Time Well Spent – Details, episodes & analysis

Hello, and welcome to the Time Well Spent podcast — hosted by Devin Pennypacker, this is a show where each week, he and a guest use their shared love of watches as a jumping-off point to talk about the passions that keep us all ticking, whether that’s collecting, creativity, time spent outdoors, or the way we choose to explore the world.

In the very first (VERY LONG) episode of the Time Well Spent Podcast, Devin Pennypacker is joined by guest Griffin Bartsch. A fellow watch editor and content creator, Griffin brings his background in the watch industry to discuss everything looking back on 2025 and forward into 2026. We chat 2025 market trends, enthusiast sentiment, favorite releases, and favorite content pieces before transitioning into a look ahead. 2026 feels a bit uncertain but that didn't stop us from throwing out our industry predictions, brands specific predictions, and things we are excited about. Don’t forget to let us know what you think of the podcast so we can make it better going forward and most importantly who won, Skeleton Dials or Stone Dials?

Griffin Bartsch Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cgriffinbartsch/?hl=en 

Considered Goods (substack): https://consideredgoods.substack.com/?utm_campaign=profile_chips 

Devin Pennypacker Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/devinpennypacker/?hl=en 

Timestamps: 

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest

02:27 Wrist Check: What Are We Wearing?

07:29 Market Trends and Reflections on 2025

14:32 Looking Back: Favorite Content from Last Year

27:12 Shouting Out Contemporaries in the Watch Community

38:42 Looking Ahead: Predictions for 2026

01:01:00 Exploring Material Trends in Watchmaking

01:02:24 Color Trends and Predictions for 2026

01:04:55 The Future of Complications in Watches

01:11:01 Anniversaries and Their Impact on Watch Brands

01:24:52 Personal Resolutions in Watch Collecting

01:40:59 This or That: Stone Dials vs. Skeleton Dials

Article Recommendations: 

Final Recommendations: 

Huckberry Homes Inside this Author’s Upstate New York Escape Built for Cooking, Hosting and Living Well: https://youtu.be/2txqGuekpVQ?si=B2gbuE32J4e2bR6W 

Curious Clocks and Watches through time with Oliver Cooke | Curator's Corner S8 E1: https://youtu.be/ywD5kngMuYM?si=rAysowJlxdduPFiV 

Huckberry Dirt Is Maine the Culinary Capital of New England Food? | DIRT Maine:https://youtu.be/WRNViQhucGY?si=__5587M4PFTMB932

In this episode of the Time Well Spent podcast, Blake Buettner of The Deep Track and I sit down to deliver our wild watch predictions for the upcoming Watches and Wonders 2026 show. We each brought 5 picks, references photoshopped and rationals loosely written, ready to defend our wild ideas for what we might see in April. For the first part, be sure to tune into The Deep Track youtube channel or podcast before coming back to catch part 2! What prediction was your favorite? What do you hope to see at Watches and Wonders?

Catch part 1 here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Z7Q9uAxwqg 

Find the article here: https://thedeeptrack.com/ 

Follow TheDeepTrack on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedeep_track/?hl=en 

Blake on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blake_buettner/?hl=en 

Devin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/devinpennypacker/?hl=en 

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to Watches and Wonders Predictions

03:01 Insights from the Intersect Watch Show

06:04 IWC Ingenieur: Celebrating Heritage and Innovation

09:11 Exploring Seratanium and Unique Materials

11:56 Zenith's Evolution and Future Directions

14:53 Tudor's New Designs and Market Positioning

19:05 Revitalizing Tudor's Heritage

22:16 The Evolution of Tudor's Design Language

25:45 Bridging the Gap in Tudor's Collection

28:49 Exploring Tudor's Chronograph Legacy

32:44 The Future of Tudor: Predictions and Possibilities

Resources:

Watches and Wonders Official Site - https://www.watchesandwonders.com/ 

Intersect Watch Show NYC - https://intersectwatches.com/ 

Deep Track Podcast - https://deeptrack.com/ 

YouTube - https://youtube.com/deeptrack 

Blake Buettner on Instagram - https://instagram.com/blakebuettner 

Devin Pennypacker on YouTube - https://youtube.com/devinpennypacker

In this episode of the Time Well Spent podcast, Devin Pennypacker and Jacob Van Buren explore the importance of real-world testing in watch reviews, the romance of vintage diving gear, and the work that goes into crafting the stories behind the review. Let us know who won the debate between “Dive Style Watches” and “Overbuilt Field Watches”!

