The WatchRolling Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

Show Notes:

Episode Title: Why the WOS Purchase of Hodinkee Didn’t Move the Needle for Me

Episode Description:In today’s episode, I explore Watches of Switzerland’s acquisition of Hodinkee and why, as an enthusiast, it doesn’t change much for me. We break down Ben Clymer’s spin on the deal, how Hodinkee has evolved into a marketing machine, and why the real focus should remain on the watches. I also explain how Hodinkee’s access to WOS’s inventory could create more opportunities to learn about timepieces and encourage listeners to look past the “plumage” and focus on the “meat”—the watches.

Key Discussion Points:

• WOS Buying Hodinkee: Why it’s not a merger—it’s a sale.

• My Enthusiast Reaction: This doesn’t change much for me as someone who loves watches.

• Hodinkee’s Evolution: How it has become more of a polished sales platform.

• Loyalty and Trust: Why I put my trust in the watches themselves, not in any one platform.

• Focus on the Watches: How Hodinkee’s access to WOS’s inventory could offer more opportunities for enthusiasts to learn about watches.

Links and Mentions:

• Watches of Switzerland [https://www.watchesofswitzerland.com/about-us]

• Hodinkee [https://www.hodinkee.com]

• Teddy Baldassarre on YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@TeddyBaldassarre]

• The 1916 Watch Company Watch Reviews  [https://www.youtube.com/@the1916companywatchreviews]

• Long Island Watch Watch and Learn Series [https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUfNlzMeX0JueoZ-yeiB1-RnwyQBwMPSL&si=kXOcXu71OI7SYRia]

• Veterans Crisis LineIf you or a veteran you know is in crisis, Dial 988 then Press 1 for help. The original Veterans Crisis Line number, 1-800-273-8255 (Press 1), is still available, or veterans can chat online at: https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/get-help-now/chat/You can also text to 838255.

• Donate to the Veterans Watchmaker Initiative: https://www.veteranswatchmakerinitiative.org/donate-now/Support VWI and help veterans develop watchmaking skills that can lead to meaningful careers.

• Mushi Watch Straps - SponsoredThe pod is sponsored by Mushi Watch Straps, a Veteran-Owned Company that makes stylish, durable, and fairly priced watch straps and accessories. Use discount code “VET10” for 10% off your entire purchase at checkout: www.mushiwatchstraps.com 

• Anti Watch Watch Club (AWWC) - SponsoredThe pod is also brought to you by the Anti Watch Watch Club (AWWC). This 501(c)(3) non-profit organization supports veterans, LEOs, and First Responders via monetary, social, humanitarian, and emotional support. Learn about them here: https://antiwatchclub.org/pages/about-us

• Visit WatchRolling.com for moreFor Veteran Resources, articles, and cool watch-related content, visit: https://www.watchrolling.com/And remember, at WatchRolling.com – "You make the watch; the watch doesn't make you."

Welcome to episode 93, where we focus on my love and appreciation of three-hand watches! Below you'll find links to all the topics we discussed today, along with a few organizations worth checking out. Don't forget to support the veterans in your life and enjoy the watch talk!

• Grand Seiko SBGX335: https://timeandtidewatches.com/hands-on-the-utilitarian-grand-seiko-sbgx335-delivers-more-than-just-wrist-presence/ The Grand Seiko SBGX335 is a wonderful GADA timepiece. Enjoy the wonderful review by Time & Tide.

• Seiko Caliber NH38: https://calibercorner.com/seiko-sii-caliber-nh38a/ This movement works wonderfully for mods. If you want a no b.s., GADA Seiko mod, I can’t recommend the NH38 enough. I have one in a Mil-Sub mod. It’s a workhorse and affordable.

• Rolex Explorer: https://www.rolex.com/en-us/watches/explorer/explorer  Arguably the most well-known iteration of a no-date watch. This, for me anyway, would find tons of wrist time—one of the most beautiful models I’ve held in my hand, regardless of era.  

• A Blog To Watch Article-New Release Zodiac x Craft+Tailored Super Sea Wolf LE: https://www.ablogtowatch.com/new-release-zodiac-x-craft-tailored-super-sea-wolf-ref-691-limited-edition-watch/ Ripley Sellers runs us through the latest Limited Edition by Zodiac Watches. This 36mm harkens to Zodiacs of the past and looks good doing it. Also, it’s a no-date!

