Best Independent Watchmaking Podcasts (2026)

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Ep. 21 - Best of 2025: Independent Watchmaking 19:40

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14d ago19:40

19:40

Episode 21 of the SJX Podcast reflects on independent watchmaking in 2025, a year that saw fewer genuinely new releases than expected. Many familiar names opted for variations on existing models rather than bold new directions, making the standout pieces all the more significant, including Urban Jürgensen's impressive relaunch under Kari Voutilaine…

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The Dive Watches of Ming – The Watches of Podcast 22:02

22h ago22:02

22:02

On this episode, we share something a little different by sharing an installment from The Watches of Podcast, a new series where we step away from industry-wide analysis and focus deeply on individual brands—their history, philosophy, people, and, importantly, their watches. Each episode is designed as a focused, evergreen exploration of a single b…

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The European Gang Talkes Watches #11: our take on the GPHG – we judge watches and style! 1:26:20

6d ago1:26:20

1:26:20

Today, the (still) ‘new’ Fifth Wrist European Gang talks about the winners of the GPHG and what we – as the far more qualified jury :-) – would have chosen. Bonus material: what do we expect and/or hope for 2026 https://www.gphg.org/en/gphg-2025/nominated-timepieces https://www.gphg.org/en/prize-list-25 https://www.marcdarno.com/ https://inceptumit…

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Ep. 24 - Best of 2025: Surprises and Unexpected Developments 19:23

6d ago19:23

19:23

Episode 24 of the SJX Podcast covers the surprises and unexpected developments of 2025, a year marked by significant material innovation and bold statements from established brands. In this final episode of the year, SJX and Brandon discuss Rolex's landmark Land-Dweller with its revolutionary Dynapulse escapement, Breguet's experimental magnetic co…

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Independent Thinking - Roman and Adam farewell 2025; Musings and Gratitude 1:11:49

8d ago1:11:49

1:11:49

In this episode of Independent Thinking for ⁠⁠@FifthWrist ⁠⁠Radio podcast, Roman (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@TimesRomanAU⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠) and Adam (⁠⁠@mediumwatch⁠⁠) discuss their 2025 horological highlights and evolutions of their personal collections over the years. They share insights on the significance of complications like perpetual calendars and t…

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Ep. 23 - Best of 2025: Value Propositions Under US$10,000 13:22

8d ago13:22

13:22

Episode 23 of the SJX Podcast looks at value propositions under US$10,000 in 2025, a mixed year for affordable watches. While Tudor continued to refine its sports watch formula with the well-received Ranger 36, several micro-brands made compelling cases for themselves with distinctive designs and upgraded movements. The team highlights releases fro…

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2026 Watch Industry Predictions – A Year of Recovery, Though Scars Remain 41:51

8d ago41:51

41:51

On this episode, we step back to assess where the watch industry actually landed in 2025, revisiting our prior predictions with a focus on the bigger forces at work rather than scorekeeping. We talk candidly about the pressure points that defined the year—pricing fatigue, currency and tariff shocks, and the uneven mood among collectors—while also a…

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Ep. 22 - Best of 2025: Complications 14:06

11d ago14:06

14:06

Episode 22 of the SJX Podcast examines complications in 2025, a banner year that saw major brands deliver ambitious and record-setting complications. Several anniversaries, including Vacheron Constantin's 270th and Audemars Piguet's 150th, resulted in inspired releases. Show notes: 00:45 - Vacheron Constantin Solaria Ultra Grand Complication 4:00 -…

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Ep #67: Xmas & End of Year Special: Our Watches of 2025, CP7 Highlights & Reflections 1:10:57

14d ago1:10:57

1:10:57

Welcome to the Chrono Passion 7 Podcast's final show of 2025. Join the CP7 Boys as we wrap up the year in true festive fashion, kicking back, reflecting on our highlights, and revisiting the standout watches that defined our 2025. From Rolex and H. Moser & Cie to Jaeger‑LeCoultre, Cartier, and plenty more, each getting their moment in the spotlight…

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The Watch Industry Ends the Year Down – As Pressures Compound, Swiss Exports Drop 39:05

15d ago39:05

39:05

On this episode of Openwork, we dig into the long-awaited reduction of U.S. tariffs on Swiss watches, which finally dropped from 39% to 15% after weeks of confusion and delay. We explain what actually changed, why the rollout took more than a month after the initial agreement, and how the U.S. customs system ultimately flipped the switch. While the…

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Independent Thinking - Benoît Mintiens (@Ressence_Watches) 1:11:50