Jacob on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sea_vue/?hl=en 

Devin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/devinpennypacker/?hl=en 

Project Recover: https://www.projectrecover.org/ 

MKII Baku Edition: https://mkiiwatches.com/products/project-recover-baku-edition 

Recommendations:

The Undersea World with Jacques Causteau: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6J1OzLHamQ8TdX5j2w3L253mD-x0gZGi 

Ben Lowrey SubStack, Why Do Divers Wear Red Beanies?: https://submersiblewrist.substack.com/p/why-do-divers-wear-red-beanies 

How The Birth Of US Maritime SpecOps Inspired A Pioneering Dive Watch https://www.watchesofespionage.com/blogs/woe-dispatch/oss-maritime-unit-hamilton-buships-canteen?srsltid=AfmBOopDPuZKMyRhfCemnSToxrUf5Nf-IrOWyvsCQ-a92tyHN6t00GDZ 

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to the Time Well Spent Podcast

02:50 Diving into Watch Predictions and Resolutions

05:41 Wrist Check: Vintage Doxa and Personal Stories

08:26 The Importance of Real-World Testing in Watch Reviews

11:15 Diving into Vintage Gear: A Passion for History

13:50 The Romance of Vintage Diving Equipment

16:30 Crafting Stories Around Watches and Experiences

26:46 Preserving Vintage Dive Gear

28:10 The Ethos of Vintage Diving

29:51 Diving with Historical Equipment

33:04 The Baku Zine Project

38:09 Community and Collaboration in Watch Culture

39:46 This or That: Dive Watches vs. Field Watches

44:41 Recommendations and Closing Thoughts

In this episode of the Time Well Spent podcast, host Devin Pennypacker is joined by Miguel from SoCal Watch Reviews. They discuss a variety of topics including their experiences with watches, the challenges of content creation, behind the scenes of YouTube, and the importance of customer service in the watch industry. The conversation also touches on the divide between YouTubers and traditional media, as well as personal anecdotes about their favorite watches. Don’t forget to let us know who won the debate between Fixed Spring Bars v Integrated Bracelets below!

Relevant Links:

Miguel (SoCalWatchReviews) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/socalwatchreviews/?hl=en 

SoCalWatch Reviews on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@socalwatchreviews 

Devin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/devinpennypacker/?hl=en 

Devin on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DevinPennypacker 

Devin’s Most Worn Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rBjE0acjXro 

Sheffield Watch Review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BV6Y6ozOEls 

Final Recommendations:

The Grey Nato Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-grey-nato/id1080535798 

Open Works Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/openwork-inside-the-watch-industry/id1725642176 

Watch Studies on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/watchstudies/ 

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Time Well Spent Podcast

02:49 Weather and Location Differences

05:35 Transitioning Roles in Podcasting

08:24 Wrist Check: Watch Discussions

11:14 Customer Service Experiences with Watch Brands

19:10 Watch Repair and Customer Service Experiences

21:02 Positive Brand Interactions and Customer Loyalty

23:47 Building Community and Brand Loyalty

25:49 The Importance of Customer Service in the Watch Industry

28:32 Content Creation Insights and Challenges

33:15 Navigating Social Media Challenges and Community Support

38:51 The Growth of a YouTube Channel

43:16 Navigating the Stigma of YouTubers vs. Editors

51:40 The Future of Content Creation and AI

52:00 Fixed Springbars V Integrated Bracelets

56:09 Cultural Recommendations and Wrap-Up

In this episode of the Time Well Spent Podcast, Devin Pennypacker is joined by Brock Stevens (Deepsea.EDC on instagram). A US Navy Diver, talented photographer, marketing manager for watch brands including MKII and Tornek-Rayville, and lover of gear, Brock takes on the hot topic of risque advertising in the watch industry before chatting about his upcoming adventures in overlanding and diving. he conversation begins with a wrist check, showcasing unique watches, and transitions into a discussion about the impact of advertising in the watch industry, particularly regarding the use of liquor and cigarettes. Brock shares his excitement about the upcoming Defender Trophy adventure, emphasizing the importance of conservationism in the event. The episode also highlights Brock's involvement with Project Recover, a nonprofit organization dedicated to repatriating the remains of missing soldiers. Throughout the conversation, Brock reflects on his busy life, future projects, and the passion that drives him to create meaningful connections through his work. New episodes launch Monday mornings at 7am EST on all podcast platforms with full video episodes dropping the following morning, Tuesday at 10 am EST. Don’t forget to leave your feedback below, potential future guests you would love to hear from, and of course, who you thought won the game!

