Explore every episode of the podcast A Blog To Watch Weekly

This week on aBlogtoWatch Weekly, Ariel and Rick are holding down the fort as they dive into the latest watch industry news, controversial decisions, and a few watches worth talking about. They kick things off with Rick's ever-expanding Hit Miss Maybe website and its new Picker Wheel of Death before exploring the futuristic Hautlence Kubera and Bulgari's confusing Aluminium collection. The conversation then turns to Audemars Piguet's new pre-owned watch platform, with Ariel and Rick questioning whether luxury brands are making it harder than ever for collectors to find a good deal.

Later, the duo examines the uncertainty surrounding Zenith's future, including the brand's identity struggles and why the Chronomaster Sport might actually be a better buy than a Rolex Daytona. They also take a closer look at the latest Casio G-SHOCK GWBX5600, debating why a classic square G-SHOCK might be the one watch every serious collector should own. Along the way, Ariel and Rick share their thoughts on watch collecting etiquette, which watches might make them question someone's taste, and why friends don't let friends pay over retail.

To check out the ABTW Shop, where you can see our products inspired by our love of Horology:

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Key Chapters:

[00:00] Introduction: Just Ariel and Rick

[02:54] Could Baselworld Be Making a Comeback?

[03:43] Hit Miss Maybe: Watch Rankings and the Picker Wheel of Death

[11:47] Are There Too Many Watch Brands?

[15:39] Hautlence Kubera: A Futuristic Jumping-Hour Watch

[21:27] Bulgari Aluminium: Confusing Names and Watch Marketing

[28:15] Audemars Piguet's New Pre-Owned Watch Platform

[33:27] Why Online Watch Deals Are Disappearing

[38:15] What's Happening at Zenith?

[40:15] Zenith Chronomaster Sport vs. Rolex Daytona

[42:35] Casio G-SHOCK GWBX5600: The Essential Collector's Watch

[44:25] Which Watches Would Make You Unfriend Someone?

[47:28] Friends Don't Let Friends Pay Over Retail

[50:55] Louis Vuitton's Unusual Watch Design

[54:05] Watches That Double as Accessories

[55:40] Luxury Watches and Life on a Scottish Farm

[59:00] Closing Thoughts and What's Next

This week on aBlogtoWatch Weekly, Ariel Adams, Rick, David, and Ripley explore some of the watch industry's most unconventional creations, from Minecraft-inspired chronographs to a $2,000 Tissot PRX and a world timer with an extraordinary 3D-printed titanium bracelet. The crew kicks things off with Fossil's latest Minecraft collaboration, debating whether video game-inspired watches have a place in traditional watchmaking and exploring the growing connection between gaming and the watch industry. They also take a closer look at Ming's fascinating 57.05 Comet Worldtimer, featuring an Art Deco-inspired design, a visually dynamic dial, and an innovative titanium bracelet.

Plus, the team debates whether Tissot's $2,000 Damian Lillard PRX is worth its hefty price tag, reviews the surprisingly impressive Marvin Bathyscaphe dive watch, and explores Rick's new interactive watch-ranking website, complete with head-to-head watch battles and a few surprises. Along the way, they dive into the drama surrounding some of Switzerland's biggest watch brands, spotlight exciting innovations from smaller players, and share their thoughts on where the watch industry is headed next.

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/

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If you enjoy the show please Subscribe, Rate, and Review!

Key Chapters:

[00:00] Introduction and Welcome

[03:14] Ariel's Trip to India and Fossil's Growing Market

[07:20] Fossil's Minecraft Dungeons Chronograph Watches

[16:00] Rick's New Watch-Ranking Website

[21:33] Marvin Bathyscaphe Automatic Diver Review

[27:03] Zenith's Challenges and the Future of the Brand

[37:46] Ming 57.05 Comet Worldtimer

[44:01] Ming's 3D-Printed Titanium Bracelet

[49:20] The Picker Wheel of Death Returns

[52:18] Konstantin Chaykin and the Watch Review Challenge

[57:34] Letting the Audience Choose Future Watch Reviews

[01:00:39] Tissot's $2,000 Damian Lillard PRX

[01:06:42] Closing Thoughts and What's Next

This week on aBlogtoWatch Weekly, Rick, David, and Ripley explore a new chapter for Hublot, Audemars Piguet's latest venture into luxury jewelry, the 50th anniversary of the IWC Ingenieur, and much more. With Ariel away, the trio kicks things off with a discussion of Hublot's evolving direction under former Audemars Piguet CEO François-Henry Bennahmias, including the new Classic Fusion Original and Big Bang Original.

David shares his firsthand experience at Hublot's launch event in Milan, where he met brand founder Carlo Crocco and learned more about the history behind Hublot's signature fusion of gold and rubber. The conversation also turns to Audemars Piguet's Royal Oak Joaillerie collection, as the guys debate what happens when you take the watch out of a luxury watch and somehow make it even more expensive. Later, the guys examine the IWC Ingenieur's 50th anniversary models, debate the often-overlooked Aquatimer, and wrap things up with another unpredictable round of the Picker Wheel of Death featuring Greubel Forsey, Gerald Charles, and Cuervo y Sobrinos.

To check out the ABTW Shop, where you can see our products inspired by our love of Horology:

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- Website - https://www.ablogtowatch.com/

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If you enjoy the show please Subscribe, Rate, and Review!

Key Chapters:

[00:00] Introduction and Welcome

[01:36] Hublot's New Era and François-Henry Bennahmias

[03:02] Hublot's Artist Collaborations and AP's Marvel Watches

[06:09] What Does the Future Hold for Hublot?

[08:47] Audemars Piguet's Royal Oak Joaillerie Collection

[16:35] A Closer Look at the Royal Oak Bracelets

[17:52] Hublot Classic Fusion Original Launch in Milan

[20:00] The History of Hublot's Gold and Rubber Design

[23:20] Exploring the New Classic Fusion Original

[29:12] Hublot Big Bang Original Review

[30:17] IWC Ingenieur 50th Anniversary Watches

[32:13] The Anniversary Design and Silver Dial

[35:38] Has the IWC Ingenieur Been a Success?

[37:45] Rediscovering the IWC Aquatimer

[43:20] Picker Wheel of Death

[46:30] Greubel Forsey's Watchmaking and Favorite Models

[47:56] Upcoming Reviews and What's Next

This week on aBlogtoWatch Weekly, Ariel Adams is joined by David and Ripley for a conversation covering everything from affordable G-Shocks to luxury smartwatches and some of the most unusual designs coming out of Japan. Ripley kicks things off with highlights from the first Istanbul Watch Festival and a look at Turkey's thriving watch culture. The crew then explores Casio's new $180 G-Shock GW-BX5600, discussing its upgraded MIP display, solar charging, and Bluetooth connectivity before diving into the confusing world of Casio's product lineup. Next up is Garmin's latest MARQ Gen 3 collection, where premium materials, specialized features, and prices reaching $3,100 spark a debate about what makes a luxury smartwatch worth the money.

The conversation then shifts to an incredibly complicated Citizen pilot watch, leaving the crew wondering whether anyone actually knows how to use all its functions. From there, Seiko brings some much-needed fun with its panda-inspired chronograph from the Power Design Project, sparking a discussion about creative watchmaking, unconventional designs, and the watches enthusiasts wish brands would actually produce. The crew also takes a closer look at Panerai's left-handed Luminor, questioning whether flipping a familiar design is enough to call it something new. As usual, there are plenty of laughs, strong opinions, and a few detours along the way, even with Rick away on yet another secret mission that apparently must remain a secret.

