A Blog To Watch Weekly

Watching Watches Watch

A weekly podcast featuring news and reviews from around the watch world as reported on aBlogtoWatch.com

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20 episodes
Updated Friday

Episodes20

Newest first

Friday · 1 hr 7 min
232 - Swatch Rejections, Freak X Sticker Shock, and Day vs Night Watches
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: - 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: 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
July 24 · 1 hr 8 min
231 - The MoonSwatch Loyalty Test, Quartz Redemption, and One Very Expensive Twin Beat
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/ 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 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
July 17 · 1 hr 2 min
230 - Tourbillon Truths, Seiko Surprises, and N3W5 "News"
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/ 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 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
July 10 · 1 hr 9 min
229 - Rolex Reality Check, Coin Watches, and It's a Hublot Summer
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/ 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 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
July 3 · 1 hr 14 min
228 - Twin Beat Returns, Freak X Sticker Shock, and G-Shock Gets Fancy
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/ 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 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
June 26 · 58 min
227 - What Makes A Watch Brand Independent, Tudor Bumblebee, And Panerai Plays It Safe
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: - 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 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
June 19 · 1 hr 1 min
226 - Rolex Roadblocks, Doxa Overload, and Price On Request
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: - 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 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
June 12 · 1 hr 9 min
225 - Bell & Ross Cubism, Monaco Speed, and ART Or Fad?
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. 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 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
June 5 · 1 hr 4 min
224. Fashion Watches Fight Back, Formex Levels Up, And Watches For Life Beyond Earth
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. 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!
May 29 · 1 hr 6 min
223. Waitlist Delusions, Cartier Rectangles, And Luxury Pricing Chaos
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: - 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!
May 22 · 1 hr 4 min
222. Swatch Stampedes, Candy-Colored Ceramics, And Citizen GMT Bargains
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. 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!
May 16 · 1 hr 8 min
221. Royal Oak Keychains, Tourbillon Bargains, And Advertising Wars
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. 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!
May 9 · 1 hr 8 min
220. The Great Watch Price Debate, Glow-In-The-Dark IWC, And Windup Weekend Chaos
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. 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!
May 2 · 1 hr 7 min
219. Identity Crisis Watches, Expensive Plastic, and Marathon Marketing Gone Wrong
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: - 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
April 27 · 1 hr 14 min
218. Inside Watches & Wonders 2026: Booth Rankings, Patek Debates, And Rolex Returns
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: - 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
April 10 · 1 hr 3 min
217. Press Release Apocalypse, A Waterfall of Mediocrity, and Watches & Wonders Expectations
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: - 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
April 3 · 1 hr 2 min
216. Tourbillon on a Budget, Beverage Branding Gone Wild, and The Longines Debate.
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: - 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 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
March 29 · 55 min
215. Watch Market Noise, Misleading Data, And Ariel Breaks The Rules
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
March 21 · 1 hr
214. Watch Comfort Crisis, F1 Sponsorship Chaos, And Brand Rankings Gone Wrong
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/ 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!
March 13 · 58 min
213. Rick & Ariel Unfiltered: Watches & Wonders Hype And Watch Market Reality Checks
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: - 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!