Superlative

In this episode of Superlative, Ariel Adams sits down with Alex Rosenfield, CEO of Urban Jürgensen, to explore the revival of one of watchmaking’s most historic yet often overlooked brands. Alex shares the story behind his family’s acquisition of Urban Jürgensen and the philosophy guiding its modern relaunch, from preserving centuries of design and engineering legacy to working alongside master watchmaker Kari Voutilainen to shape a new generation of timepieces. Alex dives into what it really means to run a high end watch brand today, including long term thinking, resisting industry pressure for constant releases, and focusing on emotional connection through design and craftsmanship. He also outlines a refreshingly transparent approach to collectors, emphasizing fairness, accessibility, and respect over traditional luxury sales tactics. Along the way, Alex reflects on what makes a watch truly meaningful, from the human story behind its creation to the importance of making something that feels beautiful and lasting on the wrist. Alex and Ariel’s conversation is truly a thoughtful look at how heritage, artistry, and modern leadership can come together to redefine what independent watchmaking looks like going forward.Check out Urban Jürgensen:- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/urbanjurgensen/ - Website - https://urbanjurgensen.com/ SUPERLATIVE IS NOW ON YOUTUBE! To check out Superlative on Youtube as well as other ABTW content:- YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@ablogtowatch 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/- Twitter - https://twitter.com/ABLOGTOWATCH- Website - https://www.ablogtowatch.com/If you enjoy the show please Subscribe, Rate, and Review!

In this episode of Superlative, aBlogtoWatch founder Ariel Adams speaks with Kuruvilla “Diny” Markose, CEO of Titan Watches, about leading one of the most dominant watch brands in the Indian market and guiding it into a new era of global relevance. Diny shares how Titan built its success through design, manufacturing scale, and quartz innovation, while now shifting focus toward premiumization and mechanical watchmaking. He explains why India’s rapidly evolving consumer market is creating new opportunities in the $300 and above segment, and how Titan is investing in in house movements, complications, and finishing to meet that demand.Their conversation explores the balance between preserving a strong mass market foundation and expanding into higher end watchmaking, as well as Titan’s ambition to create compelling daily driver watches that deliver exceptional value. Diny also discusses the growing appeal of analog watches in a world of digital fatigue, the importance of design identity in crowded categories like dive watches, and the long term goal of producing world class timepieces that can compete on a global stage while remaining accessible to a broader audience. Check out Titan Watches:- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/titanwatchesindia/ - https://www.instagram.com/dinykm/ - Website - Titan Watches IndiaSUPERLATIVE IS NOW ON YOUTUBE! To check out Superlative on Youtube as well as other ABTW content:- YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@ablogtowatch 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/- Twitter - https://twitter.com/ABLOGTOWATCH- Website - https://www.ablogtowatch.com/If you enjoy the show please Subscribe, Rate, and Review!

This week on Superlative, Ariel Adams sits down with Chris Wiegand, president of LÜM-TEC and founder of Wiegand Custom Watch, to explore the reality behind building watches from the ground up. From hand applying lume to early Omega and Panerai dials to running manufacturing and design for over one hundred brands, Chris shares how a self taught approach and obsession with improvement shaped his path in the industry. He breaks down the science behind lume application, why thickness does not always equal brightness, and how small technical decisions can dramatically change performance.The conversation moves through the evolution of microbrands, the rise of Kickstarter, and the growing divide between engineering and marketing in modern watchmaking. Chris offers an honest look at what it takes to turn ideas into real products, including working with impossible AI driven designs, navigating manufacturing limits, and helping new founders avoid costly mistakes. Along the way, they discuss American watchmaking challenges, why some brands choose to stay small, and how changing consumer behavior is shaping the future of design. Follow Chris and check out Lüm-Tec & Wiegand Custom Watch:- Websites - https://lum-tec.com/ - https://www.wiegandwatches.net/ - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lumtecwatches/ SUPERLATIVE IS NOW ON YOUTUBE! To check out Superlative on Youtube as well as other ABTW content:- YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@ablogtowatch 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/- Twitter - https://twitter.com/ABLOGTOWATCH- Website - https://www.ablogtowatch.com/If you enjoy the show please Subscribe, Rate, and Review!