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:

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- Website - https://www.ablogtowatch.com/

- Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/aBlogtoWatch

If you enjoy the show please Subscribe, Rate, and Review!

Key Chapters:

[00:00] Introduction and Rick's Mysterious Absence

[00:37] Istanbul Watch Festival and Turkey's Watch Culture

[03:36] Casio's New $180 G-Shock GW-BX5600

[06:02] Casio's Confusing Website and Product Lineup

[09:14] G-Shock Displays, Features, and Design Choices

[12:22] The Many Faces of G-Shock

[19:26] Garmin's $3,000 MARQ Gen 3 Smartwatches

[23:08] Garmin's Specialized Luxury Smartwatches

[25:41] The Garmin Golf Watch's Hole Indicator

[29:03] Garmin's Design, Features, and Technology

[34:01] Micro-LED Displays and Smartwatch Battery Life

[37:50] Citizen's Incredibly Complicated Pilot Watch

[43:05] Seiko's Panda Chronograph and Power Design Project

[46:03] Bringing Seiko's Wild Designs to Market

[50:03] The Panda Costume and Final Watch Design

[52:40] Panerai's Left-Handed Luminor Destro

[55:35] Is Panerai Doing Enough With Its Designs?

[01:00:43] Panerai's Details and Design Decisions

[01:03:10] Vintage Watches and Historical Design

[01:07:23] Closing Thoughts and the Wheel of Death

This week on aBlogtoWatch Weekly, Ariel Adams returns alongside David and Ripley for a packed episode covering military watch history, controversial design decisions, and one of the most expensive G-Shocks ever made. Ariel shares stories from his recent visit to the Navy SEAL Museum in San Diego, including the history of Tudor Submariners issued to Navy SEALs during the Vietnam War and the mysterious disappearance of watches that were reportedly destroyed after being returned to military storage.

The conversation then turns to Tudor's new Northflag GMT, where the crew debates its design, proportions, and place within the brand's lineup. David takes particular issue with the dial's mismatched details, while Ripley questions whether the new GMT has lost what made the original model special.

The discussion continues with Casio's extraordinary $80,000 sapphire-cased G-Shock, prompting questions about luxury pricing, durability, and whether anyone outside the watch community would believe a G-Shock could cost that much. The crew compares Casio's latest creation with high-end sapphire watches from Hublot and considers the appeal of ultra-expensive versions of otherwise affordable designs. Ariel also raises concerns about algorithm-driven watch recommendations, arguing that human curation remains essential for discovering new brands and expanding one's interests as a collector. Along the way, the trio finds time to debate a Lufthansa-exclusive Sinn, poke fun at the idea of luxury tool watches, and question where the watch industry is headed.

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:

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If you enjoy the show please Subscribe, Rate, and Review!

Key Chapters:

00:00:00 - Introduction and Ariel's return

00:02:38 - Lufthansa's limited-edition Sinn watch

00:04:28 - The history of Navy SEAL Tudor Submariners

00:06:24 - The mystery of the missing Navy SEAL watches

00:14:17 - Rolex connections and military watch history

00:18:45 - Tudor's new Northflag GMT sparks a design debate

00:23:47 - What the original North Flag got right

00:27:03 - Northflag dial details and design criticism

00:31:47 - Casio's $80,000 sapphire G-Shock

00:35:41 - More luxury G-Shocks and sapphire alternatives

00:39:13 - Is an $80,000 G-Shock worth it?

00:43:56 - Human watch curation versus algorithms

00:49:21 - The dangers of algorithm-driven watch recommendations

00:53:44 - Wind Vintage and the sold-out Dreamsicle watch

00:55:35 - The usefulness of flyback chronographs

00:57:21 - Brellum chronographs and affordable Swiss watchmaking

01:00:20 - Watch thickness and movement design

01:03:52 - Closing remarks

This week on aBlogtoWatch Weekly, Ariel is away, which leaves Rick, David, and Ripley to make sense of a watch market where price and positioning seem increasingly difficult to untangle. The crew starts with Zenith and a lengthy debate over pricing, brand identity, and whether a good watch can still be a tough sell at the wrong price. Then things get sweeter with the Donut Watch Company, a new Ming adjacent project that brings familiar design DNA, a Miyota movement, plenty of lume, and an actual donut theme to the roughly $700 price point. The question quickly becomes whether offering a more accessible taste of an expensive brand is clever expansion or simply leaning a little too heavily on the name and design language people already recognize.

From there, Ripley introduces the Timex Atelier Chronograph Quartz M1q, another roughly $700 proposition that flips the entire conversation around: would you rather have an expensive version of a traditionally affordable brand or a cheaper taste of something more luxurious? The debate over an expensive Timex versus a cheap “Ming” gets surprisingly philosophical, with nostalgia, finishing, specifications, and brand equity all entering the equation. Finally, Omega Corner produces an actual mystery as the crew discovers a SPECTRE logo hidden in Omega’s website and starts wondering what secret Bond related Seamaster might be coming next. There is also time for David’s Marvin Bathyscaphe, some catalog cutting, and the usual detours that happen when Ariel leaves everyone unsupervised.

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/

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If you enjoy the show please Subscribe, Rate, and Review!

Key Chapters:

[00:01] Introduction and Ariel Is Missing

[06:01] Zenith Chronomaster Solo Sport and the Pricing Problem

[16:05] Can Zenith Compete With Rolex?

[29:21] The Ming-Backed Donut Watch

[35:00] Is a Cheaper Taste of Ming Worth It?

[40:22] Timex Atelier Chronograph Quartz M1Q

[42:23] Expensive Timex or Cheap Ming?

[47:46] Omega Corner

[48:12] Omega’s Secret James Bond Watch

[51:20] David’s Marvin Bathyscaphe

[52:47] Omega Cuts the Constellation Collection

This week on aBlogtoWatch Weekly, Rick, David, and Ripley are back with an episode full of watches that are cheaper, pricier, and considerably weirder than expected. The guys start with H. Moser & Cie. going digital before turning to the state of watch marketing and why so many brands seem to have forgotten how to keep the conversation going. They also consider whether Cartier could ever truly challenge Rolex and what it would take for the brand to get there.

Then it is time for Rolex to break out the frying pan. The new Perpetual 1908 Padellone brings some real complication to Rolex’s dressier side, along with a price that has the guys questioning just how far upmarket the Crown wants to go. From there, Hublot and Jeff Koons provide plenty to talk about with Balloon Dogs, sapphire, wild pricing, and exactly the kind of watches that guarantee a reaction. Finally, the crew dive into matching watches with NFL teams, debating some of the more questionable pairings, and they start plotting an equally dangerous watch brands versus car brands comparison for next time.

To check out the ABTW Shop, where you can see our products inspired by our love of Horology:

- Shop ABTW - https://store.ablogtowatch.com/

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- Website - https://www.ablogtowatch.com/

- Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/aBlogtoWatch

If you enjoy the show please Subscribe, Rate, and Review!

Key Chapters:

[00:07] Intro and This Week’s Opening Chaos

[04:08] H. Moser & Cie. Goes Digital

[18:04] Has the Watch Industry Forgotten How to Treat People?

