This Watch Life (Lydia Winters and Vu Bui)

In this episode we are talking about some of the more strange novelties to be announced at this year's Watches and Wonders. Get your nose (yes the one on your face) ready for some watches!

Rolex Deepsea

Grand Seiko Spring Drive Chronograph GMT SBGC275

Czapek Promenade

Cartier Santos Dumont Rewind 

Vacheron Constantin Égérie - Pleats of Time

For Valentine's Day we thought we'd talk about love... love for watches! Here are 5 things Lydia chose as her loves from the world of watches.

Today we have a little debate about a recent article by Cam Wolf at GQ titled "Why True Watch Heads Never Set the Time on Their Watches". He speaks with a number of people who say they don't bother to set the time on their watches. And Vu has a lot to say about that.

Watches discussed in this episode:

• Breitling Navitimer 1952 Quantieme Perpetual

In today's episode we answer a question from listener Wayne about the future of watches. Specifically, what brands will still be relevant 100 years from now?

We do a dive into the past and the future to try and come up with some answers.

Can you swim with a 30m water resistant watch? Can you swim with a Speedmaster? Why do different manufacturers recommend different activities for the same depth rating? We discuss the difference in these approaches and whether or not any of it even matters.

In this episode we are talking about Omega being the official timekeeper of the Olympics. What does that even mean? And we also talk a bit about two of their novelties:

Omega Seamaster Heritage Olympics Models

Specialties Paris 2024 Bronze Gold Edition

Today we had a question from @chrono_camera about watch mistakes. We discuss some of the mistakes we have made, many times, and how we hope to avoid them in the future.

Whoops, in the episode I accidentally call the Grand Seiko SBGM221 the SBGM211 (which doesn't exist).

Watches mentioned in this episode:

Omega Seamaster Railmaster 1957 Trilogy Edition https://www.omegawatches.com/en-se/watches/seamaster/heritage-models/railmaster/the-trilogy-1957/product

Grand Seiko SBGM221 https://www.grand-seiko.com/us-en/collections/sbgm221g

In this episode we discuss GMTs and whether they are useful to most people, and whether or not they are even useful for travelers, spurred by a question by ⁠@syktgrei⁠. We also talk about using a dive bezel as a makeshift GMT as per ⁠@tedspeaker⁠'s suggestion, and discuss whether or not a GADA watch can even work in a collection with specialized pieces, thanks to ⁠@adriantbt⁠.

If you have a question you'd like us to answer you can DM us at ⁠@thiswatchlife⁠ or email us at questions@thiswatchlife.com.

In today's episode we talk about Vu's new watch, and the interesting way Lydia gave it to him.

Today we were asked to talk about our favorite brands that aren't Swiss, German or Japanese. It wasn't difficult! Although the watches in our collections are almost entirely produced in these three countries, we have really wanted some of these watches and it will be interesting to see which ones we go for first!

Watches mentioned in this episode:

• Fears Brunswick 40 Salmon https://www.fearswatches.com/products/brunswick-40-copper-salmon
• Fears Brunswick 40 Aurora https://www.fearswatches.com/collections/the-brunswick-collection/products/brunswick-40-aurora
• Sjöö Sandström Annual Edition 2023 https://www.sjoosandstrom.com/collection/annual-edition-2023/021286
• S.U.F. Helsinki 180 https://sufhelsinki.com/collections/180/products/180nn
• DeSanders Voyage GMT https://desanders.no/pages/voyage-gmt
• Bulova Lunar Pilot https://www.bulova.com/global/collection/lunar-pilot/
• Timex Q Reissue https://timex.eu/collections/q-timex-watches
• Timex Giorgio Galli S1 38mm https://timex.eu/products/giorgio-galli-s1-automatic-38mm-tw2v03500
• Brew Metric https://www.brew-watches.com/products/brew-metric-retro-black
• Lorca Model No.1 GMT https://lorcawatches.com/products/model-no-1-gmt
• Seagull 1963 Pilot's Watch https://seagull1963.com/product/seagull-1963-38mm-acrylic-sapphire/
• Serica 6190 California Dial https://www.serica-watches.com/en/product/6190-california/

In today's episode we answer a question from ⁠@poppingcrowns⁠ about scratches on watches. Do scratches bother you? Do they make you happy? Do you polish them out or leave them? Is there a difference between cool scratches and boring scratches?