On this episode of Superlative, our host and aBlogtoWatch founder Ariel Adams is joined by Richard Benc, founder of Studio Underd0g, to discuss the evolution of one of the most recognizable modern microbrands. Richard explains how the brand grew from a small proof of concept release into producing thousands of watches per year, and why focusing on long term decision making has been critical to building a sustainable business in a crowded watch market. The conversation explores how Studio Underd0g scaled production, built supplier relationships, and eventually acquired its UK assembly partner Horologium in order to maintain quality control and strengthen the brand’s manufacturing capabilities.While Ariel and Richard dive into the creative philosophy behind Studio Underd0g’s playful and colorful designs, Richard also shares how the brand intentionally creates watches inspired by positive associations such as food, fruit, and everyday experiences that people connect with emotionally. They also discuss the brand’s distinctive drop model sales strategy, the role of collaborations in building credibility, and the broader challenges facing microbrands as they try to grow beyond the passion project stage while maintaining authenticity and agility in the watch industry.Follow Richard and check out Studio Underd0g:- Website - https://underd0g.com/ - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/studio.underd0g/ SUPERLATIVE IS NOW ON YOUTUBE! To check out Superlative on Youtube as well as other ABTW content:- YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@ablogtowatch 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/- Twitter - https://twitter.com/ABLOGTOWATCH- Website - https://www.ablogtowatch.com/If you enjoy the show please Subscribe, Rate, and Review!

On this episode of Superlative, our host and aBlogtoWatch founder Ariel Adams is joined by entrepreneur and music industry executive Lex Borrero for a wide ranging conversation about culture, storytelling, and the evolving world of watch collecting. Drawing from his experience building artists and shaping cultural moments in the music industry, Lex explains how similar storytelling principles apply to luxury watches and why brands that connect emotionally with audiences often stand out the most. Their discussion explores the collector journey, the growing importance of community in the watch world, and why independent brands are resonating with younger enthusiasts. Lex also shares insights about disruption, creative direction, and how experiences, storytelling, and cultural relevance can help watch brands connect with a new generation of collectors while still honoring traditional craftsmanship. Along the way, Ariel and Lex reflect on the collector journey and why the watches people choose often say as much about personal identity and culture as they do about mechanical craftsmanship. Follow Lex:- Lex - https://www.instagram.com/lexborrero/ - 0260studios - https://www.instagram.com/0260studios/ SUPERLATIVE IS NOW ON YOUTUBE! To check out Superlative on Youtube as well as other ABTW content:- YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@ablogtowatch 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/- Twitter - https://twitter.com/ABLOGTOWATCH- Website - https://www.ablogtowatch.com/If you enjoy the show please Subscribe, Rate, and Review!

On this episode of Superlative, our host and aBlogtoWatch founder Ariel Adams speaks with Jose and Anita Salas, founders of Santurce Collection, about their journey from passionate collectors in Puerto Rico to launching their own enthusiast driven watch brand. Drawing from years of experience attending boutique events and building community gatherings, they share how hospitality, trust, and belonging became the foundation of their philosophy. Together they dive into why watches are not inventory but stories, and how every sale is rooted in long term relationships rather than short term transactions. The conversation explores the rise of microbrands, the disconnect between large Swiss brands and collectors, and why community based accountability keeps smaller brands honest on pricing and quality. Jose and Anita also discuss the realities of self financing a watch company, designing from scratch, and building a brand identity tied to Santurce and Puerto Rican culture. It is an honest look at what it means to create watches for friends first and customers second, and why authentic connection remains the most powerful force in modern watch collecting.Follow the Santurce Collection:- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/santurcecollection - Personal Instagrams - https://www.instagram.com/thetimeofman/ - https://www.instagram.com/thetimeofwoman/ - Website - https://santurcecollection.store/ SUPERLATIVE IS NOW ON YOUTUBE! To check out Superlative on Youtube as well as other ABTW content:- YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@ablogtowatch 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/- Twitter - https://twitter.com/ABLOGTOWATCH- Website - https://www.ablogtowatch.com/If you enjoy the show please Subscribe, Rate, and Review!

