A Blog To Watch Weekly

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:- 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, 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:- 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!

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 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, 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/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!

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:- 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!

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:- 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!

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:- 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![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.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 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.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 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. 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

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:- 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, 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.

This week on aBlogtoWatch Weekly, Ariel, Rick, and Ripley kick off with a philosophical spin on time itself before diving into the irony of Phillips celebrating a watch that resold for less than before, and how auction houses keep fueling inflated prices that manipulate market perception. Ariel revisits his article on the realities of watch auctions, exploring how media hype perpetuates unrealistic valuations. The group then shifts to the retail side as Ariel breaks down why the luxury watch industry’s high pricing strategy has created its own worst enemy, and why consumers are growing weary of inflated retail tags. Their conversation expands to the fate of brands like Timex, Daniel Wellington, and Fossil, with sharp insights into how microbrands are reshaping entry level watch culture. They dive into Nick Jonas’ Fossil endorsement, questioning if anyone has ever actually seen him wear one or if it’s just the most expensive wrist costume in pop history, Trump’s “gold bar” moment, and the absurdity of “tiny window” watches. The team closes with two fiery rants, one from Ripley on why the MoonSwatch is not really affordable and another from Ariel on brands that think tiny illegible watch windows are the next big thing

This week on aBlogtoWatch Weekly, the show kicks off in the best kind of chaos as Rick, Ariel, David, and Ripley dive straight into the bizarre world of Casio’s new AI-powered pet, the Moflin, a furry robot companion that sparks a hilariously unhinged debate about whether Casio has gone too far or stumbled into genius-level diversification. Between jokes about Furbies, USB charging ports, and data-collecting guinea pigs, the crew manages to make sense of it all before officially starting the show and shifting into Ariel’s latest editorial on the evolution of in-person watch events. From Windup to Watches and Wonders, they explore how shows since the beginning of the pandemic have reshaped the way brands connect with collectors, whether there are too many of them, and how smaller gatherings create opportunities for more meaningful conversations. Ripley’s rant of the week follows with a deep dive into a watch that mistakenly called itself an annual calendar when it was actually a complete calendar, prompting a Watchmaking 101 lesson about the differences among complete, annual, and perpetual calendars, delivered with just enough watch-nerdy humor to make it stick. As things wind down, the team debates who is more obsessed with the moon, NASA or Omega, and somehow ends up joking about Bond watches, space marketing, and Panerai’s habit of rewriting its own history. From AI guinea pigs to calendar complications, this episode captures the chaos, curiosity, and wit that make aBlogtoWatch Weekly a must-listen for anyone who loves watches, good stories, and a little bit of absurdity along the way.[00:00] Weekly Banter: The show begins with a discussion about YouTuber Nico Leonard's partnership with CIGA Design.[04:08] Casio's New Product: The hosts talk about the "Casio Moflin," a furry, AI-powered "smart companion."[12:18] The State of Watch Shows: Ariel discusses an article he wrote about the evolution, challenges, and opportunities of consumer-facing watch events post-pandemic.[29:46] Rant: Haim Annum Watch: Ripley Sellers expresses his disappointment with the new Haim Annum watch, which was marketed as an annual calendar but is actually a complete calendar.[37:40] Watches 101: Calendar Types: Following the rant, the hosts explain the differences between various watch calendar complications:[38:12] Perpetual Calendar: Accounts for months and leap years[38:40] Annual Calendar: Accounts for different month lengths but needs to be reset at the end of February .[39:59] Complete/Triple Calendar: Displays the day, date, and month but needs to be manually adjusted for months with fewer than 31 days.[44:30] Brand Discussion: Omega vs. NASA: The hosts debate the question, "Who cares about the moon the most, NASA or Omega?"[57:28] Horror Movies as Watch Brands: The "Watch You Like" segment returns, matching horror films to watch brands:[59:40] The Thing: Bremont [01:01:34] A Nightmare on Elm Street: Tiso PRX (for hair pulling) or Daniel Wellington (for buyer's remorse) [01:05:32] Gremlins: A Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime, due to its complexity and rules (don't get it wet, don't set it after midnight) .[01:05:41] Next Week's Challenge: In honor of Jay Leno's Scottish heritage, the hosts will match watch brands to sweets from the Scottish company Golden Casket.[01:10:20] Hit, Miss, or Maybe (Part 1): The hosts review the Chopard Mille Miglia GTS Power Control.[01:15:22] Hit, Miss, or Maybe (Part 2): The final watch reviewed is the Ball Roadmaster M Model A, a mechanical alarm watch, which receives a "Hit," a "Miss," and a "Maybe"** YouTube Monetization ID for Copyright Material From PremiumBeat.com: #3826449

