HODINKEE Podcasts

Hodinkee editors choose their favorite watches of the 21st century, so far.

It’s our last day at Watches & Wonders in Geneva, so we’re recapping everything we saw. We talk about the best watches we saw all week, the best watches under $10,000, drop some of our spiciest takes, and then all of us – all seven of us – pick one watch we saw that we’d purchase, money no object. Thanks to Lucid Motors for sponsoring this week’s live recordings of Hodinkee Radio from Geneva. To learn more about the Lucid visit: https://lucidmotors.com/ Check out the full story here: https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/watches-and-wonders-2024-daily-episodes-live-from-geneva

Three days into the show and we’re all a bit slap happy and talking about some of our favorite novelties from Hermès, Cartier, Oris, Chopard, and Parmigiani. We also talk a bit about the general mood of the show, which we’ll discuss more on our final show tomorrow. But first, we talk about: Hermès’ new ladies’ watch and whether it’s actually a ladies’ watch; Oris’ new Aquis and why the lack of any mega releases might actually be the best thing for the Swiss watch industry; and we finish with dress watches from Chopard and Parmigiani Fleurier’s update of the Toric collection. Thanks to Lucid Motors for sponsoring this week’s live recordings of Hodinkee Radio from Geneva.

On day two, we talk about all of the watches we went hands on with during appointments with Cartier, TAG Heuer, Grand Seiko, IWC, Lange – and even the world’s new most complicated watch from Vacheron Constantin. Thanks to Lucid Motors for sponsoring this week’s live recordings of Hodinkee Radio from Geneva. Thanks to Lucid Motors for sponsoring this week’s live recordings of Hodinkee Radio from Geneva. To learn more about the Lucid visit: https://lucidmotors.com/ Check out the full story here: https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/watches-and-wonders-2024-daily-episodes-live-from-geneva

In our first episode from Geneva, Ben, Danny, and Malaika join me to discuss new releases from Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Tudor. GMTs headline the novelties from Rolex and Tudor. Rolex has brought its black-and-grey bezel to a steel GMT, while Tudor gave what so many have asked for – a Black Bay 58 GMT. We also talk about what it means that it’s a slower year for Rolex, that Tudor is becoming the Black Bay brand, and the new complicated stuff from Patek. We start it all off by chatting about the Le Mans Daytona in white gold (now discontinued!) and yellow gold (new!). Thanks to Lucid Motors for sponsoring this week’s live recordings of Hodinkee Radio from Geneva. To learn more about the Lucid visit: lucidmotors.com

It's Wednesday, which means it's another episode of Hodinkee Radio, and this week, it's a big one: We're kicking off our Watches & Wonders coverage! On April 9, Watches & Wonders begins in Switzerland. I'll be heading to Geneva with a bunch of my colleagues to attend the annual trade show, now the biggest for the Swiss watch industry. Alongside the big show are a number of other shows scattered throughout Geneva – in all, more than 150 brands will be exhibiting in the city. It's one of the few weeks each year where much of the industry descends onto one town. Last year was my first show, and I can't wait to get back for another one. I'm not the only one who's excited, so I've got Ben, Danny, and James on mic to talk about Watches & Wonders - what to expect from the show, from specific brands (Rolex, Tudor, and Patek), and more before we all hop on flights to Geneva. Also, this is your heads up to make sure you're subscribed to Hodinkee Radio, as we'll have daily episodes from Geneva April 9–12. Each day, we'll recap the biggest releases from Rolex, Tudor, Patek, and all 54 brands presenting at Watches & Wonders, as well as the dozens of other brands we'll be visiting in Geneva.

This week, James and Danny join the show to talk about GMTs. The past few years have seen an increase in the popularity of the travel watch. It feels like hardly a week goes by without an exciting, often affordable, new GMT. So today, we're talking about the wide world of everyone's favorite travel complication. In part kick-started by the 2018 release of Tudor's Black Bay GMT, fans of travel watches have witnessed a mounting of arms. This was spurred even further by the 2022 introduction of the budget-minded Miyota 9075, a movement from the Citizen Group that features an independently adjustable local hour hand. All of this has led to increased competition in the space and has made for a buyer's market that manages to offer an incredible amount of variety. James, Danny, and I talk about some of our favorite recent takes on the GMT, from smaller boutique brands up to larger marks like Tudor and Longines.

My guest today is Johnathan Ferrer, the founder of boutique brand Brew Watches. He founded Brew nine years ago after studying industrial design and short stints with other brands. Brew was inspired by his days spent sitting in coffee shops, working and designing—not just the coffee, but the culture of unwinding and relaxing. But I'll be honest, that's not what attracted me to Brew. It's the retro but totally modern vibe he's managed to capture in all of his designs, most recently in the Metric. Jonathan and I talk about his journey as a designer and entrepreneur, the times he almost called it quits, and what's next for Brew. Along the way, we also chat about some of John's other passions: cars, coffee and bikes. Jonathan is a great designer and an even better guy – I hope you enjoy our chat. Thanks again to Accutron for supporting Hodinkee Radio. For more on the Accutron DNA Casino Collection, visit accutronwatch.com.