Unsurprisingly Lydia and Vu have slightly different takes.

If you have a question you'd like us to answer you can DM us at ⁠⁠⁠@thiswatchlife⁠⁠⁠ or email us at questions@thiswatchlife.com.

In this episode we answer a question from Jill @only.passing.time, asking how we think about automatic movements vs hand wound movements vs quartz movements.

In today's episode we discuss whether it makes sense to buy one nice watch or split your budget into smaller watches, modding watches, our YouTube channel and dream OP colors! Questions by @jdavid573, @tiberisnatator, @faysal_and_his_watches, and @therubyhour.

In this episode we talk about what seems like a resurgence of the fun case and dial shapes of the 60's and 70's. From big names like Audemars Piguet to newcomers like Anoma, interesting cases seem to be a big thing right now!

Anoma A1

AP [RE]MASTER02

NOMOS Tetra neomatic 39

Berneron Sienna

Our first Q&A episode! Today we answer YOUR questions, ranging from the weird things our watch brains make us to to the best watch collab of 2023 to whether you should protect your watches with plastic film.

Watches mentioned in this episode:

• Rolex Explorer II

• Rolex GMT Master II

• Tudor FXD MN21

• NOMOS Tangente Sport Limited Edition Japan

• Bulova Complecto Jet Star LE

• NOMOS Orion

It's new watch day! Vu finally was able to purchase an Otsuka Lotec No. 6. This has been years in the making, and so far it seems that it was worth the wait. We talk all about this amazing watch and its maker, Jiro Katayama who created Otsuka Lotec.

You can see photos of the watch at @thiswatchlifepodcast.

In this episode we discuss the Elvis watch that Lydia photographed for Alexander Bitar, who donated it to be sold at the Saint-Tropez Gala One charity auction to raise money for One Drop Foundation.

In this episode we answer a question from Stephen Fox, asking what American micro-brands we are interested in. We took a loosey goosey approach to "micro-brands", but talk about some really cool watchmakers and brands.

Lorca Model No. 1 GMT

Shinola The Mechanic 39mm

Weiss 38mm Automatic Standard Issue Field Watch

RGM model 151-G “Pilot”

RGM 801-COE "Corps of Engineers"

In today's episode we talk about whether or not we could share a watch, what we think of Longines watches, discuss how we sell watches, and what watch we think would be a great 60th birthday watch! A jam packed episode thanks to questions by @daydreaming_watches, @ipatjeeex, @from.lugtolug, and @watch_girl_life.

In today's episode we discuss our daily watches, what our criteria are for a daily watch, and why people spend so much time going from the beach to the boardroom???

If you have a question you'd like us to answer you can DM us at ⁠⁠⁠@thiswatchlife⁠⁠⁠ or email us at questions@thiswatchlife.com.

Today we answer some questions from our email inbox! Hugo, Kordel, Dewey and Bruce all asked great questions that lead to some interesting conversation.

Today we discuss watch regrets, and how we were lucky to avoid a couple of them! Specifically we are referencing a YouTube video by Britt Pearce titled These Are Watches You Will Always Regret Buying, and sharing our own stories of times we were in the scenarios Britt covers in her video, with a 2011 Rolex Explorer II 16570 and a new white dial steel ceramic Daytona 116500LN.

Britt's video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9O9BFTEZW4

Malaika's article:

https://www.highsnobiety.com/p/rolex-daytona-watch/

We have been gone for 6 weeks, but we are back this week! We discuss a bit about what has happened, what is coming, and our plans to finish out the year with this podcast.

Today we talk about our favorites from today's Watches and Wonders announcements. These are the ones that we either really really want or at least almost want.

Tudor BB58 GMT

NOMOS Tangente 38 date limited editions

Grand Seiko SLGW003

Rolex GMT Master II

New Oris Aquis

Hermes Cut

In today's episode we discuss Vu's week of borrowing and wearing a gold Rolex Submariner. Has he changed his mind about gold? Did it turn him into a "monster", as Lydia has suggested?

Today we talk about the newly announced Tudor FXD Chronograph "Cycling Edition" that Vu wants very much, as well as tackle the age old question, asked by @handsandcogs, of why dive watches are so popular even though few of us actually dive in them?