On this episode of Superlative, aBlogtoWatch founder Ariel Adams sits down with watch collector and author Mitch Katz to explore how a lifelong passion for horology turned into a surprising second career as a novelist. Mitch shares the journey from documenting his personal collection to writing Time Eternal, a murder mystery rooted in real watch history, including the fascinating story of an experimental self winding movement that inspired the plot. They discuss Mitch’s creative process, building believable characters, and weaving watch knowledge into fiction in a way that remains accessible even to readers who know nothing about timepieces.The conversation also dives deep into watch collecting itself, from why stories matter more than price tags to how community shapes curiosity, learning, and personal taste. Mitch explains his philosophy of buying what brings you joy, resisting status driven choices, and embracing the long learning curve of the hobby. Along the way, Ariel and Mitch unpack the realities of the Swiss watch industry, collector culture, and why asking better questions matters more than chasing trends.Follow Mitch and Check Out His New Book “Time Eternal”:- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/uniquelyprototype/ - Time Eternal - https://a.co/d/02nf9tpz SUPERLATIVE IS NOW ON YOUTUBE! To check out Superlative on Youtube as well as other ABTW content:- YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@ablogtowatch 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/- Twitter - https://twitter.com/ABLOGTOWATCH- Website - https://www.ablogtowatch.com/If you enjoy the show please Subscribe, Rate, and Review!

In this episode of the Superlative Podcast, host and aBlogtoWatch founder Ariel Adams sits down with Abduljabar Totonji, better known as Jabs, for a wide ranging conversation about what it really means to be a modern watch collector. Jabs shares how he started collecting over a decade ago, how informal meetups turned into thriving local communities, and why seeing watches in person still matters in an internet first industry. Together they explore how collector groups form, why brands increasingly rely on real world experiences, and how enthusiasm, friendship, and hands-on exposure often drive purchasing decisions more than marketing ever could. Their discussion also dives into value retention, hype culture, and the difference between chasing exclusivity versus genuinely loving watches. Jabs explains his approach to buying both new and pre owned pieces, creating unique custom watches, and building long term relationships with brands. Ariel and Jabs unpack how community acts as a powerful catalyst for collecting, why collectors become more selective over time, and how today’s flood of creative watchmaking may be viewed as a golden age in the decades ahead. It is an honest look at consumer psychology, brand strategy, and the joy of sharing a hobby with people who truly get it.Follow Jabs:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/watchjabs SUPERLATIVE IS NOW ON YOUTUBE! To check out Superlative on Youtube as well as other ABTW content:- YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@ablogtowatch 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/- Twitter - https://twitter.com/ABLOGTOWATCH- Website - https://www.ablogtowatch.com/If you enjoy the show please Subscribe, Rate, and Review!

On this episode of Superlative Podcast, host and aBlogtoWatch founder Ariel Adams sits down with automotive journalist and enthusiast Jonny Lieberman for a wide ranging conversation that connects watches, cars, and emerging technology. From mechanical alarms and G-Shocks to Rivian electric trucks and self-driving systems, Jonny shares firsthand experience living with EVs and explains how autonomy is evolving faster than regulations, including what level three and level four driving actually mean for everyday drivers. The discussion moves through car culture and watch collecting, with a focus on why personality matters more than price. They touch on Porsche Design, Rolex fatigue, accessible enthusiast watches, and the growing overlap between Cars and Coffee crowds and horology fans. Ariel and Jonny also explore how AI is reshaping transportation, why human driving may eventually become a hobby like horseback riding, and what the watch industry can learn from automotive marketing. It is an honest and entertaining look at where machines are headed, why enthusiasts still matter, and how passion connects two worlds built on engineering, design, and emotion.Follow Jonny:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jonnylieberman/ SUPERLATIVE IS NOW ON YOUTUBE! To check out Superlative on Youtube as well as other ABTW content:- YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@ablogtowatch 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/- Twitter - https://twitter.com/ABLOGTOWATCH- Website - https://www.ablogtowatch.com/If you enjoy the show please Subscribe, Rate, and Review!

