Two Broke Watch Snobs

In this episode of Two Broke Watch Snobs, Mike and Kaz dive into the whole “chronometer” thing—what the label actually means, how different certifications stack up, and why accuracy still matters even if most of us are just timing pasta water. Along the way, they swap stories about their own watches, crack a few jokes at each other’s expense, and try to cut through the noise so collectors and enthusiasts know what’s worth caring about (and what’s just marketing fluff).Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Millennial Pause02:57 Experimenting with Podcast Format05:59 Understanding Chronometers09:00 Wrist Check: Personal Watch Experiences11:54 Chronometer Certification Explained14:51 The Value of Chronometer Certification26:48 Chronometer Certification: Worth the Paper?35:07 The Evolution of Chronometer Standards46:44 Technological Marvels in Watch Accuracy51:54 Final Thoughts on Chronometer Certification

This week, Mike and Kaz take a perilous scroll through the digital back alley of horology: AliExpress. What begins as innocent curiosity quickly devolves into uncovering horrors like a G-Shock knockoff that might secretly be a spy device, a faceted-case “dress watch” branded with a name so dark and questionable it probably requires a visit from law enforcement, and even a shameless clone of one of the Snobs’ favorite microbrand models. It’s equal parts comedy, tragedy, and public service announcement as the guys ask the eternal question: just because you can buy it for $3.99 with free shipping… should you?

$200 or less. That’s the magic number, folks—one and done! The boys are back at it, and in today’s episode, Kaz and Mike are diving into the one-watch-collection concept from a budget-friendly angle. Too often, people think a one-watch collection means shelling out for some outrageous, high-end piece. But, there are some seriously solid options out there that won’t break the bank. After recording this episode, you might just find yourself tempted to snag a couple of these beauties—trust us, the Two Broke Watch Snobs are feeling it! And that’s not all! Mike added a new watch to his collection, and Kaz has unearthed a long-lost TBWS artifact that’s making its triumphant return. You won’t want to miss this epic wrist check! They'll also chat about some exciting new releases featured on the site, dive into some quirky astronaut-adjacent collectibles, and share plans for future episodes. This one’s packed with fun, so don’t miss out! Show notes: Halios Seaforth: https://halioswatches.com/products/sfiv Orient Star GMT: https://twobrokewatchsnobs.com/orient-star-gmt-wz0071dj-review/ Rdunae Legendary Diver: https://rdunae.com/Rdunae-R6-Legendary-Diver-p488713236 Timex Q Falcon Chronograph: https://twobrokewatchsnobs.com/timex-q-falcon-eye-chronograph/ Casio EFB Chronograph: https://www.casio.com/intl/watches/edifice/product.EFB-730D-7AV/ Orient Mako Series (but check Amazon if you look for one): https://www.orientwatchusa.com/collections/orient-mako Timex Field Solar 36mm: https://timex.com/products/expedition-field-solar-36mm-eco-friendly-leather-strap-watch-tw2v64200 A whole batch of Eco-Drive watches on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/citizen-eco-drive-watches/s?k=citizen+eco+drive+watches Amazon Essentials Watch: https://www.amazon.com/Amazon-Essentials-Mens-Strap-Watch/dp/B0CCYQNNMT?th=1

In this episode of Two Book Watch Snobs, Mike and Kaz discuss their recent experiences with watches, travel, and photography. They delve into Mike's trip to Iceland, exploring the intersection of travel and watch collecting, and share insights on photography in different environments. They talk about packing strategies, the philosophy of traveling with just one watch, and the mishaps that can occur with watches during adventures. The discussion also touches on watch maintenance, repair, and the unique experience of visiting JS Watch Co., a small watch manufacturer in Iceland. As they wrap up, they brainstorm ideas for future episodes, including challenges related to affordable and vintage watches. Show notes The Christmas Chrono: https://twobrokewatchsnobs.com/orient-wv0051tx-neo70s-limited-edition-review/ CWC Royal Navy Diver: https://twobrokewatchsnobs.com/cwc-1980-royal-navy-diver/ Watches in Iceland: https://twobrokewatchsnobs.com/four-watches-across-iceland/ WOE Canvas Watch Roll: https://www.watchesofespionage.com/products/the-w-o-e-explorer-canvas-4-watch-roll Make Way for Ducklings: https://www.boston-discovery-guide.com/make-way-for-ducklings.html