If you have a question you'd like us to answer you can DM us at ⁠@thiswatchlife⁠ or email us at questions@thiswatchlife.com.

In this episode we discuss some of the watches we tried on and checked out at the Bukowski's Important Timepieces Auction preview event we went to last night.

The watches we discuss:

Omega "Tony Montana" La Magique

Cartier Tank Solo "Python Dial"

A. Lange & Söhne Zeitwerk Striking Time

Sjöö Sandström Chronolink

Heuer "Base 1000, Telemetre" chronograph

Omega, Railmaster "Broad Arrow Hands"

Last night was the 2024 Oscars and there some amazing watches on display! But for a few people it wasn't about the watch they were wearing, but rather HOW they wore them. Both Ryan Gosling and John Cena made atypical outfit choices that paired with their watches perfectly.

• Michelle Yeoh wore a Richard Mille MR 07-02 
• Anna Taylor Joy wore a JLC 101 Reine
• Simu Liu wore a Jacob & Co The World Is Yours Dual Time Zone
• Matthew McConaughey wore a Jacob & Co Jean Bugatti
• Jon Batiste wore a J.N.Shapiro Resurgence
  

Rolex and Cinema - https://www.rolex.com/perpetual-initiatives/perpetual-arts/rolex-and-cinema/oscars

see the ad we are referencing at thiswatchlife.com

In 1969 Rolex put out an ad that stated "If taming oil well fires was your job, you'd wear a Rolex". And the Rolex they were advertising was the yellow gold Day Date. These days many people don't feel they can put even their stainless steel watches, let alone their precious metal watches, through much rough use at all. But price aside, should that be the case?

Today we discuss just SOME of the amazing smaller brands and watches we got to see and try on at the Beau Rivage Hotel, one of the homes of the indie brands, during Watches and Wonders.

Watches we discuss in this episode:

Nivada Grenchen Antarctic 35mm

Nivada Grenchen Depthmaster

Nivada Grenchen F77

Buci x seconde/seconde/

Spaceone Tellurium

Delugs watch straps

NOTE: This episode is full of advice based on our own experiences, and we are sharing it in the spirit of our own best practices and things to consider. It's not at all meant to be a comprehensive guide to fool-proof security, and doesn't even cover all of our thoughts or practices on the matter. Do what you think is best!

In this episode we answer a question by @adriantpt about security for your watches and how best to store them.

In today's episode we each build a 2-watch collection for $3000. This idea came in as a question from @magpie_memoirs.

Who do you think build the better collection?

Lydia:

Oris Divers Sixty Five Cotton Candy

Swatch Clearly New Gent

Vu:

Grand Seiko SBGX261

Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical

Episode #2 - Vu talks about the watches he bought in 2023, and why! We discuss Hamilton's Murph and Interstellar, how we got NOMOS fever after attending the NOMOS Forum, and how we finally got our hands on a MoonSwatch.

In this episode we discuss how we like to approach going to look at a watch that we are interested in. How should someone use the valuable little time they often have with a watch before needing to make a decision on whether or not to buy it.

We approach this with slightly different mentalities, Vu with his interview and Lydia more like a first date.

If you have a question you'd like us to answer you can DM us at ⁠⁠@thiswatchlife⁠⁠ or email us at questions@thiswatchlife.com.

In this episode we answer three questions from our awesome listeners, and discuss what we think about pocket watches (@ten10fiftynine), what the best water resistant kids watch is (Arthur), and which Tudor we'd pick for a one-watch collection (@yakubsaveli).

Kid's watch recommendations:

Casio LRW200H

Casio G-Shock BGD-5650

Flik Flak

Komono Rizzo

We decide to go on a two week vacation to Portugal with just one watch each, and talk through how we chose what we chose, why they were the right watches for this trip, and how that ended up working out. Also, we have two new watches to discuss! Vu decides that one watch might be fine, but asks Delugs to help out with additional straps so he can keep changing the look.