• Veterans Crisis LineIf you or a veteran you know is in crisis, Dial 988 then Press 1 for help. The original Veterans Crisis Line number, 1-800-273-8255 (Press 1), is still available, or veterans can chat online at: https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/get-help-now/chat/You can also text to 838255.

• Donate to the Veterans Watchmaker Initiative: https://www.veteranswatchmakerinitiative.org/donate-now/Support VWI and help veterans develop watchmaking skills that can lead to meaningful careers.

• Mushi Watch Straps - SponsoredThe pod is sponsored by Mushi Watch Straps, a Veteran-Owned Company that makes stylish, durable, and fairly priced watch straps and accessories. Use discount code “VET10” for 10% off your entire purchase at checkout: www.mushiwatchstraps.com 

• Anti Watch Watch Club (AWWC) - SponsoredThe pod is also brought to you by the Anti Watch Watch Club (AWWC). This 501(c)(3) non-profit organization supports veterans, LEOs, and First Responders via monetary, social, humanitarian, and emotional support. Learn about them here: https://antiwatchclub.org/pages/about-us

• Visit WatchRolling.com for moreFor Veteran Resources, articles, and cool watch-related content, visit: https://www.watchrolling.com/And remember, at WatchRolling.com – "You make the watch; the watch doesn't make you."

Join me as we chat with Bryan Braddy of @badartnicewatch, a clever painting feed highlighting Bryan's ability to capture the souls of our favorite timepieces through his paintbrush. We discuss his unique paintings and their stories and answer, "What's the grail paint job for a guy who paints watches?"

Show Notes

Links (None are Affiliate Links)

• Veterans Watchmaker Initiative: https://www.veteranswatchmakerinitiative.org/about/  

Images and info (credit):

• Bad Art Nice Watch homepage: https://badartnicewatch.com/  

• Bad Art Nice Watch St. Jude’s Link: https://fundraising.stjude.org/site/TR?px=7759253&fr_id=133399&pg=personal 

Admin

Donate to the Veterans Watchmaker Initiative:  https://www.veteranswatchmakerinitiative.org/donate-now/ 

The pod is sponsored by Mushi Watch Straps, a Veteran-Owned Company that makes stylish, durable, and fairly priced watch straps and accessories. Use discount code “VET10” for 10% off your entire purchase at checkout: www.mushiwatchstraps.com 

The pod is also brought to you by the Anti Watch Watch Club (AWWC). This 501(c)(3) non-profit organization supports veterans, LEOs, and First Responders via monetary, social, humanitarian, and emotional support. Learn about them here: https://antiwatchclub.org/pages/about-us 

Visit https://www.watchrolling.com/ for Veteran Resources, articles, and more cool watch-related stuff.

and remember, at WatchRolling.com-"You make the watch; the watch doesn't make you."

Dial 988 then Press 1 is a new option for contacting the Veterans Crisis Line, the original number: 1-800-273-8255 and press 1, remains available, and Veterans can continue to reach out via chat at https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/get-help-now/chat/  or by text to 838255.

Join me as we chat with Evan Johnson of Stay Calm Industries, a successful marketing firm, about his watches and how, or if his career in marketing has influenced his watch enthusiasm. We also tackle one of his unpopular opinions and determine if FOMO attacks marketing professionals.

Warning: there's some spicy language in this episode.

Show Notes

Links (None are Affiliate Links)

• Veterans Watchmaker Initiative: https://www.veteranswatchmakerinitiative.org/about/  

Images and info (credit):

• Stay Calm Industries https://www.staycalmindustries.com/about   

Admin

Donate to the Veterans Watchmaker Initiative: https://www.veteranswatchmakerinitiative.org/donate-now/ 

The pod is sponsored by Mushi Watch Straps, a Veteran-Owned Company that makes stylish, durable, and fairly priced watch straps and accessories. Use discount code “VET10” for 10% off your entire purchase at checkout: www.mushiwatchstraps.com 

The pod is also brought to you by the Anti Watch Watch Club (AWWC). This 501(c)(3) non-profit organization supports veterans, LEOs, and First Responders via monetary, social, humanitarian, and emotional support. Learn about them here: https://antiwatchclub.org/pages/about-us 

Visit https://www.watchrolling.com/ for Veteran Resources, articles, and more cool watch-related stuff.

and remember, at WatchRolling.com-"You make the watch; the watch doesn't make you."