After a bit of a break (life happens), Kaz and Mike are back on the mics and immediately dive into one of those questions that never seem to go away: Are luxury watch brands actually worth the price? It’s not exactly a yes-or-no thing. They end up wandering through everything from the storytelling behind big names to that weird-but-compelling pull Panerai still manages to have. They also get into Tudor, and not just the watches, but the "waiting" for Tudor. The brand seems to demand a kind of patience that collectors aren't always great at. Grand Seiko comes up too, especially those 9F quartz movements. But more than anything, this one’s about trying to unpack what makes a watch feel “worth it.” It's not always specs. Sometimes it's personal history, or just that irrational connection you can't explain. Somewhere along the way, the guys also touch on brand perception, marketing, and why it’s okay to admit a watch is too expensive, but still want it anyway. It’s a therapy session disguised as a podcast episode, basically. Show Notes Seiko Turtle: https://twobrokewatchsnobs.com/seiko-turtle-review-and-info/ Monta Triumph: https://twobrokewatchsnobs.com/monta-triumph-military-green-limited-edition/ Grand Seiko SBGV233 9F Quartz: https://twobrokewatchsnobs.com/grand-seiko-quartz-review-my-grail-the-sbgv233/ Panerai Luminor: https://twobrokewatchsnobs.com/panerai-luminor-marina-review/ Formula 1 Solargraph: https://www.tagheuer.com/us/en/timepieces/collections/tag-heuer-formula-1/tag-heuer-formula-1-date/ Christopher Ward C12 Loco: https://www.christopherward.com/int/watches/The-C12-Loco/C12-41H6D1-S00K0-B0.html

In this episode of Two Broke Watch Snobs, hosts Mike and Kaz delve into the concept of 'shitter watches'—affordable timepieces that may not be high-end but hold a special place in the hearts of collectors. They explore the relativity of what constitutes a shitter watch, share personal anecdotes about their own collections, and celebrate the charm of budget-friendly options like the Invicta Pro Diver. The conversation highlights the fun and enjoyment that can come from these watches, regardless of their perceived value. They also delve into Panerai watches' controversial reputation and surrounding community, highlighting the balance between aesthetics and technical appreciation in watch collecting. The conversation highlights personal experiences with different models, the importance of aesthetics over brand prestige, and the fun of owning affordable timepieces that still look great. Show Notes Benyar Chronograph: https://benyarwatch.com/collections/chronograph/products/2022-benyar-new-watches-men-luxury-brand-chronograph-male-sport-waterproof-clock-stainless-steel-men-quartz-watch-relojes-hombre Archie Luxury: https://www.youtube.com/user/ARCHIELUXURY Invicta Pro Diver: https://twobrokewatchsnobs.com/invicta-pro-diver-review-8926ob/ Skeleton Watches: https://twobrokewatchsnobs.com/skeleton-watches/

Kaz and Mike are back after a brief hiatus to talk about the history of the Mickey Mouse watch and a ton of Disney magic that plays a role in its enduring story. You'll get to hear about merchandising deals and the timeline of brands that served as official timepiece manufacturers for Disney watches. Plus, there's a lot to catch up on, and the guys give an update on why they've been gone for a bit. Show notes Raven Endeavor II: https://ravenwatches.com/pages/endeavour Grand Seiko SBGV233: https://ravenwatches.com/pages/endeavour Watches with Mickey Mouse Dials: https://teddybaldassarre.com/blogs/watches/watches-with-mickey-mouse Citizen Disney Collection: https://www.citizenwatch.com/us/en/collection/disney/ Watch Shopping on the Disney Fantasy: https://twobrokewatchsnobs.com/watch-shopping-on-the-disney-fantasy/