Habring2 Erwin Pilot

Kurono 34mm Star Dial

Delugs straps for Vu’s watch (provided by Delugs):

- Black Epsom Slim Strap

- Olive Green Sailcloth Signature Strap

- Black Pilot Rubber CTS Strap

- Orange Pilot Rubber CTS Strap

- Delcro Woodland Tri-Weave

In this episode we talk about (and completely disagree about) birth year watches. Are they as meaningless as Vu would have us believe? We also talk about Lydia's colorful OP collection, and answer a question about film photography in this day and age.

Questions by:

@officially_uncertified

@clay.foster.watches

@the_watch_freak_ph

In this episode we answer a questioner from Jordi about how we actually time things with mechanical watches. Except for a very select and expensive few watches, there aren't many options in mechanical watches for minute-level accuracy timers which actually notify you. So, what are we to do?

We also talk a little about the new Apple Watches and some of the very watch industry terminology they seem to be using when talking about their Apple Watch (don't call it a smart watch!).

Today we answer questions from @the_wong_watch, @late.sunday and @watchcology.

First, how stressful is it to come up with ideas for a daily podcast? Should open case backs be standard on all watches? And which is our favorite Tudor Black Bay size?

In this episode we discuss our time at Watches and Wonders, some of our favorite things from and around the show, Vu's new watch, and some of the people we got to see in Geneva!

Today we take a question from @dogsontime about traveling with watches. We discuss our history of travel with perhaps too many watches, and where we are at now. And we briefly touch on which watches we plan to travel with to Watches and Wonders 2024.

Approaching strangers and asking about their watches can be scary for a number of reasons, but it can be fun and rewarding as well. Today we discuss our approaches on talking to strangers about watches.

The Worn and Wound article from which we reference Meg Tocci's quotes:

https://wornandwound.com/our-new-years-resolutions-for-2024/

In this episode we discuss two of the reports that were just published from Swatch Group and Richemont. Although some brands and some models of watches may be doing better than ever, there are definitely others that are suffering.

In today's episode we talk about some of the latest watch releases that have caught our attention!

Longines Spirit Zulu Time 39 Titanium

Oris Divers Sixty-Five Forest Green

NOMOS Ahoi 38 Date Atlantic

Omega Aqua Terra 150m

KUDOKE Infinity

Omega Specialties Paris 2024 Bronze Gold Edition

Lydia’s watch collection grew in some wonderful ways in 2023. She explains why she chose each of her 6 new watches over the course of the year.

Watches discussed in this episode:

• Tudor Black Bay 54 ref. M79000N-0002

• Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36mm Celebration ref. 126000

• Chopard ref. 161092-0001

• NOMOS Limited Edition Four Seasons Aki / Autumn ref. TN35AKI

In this episode we talk about the watch Lydia borrowed from Oris for a week while she was visiting Florida last month. We talk about her thoughts on the watch and on Oris's new 2024 Sustainability Report.

⁠Oris Aquis Date 36.5 Mother of Pearl⁠

⁠Oris Sustainability Report 2024⁠

In this episode we let AI take over and assess the level of Lydia's watch enthusiasm. How does she do?

In today's episode we answer a question from @realwatchbrothers about what watch from the past we would want brought back into modern production.

Today we answer the question of whether or not jubilee bracelets belong on tool watches, and reveal our most instinctive watch purchases.

Watches discussed in this episode:

• Rolex Datejust 36mm white dial
• Rolex GMT Master II BLRO "Pepsi"
• Oris Divers 65 Momotaro Edition
• Chopard Skeleton watch (from 1980's)
• Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch white dial

Questions by:

• @bent_pivots
• @watch__papi
• @nesqydave
• @the_watch_freak_ph
• @mikeflash

Today Lydia talks us through the first half of her Rolex collection. Why she bought them, why she loves them, and what makes each one special to her!

Our Iceland Rolex OP Turquoise video:

https://youtu.be/ut4S5JqEuoQ?si=Qfy4_NXxamua9Ccr

Lydia's Moving to Sweden vlog:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JWaVh1hulHU&t=1s

More photos of each watch on thiswatchlife.com

In this episode we discuss the thing that draws us into a watch first and makes us start to want it! Or if there even IS a first thing! This came from a question by @anne_gmann.

In today's episode we discuss the Rolex Perpetual Planet Initiative because they dropped a new video about the initiative on the Rolex YouTube channel:

https://youtu.be/M3MhwWbHsdM?si=fdhtRPf-k9DMlRNw

Sentimental value... it can be used to justify the purchase or the keeping of watches... but it can also hinder our ability to move on from watches that don't serve us anymore and could be holding us back from having what we want.