In this episode of Superlative, Ariel Adams sits down with Sébastien Chaulmontet, founder and owner of Albishorn Watches and Director of Innovation and Marketing at Sellita, for a wide ranging and candid discussion on the realities of modern watchmaking. Drawing on decades of experience across design, movement development, and independent brands, Sébastien shares insights into chronograph history, the intent behind his book Chronograph for Collectors, and why true mastery in watchmaking requires time, engineering discipline, and long term thinking rather than early hype. Their conversation expands into a deeper critique of speculation culture, investment driven buying, and the pressures placed on independent watchmakers to sell themselves rather than simply make watches. Ariel and Sébastien unpack how pricing, desirability, distribution, and media narratives have reshaped the industry, why most watches are not investments, and why buying a watch you genuinely want to wear remains the only answer that actually holds up over time.Check out:Albishorn Watches - https://albishorn-watches.ch/ Albishorn on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/albishorn_watches SUPERLATIVE IS NOW ON YOUTUBE! To check out Superlative on Youtube as well as other ABTW content:- YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@ablogtowatch 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/- Twitter - https://twitter.com/ABLOGTOWATCH- Website - https://www.ablogtowatch.com/If you enjoy the show please Subscribe, Rate, and Review!

In this episode of Superlative, host Ariel Adams speaks with Pascal Ravessoud, Vice President and President of the Cultural Council at the Fondation Haute Horlogerie, about why education and cultural understanding have become central to the future of mechanical watchmaking. Pascal explains the original mission of the FHH, its evolution alongside SIHH, and the decision to separate from Watches and Wonders in order to refocus on independent cultural education rather than commercial exhibition. The conversation explores how the FHH Academy and its certification programs help professionals and enthusiasts develop credible watchmaking knowledge, why passion must be taught rather than assumed in a post digital world, and how exhibitions and global events help translate craftsmanship into experience. Ariel and Pascal also discuss debate, transparency, and long term thinking in an industry shaped by tradition, discretion, and rapid growth, as well as why sustained cultural investment matters as watchmaking continues to expand beyond its original audience.Check out:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/fhh.fondation.haute.horlogerie/ - https://www.instagram.com/pascal.rvsd/ Website - https://www.hautehorlogerie.org/ SUPERLATIVE IS NOW ON YOUTUBE! To check out Superlative on Youtube as well as other ABTW content:- YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@ablogtowatch 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/- Twitter - https://twitter.com/ABLOGTOWATCH- Website - https://www.ablogtowatch.com/If you enjoy the show please Subscribe, Rate, and Review!

In this episode of the Superlative Podcast, host Ariel Adams speaks with John Isaac, founder, CEO, and creative director of Artisans de Genève, about what it truly means to personalize a watch at the highest level. John traces his journey from early restoration work in Paris to building one of the world’s most respected bespoke watch ateliers in Geneva, shaped by his grandfather’s philosophy of dedicating one’s life to serving individual clients. The conversation explores why Artisans de Genève is not a watch brand but a complementary workshop, how legal and cultural realities shape the customization space, and why modifying iconic watches like Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Audemars Piguet requires deep respect for the original DNA. Ariel and John unpack the psychology behind skeletonization, the courage required for first-time customization, why pricing can’t exist without a design process, and how true luxury shifts from transactional ownership to emotional experience. The episode also examines why customization is rarely a collector’s first step, how personalization mirrors the car world more than traditional watchmaking, and why knowing the client, not the product, is the atelier’s most valuable asset.Check out Artisans de Genève:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/artisansdegeneve/ Website - https://www.artisansdegeneve.com/ SUPERLATIVE IS NOW ON YOUTUBE! To check out Superlative on Youtube as well as other ABTW content:- YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@ablogtowatch 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/- Twitter - https://twitter.com/ABLOGTOWATCH- Website - https://www.ablogtowatch.com/If you enjoy the show please Subscribe, Rate, and Review!