Brock on Instagram

Devin on Instagram 

DIY Watch Club Pro Watchmaker Tools

De Rijke & Co. Capris

Defender Trophy Competition

Project Recover

Tornek-Rayville

MKII Baku Edition

Jacob Van Buren ‘Sea_Vue’ 

Project Recover ‘To What Remains’ 

The Man in the Sea Museum

Building a Cheap, Fun Off-Roader in 48 Hours

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Launch

00:31 Wrist Check and Watch Design Discussion

10:09 Photography and Risque Advertising in the Watch Industry

23:57 Defender Trophy Adventure and Its History

27:19 Embracing Change and New Challenges

29:21 The Excitement of the Defender Trophy Competition

33:38 Conservationism and Adventure

36:17 Project Recover: A Mission of Remembrance

43:56 Balancing Passion Projects and Personal Life

47:32 THE GAME

51:00 Final Recommendations

In this episode of the Time Well Spent podcast, Devin Pennypacker and Justin Sowders chat about all things fine art, watch collaborations, and watch design. We dive into specific collaborations, the process behind artist and commissioner relationships, and what we would like to see more of in the watch world. Don't forget to let us know who won the game of this or that, titanium or ceramic!

Justin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justin_sowders_art/ 

Justin Sowders Website: https://www.justinsowders.com/ 

Devin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/devinpennypacker/?hl=en 

Recommendations:

Rewatchables Podcast Goldeneye: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/goldeneye-with-bill-simmons-chris-ryan-and-sean-fennessey/id1268527882?i=1000750079731 

Teddy Baldassarre Watches of James Bond: https://youtu.be/9NnePpdTmts?si=mbfk2EcUj-F7OfAo

Netflix Splinter Cell Deathwatch: https://www.netflix.com/title/81306317 

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to Devin Pennypacker and Justin Sowders

00:56 Justin's background in art and watch collecting

03:34 Justin's current wristwear and collection insights

13:10 The role of art in watch design and collaborations

16:23 Case study: Samuel Ross x Hublot Big Bang Unico

18:06 Artist collaborations: Sophie Scott Lewis and isotope

21:23 High risk, high reward: artist-brand collaborations

25:57 Justin’s process for custom watch art creation

32:31 Working with brands vs private collectors

35:59 Justin’s perspective on watch and art as separate worlds

37:58 This or That Game: Titanium V Ceramic

45:04 Creative ideas for future watch materials

53:35 Justin’s cultural recommendations: movies and series

55:58 The importance of storytelling in watch art and culture

In this episode of the Time Well Spent Podcast, Devin Pennypacker is once again joined by Griffing Bartsch to chat. This time though, they are trying out something new, trading watches from their own collection for a full hands on review in order to push each other outside of their prospective comfort zones. Should we do this again? 

Considered Goods Review: https://consideredgoods.substack.com/p/dueling-reviews-vol-1-the-merci-x

Griffin Bartsch Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cgriffinbartsch/?hl=en 

Devin Pennypacker Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/devinpennypacker/?hl=en 

Final Recommendations: 

Nigel Mansell F1 LEGO: https://amzn.to/4ske0Wk 

Shrinking: https://tv.apple.com/us/show/shrinking/umc.cmc.apzybj6eqf6pzccd97kev7bs 

A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: https://www.hbomax.com/shows/knight-of-the-seven-kingdoms/3507a932-eace-46ea-bfe1-638ae819fa12 

19thand Laptop Watch Bracelet Protection: https://19thand.com/ 

Timestamps: 

00:00 Introduction to the Concept

03:06 The Watch Exchange and Unboxing

05:59 Exploring the Watches: First Impressions

12:02 Diving Deeper: The Experience of Wearing

14:55 Comparative Analysis of Watch Styles

17:46 Final Thoughts and Reflections

21:11 Chronograph Design and Functionality

24:40 Comparative Analysis of French Watch Brands

27:30 Price Justification and Market Competition

30:14 Design Intentionality in Watchmaking

32:39 The Impact of Watch Ownership on Sentiment

34:31 Renaissance of Mechanical Chronographs

35:24 Cultural Recommendations and Personal Insight

Tom Clemence, founder of the watch microbrand Clemence Watches joins the Time Well Spent Podcast to chat about how things got started, designing his first watch, his second model the Munro, and his latest watch release, the Clemence Photic MKII dive watch. Tom gives us a sneak peak into the watch industry from a smaller brand perspective while also comparing his experience in starting a microbrand with Devin’s experience in discovering new watch brands and covering them. Don't forget to let us know who won this week's game of This or That!