Ricardo Sime's article: https://timeandtidewatches.com/collectors-crossroads-how-sentimental-value-can-become-the-nemesis-of-an-evolving-collector/

Professor Russel Belk's article:  https://thescienceofownership.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/possessions-and-the-extended-self.pdf

Watches mentioned in this article:

• TAG Heuer Link Diamond Pink Guilloche
• Rolex Explorer II Polar 216570
• Rolex Explorer II Polar 226570
• NOMOS Orion 38
• NOMOS Club Campus Electric Green
• Rolex Oyster Perpetual 41 Green

In this episode we talk about a watch we have been borrowing for a month or so, the Atelier Wen Perception Xia. Can a 3000 EUR Chinese watch measure up against other watches in that price range, or even higher? And does Vu already want to buy one?

NOTE: We have borrowed this watch directly from Atelier Wen. We will be sending it back when we are done oogling it and taking photos. No money or compensation has changed hands and Atelier Wen has no say or review over this podcast or anything we make with the watch.

In this episode we answer a question from @ten10fiftynine about whether we've started looking at new watches at the same time that we get a new watch, and from @watchcology about customizing a brand's watches (where Lydia shares a design she created herself and submitted to AP for a custom Royal Oak), and a question from Tiago Cruz about Stendhal's Syndrome in relation to watches.

To see Lydia's design submission go to thiswatchlife.com.

Today we talk all about grail watches! From the fact that it seems most people can't even agree on what a grail watch even is to what seems like the case that most people have never seen their grail in person. We also discuss our own grail watches and how our thinking about grails has changed so much over time.

Watches discussed in this episode:

• Cartier Crash https://www.cartier.com/sv-se/crash-klocka_cod44733502651434974.html
• Rolex "Paul Newman" Daytona https://www.forbes.com/sites/hylabauer/2017/10/26/paul-newmans-paul-newman-daytona-sells-for-15-5-million-a-record-for-a-wristwatch-at-auction/
• A. Lange & Söhne Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon https://www.alange-soehne.com/us-en/timepieces/saxonia/datograph-perpetual-tourbillon/datograph-perpetual-tourbillon-in-18-carat-white-gold-740-056
• Rolex GMT Master II "Pepsi" https://www.rolex.com/watches/gmt-master-ii/m126710blro-0001
• NOMOS Tangente Toki https://www.instagram.com/p/C2K794jIPtR

GQ article with watch grails by watch experts: https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/article/ultimate-grail-watches-experts

https://www.goldminemag.com/columns/holy-grail-what-is-a-grail-and-what-does-it-mean-to-a-music-collector

Watch prices seem to have been going up and up non-stop for years, and @mechanicaltom asks if this is pricing people out of the hobby entirely! We also discuss a few of our favorite micro brands, and tease a NWA coming soon!

Discussed in this episode:

Otsuka Lotec

Kurono Tokyo

Lorca

In this episode we talk about how Vu thinks about keeping watches in his collection or letting them go, how he tracks whether he is wearing them, and what to think about when going to sell a watch. Lydia, on the other hand, has almost no experience culling her collection and doesn't track anything. Perhaps it's time to start?

Last night at midnight Swatch announced the new Mission to the Moonphase MoonSwatch with moon phase complication. And Snoopy is in it! We discuss this release and find out what Lydia actually knows about moon phases.

Today Lydia talks to her sister Mindy, who is a budding watch enthusiast, about what got her more interested in watches, what she is finding out about the community, and how listening to a watch podcast can be as only a semi-watch enthusiast.

@melindylane

In this episode we discuss what watch boutiques and ADs get wrong, and what it looks like when they do it right, based on a question from @calico.calibers. And @watchmedicine asks us what high horology watches we are currently after?

If you have a question you'd like us to answer you can DM us at ⁠@thiswatchlife⁠ or email us at questions@thiswatchlife.com.

In today's episode we talk about the rise of mono-brand boutiques in watches. Is this the future of watch purchases? And is this even a new phenomenon?