In this episode of Superlative, host and aBlogtoWatch founder Ariel Adams sits down with Andrew Herman, co-founder of Panzera Watches, to explore what it really means to build a modern watch brand outside the traditional Swiss playbook. Andrew shares the unlikely path from importing affordable European watches into Australia to launching a globally focused direct-to-consumer brand built on value, quality, and accessibility rather than prestige markups. The conversation dives deep into supply-chain inefficiencies, pricing psychology, repeat customers, and why cutting out traditional retail fundamentally changes how watches are designed, marketed, and sold. Andrew also discusses Panzera’s distinctly bold design identity, the challenges and advantages of operating from Australia, the importance of founder-led storytelling, and how military squadron collaborations emerged organically from pilots who were already customers. Along the way, Ariel and Andrew unpack the realities of e-commerce watch sales, showroom-style retail experiences, brand loyalty, and the long-term risks of chasing luxury pricing for its own sake. Listen and join in on their conversation as they offer a candid look at what sustainable watchmaking looks like in today’s enthusiast-driven market.Check out Panzera Watches:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/panzera.watches/ Website - https://panzerawatches.com/ Check out this week’s sponsor - Movado Watches:- https://www.movado.com/ SUPERLATIVE IS NOW ON YOUTUBE! To check out Superlative on Youtube as well as other ABTW content:- YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@ablogtowatch 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/- Twitter - https://twitter.com/ABLOGTOWATCH- Website - https://www.ablogtowatch.com/If you enjoy the show please Subscribe, Rate, and Review!

In this episode of Superlative, host and aBlogtoWatch founder Ariel Adams sits down with professional big wave surfer and TAG Heuer brand ambassador Kai Lenny for an in depth conversation about risk, preparation, and what timing really means when nature is in full control. Growing up in Hawaii with some of the most powerful surf breaks in the world just minutes from his home, Kai explains how learning to read the ocean from land shaped his approach long before he ever paddled into massive waves, and why wave selection is as much a mental calculation as it is physical commitment. The discussion explores the realities of big wave surfing, from the physics of underwater pressure and the danger of impact over drowning, to the evolving role of safety equipment, communication systems, and training that allow surfers to operate at the edge of survivability. Ariel and Kai also unpack why surfing is fundamentally a time based sport, how tides, wave sets, and forecasting dictate every decision, and why a reliable dive watch remains a critical tool even in a world of advanced analytics. Along the way, Kai shares how working closely with TAG Heuer goes far beyond sponsorship, offering insight into testing watches in conditions that cannot be simulated on land, providing real world feedback on durability and ergonomics, and drawing inspiration from Swiss watchmaking craftsmanship to refine his own approach to equipment, performance, and constant improvement. The conversation closes with a thoughtful reflection on parenthood, legacy, and how confronting nature’s power reshapes perspective, revealing why for those who live at the extremes, timepieces are not just accessories but quiet companions that measure moments most people will never experience.Follow Kai and check out TAG Heuer Watches:Kai - https://www.instagram.com/kai_lenny/ TAG Heuer - https://www.tagheuer.com/ SUPERLATIVE IS NOW ON YOUTUBE! To check out Superlative on Youtube as well as other ABTW content:- YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@ablogtowatch 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/- Twitter - https://twitter.com/ABLOGTOWATCH- Website - https://www.ablogtowatch.com/If you enjoy the show please Subscribe, Rate, and Review!