16d ago1:11:50

1:11:50

In this episode of Independent Thinking for ⁠@FifthWrist ⁠Radio podcast, host Adam (⁠@mediumwatch⁠) welcome Benoît Mintiens, founder of Ressence Watches (@ressence_watches). We discuss Ressence’s unique approach to watchmaking, focusing on innovative design and functionality over traditional complications. Benoît shares insights into Ressence's dis…

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Independent Thinking - When Tradition Meets Passion: The Art of Embroidery Meets Watch Culture 56:21

19d ago56:21

56:21

Claus (@tapir_ffm) and Wolfgang (@w_a_t_c_h_s_t_y_l_e) met with Jure von Ercigoj (@ercigojart) for a special conversation about two worlds that, at first glance, have nothing in common – yet form a fascinating connection. Since 1923, the Ercigoj family has been running their embroidery studio through now five generations. What began with intricate …

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Ditching the Luxury Script for Independent Watches – Geoff Souder (Collective) 47:36

22d ago47:36

47:36

In this episode of Openwork, we talk with our sales director, Geoff Souder, about what fundamentally changes when you move from selling traditional luxury watches to selling independent brands. Drawing on decades of experience with mainstream names like Rolex and Patek Philippe, Geoff explains how scale and standardization create a polished but oft…

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Ep #66: The Lore Of Watchmaking's Holy Trinity: Eternal, Time For A Change Or Obsolete? 1:22:11

25d ago1:22:11

1:22:11

As the festive season approaches, it feels only fitting to explore the holy trinity of watchmaking. The big three, Audemars Piguet, Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin: the watchmakers hailed as the crème de la crème, the pinnacle, and whose watches come with the added prestige of being “trinity” watches for their owners. But have you ever stopp…

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Signs of Hope for an Industry Under Pressure – Tariffs, Supplier Woes, the Rise of India and New Releases 49:30

1M ago49:30

49:30

Openwork is going weekly. In addition to our classic shows which focus on a specific topic or guest, we’re introducing a new format: a discussion of current events in the watch industry. So this week, we take a look at some tariff news (or lack thereof), supplier challenges, the significant growth of India, along with a few new releases. Hosted by …

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Independent Thinking - Scott Lancaster (@emertonscott): Designing the Perfect Everyday Watch 1:04:10

1M ago1:04:10

1:04:10

In this episode of Independent Thinking for @FifthWrist Radio podcast, host Adam (@mediumwatch) welcomes Scott Lancaster, founder of Emerton Scott (@emertonscott), to discuss the intricacies of watch design and the importance of branding. Calling in from Bangkok, Scott shares how he merges branding principles with product design to create the ultim…

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Embracing Risk & Managing Hype – Sylvain Berneron (Berneron) 59:11

1M ago59:11

59:11

Today we’re talking about the rise of independent hype watches. Until very recently, as we’ve discussed on this podcast, independent watchmaking was something of a backwater of the watch industry or at best the realm of the cognoscenti. But in recent years, creations from the likes of MB&F, Simon Brette, Rexhep Rexhepi and today’s guest Sylvain Ber…

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Ep. 20 - Live from Dubai Watch Week 22:27

1M ago22:27

22:27

Episode 20 of the SJX Podcast comes to you live from Dubai Watch Week 2025, which has just concluded. The event brought together many leading independent watchmakers, industry executives, and perhaps most importantly a big audience of collectors from around the world. The new venue in Burj Park brought a more sophisticated feel to the event, which …

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2025 GPHG Dispatch – We're in Geneva for this Year's "Oscar's of Watchmaking" 47:45

2M ago47:45

47:45

This week we’re coming to you from Geneva, where we’ve attended the GPHG award ceremony, celebrated Czapek’s 10th anniversary, and had some time to experience the city’s horological treasures. We share a recap of our time in Geneva, including what everyone who attended the GPHG is really talking about. Hosted by Asher Rapkin and Gabe Reilly, co-fou…

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Watchmaker, Writer, and Brand Executive – Rob Nudds (The RealTime Show, Arcanaut) 51:31

2M ago51:31

51:31

Today we’re talking to someone who has made the transition from watchmaker to journalist to watch brand executive. In fact, it’s not so much a transition but a career expansion as he still assembles watches while creating copious content and works in various business roles for a number of watch brands. Of course, we’re talking to none other than Ro…

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Ep. 19 - An Offer You Can't Refuse 13:42