Last night we went to a little watch friend dinner meetup and not only had a wonderful time eating Vietnamese food and speaking for hours about watches, but also got to spend time with two watches we hadn't seen in person. The Arcanaut D'Arc Matter and the M.A.D.1 from Max Busser.

Arcanaut D'Arc Matter https://arcanaut.watch/products/arc-ii-darc-matter-badger-blue

M.A.D.1 Green https://www.madgallery.net/geneva/en/creators/mad-editions

In today's episode we were inspired by a question from @officially_uncertified about which category of watch we would choose if we could only wear one for the rest of our lives. The problem, however, is how these categories are even defined!

In this episode we talk about a new page on our website where we attempt to create more transparency about our own relationships with watch brands, based on what we'd love to see from others. Let us know what you think!

https://www.thiswatchlife.com/transparency

In this episode we discuss a recently released post by Chrono24 detailing the results of a survey they had conducted about first time luxury watch buyers.

https://about.chrono24.com/en/press-release/first-time-buyer-report-part-1-luxury-watch-survey-what-makes-first-time-buyers-tick/

In this episode we talk about Vu's preference for modern watches over vintage, and Lydia realizes that perhaps she doesn't prefer modern watches, but she definitely mostly owns modern watches. We also answer a question about Lightroom and give our favorite tool and tips on how to use it for watch photos.

Questions by:

@TheRubyHour

@martins__journey

@clay.foster.watches

In this episode we discuss some of the new strap products that Delugs launched yesterday (but there are even more that we didn't talk about!) that we have just spent a week trying out, we talk about Lydia's plans for her annual midsummer photo, and we let you all know how we want to disclose our relationships with watch and watch related companies!

Today we talk about how as enthusiasts we often are judgmental not only about watches but also the intent behind the decisions that make them. Is it likely that watch designers just don't care about certain aspects of the watch design, or is it more likely that there are other priorities at play?

We are also borrowing three watches right now that we will talk about soon. Do you have questions about Serica watches or Atelier Wen watches that we can answer for you?

In this episode we discuss a new potential trend of wearing watches upside down on the wrist, so to the wearer it's upside down but to the external viewer or the photographer they are right side up. Lydia shows that there are limits to her loosey goosey ways!

Partly inspired by this article:

https://timeandtidewatches.com/celebrities-need-to-stop-wearing-watches-upside-down-trend/

In this episode we talk about vintage watches and what has kept Vu from buying one, but also tell the story of the recent vintage watch he bid on.

Britt's vintage watch video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQDD1MeHiZo&t=407s

Kaplans' auction page for the Omega Constellation Vu bid on:

https://www.kaplans.se/sv/auktioner/4373/vara/1999293

If you have a question you'd like us to answer you can DM us at ⁠⁠⁠@thiswatchlife⁠⁠⁠ or email us at questions@thiswatchlife.com.

A thousand... dollars? Euros? Pounds? Sure! Here are some of our favorite watches under about a grand... some that we own, and some that we might own at some point soon in the future.

Watches mentioned in this episode:

• Hamilton Khaki Field Murph 38 https://www.hamiltonwatch.com/en-int/h70405730-khaki-field-murph-38mm.html
• Seiko x Rowing Blazers ‘Rally Diver’ Seiko 5 day date https://wornandwound.com/seiko-teams-up-with-rowing-blazers-for-a-new-three-watch-collection/
• 47 Zero Watches Big 3 https://www.instagram.com/p/CyJPIJcr81Y/
• Bulova Jet Star https://uk.bulova.com/mens/featured/jet-star.html
• Nivada Grenchen Depthmaster PacMan Dial https://nivadagrenchenofficial.com/products/depthmaster-14105a04
• Serica 6190 field chronometer https://www.serica-watches.com/en/product/6190-california/
• Farer Durham https://farer.com/products/durham

Today we answer some questions from our wonderful listeners! We talk about lume and how useful it really is (or isn't), about which type of gold is our favorite in watches, and which we'd choose if we could only have one in our lives... watches, or photography???

Questions by:

@time_to_lume

@handsandcogs

@watchvisionphotography

@the_nearly_prepared_dad

In this episode we talk about the new MoonSwatch releases and what shifted Lydia's perspective on them. And we also celebrate that some of our friends were just announced on the Watchonista 30 under 30 list.