This week on aBlogtoWatch Weekly, Rick, Ariel, David, and Ripley tackleanother full slate of watch talk and industry laughs. The crew opens with thelatest missteps in media watch coverage before getting hands-on with thestriking Zenith Defy Zero-G in blue sapphire. From the return of Las Vegas as ahub for luxury watch events to an engaging look at Breguet’s legacy andtechnical mastery, they  explore the craftsmanship behind iconic movementsand the enduring influence of historic innovation on modern watchmaking. Thefour also untangle the age-old mix-up between chronographs and chronometers,proving that while one measures time and the other measures accuracy, confusionbetween the two might just be the most consistent complication in watchcollecting. When Rick reads a YouTube comment claiming that watch collectingisn’t a hobby, Ariel fires back with a passionate, red-hot defense that turnswhat started as a casual jab into a full-blown debate about obsession,identity, and why passion for watches is anything but casual. Between specifieddefinitions, rants, and confessions of “it’s not an addiction, it’s aninterest,” the team finds humor in just how seriously enthusiasts take theirso-called pastime. If you enjoy smart banter, watch nerdery, and the kind ofchemistry only this team can deliver, then tune into this week’s episode andjoin the conversation.0:00 Start[00:01:06] Weekly "Clapage": The team discusses a reader-submitted find from the London Times, which featured an article on the "hottest designs for autumn 2025" but mistakenly used a picture of a vintage Tag Heuer triple calendar moonphase instead of the new Carrera Astronomer.[00:08:43] Las Vegas Watch Scene: Ariel is excited about the revival of Las Vegas (JCK and Couture) as a major destination for watch events in the United States, reminiscing about the days before Baselworld's decline.[00:15:14] Hands-On: Zenith Defy 50G Blue Sapphire: The group discusses Ariel's hands-on with the 46mm blue sapphire Zenith, featuring the unique "ZeroG" gimbal-style mechanism designed to keep the balance wheel horizontal.[00:23:08] Show Within a Show: RantIn response to a YouTube comment ("It's not a hobby"), Ariel delivers a rant defending watch collecting as the very definition of a hobby, citing the time spent learning, socializing, trading, and building.[00:30:50] Show Within a Show: Brand SpotlightBreguet: The team discusses the immense historical importance of Abraham-Louis Breguet, his foundational inventions (tourbillon, overcoil), and the brand's modern struggles and triumphs in living up to that legacy.[00:38:39] Show Within a Show: 101 CornerChronograph vs. Chronometer: A foundational discussion explaining that a Chronograph is a watch with a stopwatch function, while a Chronometer is a watch certified for its high accuracy (e.G., by COSC). They also discuss good entry-level mechanical chronographs, like those with the Valjoux 7750 movement.[00:50:44] "What You Like" Game: Scottish CuisineLorn Sausage (Square Sausage): Compared to the Hublot Square Bang.Rumble Thumps (Potatoes, Cabbage, Cheese): Likened to a G-Shock (a reliable side dish to a collection) or a Rolex Datejust (a comforting classic).Haggis: The consensus lands on the Rolex 1908 "Land Dweller"—a watch with a bad reputation (or name) that is surprisingly good once you experience its high-quality movement.[01:07:02] Next Week's Topic: Classic horror movies (The Thing, Nightmare on Elm Street, Gremlins).[01:08:19] Wrist ChecksAriel: Casio G-Shock 30th Anniversary Neon Genesis Evangelion.Ripley: Casio 2100 series ("CasiOak") with a green dial.David: Bulgari Octo Finissimo with a copper/salmon dial.[01:10:44] Hit, Miss, MaybeBreguet 7225 Urwerk UR10 Space Meter:

This week’s episode opens with our hosts in recovery mode from another whirlwind of watch events in New York City. Between too many cocktails, too few hours of sleep, and an overload of new releases, they manage to squeeze in some insight into what makes this strange little world of watch collecting tick.Our recent watch-enthusiast survey gets dissected, revealing that the average collector spends less than you’d think, most of them also play guitar, and nearly everyone pretends to understand constant-force mechanisms. Cue a lively debate about integrated bracelets (“Free the bracelet!”) and why the supposedly sacred “three-watch collection” rule might be the dumbest idea the hobby ever produced.Omega’s latest Speedmaster drops into the conversation like a well-timed meme — inspiring both awe and eye-rolls. The crew then takes a detour into rebranding gone wrong, using the fictional “Brahmot” as a case study in how to confuse your fanbase while trying to sound modern. Spoiler: Clear communication still matters more than Helvetica font choices.The discussion gets philosophical — and slightly unhinged — about consumer education, certification programs, and Seiko’s website, which earns the definitive verdict: “Seiko doesn’t run good websites.” Somewhere between talk of health insurance, music, and cultural references, the group concludes that the watch industry runs best on caffeine, optimism, and a bit of chaos.It’s a fast, funny, and brutally honest ride through the watch industry’s weird ecosystem — equal parts therapy session and roast. Whether you’re rocking a Speedmaster or a Seiko 5, remember — collecting watches is supposed to be fun. Don’t let your bracelet hold you back.

This week’s aBlogtoWatch Weekly is part philosophy seminar, part farmyard documentary. Rick, Ariel, David, and Ripley debate whether COSC should start certifying desks and chocolate, ponder the “tonic immobility” of watches, and introduce a new segment — Show Within a Show — featuring a brand (Hublot), a rant (Mecha-Quartz), and a novice question (Equation of Time).Elsewhere, the team explores whether novelty is just a fancy word for “same watch, new colour,” Ariel teaches everyone the phrase obliquity of the ecliptic, and David explains why his mum now owns a crooked Meissen mug. Plus: wedding-watch picks, fat-man festivals, and an honest attempt to compare watches to 1990s video games.

This episode of the aBlogtoWatch Weekly Podcast starts with cooking-and-wine banter before serving up a full course of watch talk — from the buzz around Dubai Watch Week (and the city's surprisingly good dining scene) to the eternal tug-of-war between hobbyists and luxury buyers. Celebrity endorsements get side-eyed for hype over substance, while Watches & Wonders is hailed as the big stage for fresh releases. The team celebrates wild designs like Roger Dubuis’s Knights of the Round Table, pokes fun at the idea of “test-driving” a table, and dives into the perennial nostalgia factor, comparing defunct camera brands like Minolta to beloved watch marques. The guys explore how “obsolete” complications find new life, tease barely associative future tangents about hot sauces, and wrap it all in their now-trademark irreverence, turning serious industry insights into an entertaining conversation that keeps watch talk as approachable as it is deep-diving.