2M ago13:42

13:42

On episode 19 of the SJX Podcast, we unpack the news that Francis Ford Coppola is selling his personal F.P. Journe FFC prototype at Phillips in a few weeks (along with most of his other watches). We also discuss the legacy of F.P. Journe, which is coming into sharper focus ahead of the opening of his museum next year. The centrepiece of the museum …

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Ep #65: The Mystery Of The Grail Watch: One Watch To Rule Them All, A Glorified Wish List Or The Collector’s Odyssey? 1:18:43

2M ago1:18:43

1:18:43

What determines the meaning of a grail watch? Is it a horological equivalent of the legendary Holy Grail, a symbolic object of spiritual and mystical perfection sought after by such luminaries as King Arthur and the knights of the Round Table, the wacky team at Monty Python, and all the way to fearless adventurer Indiana Jones? Or is it simply a gl…

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Ep. 18 - Sylvain Berneron is All In 50:11

2M ago50:11

50:11

For episode 18 of the SJX Podcast, we sit down with Sylvain Berneron, founder of one of the most talked about new brands of the past few years. Fresh off the launch of the brand's first complicated model, the Quantième Annuel, Mr Berneron breaks down what it takes to start a watch business and stay on pace to produce a new model every year. Show no…

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The Rise & Retreat of Omega – From Industry Leader to Challenger Brand 1:02:04

2M ago1:02:04

1:02:04

It’s the Omega-sode. We’re taking a look at the business of Omega: How they went from the world’s number one watch brand – both in terms of sales and units shipped – to number three, what happened along the way, and where they may be headed next. Hosted by Asher Rapkin and Gabe Reilly, co-founders of Collective Horology, Openwork goes inside the wa…

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Ep. 17 - Breguet's Big Pivot 23:17

2M ago23:17

23:17

On Episode 17 of the SJX Podcast, Brandon has just returned from WatchTime New York, an event that has emerged as the flagship watch fair in the United States since its debut in 2015. SJX shares his hands-on impressions of Breguet's new ref. 7225, which features a return of the brand's magnetic pivots and is the highlight of the brand's 250th anniv…

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Driving Time with Brendan (@Artneun) 1:46:33

2M ago1:46:33

1:46:33

Welcome to Driving Time, a podcast where horology meets the automotive world. Join Tom and Teesaan as they stumble their way through cars and watches and everything in between. This episode we have on Brendan (@Artneun) the man behind a curated exhibition featuring Porsche sportscars. Now heading into its third year taking place in the Morris Moor …

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From the Hills of Piedmont to the Stars: Interview with Marco Guarino, watchmaker and AHCI candidate 1:02:10

3M ago1:02:10

1:02:10

In this episode of the Independent Thinking Show for @FifthWrist Radio we talk to Marco Guarino from Marc&Darnò. “From the Hills of Piedmont to the Stars” Marco Guarino lives and works in Asti, in a workshop that’s also his home. There, he creates no ordinary watches, but mechanical masterpieces that bring the sun, moon, and time into harmony. What…

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Ep. 16 - Freak Face-Off: Original vs Freak S 22:18

3M ago22:18

22:18

On Episode 16 of the SJX Podcast, SJX and Brandon discuss ongoing horology events in Paris and Singapore, the new Piaget Andy Warhol, and introduce a new segment comparing two watches head-to-head. First up is the Ulysse Nardin Freak - how does the original, now 25 years old, stack up to the new Freak S? Show Notes: 00:45 - Vacheron Constantin Sing…

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Inside New York Watch Week – Nicholas Bowman-Scargill (Fears) 42:58

3M ago42:58

42:58

We're live at WatchTime New York 2025 with Nicholas Bowman-Scargill, 4th Managing Director of Fears. We discuss the growth of WindUp, WatchTime and the many other watch happenings in New York this past week, including what the brands are talking about behind closed doors. Yes, a bit of tea. Hosted by Asher Rapkin and Gabe Reilly, co-founders of Col…

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FWR - ZLTD Watches (@zltdwatches), Conversation with Kenny & Raf 1:01:37

3M ago1:01:37

1:01:37

In this episode of the Independent Thinking Show for ⁠⁠⁠@FifthWrist⁠⁠⁠ Radio, Roman (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@TimesRomanAU⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠) sits down for a chat with Kenny and Raf from ZLTD Watches (⁠@zltdwatches⁠), a relatively new entrant in the indie horology world. We discuss the journey of ZLTD Watches, covering the Series 1.0 and 1.5 (both of whic…

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Ep #64: Bespoke Watchmaking, Creating Memories & The CP7 Challenge with Armand Billard from Sartory Billard 58:52