[21:54] Why Rolex Marketing Works

[31:02] Omega and the Problem With Watch Marketing

[35:28] Could Cartier Challenge Rolex?

[37:06] Rolex Perpetual 1908 Padellone

[38:24] The “Forever Frying Pan”

[47:00] Hublot x Jeff Koons Balloon Dog

[53:00] Hublot MP-14 Goes Full Sapphire

[01:03:51] Matching Watches With NFL Teams

[01:09:48] What You Like: Watch Brands and Car Brands

[01:13:02] What’s on the Desk?

This week on aBlogtoWatch Weekly, Rick, Ariel, David, and Ripley are back to tackle watches that dazzle, watches that feel like furniture, and watches that may be listening to everything you say. The crew starts with a look behind the curtain at Dexel and the manufacturing capabilities that help make Formex such an interesting value proposition, including the cases, bracelets, clasps, and technology that often go unnoticed by consumers. Then things get considerably more colorful with the Bulgari Octo Finissimo Dazzle, a watch that leaves absolutely nowhere for your eyes to rest. From there, Hublot takes titanium in an entirely different direction with the rubber coated Big Bang Original Soft Touch, prompting questions about scratches, lint removal, carpeted watches, and whether anyone really needs a softer Big Bang. The Hublot conversation also leads into the latest Nico Leonard and Christopher Ward drama, the internet’s long history of hating Hublot, and whether the Big Bang should simply be reinvented from scratch.

The conversation then turns to aBlogtoWatch’s upcoming 20th anniversary and Ariel’s plans for brands to create watches inspired by the occasion, including one particularly unusual idea involving 5,000 year old fossilized tree rings. Apple enters the chat with its latest Apple Watch technology, including the ability to continuously listen, transcribe conversations, identify speakers, and generate meeting notes, which naturally makes everyone feel completely comfortable and not at all concerned. The guys also dig into the complicated relationship between watch media, auction houses, and charity auctions before wrapping things up with Louis Vuitton’s latest Tambour Spin Time collection, including an extravagant world timer and opal model. Along the way, expect the usual detours into watch industry drama, questionable materials, smartwatch rivalries, and exactly how much technology you really want listening from your wrist.

To check out the ABTW Shop, where you can see our products inspired by our love of Horology:

- Shop ABTW - https://store.ablogtowatch.com/

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- 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!

Key Chapters:

[00:00:07] Welcome and Opening Banter

[00:07:41] Inside Dexel and How Formex Watches Are Made

[00:18:53] Bulgari Octo Finissimo Dazzle

[00:25:32] Hublot Big Bang Original Soft Touch

[00:31:59] Nico Leonard, Christopher Ward, and Watch Industry Drama

[00:41:25] aBlogtoWatch’s 20th Anniversary Watch Plans

[00:45:34] Apple Watch Ultra 4 Is Listening

[00:47:48] Apple Watch Series 12 and Ceramic

[00:52:06] The Hermès Apple Watch and Its Price

[00:57:29] Watch Auction Houses and Charity Controversy

[01:02:15] What Happened to Only Watch?

[01:05:43] Louis Vuitton Tambour Spin Time

[01:09:46] Garmin vs. Apple Watch

This week on aBlogtoWatch Weekly, Rick, Ariel, David, and Ripley are back together, with Ariel and David freshly returned from Geneva Watch Days and apparently still recovering from the heat. They recap the highs and lows of the event, from impressive watchmaking and questionable hospitality to the latest GPHG selections and the brands that did, or decidedly did not, make the cut. The conversation also turns to what makes Geneva Watch Days worthwhile despite its quirks and why the watch industry continues to descend on Geneva even when the city seems determined to make everyone sweat.

From there, the crew tackles the difference between collecting and investing, leading Ariel to declare collectors “natural born hoarders” and, naturally, a detour into knives, cheese, and the apparent collapse of cheese futures. Then it is back to watches with Chanel’s Blue Ceramic J12, the A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Up/Down, the Tudor Northflag, and plenty more new releases and opinions along the way. As always, expect strong takes, questionable financial advice, and more than a little anxiety over whether a manually wound watch has enough power left to survive the day.

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!

Key Chapters:

[00:01] Show Welcome

[01:00] Sweating Through Geneva Watch Days

[09:40] Is Geneva Watch Days Worth It?

[16:31] Favorite Watches From Geneva

[17:19] GPHG Winners, Losers, and Controversy

[24:58] Chronoswiss and the Pulse One GMT

[33:41] Bulgari at Geneva Watch Days

[36:41] Watch Collecting vs. Watch Investing

[41:11] Natural Born Watch Hoarders

[42:13] Knives, Biver, and Cheese

[46:19] Chanel’s Blue Ceramic J12

[54:09] A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Up/Down

[56:30] The A. Lange & Söhne Triple Split

[1:05:00] Tudor Northflag Returns as a GMT

[1:18:19] Closing Thoughts

This week on aBlogtoWatch Weekly, Rick and Ripley are holding down the fort as they work their way through some of the latest releases, industry conversations, and questionable watch buying decisions. They start by exploring whether the watches everyone wants are actually the most satisfying to own, which naturally sends them down a Rolex rabbit hole. From personal connections to popular models to the realities of buying for hype, the conversation eventually becomes a challenge to build the most unfashionable Rolex possible and see just how badly it performs on the secondary market.

The guys also take a spin with the roulette inspired Perrelet Turbine Casino before looking at the latest Formex Essence 39 and why sometimes the smartest upgrade is knowing what not to change. There is also the incredibly shiny Bulova Shelby Racer Chronograph, along with the massive, hand engraved Urwerk UR 1001 Amadeus and its millennium tracker designed to count its way through the next thousand years. Plus, there are plenty of the usual tangents along the way, including what actually makes strangers notice your watch and whether the aBlogtoWatch team really needs a Geneva chateau and its own reality show.

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!

Key Chapters:

[00:07] Rick and Ripley Take Over aBlogtoWatch Weekly

[05:02] Ariel’s Leather Jacket and the Popularity Paradox

[10:26] Are Popular Watches Actually Satisfying to Own?

[14:27] Rolex, Hype, and Building the Most Unfashionable Rolex

[17:55] Which Rolex Has the Worst Resale Value?

[22:00] Is Rolex Too Popular to Be Cool?

[24:25] Which Watches Actually Get People’s Attention?

[29:05] Favorite Watches, Knives, and Cars

[34:00] Perrelet Watches and the Turbine Casino

[39:57] Apple Watch Ultra From a Watch Collector’s Perspective

[44:28] Formex Essence 39 Gets a Generational Upgrade

[47:45] Where Formex Fits in the Watch Market

[52:22] Bulova Shelby Racer and the Mirror Finish Debate

[56:14] Urwerk UR-1001 Amadeus and Its 1,000 Year Tracker

[1:00:38] Geneva Watch Days and the aBlogtoWatch Chateau

[1:06:00] Final Thoughts and Closing Chaos

This week on aBlogtoWatch Weekly, Ariel, David, and Ripley are back with a colorful mix of watches, industry talk, and a few reasons why Geneva might be better to visit than to call home. The guys recap the recent Time at Wynn event in Las Vegas and discuss why the watch industry needs more consumer focused events that give enthusiasts a reason to come together. They also get into vintage military watches, the growing hype around F.P. Journe, and what happens when collector enthusiasm starts looking a little too much like following the herd.

