A Blog To Watch Weekly

This week on aBlogtoWatch Weekly, Rick, Ariel, David, and Ripley are back together, with Ariel and David freshly returned from Geneva Watch Days and apparently still recovering from the heat. They recap the highs and lows of the event, from impressive watchmaking and questionable hospitality to the latest GPHG selections and the brands that did, or decidedly did not, make the cut. The conversation also turns to what makes Geneva Watch Days worthwhile despite its quirks and why the watch industry continues to descend on Geneva even when the city seems determined to make everyone sweat. From there, the crew tackles the difference between collecting and investing, leading Ariel to declare collectors “natural born hoarders” and, naturally, a detour into knives, cheese, and the apparent collapse of cheese futures. Then it is back to watches with Chanel’s Blue Ceramic J12, the A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Up/Down, the Tudor Northflag, and plenty more new releases and opinions along the way. As always, expect strong takes, questionable financial advice, and more than a little anxiety over whether a manually wound watch has enough power left to survive the day. 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: [00:01] Show Welcome [01:00] Sweating Through Geneva Watch Days [09:40] Is Geneva Watch Days Worth It? [16:31] Favorite Watches From Geneva [17:19] GPHG Winners, Losers, and Controversy [24:58] Chronoswiss and the Pulse One GMT [33:41] Bulgari at Geneva Watch Days [36:41] Watch Collecting vs. Watch Investing [41:11] Natural Born Watch Hoarders [42:13] Knives, Biver, and Cheese [46:19] Chanel’s Blue Ceramic J12 [54:09] A. Lange & Söhne 1815 Up/Down [56:30] The A. Lange & Söhne Triple Split [1:05:00] Tudor Northflag Returns as a GMT [1:18:19] Closing Thoughts

This week on aBlogtoWatch Weekly, Rick and Ripley are holding down the fort as they work their way through some of the latest releases, industry conversations, and questionable watch buying decisions. They start by exploring whether the watches everyone wants are actually the most satisfying to own, which naturally sends them down a Rolex rabbit hole. From personal connections to popular models to the realities of buying for hype, the conversation eventually becomes a challenge to build the most unfashionable Rolex possible and see just how badly it performs on the secondary market. The guys also take a spin with the roulette inspired Perrelet Turbine Casino before looking at the latest Formex Essence 39 and why sometimes the smartest upgrade is knowing what not to change. There is also the incredibly shiny Bulova Shelby Racer Chronograph, along with the massive, hand engraved Urwerk UR 1001 Amadeus and its millennium tracker designed to count its way through the next thousand years. Plus, there are plenty of the usual tangents along the way, including what actually makes strangers notice your watch and whether the aBlogtoWatch team really needs a Geneva chateau and its own reality show. 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: [00:07] Rick and Ripley Take Over aBlogtoWatch Weekly [05:02] Ariel’s Leather Jacket and the Popularity Paradox [10:26] Are Popular Watches Actually Satisfying to Own? [14:27] Rolex, Hype, and Building the Most Unfashionable Rolex [17:55] Which Rolex Has the Worst Resale Value? [22:00] Is Rolex Too Popular to Be Cool? [24:25] Which Watches Actually Get People’s Attention? [29:05] Favorite Watches, Knives, and Cars [34:00] Perrelet Watches and the Turbine Casino [39:57] Apple Watch Ultra From a Watch Collector’s Perspective [44:28] Formex Essence 39 Gets a Generational Upgrade [47:45] Where Formex Fits in the Watch Market [52:22] Bulova Shelby Racer and the Mirror Finish Debate [56:14] Urwerk UR-1001 Amadeus and Its 1,000 Year Tracker [1:00:38] Geneva Watch Days and the aBlogtoWatch Chateau [1:06:00] Final Thoughts and Closing Chaos

This week on aBlogtoWatch Weekly, Ariel, David, and Ripley are back with a colorful mix of watches, industry talk, and a few reasons why Geneva might be better to visit than to call home. The guys recap the recent Time at Wynn event in Las Vegas and discuss why the watch industry needs more consumer focused events that give enthusiasts a reason to come together. They also get into vintage military watches, the growing hype around F.P. Journe, and what happens when collector enthusiasm starts looking a little too much like following the herd. Then it is on to Gerald Charles and their Masterlink Perpetual Calendar, where Gerald Genta design DNA and a map of Geneva somehow turn into a debate over whether the city's best feature is how easy it is to leave. Finally, Rolex enters the color mosh pit with the Oyster Perpetual 36 and its colorful Jubilee dial. The trio digs into the surprisingly complicated process behind creating the dial, Rolex's ability to execute it at scale, and whether the brand's increasingly playful approach to color is refreshing or risks becoming too much of a good thing. Plus, David makes the case for the 36mm Oyster Perpetual, Ripley considers just how far Rolex should take the trend, and Ariel imagines a future filled with increasingly chaotic color combinations.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: 00:04 Welcome & Rick’s Latest Disappearance 02:08 Vintage Longines & Why Military Watches Endure 10:52 Time at Wynn Recap & The State of Watch Events 20:10 F.P. Journe Hype & Collector Sheep Mentality 28:04 Biver Watches, Cheese & Collector Appeal 29:55 GPS Watches, Gnomes & The Breitling Emergency 38:05 Fitness Trackers, Smartwatches & Double Wristing 41:13 Gerald Charles Masterlink Perpetual Calendar 45:01 Escaping Geneva & Navigating By Watch 48:01 Perpetual Calendar Pushers & Complication Design 51:00 Gerald Charles Dark Blast & Genta Design 52:48 Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36 Jubilee Dial 56:25 How Rolex Makes The Color Mosh Pit 59:12 36mm vs. 41mm & How Colorful Should Rolex Get? 1:04:04 Price, Final Thoughts & Geneva Watch Days