3M ago58:52

58:52

Join Parm and Andy as they sit down with Armand Billard, one of the two founders of Sartory Billard, whose handcrafted dials and collaborative approach have earned him a devoted following in the world of independent watchmaking. From titanium canvases to iridescent guilloché, Armand shares how emotion, elegance, and experimentation shape his horolo…

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Ep. 15 - The Titanium Episode 18:11

3M ago18:11

18:11

On Episode 15 of the SJX Podcast, Brandon shares insights picked up at Citizen's Super Titanium event in Paris, where he had the opportunity to speak with the brand's materials engineers. Still on the theme of titanium, SJX shares his views on the new Cartier Santos in the lightweight metal, and the different strategies of these brands which are pl…

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Ep. 14 - Primetime for Fashion Brands? 19:18

3M ago19:18

19:18

On episode 14 of the SJX Podcast, Brandon Moore and SJX unpack Louis Vuitton's Monterey and discuss where fashion brands fit in the contemporary fine watchmaking landscape. We also cover the latest from Lange, which just added a stone onyx dial to the Saxonia Thin - is it the perfect watch for your next soiree? Show Notes: 0:45 - A. Lange & Söhne S…

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Ep. 13 - MB&F Gives Away Anniversary Editions 13:07

3M ago13:07

13:07

On episode 13 of the SJX Podcast, Brandon Moore and SJX discuss MB&F's decision to give away 20 free watches - 10 pieces of a new LM101 Longhorn for Tribe members and 10 pieces of a matching M.A.D.1S for prior raffle registrants. It's a move that's generated a lot of buzz, and a little bit of consternation, but regardless it's a remarkable offer fr…

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How the 'Big Four' Took Over – 2018-2024 Watch Market Shifts 56:46

3M ago56:46

56:46

We’re taking a look at how the watch market has shifted in the past half decade plus. In particular, we’re taking a look at what’s changed since Morgan Stanley and LuxeConsult published their first annual watch industry report in 2018 – which brands and segments are up and down, how tastes are changing, and so much more. For full show notes, includ…

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Ep. 12 - AP Reinvents the Chronograph, Big Brands vs. Indies, and VC CEO 18:47

3M ago18:47

18:47

On episode 12 of the SJX Podcast, SJX shares his hands-on impressions of the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak “Jumbo” Extra-Thin Selfwinding Flying Tourbillon Chronograph RD#5, the fifth and final watch from the brand's R&D skunkworks. We also address listener questions about the (great) leadership at Vacheron Constantin, and whether brands like A. Lange …

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Ep. 11 - Quest of Time 34:59

3M ago34:59

34:59

On episode 11 of the SJX Podcast, SJX and Brandon Moore discuss the monumental Quête Du Temps astronomical clock that Vacheron Constantin just unveiled in Paris alongside the companion Quest of Time wristwatch. We also tackle Tudor's first moon phase complication and what it means for the brand's collection of dress watches. SJX also shares his vie…

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Ep #63: Geneva Watch Days 2025: Lots Of Fun But Was It Worth It? 1:15:34

3M ago1:15:34

1:15:34

Pack your loupe and watch gloves, and join us as we talk all things Geneva Watch Days 2025. We're full boots-on-the-ground (literally, with blisters to prove it!) to bring you the inside scoop on the world's premier independent watchmaker's event, bar none. It's where the indie brands come to flex, the big names now start to appear, and your CP7 Bo…

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What's Going on at Bremont? – Inside the British Brand's 2024 Earnings 1:05:09

4M ago1:05:09

1:05:09

On September 5, 2025 under British law and as originally reported in WatchPro, Bremont filed their 2024 financial year report, which saw the brand post a whopping £9 million (GBP) loss. In addition to the numbers, the report reveals a great deal about the state of Bremont’s business and their strategy going forward. Now although just filed this mon…

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Ep. 10 - Best of Geneva Watch Days 41:37

4M ago41:37

41:37

On episode 10 of the SJX Podcast, SJX and Brandon Moore discuss the highlights and hands-on impressions from Geneva Watch Days, including the Greubel Forsey QP Balancier, Lange 1815 Tourbillon Black Enamel, Gérald Genta's new Minute Repeater, and the latest perpetual calendars from Audemars Piguet. We also discuss the significance of Tag Heuer's ca…

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Our Favorite Watches – Geneva Watch Days 2025 44:52