Dial 988 then Press 1 is a new option for contacting the Veterans Crisis Line, the original number: 1-800-273-8255 and press 1, remains available, and Veterans can continue to reach out via chat at https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/get-help-now/chat/  or by text to 838255.

Join me as we chat with retired US Naval Flight Officer (NFO) Chris-Call Sign "TJ" about his watches and what he's worn in the cockpit. We also tackle one of his unpopular opinions and answer TJ's question for the watch enthusiast community. Plus, stick around for the end as TJ shares an exceptional Veteran-related charitable organization with us.

Show Notes

Links (None are Affiliate Links)

• Veterans Watchmaker Initiative: https://www.veteranswatchmakerinitiative.org/about/  

Images and info (credit):

• Team Brit: https://www.linkedin.com/company/team-brit-racing/  

• Team Brit: Racing in America: https://issuu.com/teambrit/docs/racinginamerica 

Admin

Donate to the Veterans Watchmaker Initiative: https://www.veteranswatchmakerinitiative.org/donate-now/ 

The pod is sponsored by Mushi Watch Straps, a Veteran-Owned Company that makes stylish, durable, and fairly priced watch straps and accessories. Use discount code “VET10” for 10% off your entire purchase at checkout: www.mushiwatchstraps.com 

The pod is also brought to you by the Anti Watch Watch Club (AWWC). This 501(c)(3) non-profit organization supports veterans, LEOs, and First Responders via monetary, social, humanitarian, and emotional support. Learn about them here: https://antiwatchclub.org/pages/about-us 

Visit https://www.watchrolling.com/ for Veteran Resources, articles, and more cool watch-related stuff.

and remember, at WatchRolling.com-"You make the watch; the watch doesn't make you."

Dial 988 then Press 1 is a new option for contacting the Veterans Crisis Line, the original number: 1-800-273-8255 and press 1, remains available, and Veterans can continue to reach out via chat at https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/get-help-now/chat/  or by text to 838255.

Meet Mike Pearson all over again, this time as the North American Brand Director for Christopher Ward. Mike provides us some insight as only he can in his first interview since joining Christopher Ward! You want to make sure to catch this exclusive episode!

Show Notes

Links (None are Affiliate Links)

• Veterans Watchmaker Initiative: https://www.veteranswatchmakerinitiative.org/about/  

Images and info (credit):

• Christopher Ward: https://www.christopherward.com/int/home 

• Mike Pearson: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-p-715a281a0/v 

Admin

Donate to the Veterans Watchmaker Initiative: https://www.veteranswatchmakerinitiative.org/donate-now/ 

The pod is sponsored by Mushi Watch Straps, a Veteran-Owned Company that makes stylish, durable, and fairly priced watch straps and accessories. Use discount code “VET10” for 10% off your entire purchase at checkout: www.mushiwatchstraps.com 

The pod is also brought to you by the Anti Watch Watch Club (AWWC). This 501(c)(3) non-profit organization supports veterans, LEOs, and First Responders via monetary, social, humanitarian, and emotional support. Learn about them here: https://antiwatchclub.org/pages/about-us 

Visit https://www.watchrolling.com/ for Veteran Resources, articles, and more cool watch-related stuff.

and remember, at WatchRolling.com-"You make the watch; the watch doesn't make you."

Dial 988 then Press 1 is a new option for contacting the Veterans Crisis Line, the original number: 1-800-273-8255 and press 1, remains available, and Veterans can continue to reach out via chat at https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/get-help-now/chat/  or by text to 838255.

Welcome to a thrilling season ahead! 🎉 Join me as we kick off 2024 with a podcast loaded with exciting content. From a spotlight on veteran programs to inspiring interviews in "Contingent Achievements" and the fresh addition of watch reviews, there's something for everyone.