Then it is on to Gerald Charles and their Masterlink Perpetual Calendar, where Gerald Genta design DNA and a map of Geneva somehow turn into a debate over whether the city's best feature is how easy it is to leave. Finally, Rolex enters the color mosh pit with the Oyster Perpetual 36 and its colorful Jubilee dial. The trio digs into the surprisingly complicated process behind creating the dial, Rolex's ability to execute it at scale, and whether the brand's increasingly playful approach to color is refreshing or risks becoming too much of a good thing. Plus, David makes the case for the 36mm Oyster Perpetual, Ripley considers just how far Rolex should take the trend, and Ariel imagines a future filled with increasingly chaotic color combinations.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/

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Key Chapters:

00:04 Welcome & Rick’s Latest Disappearance

02:08 Vintage Longines & Why Military Watches Endure

10:52 Time at Wynn Recap & The State of Watch Events

20:10 F.P. Journe Hype & Collector Sheep Mentality

28:04 Biver Watches, Cheese & Collector Appeal

29:55 GPS Watches, Gnomes & The Breitling Emergency

38:05 Fitness Trackers, Smartwatches & Double Wristing

41:13 Gerald Charles Masterlink Perpetual Calendar

45:01 Escaping Geneva & Navigating By Watch

48:01 Perpetual Calendar Pushers & Complication Design

51:00 Gerald Charles Dark Blast & Genta Design

52:48 Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36 Jubilee Dial

56:25 How Rolex Makes The Color Mosh Pit

59:12 36mm vs. 41mm & How Colorful Should Rolex Get?

1:04:04 Price, Final Thoughts & Geneva Watch Days

This week on aBlogtoWatch Weekly, Ariel, David, and Ripley are live, or at least they think they are, as they attempt to navigate the unfamiliar world of live broadcasting without Rick. They dig into the never ending watch size debate, why case dimensions rarely tell the whole story, and whether the enormous status watches of years past simply lost their natural habitat. From there, things get considerably weirder with the unusually shaped Nectere Eclipse, a potential pair of watch inspired sunglasses, and NOMOS finding a clever way to make the date complication both useful and visually interesting.

Then, a roughly $600 CIGA Design sparks a much bigger conversation about Chinese watchmaking, perceived value, and what happens when an affordable watch can look considerably more expensive than it actually is. The guys consider whether Swiss luxury brands should even care about the growing competition before turning their attention to Tudor and the exceptionally dark Black Bay Ceramic on a full ceramic bracelet. Is it worth the premium, does that butterfly clasp deserve the engineering effort, and has Tudor finally achieved peak Black Bay? Plus, “vintage” officially means nothing, the Wheel of Death may be living on borrowed time, and the Rolex way somehow finds its way back into the conversation.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:

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Key Timestamps:

[00:07] Are We Live? & Island Audiences

[03:38] Upcoming Watch Shows & New Releases

[07:22] Does Watch Size Actually Matter?

[17:43] Is It Time To Kill The Wheel Of Death?

[19:40] Nectere Eclipse & The Rise Of “Melted” Watches

[29:05] NOMOS Tangente Neomatik 38 & The Date Problem

[36:31] CIGA Design & $600 Richard Mille Vibes

[40:06] Should Swiss Brands Be Worried About China?

[46:49] Tudor’s Blackest Black Bay Yet

[56:22] Final Thoughts & Live Show Sign-Off

This week on aBlogtoWatch Weekly, Rick, Ariel, Ripley, and David tackle another wonderfully strange week in watches. There are questionable industry accolades, tactical watch identity crises, Italian marketing, and enough oil to make airport security nervous. The guys debate whether watch certifications and awards still mean anything and why accuracy should still matter as luxury watch prices continue to climb.

Things only get stranger with the massive, oil-filled U-Boat U-65 and its mysterious caseback. The crew considers what happens if it leaks and whether wearing one through airport security might raise a few questions. Ripley checks out the colorful ProTek Series 4000, which sparks a tangent about tactical watches and questionable military credentials, while Rick questions whether Unimatic has mastered the art of looking strangely familiar without actually copying anything. Finally, the CronusArt Spring Daydream Central Tourbillon combines erotic imagery, donuts, and unrestricted watch design to make something that has to be seen to be understood.

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Key Chapters:

[00:07] Intro & Scotland’s Knife Problem

[06:50] Stallone’s Questionable Rambo Panerai

[10:06] Watch Awards, Certifications & Accuracy

[19:13] U-Boat U-65 & Oil-Filled Watch Madness

[28:51] ProTek Series 4000 & Tactical Watches

[37:21] Unimatic’s Swimming Pool Summer Watch

[44:13] The Brand Wheel of Death

[55:28] CronusArt & The Erotic Donut Tourbillon

[1:07:37] Upcoming Events & Final Thoughts

On this week's episode of aBlogtoWatch Weekly, Rick, Ariel, and David ask a simple question with a surprisingly complicated answer: Can luxury electronic watches really make a comeback? Using the new Accutron Spaceview 314 as the jumping off point, they debate whether tuning fork technology, premium battery powered movements, and electronic innovation deserve a place alongside today's mechanical heavyweights. The team also takes a closer look at the innovative Barrelhand Monolith, discussing its space-inspired design, advanced materials, and whether it offers a glimpse into the future of watchmaking.

Of course, it wouldn't be aBlogtoWatch Weekly without a few entertaining detours. Along the way, the hosts weigh in on the latest watch industry news, poke fun at questionable marketing, and share a few thoughts on embargoes that might sound familiar to longtime listeners. Between the laughs, the debates, and a few bold predictions about the future of watchmaking, this week's episode has a little bit of everything. (The rest just happened.) 

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Key Timestamps:

[0:01] Intro, Chat Returns & Hagley West

[3:44] Embargoes, NDAs & The Color Blue

[5:22] Accutron Spaceview 314 & The $6K Tuning Fork

[15:12] The Return of Luxury Electronic Watches

[19:48] Could Rolex Bring Back Quartz?

[21:07] Barrelhand Monolith & Watches for Space

[30:56] Picker Wheel of Death: Moser, Alpina & Montblanc

[38:11] Seiko Marinemaster Review

[44:40] Glashütte Original CQ Northern Tide

[49:07] Glashütte Original Seventies Chronograph

[53:05] Prototype vs Production Watches

[55:40] WhatsApp Group, Wrist Shots & Closing Banter

On this week's episode of aBlogtoWatch Weekly, Rick, Ariel, Ripley, and David dive into one of the watch industry's most talked about controversies as Swatch's MoonSwatch 1984 application process leaves enthusiasts questioning whether the experience was worth the effort. The crew also discusses the dramatically more expensive Ulysse Nardin Freak X, whether the updates justify its new price, and why Ariel believes collectors should start thinking in terms of dedicated daytime and nighttime watches.

The conversation continues with a critical look at this year's GPHG nominations and the ever growing debate over how meaningful the awards really are. Along the way, the team gets lost on the Bovet website, questions some "questionable" bracelet designs, and reacts to Fossil's Incredible Hulk watch, prompting David to ask whether every new release really needs to be another homage to the 1960s. If you thought this was going to be a normal episode, think again, because no aBlogtoWatch Weekly episode stays on the rails for long.To check out the ABTW Shop, where you can see our products inspired by our love of Horology:

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Key Chapters:

0:04 Intro, Potato Vision, & Daylight Savings

4:02 Cardinal Points Mystery Solved?