This week I'm joined by Ben Clymer and client advisor Rich Fordon. We cover a range of topics, but our main discussion is about underappreciated high-end watch brands. Using Laurent Ferrier as something of a case study, we discuss why an important watchmaker might not be recognized as such by the market, what went wrong, and what can be done to change a brand's perception. Before that, we offer quick takes on some of the biggest news of the last week: We talk about Audemars Piguet's slate of releases, including John Mayer's limited edition QP; the Morgan Stanley Luxe Consult report on the Swiss watch industry in 2023, finally, we offer a few recommendations for Hollywood movies about watches, as Oscars season comes to a close. Thanks again to Accutron for supporting Hodinkee Radio. For more on the Accutron DNA Casino Collection, visit accutronwatch.com.

This week, I'm joined by Danny Milton and Malaika Crawford, and we're talking proportions: What watch brands get right, what they get wrong, and what we want to see more of. We start with Malaika's recent article, "The Plea For Proportionality," but quickly jump into recent releases from Vacheron Constantin, Tudor, and a whole lot more. While some of these smaller and mid-sized releases have garnered headlines, at large, average watch sizes haven't gotten much smaller, though options have certainly increased. Nowadays, tastes are broader than ever before, and that's creating a new demand on brands to recognize that goods things can come in small, medium, and large packages. We finish with a wish list of well-proportioned watches we'd like to see from brands.

This week, I'm joined by Danny Milton, James Stacey, and Mark Kauzlarich. We're bringing back an old school format that's a lot of fun: The Fantasy Watch Draft. Like fantasy football, but for watch nerds. Each of us builds a five watch collection in each of the following categories: Sports, dress, complication, indie, and budget (under $1,000). Head to Hodinkee.com

Ben Clymer and Malaika Crawford join to discuss how our tastes have changed before picking our surprise favorites from Sir Elton's eclectic collection.

For the first time, the Breitling CEO discusses the Universal Genève Acquisition; then, we look back at his tenure at Breitling so far. This week, Breitling CEO Georges Kern joins Ben and Tony for a chat. Kern has been in the watch industry for over 30 years and has led several large Swiss brands. He joined Richemont in 2000 and played a key role in integrating A. Lange & Söhne, Jaeger-LeCoultre, and IWC after the trio of brands was acquired. He became the conglomerate's youngest CEO in 2002 when he took the helm at IWC. Our conversation starts with an in-depth discussion of Breitling's surprise acquisition of Universal Genève, including details on Kern's plans for the brand's relaunch. Then, we talk about his tenure at Breitling before zooming out on the changes he's seen over his more than 30 years in the watch industry.

In our pilot episode return, we have thoughts on Breitling's acquisition of Universal Geneve, Blancpain x Swatch, and more. Then, we give out some collecting advice. Hodinkee Radio is back! After our 10-episode run of "Ben Clymer Presents," we're happy to be bringing Hodinkee Radio back to a weekly show. Plan to catch a new episode here or in your podcast player of choice every Wednesday. Hodinkee Radio will be hosted by me, Tony. Each week, I'll be joined by a couple of fellow editors to discuss a big topic. We'll also bring a guest to the show once a month, and we've already got a good one for next week – stay tuned. This week, I'm joined by James and Danny to discuss some of the news and releases we've already seen in 2024: Blancpain x Swatch Scuba Fifty, Omega's newest Speedmaster, and what we want to see from Breitling's acquisition of Universal Geneve. After that, we introduce a new segment, "Collecting Advice," where a listener reaches out with a watch-related inquiry and we do our best (or worst) to offer some guidance. We recorded this pilot episode a couple of weeks ago, so bear with us – the discussion will be fresher in future episodes. Thanks to Accutron for supporting Hodinkee Radio. For more on the Accutron DNA Casino Collection, visit accutronwatch.com.

Bremont's new CEO talks about his plans to 'relaunch' the British brand, the opportunities it has, and his 20-plus years in the watch industry.

We sit down with the pro golfer to chat about handicaps, his remarkable watch history, playing with blades, and some deep cuts from Patek Philippe.

The ins and outs of vintage Patek Philippe including dream references, peak values, and sleeper hits.

Talking the state of the auction market, vintage Patek and Rolex, and sleeper picks from this week's New York sales.

The ins and outs of Lange with the brand's long-standing CEO.

It's auction season again, and we're breaking down the trends, mega lots, and our favorite sleeper picks from this weekend's auctions and more.

Sotheby's Head of Watches and the founder of Rolliefest on vintage Rolex – buy, sell, hold, and the enduring allure of the Big Crown Sub.

Inside the world of Porsche, the brand's family ties to watchmaking, and the community that brings it all together.

Recorded at a live screening of Talking Watches with Ed Sheeran, Danny joins Ben to chat about a decade of Talking Watches and to take questions live from the audience.