Britt's new MoonSwatch video

In this episode Lydia talks about the many joys that watches have brought her in the past year.

In this episode we answer questions about our watch collections from @weijiejia, @kctimeshare , and @coleschmerbeck. What's each of our favorite watches in our collections? What's the idea collection size? And what's the watch that started our collections?

Yesterday Omega released the new Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch with a white dial! We discuss how we got here and what we think about this new option for Moonwatch enthusiasts.

https://www.omegawatches.com/en-se/watch-omega-speedmaster-moonwatch-professional-co-axial-master-chronometer-chronograph-42-mm-31030425004001

We're back! Again! This time for real? In this episode we talk about the big life and work changes that Lydia has gone through... discuss our Watches and Wonders plans... and talk about the future of this podcast and our plan for its triumphant return!

Mark Cho, founder of The Armoury, posted a list of his 12 principles of watch collecting that he's put together after many years of collecting and learning. And in this episode we talk about the first 6.

See his post here:

https://www.instagram.com/p/C-5QIeGzYFD/

In today's episode we discuss Vu's newest watch, the Otsuka Lotec No. 7.5. Coming right off the amazing success of the No. 6 winning the GPHG Challenge Prize, the arrival of the No. 7.5 couldn't have been better timed.

Although they share a design language, the No. 6 and No. 7.5 are very different watches. Vu explains what he loves about the design of the 7.5 which takes some inspiration from vintage cameras.

Otsuka Lotec No. 7.5 page

Today Lydia talks about the three turning point watches that changed the course of her collecting. From her relationship with the daily wear of a watch to how she photographs watches, there were certain watches that had more of an impact than others.

Watches mentioned in this episode:

• Rolex DateJust 36mm (ref 116234)
• Cartier Tank Solo Rose Gold
• Tudor Mini-Sub 33mm (ref 73090)
• Rolex OP 36 Turquoise (ref 126000)

In this episode we discuss some of our favorite watches that we tried on and spent time with at Watches and Wonders. We talk about why we loved the colorful NOMOS Tangente 38 Dates, how the Oris Aquis changes make it an even more attractive watch than before, and how impressive Parmigiani Fleurier watches were in person.

Some watches that were mentioned:

NOMOS Tangente 38 Date 31 colors

Oris Aquis Date 36.5mm

Parmigiani Fleurier

In this episode we discuss Lydia's family cruise and the watches she chose to bring on it, and why. The cruise has very specific and diverse needs, because of the variety of activities you partake in, all packed into a singe experience.

So what did she bring?

Today we talk about some of our predictions and probably mostly just wishes for what we will see announced at Watches and Wonders, with a bit of a dive into Rolex, Tudor and Oris.

The vintage reissue and vintage inspired trends are still going strong, and with them we continue to see so-called fauxtina (faux-patina) lume in tan, cream, pumpkin, and other off-white colors. But this choice by watch companies is divisive. In this episode we discuss whether or not fauxtina lume should be something we see on modern watches at all.

Watches discussed in this episode:

• Panerai Radiomir 1936 PAM00249
• Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox Tribute To Polaris
• Omega Seamaster Railmaster 1957 Edition
• Omega Seamaster 300 1957 Edition
• Hamilton Khaki Murph 38
• Oris Divers Sixty Five Momotaro Edition
• Longines Heritage Military
• Laco Erbstuck watches (https://www.laco.de/sv/en/klockor/pilotur-original/pilotklocka-leipzig-erbstueck-42mm-handwinding)
• Katabami Watch Japan (https://katabami.jp)

In today's episode we answer questions by @⁠anne_gmann ⁠and ⁠@lazybones_206⁠. Firstly, we discuss whether we make our watch buying decisions with our hearts or our heads. Then we talk about whether or not customizing watches is a good idea. And Vu rants about how the good old days were better because people made stuff, or something.

In today's episode we discuss the recently announced competing watches for the 2024 GPHG Awards. Some favorites of ours are in the running, but also some watches and brands we have never even heard of!

In today's episode we answer a question from @anotherwristshot about what watches we would choose INSTEAD of the watches we own. What if we were in an alternate reality where we made slightly different choices in watches, but for the same purposes.