8:15 Actual Watch News Begins

10:00 Ulysse Nardin Freak X Sticker Shock

14:30 The World's Worst Watch Website?

19:07 Day Watches vs. Night Watches

22:40 Our Ultimate Night Watches

26:30 Swatch's ESTA Disaster

29:49 Rick's GDPR Revenge Plan

33:59 Swatch Scubaqua Review

36:17 Remember the Swatch Flymagic?

39:02 Is GPHG Pay to Play? 4

4:01 Do More Entries Mean More Awards?

47:22 Live GPHG Heckling?

53:38 Fossil's Incredible Hulk Watch

58:51 Roger Dubuis' $400K Samurai Watch

1:05:56 Potatoes, Power Tools, & Goodbye

aBlogtoWatch Weekly is back on the main aBlogtoWatch YouTube channel with new releases every Friday!

- https://www.youtube.com/@ablogtowatch

This week on aBlogtoWatch Weekly, Ariel, Rick, and Ripley kick things off with another discussion about the newly announced N3W5 brand, debating its unusual name, marketing strategy, and whether the industry is getting a little too excited about products that have barely been revealed. The conversation then shifts to a busy week of enthusiast events, including RZE's Vancouver Experience, the Intersect Watch Show, and the RZE Gear Swap, where the hosts discuss why independent brands and community driven gatherings are becoming some of the most exciting parts of today's watch industry.

The team also shares hands-on impressions of the Vacheron Constantin Traditionnelle Twin Beat Perpetual Calendar, reviews the new 41mm Delma Shell Star, and explores whether quartz watches are finally earning renewed respect among collectors. They close the episode by reacting to Swatch's controversial MoonSwatch "Loyalty Test," questioning whether asking enthusiasts to complete an application just for the chance to buy a watch is brilliant marketing or a step too far.

This week's episode is sponsored by the Movado Heritage Kingmatic collection, learn more at the link below:

- https://www.movado.com/

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- Shop ABTW - https://store.ablogtowatch.com/

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Key Timestamps:

0:04 N3W5, Compasses, & Marketing Madness

6:15 Benny's New Brand & $1M Leather Jacket

10:16 RZE Gear Swap & Community Events

18:12 Watch Brand Colors & Independent Watch Culture

26:46 Vacheron Constantin Twin Beat Review

34:04 Delma Shell Star 41 Review

37:17 Is Quartz Making a Comeback?

45:38 Swatch's MoonSwatch "Loyalty Test"

53:05 Bio Ceramic, Gold, & Swatch's Strategy

1:04:06 World Cup Watches & F1 Watch Brands

aBlogtoWatch Weekly is back on the main aBlogtoWatch YouTube channel with new releases every Friday!

- https://www.youtube.com/@ablogtowatch

It is a European takeover this week as Rick and David hold down the fort for another lively episode of aBlogtoWatch Weekly. They dive into the ongoing debate over whether third party tourbillons are really worth the money, take a close look at Jaeger-LeCoultre's incredible Heliotourbillon, and discuss why mechanical complexity still fascinates collectors even when it serves little practical purpose.

The conversation then shifts to Seiko, where David shares his hands on impressions of the new Marinemaster and explains why he believes it is one of the brand's strongest modern dive watches. They also weigh the value of Seiko's latest chronograph releases before turning their attention to François-Henry Bennahmias' newly announced watch brand, N3W5 ("News"), whose unusual name, branding, and marketing philosophy sends the conversation in some unexpected directions. As always, expect plenty of watch opinions, collector debates, and more than a few laughs along the way.

This week's episode is sponsored by the Movado Heritage Kingmatic collection, learn more at the link below:

- 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/

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Key Timestamps:

0:01 European Duo Takes Over

1:41 Rolex Titanium & Collector Reactions

4:34 Are Third Party Tourbillons Worth It?

15:15 JLC's Heliotourbillon Explained

24:16 Seiko MarineMaster Hands On

30:52 Seiko Speedtimer Value Debate

34:23 Rowing Blazers x Seiko 5

39:30 François-Henry Bennahmias Launches N3W5

47:42 N3W5's Branding & "We Are Our Own Compass"

52:41 Predicting the N3W5 Watches

59:44 What's Coming Next at aBlogtoWatch

aBlogtoWatch Weekly is back on the main aBlogtoWatch YouTube channel with new releases every Friday!

- https://www.youtube.com/@ablogtowatch

This week on aBlogtoWatch Weekly Rolex takes center stage, but not exactly in the way it would have hoped. Ariel, David, and Ripley dive into David's controversial look at the Rolex Yacht Master 42 in RLX Titanium, discussing whether the brand's reputation has outgrown its execution and why expectations matter when you're charging luxury prices. They also compare the genuine Yacht Master to a remarkably convincing fake, leading to a broader conversation about finishing, manufacturing quality, and what buyers should actually expect from a premium watch.

From there, the mood lightens with Hublot's colorful new Summer Big Bang collection, Marathon's surprisingly tasteful America 250 limited edition, and Corum's return to coin watches. Along the way, the team debates busy dials, colorful ceramics, leather strap materials, and somehow ends up discussing coffee table books dedicated entirely to watch pushers. Join us for another completely normal weekly discussion at aBlogtoWatch.

This week's episode is sponsored by the Movado Heritage Kingmatic collection, learn more at the link below:

- 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/

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Key Timestamps:

[0:04] Opening & Rick's Absence

[0:41] Rolex's Reputation & Rising Expectations

[5:53] Rolex's Pricing & Titanium Setup

[9:44] Rolex Yacht Master 42 Titanium Review

[15:31] Rolex vs. Fake Yacht Master

[22:50] What Rolex Needs to Fix

[26:05] Hublot Big Bang Summer Edition

[38:08] Marathon's America 250 Watch

[50:23] Leather vs. Vegan Straps

[52:17] Corum Coin Watches Return

[1:00:02] Casio G Shock x Coca Cola

[1:05:26] Watch Icons, Future Rants, & Wrap Up

aBlogtoWatch Weekly is back on the main aBlogtoWatch YouTube channel with new releases every Friday!

- https://www.youtube.com/@ablogtowatch

With Rick sidelined by a power outage in Scotland, Ariel, David, and Ripley take the reins for another entertaining week of watch talk. The trio begins with the return of the Vacheron Constantin Twin Beat and a lively discussion about whether its remarkable engineering finally lives up to the hype. They also debate the latest Ulysse Nardin Freak X, its eye opening price increase, and whether simplifying one of watchmaking's boldest designs takes away some of what made it so special in the first place. Along the way, there are plenty of detours into Swiss gyms, watch transformers, and the strange world of "price on request."

Also on this week's episode, the team takes a closer look at Casio's latest full metal G-Shock, questions some questionable display design choices, and wonders why the watch's best features still rely on a smartphone app. They also explore new releases from Vostok Europe, Chronoswiss, Arken, and Lorige, discuss what makes a great motorsport inspired watch, and wrap things up with another entertaining mix of watch industry insight, strong opinions, and the kind of conversations that only happen on aBlogtoWatch Weekly.

