style straps and a friend of ours in the #watchfam *updated, now UTE Watch Co. UTE Watch Co. on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/utewatchco/ Where to get a UTE Watch Co Now found at Hodinkee https://shop.hodinkee.com/blogs/journal/ute-nato-strap --- The Analog Explorer: www.theanalogexplorer.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/analogexplorer/support

Meet Dan (@Timely_Moments), a watch collector in the British Military, and a friend of ours in the #watchfam.  *Formerly @DanC21cy when this was first recorded) Dan: https://www.instagram.com/timely_moments/ Elliot Brown https://www.instagram.com/ebwatches/?utm_source=ig_profile_share&igshid=11pl1w5gywvvy Holton 354 Project https://www.pageandcooper.com/watch-brands/page-and-cooper-collabs/ Zulu Alpha Straps: https://www.instagram.com/zulualphastraps/?utm_source=ig_profile_share&igshid=kf4j3f8msf6n --- The Analog Explorer: www.theanalogexplorer.com AJ Barse www.ajbarse.com The Bellingham Podcast www.bellinghampodcast.com --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/analogexplorer/support

Coming soon a Bellingham Podcast mini-series on the #watchfam. Check back to the podcast feed this weekend for the first episode.  A post is up on the backstory of this mini-series: https://ajbarse.com/analog-explorer-bellingham-podcast/ And is supported by The Analog Explorer, www.theanalogexplorer.com. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/analogexplorer/support