On this episode of Superlative, host Ariel Adams, founder of aBlogtoWatch, is joined by aBlogtoWatch team member David Bredan for a deep, candid breakdown of Dubai Watch Week 2025 and why it has quietly become one of the most important consumer facing watch events in the world. Fresh off the show floor and still navigating jet lag, Ariel and David unpack how Dubai Watch Week has evolved from a modest regional gathering into a fully realized global watch destination, discussing why its consumer first structure, emphasis on storytelling, and uncompromising hospitality set it apart from traditional Swiss trade fairs. The conversation dives into what actually gets worn at Dubai Watch Week, from the overwhelming presence of Audemars Piguet Royal Oaks and independent brands to the surprising scarcity of certain mainstream luxury models, along with a frank discussion about how market forces, scarcity, and resale dynamics have reshaped perceptions around brands like F.P. Journe. Ariel and David also explore the role of the Siddiqui family in shaping the event’s success, explaining how centralized ownership, long term investment, and an obsession with guest experience allow Dubai Watch Week to succeed where many other regional watch events struggle. From booth design and brand education to safety, access, comfort, and the importance of creating environments where watches can actually be worn and appreciated, this episode offers an unfiltered look at what luxury watch events get right, what they consistently get wrong, and what the global watch industry could learn if it were willing to listen.Follow David and check out his work:Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/abtw_david/ His work on ABTW - https://www.ablogtowatch.com/author/david-bredan/ Check out this week’s sponsor - Movado Watches:- https://www.movado.com/ SUPERLATIVE IS NOW ON YOUTUBE! To check out Superlative on Youtube as well as other ABTW content:- YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@ablogtowatch 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/- Twitter - https://twitter.com/ABLOGTOWATCH- Website - https://www.ablogtowatch.com/If you enjoy the show please Subscribe, Rate, and Review!

On this episode of Superlative, host and founder of aBlogtoWatch, Ariel Adams, sits down with Benoît Mintiens, the founder of Ressence, for an in-depth conversation on what it truly means to rethink modern watchmaking. Marking 15 years of Ressence, Benoît reflects on the emotional and strategic weight of watch trade shows like Watches and Wonders, the enduring importance of in-person experiences in a digital world, and how human connection continues to drive enthusiasm for mechanical timepieces. The discussion moves into the realities of running an independent watch brand, from the unexpected “show business” demands placed on founders to the challenges of building a company without becoming its sole personality. Benoît explains Ressence’s core philosophy of applying industrial design thinking to fine watchmaking, detailing how starting from the user experience rather than the movement has led to radical ideas such as oil-filled dials, crown-less cases, and the groundbreaking e-Crown system. Ariel and Benoît explore why most consumers buy watches for the brand rather than the products themselves, how independent brands operate at the edge of the industry’s ecosystem, and why disruption often comes from designers and engineers willing to challenge century-old norms. Listen in on their conversation as the two look at the fragile industrial supply chain behind high-end watchmaking, the cost and complexity of true innovation, and why Ressence’s future-focused approach continues to resonate with a global community of curious, forward-thinking collectors.Stay updated with Benoît and Ressence Watches:- https://ressencewatches.com/ - https://www.instagram.com/ressence_watches/ SUPERLATIVE IS NOW ON YOUTUBE! To check out Superlative on Youtube as well as other ABTW content:- YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@ablogtowatch 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/- Twitter - https://twitter.com/ABLOGTOWATCH- Website - https://www.ablogtowatch.com/If you enjoy the show please Subscribe, Rate, and Review!

In a truly special episode of Superlative, host and aBlogtoWatch founder Ariel Adams sits down with legendary comedian, television host, and renowned car collector Jay Leno for an in-depth conversation that bridges the worlds of horology, engineering, and cultural influence. Recorded inside Jay Leno’s Garage, this episode explores Jay’s lifelong fascination with mechanical objects, from vintage automobiles and Ford Model T’s to precision watchmaking, as he shares how curiosity, craftsmanship, and hands-on involvement have shaped both his collections and his career. Jay reflects on his personal watch journey, from early pocket watches and Seiko to Jaeger-LeCoultre, Rolex, and A. Lange & Söhne, while offering thoughtful perspectives on why mechanical watches continue to matter in a world of modern technology. Along the way, the conversation touches on the parallels between cars and watches, the importance of understanding how things work, the role of collectors in preserving traditional crafts, and why true appreciation often comes from direct experience rather than status alone. With humor, insight, and rare behind-the-scenes stories, this episode stands out as a memorable and meaningful discussion with one of the most recognizable figures in entertainment, making it a must-listen for watch enthusiasts, car lovers, and anyone fascinated by the intersection of passion and precision.Stay updated with Jay and Jay Leno’s Garage:- https://www.lenosgarage.com/ - https://www.instagram.com/nbcjayleno/ - https://www.instagram.com/jaylenosgarage/ - https://www.youtube.com/@jaylenosgarage SUPERLATIVE IS NOW ON YOUTUBE! To check out Superlative on Youtube as well as other ABTW content:- YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@ablogtowatch 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/- Twitter - https://twitter.com/ABLOGTOWATCH- Website - https://www.ablogtowatch.com/If you enjoy the show please Subscribe, Rate, and Review!