This week's episode is sponsored by the Movado Heritage Kingmatic collection, learn more at the link below:

- 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/

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Key Timestamps:

0:04 Rick's Power Outage & Gym Joke

5:21 Vacheron Constantin Twin Beat

9:35 Hidden Watch Complications

11:18 JLC Heliotourbillon

14:22 Watch Transformers

17:25 Ulysse Nardin Freak X

25:03 Casio Full Metal G-Shock

34:25 Vostok Europe South Pole

41:22 Chronoswiss Lunar Chronograph

50:13 ETA Movement Debate

51:45 Arken Alterum GMT

56:19 Lorige & Motorsport Watches

1:01:39 Richard Mille Design DNA

1:03:45 Peacock HAIYI Tourbillon Diver

1:09:01 Manual vs Automatic Tourbillons

1:11:30 Chinese Luxury Watchmaking

1:13:25 Closing Thoughts

aBlogtoWatch Weekly is back on the main aBlogtoWatch YouTube channel with new releases every Friday!

- https://www.youtube.com/@ablogtowatch

This week on aBlogtoWatch Weekly, Ariel, Rick, David, and Ripley tackle one of the biggest buzzwords in modern watchmaking: What actually makes a watch brand "independent?" The team debates whether independence is about ownership, creative freedom, or who really gets to make the decisions. Along the way, they put everyone from Audemars Piguet to H. Moser & Cie. under the microscope while questioning whether the industry has stretched the term beyond recognition.

Their conversation also covers Tudor's new Black Bay Chrono 39 "Bumblebee" — does it finally deliver the Daytona alternative enthusiasts have been asking for? The hosts weigh in on Panerai's latest Navy SEALs Submersible, explore A. Lange & Söhne's newest Lumen release, and share why a box full of Swatch watches might be louder than a minute repeater. As always, expect plenty of laughs, spirited debates, and the kind of watch industry tangents only aBlogtoWatch Weekly can deliver.

To check out the ABTW Shop, where you can see our products inspired by our love of Horology:

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Key Timestamps:

[00:00] Party banter, World Cup, & Scottish/Seattle weather

[03:48] Titanium Rolex & fake watch comparison

[05:58] Swatch ticking chaos & Casio mods

[12:30] What makes a watch brand independent?

[25:13] Tudor Black Bay Chrono 39 "Bumblebee"

[34:30] Vacheron Twin Beat & Lange Lumen

[47:10] Panerai Navy SEALs Submersible

[52:44] Watch brand WhatsApp chatbots

aBlogtoWatch Weekly is back on the main aBlogtoWatch YouTube channel with new releases every Friday!

- https://www.youtube.com/@ablogtowatch

This week on aBlogtoWatch Weekly, Rick, Ariel, and David tackle everything from Star Wars themed G-Shocks and the overwhelming number of Doxa dive watches to the return of Vacheron Constantin’s Twin Beat Perpetual Calendar. Along the way, they debate whether luxury watch brands make buying watches unnecessarily difficult, question the growing trend of “price on request,” and wonder how many Doxas one collector actually needs.

The conversation also takes a deeper turn as Ariel discusses his recent article examining the relationship between the Swiss watch industry and its most important market: the United States. From Rolex waitlists and retail roadblocks to cultural differences in how luxury is sold and consumed, the team explores why some brands seem determined to make the buying experience more complicated than it needs to be. Plus, the Brand Wheel of Death returns with Nomos, Ferdinand Berthoud, and Voutilainen facing judgment.

To check out the ABTW Shop, where you can see our products inspired by our love of Horology:

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Key Timestamps:

[02:02] The Escapement & Fyre Festival Comparisons

[02:58] Philippe Stern & Abu Dhabi Festival

[03:09] Ask Ariel Anything

[04:28] The Hidden QR Code Idea

[05:09] No Wrist Shots Allowed

[06:56] The Punk Watch Challenge

[09:30] The G-Shock Argument

[10:08] The Cheapest Diamond Watch

[11:35] Tissot PRX Debate

[12:11] Mandalorian & Grogu G-Shocks

[14:46] When Co-Branding Is Too Subtle

[18:00] G-Shock Pricing & Disney Licensing

[19:49] Doxa Sub 200 T-Graph Returns

[21:25] Does Doxa Have Too Many Watches?

[23:22] Understanding the Doxa Dial

[25:18] How to Choose a Doxa

[27:31] David on Doxa

[28:01] Why Switzerland Fears America

[31:36] The Transatlantic Luxury Paradox

[33:17] Remembering Philippe Stern

[35:08] Boutique Experiences in Europe

[36:35] Swiss Dirigism vs Capitalism

[38:14] Swiss-American Trust Issues

[47:30] Wheel of Death: Chaykin, Berthoud & Nomos

[52:14] Vacheron Twin Beat Returns

[49:54] How the Twin Beat Works

[56:31] The Price-On-Request Rant

[57:01] Is a 70-Day Power Reserve Useful?

[59:23] Closing & WhatsApp QR Code

aBlogtoWatch Weekly is back on the main aBlogtoWatch YouTube channel with new releases every Friday!

- https://www.youtube.com/@ablogtowatch

This week on aBlogtoWatch Weekly, Rick and Ariel are holding down the fort without David and Ripley, which means the conversation quickly goes off the rails before diving headfirst into the latest watch industry news. The duo discuss the new Raymond Weil ART and ask the big question: is it a genuinely compelling integrated bracelet watch or just another trend follower? They also debate the rise of integrated bracelet sports watches, micro rotors, and why some brands are chasing familiar formulas while others are trying something completely different.

Plus, there are thoughts on Bell & Ross leaning into modern art inspired design with its latest cubist inspired release, the new TAG Heuer Monaco Speed and its unusual jumping hour display, and whether square watches deserve more love or just more confusion. Along the way, Rick and Ariel somehow find time to argue about sleeping with watches on, lume at 3AM, AI frustrations, and why Bell & Ross might just need its big Hollywood moment. It is exactly the kind of wonderfully chaotic watch conversation you expect from an aBlogtoWatch Weekly podcast with just Rick and Ariel. 

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Key Timestamps:

[04:07] Sleeping With Watches?

[07:14] Why Ariel & Rick Go Off Track

[11:45] Raymond Weil A.R.T. — Hit or Fad?

[17:10] AI Art, QR Codes & Tech Frustrations

[21:27] Indie Watch Brands & Retail Challenges

[27:29] Bell & Ross Cubism & Micro Rotors

[38:47] TAG Heuer Monaco Speed 12 Debate

[45:29] Swatch “Royal Pop” Queue Chaos

[48:15] Camp Watches & Microbrand Realities

[51:19] What Actually Counts As A Square Watch?

[54:49] ATI ZDM Enigma & Strange Design Choices

[56:49] Forgotten Fashion Watches

[59:49] The Return Of Fashion Watches?

[1:03:04] A Deep Dive Into Versace Watches

[1:05:57] The “Punishment Watch” Game

[1:08:00] eBay Authentication Experiment

[1:09:20] Wrap Up & Next Week’s Challenge

In this episode of aBlogtoWatch Weekly, the gang reunites for another round of semi-organized chaos, fresh off Couture in Las Vegas and ready to unpack what it all means for the watch industry. Rick, Ariel, Ripley, and David dive into the surprising comeback of fashion watch brands like Fossil, Timex, and Movado, and explore how shifting retail strategies and a changing enthusiast market may be creating a whole new lane for affordable watches to thrive again. They also debate whether brands once dismissed as “mall watch” staples are quietly becoming more enthusiast-focused than anyone expected.