Links (None are Affiliate Links) Veterans Watchmaker Initiative: https://www.veteranswatchmakerinitiative.org/about/

Images and info (credit): Tudor FXD: https://www.tudorwatch.com/en/watch-family/pelagos-fxd Navy Productions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=77H-dL2EYzk Spelunker (NES) Playthrough- NintendoComplete: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jYneJ6rD_nI&t=14s Rolex Explorer II: https://www.rolex.com/en-us/watches/explorer

Admin Donate to the Veterans Watchmaker Initiative: https://www.veteranswatchmakerinitiative.org/donate-now/ The pod is sponsored by Mushi Watch Straps, a Veteran-Owned Company that makes stylish, durable, and fairly priced watch straps and accessories. Use discount code “VET10” for 10% off your entire purchase at checkout: www.mushiwatchstraps.com

The pod is also brought to you by the Anti Watch Watch Club (AWWC). This 501(c)(3) non-profit organization supports veterans, LEOs, and First Responders via monetary, social, humanitarian, and emotional support. Learn about them here: https://antiwatchclub.org/pages/about-us

Visit https://www.watchrolling.com/ for Veteran Resources, articles, and more cool watch-related stuff. and remember, at WatchRolling.com-"You make the watch; the watch doesn't make you."

Dial 988 then Press 1 is a new option for contacting the Veterans Crisis Line, the original number: 1-800-273-8255 and press 1, remains available, and Veterans can continue to reach out via chat at https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/get-help-now/chat/ or by text to 838255

This special holiday episode will dive deep into what the watch community means to me this festive season. We will focus on three aspects:

• The community itself.
• The vast knowledge within the community.
• The endless opportunities to learn about horology.

So, grab your favorite timepiece, settle in, and let's explore the world of watches together.

Links (None are Affiliate Links)

• Veterans Watchmaker Initiative: https://www.veteranswatchmakerinitiative.org/about/  

Admin

Donate to the Veterans Watchmaker Initiative: https://www.veteranswatchmakerinitiative.org/donate-now/ 

The pod is sponsored by Mushi Watch Straps, a Veteran-Owned Company that makes stylish, durable, and fairly priced watch straps and accessories. Use discount code “VET10” for 10% off your entire purchase at checkout: www.mushiwatchstraps.com 

The pod is also brought to you by the Anti Watch Watch Club (AWWC). This 501(c)(3) non-profit organization supports veterans, LEOs, and First Responders via monetary, social, humanitarian, and emotional support. Learn about them here: https://antiwatchclub.org/pages/about-us 

Visit https://www.watchrolling.com/ for Veteran Resources, articles, and more cool watch-related stuff.

and remember, at WatchRolling.com-"You make the watch; the watch doesn't make you."

Dial 988 then Press 1 is a new option for contacting the Veterans Crisis Line, the original number: 1-800-273-8255 and press 1, remains available, and Veterans can continue to reach out via chat at https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/get-help-now/chat/  or by text to 838255.

In this episode, I chat with Kingsley S., a USAF veteran, and recent VA VETTEC program graduate. We discuss Kingsley's path from USAF Security Force member to VETTEC graduate who makes a massive difference in the lives of fellow Veterans and cyberspace!

Links (None are Affiliate Links)

• VA VETTEC Application Page: https://www.va.gov/education/about-gi-bill-benefits/how-to-use-benefits/vettec-high-tech-program/apply-for-vettec-form-22-0994/introduction 

• Kingsley S’ LinkedIn profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kingsley-scott/ 

• Veterans Watchmaker Initiative: https://www.veteranswatchmakerinitiative.org/about/  

Admin

Donate to the Veterans Watchmaker Initiative: https://www.veteranswatchmakerinitiative.org/donate-now/ 

The pod is sponsored by Mushi Watch Straps, a Veteran-Owned Company that makes stylish, durable, and fairly priced watch straps and accessories. Use discount code “VET10” for 10% off your entire purchase at checkout: www.mushiwatchstraps.com 

The pod is also brought to you by the Anti Watch Watch Club (AWWC). This 501(c)(3) non-profit organization supports veterans, LEOs, and First Responders via monetary, social, humanitarian, and emotional support. Learn about them here: https://antiwatchclub.org/pages/about-us 

Visit https://www.watchrolling.com/ for Veteran Resources, articles, and more cool watch-related stuff.

and remember, at WatchRolling.com-"You make the watch; the watch doesn't make you."

Dial 988 then Press 1 is a new option for contacting the Veterans Crisis Line, the original number: 1-800-273-8255 and press 1, remains available, and Veterans can continue to reach out via chat at https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/get-help-now/chat/  or by text to 838255.