In this episode of TBWS, Mike and Kaz welcome back time_moments and introduce PSYWAR Wristcheck, who share insights on military watches and their significance. The conversation explores personal wrist checks, the evolution of modern military watches, and watch marketing's storytelling aspect. The guests discuss their backgrounds in the military and how they intersect with their passion for watches, emphasizing the importance of functionality and aesthetics in timepieces. They also discuss various themes surrounding military watches, including personal career changes, the evolution of military media, and the significance of commemorative watches. They explore the rise of unit watches, operational security concerns, and the community of watch enthusiasts. The conversation also touches on the ethics of military-themed watches and future watch projects, highlighting the intersection of personal identity and military service through timepieces. Show Notes PSYWAR Wristcheck: https://www.instagram.com/psywarwristcheck/ timely_moments: https://www.instagram.com/timely_moments/ The Zulu Time Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-zulu-time-podcast/id1497529473 The Covert Crown: https://www.instagram.com/the_covert_crown/ Recon Team Watch Blog: https://www.reconteamwatchblog.net/ Liberty Watch Group: https://www.instagram.com/libertywatchgroup/ Watches Win Wars: https://www.instagram.com/watcheswinwars/ Bulletproof Bezel: https://www.instagram.com/bulletproofbezel/

Huge thanks to ProTek Watches for sponsoring this week's wrist check! Check out their products at: https://protekwatch.com/ Buckle in and listen as Mike shares his experience finally getting "the call" from a Rolex AD. You'll hear about the model he was offered, how long the process took, purchase history requirements, and what he decided to do. The guys also talk about how waitlist culture is changing, the ever-present appeal of the Grand Seiko Snowflake, and the process of sending a Panerai out for routine service through an AD. Enjoy the show!

Huge thanks to Ollech & Wajs for sponsoring this week's wrist check! Check out their watches at: https://ow-watch.com/ In this episode, Mike and Kaz discuss the concept of a secret watch society and the pressure to conform to certain watch-collecting norms. They emphasize the importance of collecting watches that bring joy and not feeling the need to make specific purchases to be accepted by other collectors. They also mention the launch of their newsletter and their plans for live streaming. In this conversation, Kaz and Mike discuss the pressure and influence of social media on watch collecting. Show Notes Monta Triumph Limited Edition: https://twobrokewatchsnobs.com/monta-triumph-military-green-limited-edition/ Ollech & Wajs OW M-52B AF: https://ow-watch.com/collections/ollech-wajs-watches/products/ow-m-52baf Ollech & Wajs B-905 US Airforce: https://ow-watch.com/collections/ollech-wajs-classics/products/ow-us-airforce

Today, on episode 276, Kaz and Mike sit down with ProTek and Luminox brand founder Barry Cohen to discuss his personal history in watch industry. Barry details some of the challenges involved with starting and running brands, securing licensing deals with the US military, Tritium technology, and the future of the ProTek brand. Plus, we get a rundown of the brand's newest models while detailing each phase of the manufacturing process. Finally, Barry wanted to kindly extend a special 20% discount to Two Broke Watch Snobs listeners. We earn no commission from this and it's a great chance to save on a ProTek watch! Show Notes ProTek Watches (Use discount code "SNOBS" for a 20% discount): https://protekwatch.com/ Time Concepts: https://timeconcepts.net/ Szanto Time: https://www.szantotime.com/ Hawaiian Lifeguard Watch: http://www.hawaiianlifeguardwatch.com/