Clemence Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clemencewatches/ 

Devin Pennypacker Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/devinpennypacker/?hl=en 

Relevant Links:

Clemence Photic MKII Review: https://thedeeptrack.com/review-the-clemence-photic-mkii-a-microbrand-diver-that-refuses-to-cut-corners/ 

Clemence: https://www.clemencewatches.com/ 

Arken Watches: https://arken.uk/ 

CYMA Dress Watch: https://www.analogshift.com/products/cyma-jules-person-dress-watch-as11678?_pos=1&_sid=e9a5d7c43&_ss=r

Learn About Hallmarks: https://antiqwatch.com/old-watch-brands/swiss-a-d.html

https://pocketwatchdatabase.com/guide/case-trademarks?keyword=star

https://perceptionswatches.com/geneva-watch-case-hallmarks-the-key-to-who-produced-your-watch-case/

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction 

09:25 The Journey of Starting a Watch Brand

24:25 Navigating the Kickstarter Experience

28:55 Funding Choices and Brand Birth

32:09 Defining Success in Business

35:32 The Evolution of Clements Watches

40:50 Designing the Photic MK2: Intentional Choices

51:04 Value Beyond Specs: The Heart of Watchmaking

53:46 The Essence of Watch Design

55:15 Design Integrity and Personal Connection

57:34 Balancing Vintage and Contemporary Elements

01:01:41 The Unique Appeal of Micro Brands

01:03:51 The Importance of Accessibility in Design

01:07:50 Experiencing the Outdoors: A Personal Touch

01:11:36 Recommendations for Simple Pleasures

We are doing WATCH HOT TAKES! In the latest episode of the Time Well Spent Podcast, Devin Pennypacker is joined again by Griffin Bartsch as the two are primed and ready to get a few things off their chest, sharing a few of their own personal hot takes on the watch industry and ready for a fight. Before the main chat, we talk about our hands on experience with the new Longines Hydroconquest dive watch release as well as the first ever Hodinkee Hangout in SoHo.

Griffin Bartsch Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cgriffinbartsch/?hl=en 

Devin Pennypacker Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/devinpennypacker/?hl=en 

Longines Hydro Conquest - https://www.longines.com/watches/hydro-conquest

Hodinkee Happy Hour Event - https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/hodinkee-watches-of-switzerland-soho-event

Seiko SRPL11 Review: https://wornandwound.com/review/hands-on-the-redesigned-seiko-samurai-srpl11/ 

Vintage Vacheron: https://www.analogshift.com/products/vacheron-constantin-guilloche-dress-watch-as11970?_pos=7&_sid=fa7322b57&_ss=r 

Final Recommendations:

Death by Lightning (Netflix series) - https://www.netflix.com/title/81234567 

Ponies, Persons of No Interest (Peacock series) - https://www.peacocktv.com/streaming/series/ponies-persons-of-no-interest 

Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction to the Time Well Spent Podcast

02:29 Wrist Check: Griffin's NoMo Zurich World Timer

05:21 Devin's Seiko Samurai SRPL 11 Experience

08:03 Longines Hydro Conquest Revamp Discussion

15:44 Hodinkee Happy Hour Event Recap

22:10 Hot Takes on Watches

27:18 The Utility of Rolex Watches

29:11 Critique of Dive Watches by Brands

34:07 The Debate on Bracelet Tapering

41:25 Zeratsu Polishing: Marketing or Mastery?

47:34 The Best Watch vs. The Right Watch

50:02 The Impact of New Releases on Perception

51:18 Character vs. Perfection in Watches

53:47 The Need for Design Innovation in Watchmaking

56:32 Exploring Unique Lug Shapes and Designs

59:02 The Controversy of Modern Watch Designs

01:01:36 Hot Takes on Watch Crystals

01:04:49 Recommendations and Upcoming Adventures