This week on aBlogtoWatch Weekly, Ariel, David, and Ripley are live, or at least they think they are, as they attempt to navigate the unfamiliar world of live broadcasting without Rick. They dig into the never ending watch size debate, why case dimensions rarely tell the whole story, and whether the enormous status watches of years past simply lost their natural habitat. From there, things get considerably weirder with the unusually shaped Nectere Eclipse, a potential pair of watch inspired sunglasses, and NOMOS finding a clever way to make the date complication both useful and visually interesting. Then, a roughly $600 CIGA Design sparks a much bigger conversation about Chinese watchmaking, perceived value, and what happens when an affordable watch can look considerably more expensive than it actually is. The guys consider whether Swiss luxury brands should even care about the growing competition before turning their attention to Tudor and the exceptionally dark Black Bay Ceramic on a full ceramic bracelet. Is it worth the premium, does that butterfly clasp deserve the engineering effort, and has Tudor finally achieved peak Black Bay? Plus, “vintage” officially means nothing, the Wheel of Death may be living on borrowed time, and the Rolex way somehow finds its way back into the conversation.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: [00:07] Are We Live? & Island Audiences [03:38] Upcoming Watch Shows & New Releases [07:22] Does Watch Size Actually Matter? [17:43] Is It Time To Kill The Wheel Of Death? [19:40] Nectere Eclipse & The Rise Of “Melted” Watches [29:05] NOMOS Tangente Neomatik 38 & The Date Problem [36:31] CIGA Design & $600 Richard Mille Vibes [40:06] Should Swiss Brands Be Worried About China? [46:49] Tudor’s Blackest Black Bay Yet [56:22] Final Thoughts & Live Show Sign-Off

This week on aBlogtoWatch Weekly, Rick, Ariel, Ripley, and David tackle another wonderfully strange week in watches. There are questionable industry accolades, tactical watch identity crises, Italian marketing, and enough oil to make airport security nervous. The guys debate whether watch certifications and awards still mean anything and why accuracy should still matter as luxury watch prices continue to climb. Things only get stranger with the massive, oil-filled U-Boat U-65 and its mysterious caseback. The crew considers what happens if it leaks and whether wearing one through airport security might raise a few questions. Ripley checks out the colorful ProTek Series 4000, which sparks a tangent about tactical watches and questionable military credentials, while Rick questions whether Unimatic has mastered the art of looking strangely familiar without actually copying anything. Finally, the CronusArt Spring Daydream Central Tourbillon combines erotic imagery, donuts, and unrestricted watch design to make something that has to be seen to be understood. 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: [00:07] Intro & Scotland’s Knife Problem [06:50] Stallone’s Questionable Rambo Panerai [10:06] Watch Awards, Certifications & Accuracy [19:13] U-Boat U-65 & Oil-Filled Watch Madness [28:51] ProTek Series 4000 & Tactical Watches [37:21] Unimatic’s Swimming Pool Summer Watch [44:13] The Brand Wheel of Death [55:28] CronusArt & The Erotic Donut Tourbillon [1:07:37] Upcoming Events & Final Thoughts

On this week's episode of aBlogtoWatch Weekly , Rick, Ariel, and David ask a simple question with a surprisingly complicated answer: Can luxury electronic watches really make a comeback? Using the new Accutron Spaceview 314 as the jumping off point, they debate whether tuning fork technology, premium battery powered movements, and electronic innovation deserve a place alongside today's mechanical heavyweights. The team also takes a closer look at the innovative Barrelhand Monolith, discussing its space-inspired design, advanced materials, and whether it offers a glimpse into the future of watchmaking. Of course, it wouldn't be aBlogtoWatch Weekly without a few entertaining detours. Along the way, the hosts weigh in on the latest watch industry news, poke fun at questionable marketing, and share a few thoughts on embargoes that might sound familiar to longtime listeners. Between the laughs, the debates, and a few bold predictions about the future of watchmaking, this week's episode has a little bit of everything. (The rest just happened.) 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] Intro, Chat Returns & Hagley West [3:44] Embargoes, NDAs & The Color Blue [5:22] Accutron Spaceview 314 & The $6K Tuning Fork [15:12] The Return of Luxury Electronic Watches [19:48] Could Rolex Bring Back Quartz? [21:07] Barrelhand Monolith & Watches for Space [30:56] Picker Wheel of Death: Moser, Alpina & Montblanc [38:11] Seiko Marinemaster Review [44:40] Glashütte Original CQ Northern Tide [49:07] Glashütte Original Seventies Chronograph [53:05] Prototype vs Production Watches [55:40] WhatsApp Group, Wrist Shots & Closing Banter

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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!

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!

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!

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!

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