In this episode of Superlative, host and aBlogtoWatch founder Ariel Adams sits down with Efraim Grinberg, CEO of Movado Group, and Margot Grinberg, President of the Movado brand, for a thoughtful conversation about design heritage, modern consumer expectations, and the ongoing evolution of one of the most recognizable names in the watch industry. Together, they reflect on the enduring cultural impact of the Museum Dial and the Bauhaus principles that shaped it, while also exploring the importance of democratizing luxury and creating watches that connect emotionally with consumers. The discussion spans Movado’s deep archive of historic designs, the renewed excitement in the women’s watch category, the brand’s focus on quality, storytelling, and education, and the strategic balance between appealing to dedicated enthusiasts and a broader mainstream audience. From the rising demand for mechanical pieces in the Heritage collection to the momentum behind new lines such as the Imperiale and the 1917, Ariel, Efraim, and Margot examine how Movado continues to stay in motion while remaining true to the values that have guided the company for more than 140 years. Check out this week’s guest and episode sponsor - Movado Watches:- https://www.movado.com/ SUPERLATIVE IS NOW ON YOUTUBE! To check out Superlative on Youtube as well as other ABTW content:- YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@ablogtowatch 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/- Twitter - https://twitter.com/ABLOGTOWATCH- Website - https://www.ablogtowatch.com/If you enjoy the show please Subscribe, Rate, and Review!

In this episode of Superlative, host Ariel Adams, Founder of aBlogtoWatch, sits down with Felix Wallner, CEO of Hanhart, for a wide-ranging conversation that explores the deep heritage, technical ingenuity, and modern evolution of one of Germany’s most storied watch manufacturers. Felix discusses Hanhart’s origins in the Black Forest and its longstanding ties to Swiss horology, the company’s early breakthroughs in accessible mechanical stopwatches, and the military specification chronographs that later defined the brand’s identity. He explains how Hanhart maintained its leadership in mechanical stopwatch production even as the rest of the industry moved toward wristwatches, and why the company continues to manufacture more than 90 percent of its stopwatch components in-house today. Ariel and Felix also examine the modern landscape of German watchmaking, Hanhart’s product-first philosophy, and the engineering-driven mindset that shapes everything from movement regulation to hardened HD12 steel, anti-magnetic construction, and mono pusher modifications. The conversation reveals how a small authenticity-focused brand balances heritage with innovation, how customer interaction directly informs product refinement, and how Hanhart preserves its identity in a competitive market without compromising on integrity or artisanship. Whether exploring the technical complexities behind mechanical timing instruments or the cultural nuances of German tool watch design, this episode offers a thoughtful and comprehensive look at what makes Hanhart a unique force within the watch industry.Check out Hanhart watches:- Website: https://www.hanhart.com/ - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hanhart_watches/ SUPERLATIVE IS NOW ON YOUTUBE! To check out Superlative on Youtube as well as other ABTW content:- YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@ablogtowatch 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 and aBlogtoWatch, check us out on:- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ablogtowatch/- Twitter - https://twitter.com/ABLOGTOWATCH- Website - https://www.ablogtowatch.com/If you enjoy the show please Subscribe, Rate, and Review!