The conversation then turns to the new Formex Aria and whether the brand’s leap into a much higher price bracket is a natural evolution or a risky stretch. From micro-rotors and movement value to what really justifies a premium price tag, the team does not hold back. Plus, things get wonderfully weird with meteorite dials, over-engineered space watches, and the growing fascination with watches built for life beyond Earth. Throw in some celebrity ambassador chaos and a Ferrari tangent, and you have another delightfully unpredictable episode of aBlogtoWatch Weekly.

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This week on aBlogtoWatch Weekly, the team dives into one of the biggest questions in modern watch collecting: Are luxury watches starting to feel too cheap for their MSRP? Ariel, Rick, David, and Ripley debate long waitlists, inflated pricing, and whether brands like Cartier and Universal Genève are asking collectors to pay too much for too little. There is also plenty of entertaining chaos as the crew gets sidetracked into restaurant wait times, French luxury culture, and Ariel’s refusal to stand in line for just about anything.

Along the way, the team shares thoughts on Favre Leuba’s latest revival watch, why Bremont may finally be finding its footing again, and which luxury brands are still delivering real innovation versus relying too heavily on marketing. Plus, there is a surprisingly passionate debate about Cartier’s baffling product specifications, the strange appeal of overpriced watches, and whether some brands have simply lost touch with reality.

To check out the ABTW Shop, where you can see our products inspired by our love of Horology:

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This week on aBlogtoWatch Weekly, Ariel, Rick, Ripley, and David dive headfirst into the chaos surrounding the Swatch x Audemars Piguet “Royal Pop” launch and ask the important question: Was this a clever collaboration or a full-blown PR disaster? From overnight lines and police involvement to flippers and frustrated collectors, the crew breaks down everything that went wrong with the Swatch x AP launch. They also debate who this release was really for and the strange reality of a pocket watch that nobody seems interested in actually using as a pocket watch.

The team weighs in on the mint-green Hublot Big Bang Unico and why playful luxury watches deserve more love. They take a closer look at the engineering hiding beneath the ceramic case before discussing Citizen’s new Promaster GMT as a surprisingly compelling, value-packed travel watch. Along the way, our crew debates fun versus practicality, collector psychology, and whether posting wrist shots should be banned forever in your watch-related group chats.

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This week on aBlogtoWatch Weekly, the team dives headfirst into the chaos surrounding the rumored AP x Swatch collaboration, including the internet meltdown over plastic Royal Oaks, pendant watches, and whether luxury watch brands are finally taking things too far. Ariel, Rick, Ripley, and David debate who this watch is actually for, how much it could cost, and whether the entire thing feels more like a fashion accessory than a serious watch release. Along the way, they somehow spiral into discussions about sugary drinks, Scottish Iron Brew, restaurant culture, and the strange power of advertising in America.

The crew also takes a closer look at Ariel’s recent article about luxury marketing and why so many foreign watch brands struggle to connect with American consumers. Plus there are thoughts on affordable tourbillons from Filippo Loreti, lightweight Norqain experiments, and new Casio G Shock screen technology. The team also dives into Hublot’s latest material experiments and debates whether modern watchmaking is becoming more innovative, more ridiculous, or somehow both at the same time.

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This week on aBlogtoWatch Weekly, the team dives headfirst into one of the biggest problems facing the modern watch industry: pricing. From luxury brands continuously pushing prices higher to the growing success of microbrands delivering serious value, Ariel, Rick, Ripley, and David debate whether the industry has officially lost touch with enthusiasts. Along the way, they break down the economics behind Windup Watch Fair, why smaller brands continue gaining momentum, and whether the current luxury watch strategy is sustainable long-term.

The crew also reacts to one of Watches and Wonders’ unique releases: IWC’s fully luminous ceramic perpetual calendar, which quickly earns the nickname “the 80K hockey puck.” Naturally, this leads to a discussion about glow-in-the-dark watches, luxury excess, annual versus perpetual calendars, and whether some brands are simply charging more because they can. Plus, Ripley reports back from Windup Weekend in San Francisco, the Brand Wheel of Death claims another victim, and David once again discovers the limits of Bluetooth technology and podcasting.

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This week on aBlogtoWatch Weekly, the crew dives headfirst into the watch industry’s current identity crisis and asks a simple question: who are luxury watch brands actually selling to right now? From pricing debates and shifting market expectations to the strange gap between branding and real world execution, the conversation gets surprisingly honest about where parts of the industry may have lost the plot. Ariel also shares thoughts from his latest Watches and Wonders recap article, while the team debates how brands are struggling to connect with collectors in a changing market.

Along the way, Rick recounts a baffling experience at the London Marathon where official sponsor TAG Heuer seemed nearly invisible despite heavy branding, sparking a larger discussion about missed marketing opportunities and why some watch companies still feel disconnected from their audience. There is also plenty of classic ABTW Weekly chaos, including a surprisingly passionate debate about expensive plastic watches, trade show swag etiquette, Monaco opinions, and Rick’s apparently “invisible” glasses. As always, it is part industry insight, part group therapy, and part watch nerd rabbit hole that somehow makes perfect sense by the end, (kind of).

To check out the ABTW Shop where you can see our products inspired by our love of Horology:

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** YouTube Monetization ID for Copyright Material From PremiumBeat.com: #3826449

Fresh off the floor at Watches & Wonders 2026, the aBlogtoWatch Weekly crew breaks down the watches, booths, and brand decisions that stood out most from this year’s show. From ranking the best displays and swag to debating which brands delivered and which ones missed the mark, Ariel, Rick, David, and Ripley share their firsthand impressions after spending the week in Geneva. There is plenty of discussion around standout presentations, the return of after-hours energy, and why some booths felt more memorable than the watches themselves.

The team also dives into the latest releases from brands like Patek Philippe, Rolex, H. Moser & Cie., TAG Heuer, and Ulysse Nardin, with opinions ranging from genuine admiration to total confusion. Along the way, they debate value, wearable sizing trends, booth theatrics, strange collaborations, and whether some luxury brands are finally rethinking how expensive a watch really needs to be. As always, it is equal parts industry insight, strong opinions, and the kind of watch talk that only makes sense after a very long week in Switzerland.

To check out the ABTW Shop where you can see our products inspired by our love of Horology:

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In this episode of aBlogtoWatch Weekly, the team jumps between Watches and Wonders prep, industry expectations, and the usual mix of tangents that somehow circle back to watches. There is a lot of discussion around what is about to be released, with David breaking down the key things he wants to see this year, from comfort and pricing to originality and long term design value, while everyone else questions how much of that will actually show up. The idea of “new icons” comes up, along with how often brands change things without actually improving them, and why this time of year so often leads to disappointment.

Along the way, the conversation drifts into media chaos, busking, and how the watch industry builds hype ahead of major releases. There is also some early speculation on which brands might stand out, which ones might fall short, and what usually separates the watches people remember from the ones that disappear as quickly as they arrive. They also spend time talking through a few of the watches that came up this week on aBlogtoWatch.com, including the Louis Vuitton Tambour Taiko Arty Automata, which leans fully into being mechanical art rather than anything practical, and the NHL themed Norqain chronograph, which brings up the usual discussion around sports partnerships and how well they actually translate into watches. Along the way, they touch on other recent releases and ideas floating around the industry, using them as examples of both creativity and the kind of designs that start to feel repetitive.