4M ago44:52

44:52

Before we leave Geneva, we’re back with a recap of our favorite watches – all of them unexpected and expressions of unique points of view. Full show notes below with photos, more information and links: collectivehorology.com/blog. Hosted by Asher Rapkin and Gabe Reilly, co-founders of Collective Horology, Openwork goes inside the watch industry. Yo…

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Independent Thinking - Manuel Emch (@kollokium & @louiserardofficial) 1:24:21

4M ago1:24:21

1:24:21

In this episode of the Independent Thinking Show for ⁠⁠@FifthWrist⁠⁠ Radio, Roman (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@TimesRomanAU⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠) and Claus (⁠⁠@tapir_ffm⁠⁠) sit down with Manuel Emch (@emchtagram), the visionary behind many contemporary watchmaking innovations, spearheading @kollokium and @louiserardofficial. The conversation traverses Manuel’s il…

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Ep. 9 - Million Dollar Showdown: Steel Unicorns from Patek Philippe and Ferdinand Berthoud Face Off 49:08

4M ago49:08

49:08

In episode 9 we discuss two noteworthy steel watches that will be coming up for auction in November at Phillips in Geneva: the Ferdinand Berthoud Naissance d’une Montre 3 and the Patek Philippe ref. 1518 perpetual calendar chronograph. We also share our thoughts on the new Massena Lab collaboration with Vianney Halter, and the intuitive new annual …

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Geneva Watch Days 2025 – Facing Global Challenges, the Watch Industry Turns to Creativity 28:40

4M ago28:40

28:40

We're live from Switzerland with our take on Geneva Watch Days 2025. We discuss what we're hearing in the meeting rooms, our takeaways from this week's releases, as well as how the show and industry more broadly are adapting to a turbulent environment. Hosted by Asher Rapkin and Gabe Reilly, co-founders of Collective Horology, Openwork goes inside …

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Ep #62: A Decade In The Independent Watch World: The Limited Edition Turns 10 with Pietro Tomajer 59:51

4M ago59:51

59:51

Welcome back to your favourite watch-related podcast! This is a very special episode where we are joined by Pietro Tomajer of The Limited Edition (first seen in Episode 13) whose pioneering independent and artisan watch platform is celebrating its 10th birthday. We take a deep dive into the challenges Pietro met to become the first major retailer f…

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The Watch Industry’s Busiest Summer – Geneva Watch  Days Preview,  Swiss Exports,  Plus Richemont  Earnings 36:21

4M ago36:21

36:21

Summertime, usually a downtime in the watch industry, has been particularly busy this year. On this episode of Openwork, we're looking at three timely stories: A preview of Geneva Watch Days, the latest Swiss watch export data, and Richemont's most recent quarterly earnings. Taken all together, these current events demonstrate the watch industry is…

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Independent Thinking – with Tom van Wijlick of CDMLEC, the group which has revived Airain and LeBois & Co. and more … 1:00:39

5M ago1:00:39

1:00:39

In this episode of the Independent Thinking Show for @FifthWrist Radio, Adam (@mediumwatch) and Claus (@tapir_ffm) talk to Tom van Wijlick, founder of CDMLEC, the group which has brought @airain and @leboisandco back to a splendid life. After we (as everybody else currently does) discuss about tariffs (but featuring the inside view of a supplier of…

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The Industry's Most Important Watches – From the Quartz Crisis to Today 1:00:29

5M ago1:00:29

1:00:29

On this episode of Openwork, we explore the watches that shaped both the watch industry and global culture. Our focus is on the modern era—from the Quartz Crisis to today. Each of us selects three watches that transformed the industry, influenced how we collect, and left their mark far beyond the world of horology. We also each choose the most impo…

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Independent Thinking - @Belchengruppe; point blank without bells or whistles 59:34

5M ago59:34

59:34

In this episode of the Independent Thinking Show for @FifthWrist Radio, Adam (@mediumwatch) and Claus (@tapir_ffm) talk to Christoph Schnee, founder of Belchengruppe (@belchengruppe). We don't just talk about watches in general and those of the Belchengruppe, we take a broad look at watch and font design and design as a whole, the openmovement idea…

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Episode 261- Guess Who’s in Feedspot’s Top 45 Watch Podcasts? 4:49

5M ago4:49

4:49

In this episode, Amit shares some exciting news — his podcast has been named one of Feedspot’s Top 45 Watch Podcasts in the World! He talks about what this recognition means, the journey that got him here, and the role you, the listeners, have played in making it happen. Along the way, we’ll reflect on some memorable moments, the lessons learned, a…