Huge thanks to BOLDR Supply Co. for sponsoring this week's wrist check! Check out their products at: https://www.boldrsupply.co/ This week, Kaz and Mike sit down to talk about the world of custom and third-party customized watches. From smaller operations, to larger companies like Bamford, the guys explore options collectors have these days and chat through how they would approach a custom watch. Show Notes Forstner Watches: https://forstnerbands.com/collections/watches BOLDR Watches: https://www.boldrsupply.co/collections/all Raven Custom Department: https://ravenwatches.com/pages/custom-dept Bamford Watch Department: https://www.bamfordwatchdepartment.com/ Artisans de Geneve: https://www.artisansdegeneve.com/en/ Bamford MilSub: https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/the-bamford-heritage-milsub-a-modern-sub-with-all-the-bits-of-the-original-without-the-six-figure-bill Undone Watches: https://undone.com/

After some time away, Kaz and Mike return to talk about the future of TBWS and what to expect for the rest of the year. They share their frustrations when it comes to current trends in watch media and what it's been like to tackle new challenges like YouTube. Show Notes Forstner A-12: https://forstnerbands.com/products/forstner-a-12 Grand Seiko SBGV233: https://twobrokewatchsnobs.com/grand-seiko-quartz-review-my-grail-the-sbgv233/ Omega Speedmaster Professional White Dial: https://www.instagram.com/twobrokewatchsnobs/p/C7xXuEfSEhv/ CWC Sea Falcon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UvFtIDYSeh4 Citizen Promaster Dive Automatic NY0155-58X: https://www.citizenwatch.com/us/en/product/NY0155-58X.html Balance Cock Bugle: https://twobrokewatchsnobs.com/balance-cock-bugle-satire/

It's been a while since the "Affordable Vintage Watches" segment aired and now Mike & Kaz are bringing it back with a very special guest. Nick Ferrell runs DC Vintage Watches and specializes in vintage Seiko, Omega, and Heuer. Tune in as the guys run through Nick's professional journey, his passion for Seiko, what it's like sourcing watches and running the site, and more. Kaz & Nick even dive into some vintage Soviet watch talk. You'll also get to hear about some cool vintage Seiko models people might be missing out on while they're focusing on the hype pieces. Show notes: DCVW: https://www.dcvintagewatches.com/ Nodus Contrail GMT: https://www.noduswatches.com/contrail-gmt

Join Kaz & Mike as they speculate over what they expect to see at this year's Watches & Wonders show! Tune in as they run through the list of exhibitors, share some of their hopes, and call back to some of their favorites from last year. You'll also get some quick updates from the site, which has some great new pieces from TBWS contributors. Don't miss this episode!

This week we're talking all things high accuracy quartz - from our favorite models to the fact that, you know, most people can't actually define what a high accuracy quartz watch specifically is. If that's you, then you should absolutely tune into this week's show - you're going to learn something.

While it's sometimes painful to think about, this week Kaz & Mike talk about the idea of rebuying watches. Is it something you should avoid or is it a sign of growing as a watch enthusiast, while zeroing in on what you really like? Plus, you'll get to hear about watches that the guys have let go of as they weigh in on the possibility of finding them - and buying them again. Tune in and let us know about any watch rebuying experiences you might have! Oh, and if you're the person with Kaz's old Stevral Bronze Moray, you know what to do :)

This week we're catching up and discussing what blew us away from LVMH Watch Week! Ok - it's not really that big of an event and the releases are generally not that plentiful. However, that doesn't mean we can't have fun looking at watches. Be sure to let us know what your favorite releases from the event were in the comments below!

Kaz here! I'm recording Ep. 268 solo this week and I'm super pumped to be sharing my current watch collection with everyone! Plus, I'm testing out my new recording set up - so please share any thoughts, insights, or feedback you have about the video. Thank you! Video version of the episode: https://youtu.be/56nenZFkqC0?si=kcxXcUxoLcl8hAD4

Join Mike and Kaz this week as they play "horological fan fiction!" Ever wonder what it would be like to dream up the exact watch that you wanted from your favorite brand? That means you can play along too!