To check out the ABTW Shop where you can see our products inspired by our love of Horology:

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This week on aBlogtoWatch Weekly, Rick, Ariel, David, and Ripley kick things off with a tourbillon on a budget that feels equal parts impressive and slightly unhinged, as they try to figure out who exactly this watch is for and how it even came to be. Things only get stranger from there as beverage branding goes completely off the rails, with energy drink inspired watches entering the chat and raising the very real question of whether your wrist and your drink should ever be part of the same product strategy.

From there, the debate moves to Longines as a recent release from the brand has ignited significant discussion regarding design inspiration, perceived familiarity in the aesthetic, and the strategic wisdom of adopting a conservative approach in the current watch market. Along the way, there are takes on brand positioning, watch collecting psychology, and the fine line between clever strategy and just copying what already works. As always, expect strong opinions, questionable logic, and the kind of watch talk that somehow makes perfect sense once you are fully locked in, while also not thinking too hard.

To check out the ABTW Shop where you can see our products inspired by our love of Horology:

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YOUTUBE KEYWORDS:

aBlogtoWatch Weekly, watch podcast, tourbillon watch, affordable tourbillon, Longines HydroConquest, watch debate, luxury watches, Swiss watches, watch industry, horology podcast, watch collecting, microbrand watches, Seiko NH35, watch trends, Omega watches discussion, Rolex comparison, watch news, watch design

** YouTube Monetization ID for Copyright Material From PremiumBeat.com: #3826449

This week on aBlogtoWatch Weekly, Rick, Ariel, David, and Ripley dig into the growing disconnect between perception and reality in the watch industry, unpacking how watch market noise and misleading data can paint a far more dramatic picture than what is actually happening behind the scenes. Ariel pushes back on the obsession with secondary market pricing and investor-driven narratives, arguing that the health of the industry is far more nuanced than a few headline metrics, while the group debates whether enthusiasts should even care about the business side at all or just focus on the watches themselves. Along the way, the conversation drifts into the quirks of modern watch collecting, media-driven hype cycles, and how easily narratives can spiral when the data is incomplete.Of course, it would not be a proper aBlogtoWatch Weekly episode without things going slightly off the rails, as a “simple Seiko pricing discussion” turns into chaos when Ariel completely breaks the rules of the game, derailing one of the show’s favorite segments in real time. From there, the episode moves through new releases, design observations, and the usual mix of strong opinions and tangents that somehow still circle back to the core question of the episode: Are we over-thinking the watch world, or just over-analyzing the wrong things?For sponsorship, you can go here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/jacqui-atkinson-2?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CLFor suggestions of watches to run the London Marathon in email Podcasts@ablogotowatch.comTo 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 on aBlogtoWatch Weekly, Rick, Ripley, and David kick things off with an unexpected deep dive into one of the most overlooked topics in watchmaking: comfort. From clasp design to strap stiffness and why so many high end watches still feel terrible on the wrist, the team breaks down why this basic issue remains unsolved and what brands could be doing better. Along the way, they even propose a very scientific new testing method involving a crushed Red Bull can. (Anybody have a line to Red Bull about podcast sponsorships?)

The conversation then shifts into the wider watch world, including Formula 1 sponsorship moves, CEO visibility, and how brand identity is shaped both on and off the track. To wrap things up, the Brand Wheel returns with a new twist, as the crew debates which brands should be kept, changed, or completely eliminated. As always, expect industry insight, strong opinions, and the kind of watch talk that somehow spirals from serious analysis into crushing Red Bull cans for science.

For sponsorship, you can go here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/jacqui-atkinson-2?utm_medium=FR&utm_source=CL

For suggestions of watches to run the London Marathon in email Podcasts@ablogotowatch.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/

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This week on aBlogtoWatch Weekly, it is just Rick and Ariel back behind the microphones for a wide ranging and occasionally chaotic conversation about the state of the watch industry. With Watches & Wonders approaching, the two dive into how the modern release cycle has changed the excitement around major watch events, why embargo driven coverage has made launches feel predictable, and whether the industry has accidentally replaced discovery with information overload.

Their discussion then shifts into a deeper look at the watch market itself, sparked by Ariel’s recent article examining how widely circulated industry reports attempt to measure brand health through used watch pricing. Rick and Ariel unpack why those numbers often tell an incomplete story, why secondary market data can be misleading, and how speculation has influenced the way collectors think about buying watches. Along the way, they also touch on microbrands, new watch releases, and a few standout pieces currently on their radar, including collaborations, high-end independents, and some very unusual horological creations. As always, things wander between industry commentary, watch nerd tangents, and a few well-earned rants, which is usually what happens when Rick and Ariel are left alone to talk about watches.

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:

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This week on aBlogtoWatch Weekly, Ariel Adams is joined by Rick, David, and Ripley for a lively conversation that begins with a painful toe injury and quickly turns into a discussion about the hazards of working with watches, from dropped cases to the finger stabs that come with changing straps and spring bars. The team then dives into one of the biggest industry stories of the week as Swatch Group publicly pushes back against the latest Morgan Stanley and Luxconsult watch industry report, raising questions about transparency, data quality, and how much anyone outside the brands actually knows about watch sales.

Later in the episode, the crew looks at one of the stranger new accessories to hit the watch world: the Smartlet bracelet, a modular system designed to let you wear a traditional watch alongside a smartwatch on the same wrist. From there, the conversation moves into the recent surge of jumping hour watches, including a very high-end Louis Vuitton minute repeater and a new take from MeisterSinger. Naturally, the episode also drifts into the usual mix of watch industry commentary and total nonsense, including the increasingly chaotic Brand Wheel of Death, where brands face the ultimate fate of being kept, killed, or erased from existence entirely.

To check out the ABTW Shop where you can see our products inspired by our love of Horology:

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To keep updated with everything Superlative, aBlogtoWatch Weekly, and aBlogtoWatch, check us out on:

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This week on aBlogtoWatch Weekly, Rick, David, and Ripley kick things off with affordable watch enthusiasm before diving headfirst into industry introspection. The new VAER G2 Meridian GMT proves that a $399 quartz travel watch can still feel thoughtfully designed, well built, and genuinely useful, while David’s latest “Grinding Gears” article tackles a much bigger issue: have major watch brands retreated into tiny echo chambers? From disappearing marketing ambition to confusing corporate growth expectations, the team connects the dots between brand communication, Morgan Stanley reports, and the shifting realities facing names like Omega and Breitling.

Things escalate quickly from there. A nearly $2 million Richard Mille soccer watch attempts to track match periods, scores, and stoppage time in the most mechanically complicated way

possible, sparking debate about purpose versus spectacle. The Brand Wheel of Death returns to eliminate Baume & Mercier while sparing Laurent Ferrier for a hypothetical fifty year reset, and Moritz Grossmann lives to spin again. It’s the usual combination of market analysis, horological absurdity, and just enough chaos to keep things interesting.

To check out the ABTW Shop where you can see our products inspired by our love of Horology:

- Shop ABTW - https://store.ablogtowatch.com/

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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:

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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:

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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

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- Shop ABTW - https://store.ablogtowatch.com/

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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/

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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:

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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:

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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:

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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:

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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.