Watches mentioned in this episode:

Tudor Black Bay 58 GMT

Tudor Black Bay 58 Bronze

Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe

Tag Heuer Carrera Chronograph

47Zero The Big 3

Credor Locomotive

In this episode we talk about some of the watch news we have found interesting in the last week. Watches from Moser/Studio Underdog, Longines, Sarpaneva, Laurent Ferrier, and King Seiko.

Today we discuss our own situation, as a couple, on sharing watches (spoiler: one of us is more open to it than the other). We also talk about trading watches with friends, loaning watches to people, and just the concept of sharing watches, in general.

In this episode we discuss the lengths we can sometimes go to in our efforts to justify a watch purchase, Vu gives an update on his Zombie Apocalypse Watch plans, and we touch on a recent Rolex event we attended and whether our thoughts have changed on any of the new releases.

Have you noticed that the watch you'd choose as your one-watch collection isn't even IN your 3-watch perfect collection? We discuss this and more about how to choose these completely hypothetical watch collections that we are fortunate enough to not need to commit to.

Watches mentioned in this episode:

• Rolex GMT Master II BLRO (Pepsi)
• Tudor FXD MN21
• NOMOS Tangente Sport Limited Edition Japan
• Rolex Explorer
• Chopard gold Skeleton
• Tudor Black Bay 54
• Rolex GMT Master II CHNR (Rootbeer)
• Farer Lander 36mm
• Lorca Model No. 1 GMT https://lorcawatches.com/products/model-no-1-gmt

Today we answer a few questions from our listeners, one of them being about the first watch that got us interested in watches. And for Vu that was an Oakley watch. And for some reason during recording Vu promised to post a photo of himself wearing it, back in 2004. (it's posted on thiswatchlife.com) Please keep in mind this was 20 years ago!

Watches discussed in this episode:

• Rolex GMT Master II BLRO (Pepsi)
• Oakley Crush
• Rolex Explorer II (Polar)
• Cartier Tank
• Rolex DateJust 36mm

In today's episode we reference a recent video by Britt Pearce where she listed the most iconic watches from a bunch of different brands. We discuss these icons... and disagree with at least one of her takes!

Britt's video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWztKLNo0XI

In this episode we talk about Lydia finally discovering the joy of changing watch straps, and our experience with Delugs, our favorite watch strap company, which I've been buying straps from for 4 years, and they've been making straps and leather goods now for six!

NOTE: Delugs has provided us with watch straps for free but have not paid us and have no input into what we do with or say about the products they have given us.

Today is the THREE year anniversary of Lydia's watch Instagram account! She talks about how she got into it, what it's taught her, what she is trying to get out of it, and what the next 100 days might hold for her!

http://instagram.com/lydiaswatches

In today's episode we talk about some recent watch engravings that we have had done on the case backs of a few important gift watches. We discuss the value that it brings, the value that it takes away, and how we like to approach the thought around what to engrave.

Some references for this episode:

https://teddybaldassarre.com/en-int/blogs/watches/watch-engraving-ideas

https://www.wristenthusiast.com/latest/2022/4/22/most-famous-watch-caseback-engravings

https://www.fratellowatches.com/engraving-your-case-back-is-still-such-a-cool-thing-to-do/#gref

If you have a question you'd like us to answer you can DM us at ⁠@thiswatchlife⁠ or email us at questions@thiswatchlife.com.

Today we talk about some of the most amazing and complicated and masterful watches that were released at Watches and Wonders.

Piaget Altiplano Ultimate Concept Tourbillon
150TH Anniversary

IWC Portugieser Eternal Calendar

A Lange & Sohne Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon Honeygold Lumen

JLC Chronograph Moon

JLC Duometre Heliotourbillon Perpetual

In this episode we answer questions from @watch_girl_life and Mike S, about whether or not we can trust watch media and also about what it means for a watch to be perfect.

In this episode we discuss a bunch of topics, like the fact that it seems that children don't love our podcast as much as their parents seem to... and the fact that yet another fireman has come forward as someone who uses dumpster fires as topics of conversation.

We also announce that we are taking next week off, and will be back on August 5th!

On Saturday, July 7th, a podcast episode will drop from Form and Function, where Vu was a guest and talked with @arkenwatches and @gearetal all about watches and other gear for over an hour. Go check it out!

And here's a link to the new Lorca Model No. 2 Chronograph.