Inside the new collaboration between Akrivia and Louis Vuitton (and what comes next...)

A special new video podcast series for in-depth discussions with experts from watches and beyond.

Episode 4 was delayed due to an evening event that Hodinkee hosted with Lucid Automotive in Geneva but I got Nora, Danny, and Tony on a mic before we parted ways after the show. We get into the recent goodies from Cartier, new Alpine Eagle and LUC models from Chopard, and a whole lot more.

Ben, Danny, and James are joined by Hodinkee's Chief Brand Officer Eneuri Acosta to chat about some of their favorite new releases, watch spottings, and macro impressions from Watches & Wonders 2023.

Episode 2 has the new fellas talking about Grand Seiko, JLC, and Oris while our CEO unveils a hidden talent and Ben and James share a truly special off-catalog moment from their meeting with Rolex.

Ben, Malaika, Danny, and James chat about the latest and greatest from Rolex, Tudor, Patek Philippe, and Lange at Watches & Wonders 2023.

A preview for the start of Watches and Wonders 2023 and all the watches we hope to see released this year.

For the next installment of The Collector's Edition, Ben chats with actor, comedian, producer, entrepreneur, and watch guy, Kevin Hart.

Digging into some exciting new watches and some that never existed (but could have?)

The Chrono Chime, the 5811G, and a whole bunch more.

Racing towards award season with Danny and Logan.

Is the industry headed towards a wider acceptance of watch modification? And if so, is that a good thing? Nick and Cooper Zelnick of Cloister Watch Co join James to chat about the world of watch personalization.

James, Danny, and Logan chat about their favorite releases from Geneva and what the new Apple Watch Ultra means for the smartwatch category.

The latest 300, its many siblings, and some Talking Watches BTS.

Fresh back from London for the launch of the new Ranger, Mark Kauzlarich joins Jack and James to chat about the latest from Tudor.

Power reserves: It may be a bigger number, but what does it mean for the way you wear your watch?

Jack, Danny, and Cole join James to chat about how some watch brands never change and how others are all about change.

Chopard's Co-President Karl-Friedrich Scheufele and race car driver Jacky Ickx on more than 30 years of a legendary automotive event.

Inside his new book, what innovation looks like in the watch market, and so much more.

Chatting about the creation, content, and design in the latest issue of Hodinkee Magazine with Nick Merino and designer Mike Renaud.

A group of familiar faces chat about the new film, the persistence of timekeeping, and take a handful of great questions.

Jack, Cole, and Danny open up about the ones that got away (and ones they were happy to see go).

Ben chats with AP Head of Complications Michael Friedman about early Audemars Piguet, the only RD3 in the world, and the curation of Eric Clapton's legendary collection.

Hodinkee's new CEO, Jeff Fowler, joins Ben Clymer to chat about Hodinkee past and present, the watch industry, luxury, and more.

Watches that either didn't get the attention they deserved or are primed for a second look.

Inside the freeze-frame world of watch spotting in movies.

Now that the dust has settled, we chat about the MoonSwatch and what it really means to watch enthusiasts.

The fourth and final episode of our daily series is brought to you by those who had their first experience at a watch trade show.

The third episode is all about some of the great stuff we saw at Czapek, Chopard, Oris, and more.

The second episode of our daily series is all about Cartier, Vacheron Constantin, and Grand Seiko.

Recapping the best of what we saw on the first day of Watches & Wonders 2022.

Open or closed – which is best and why?

We're back from Miami with plenty to talk about.

One of our favorite automotive writers on his love of watches, the shared passion for watches and cars, and the weirdest watch/car collaborations.

A preview for the return of the big watch fair and a consideration of what really makes a bracelet "integrated".

Valentine's Day is for lovers (of watches, too).

Sarah Miller explores the watch world with humor and curiosity.

The latest from LVMH and the 50th anniversary of the Royal Oak.

For the first of a brand new series, Ben chats with Ed Sheeran about watch collecting, the ebb and flow of Patek Philippe, and the untold flexibility of ketchup.

James is joined by Nora, Cole, and Danny to chat over the edit team's recent attempt at being watch designers. From solid gold Explorers to funky Cartier and glowing Lange, this is the inside conversation about the watches we wish existed.

The most complicated British watch ever made had dropped off the radar, could Daniel Miller find it?

A look back on a year's worth of accessible watches that you can actually buy (and probably should!)

Ben, Jon, and Logan discuss the swan song of the haute and hyped 5711.

Chatting about Danny's latest Talking Watches, Cole's artful time in Miami, and the latest addition to Logan's collection.

Robin, Jack, and the latest watches from a special show with growing influence.

Jon goes hands-on with the latest Explorer II and Cole has a charming and budget-friendly alternative.

The ins and outs of gifting a watch (and a few handy alternatives).

Going full Florida Man and the latest high-flying chronographs from Breitling.

Ben and Jack on what it takes to make it as a watch writer.

Ross Povey of Tudor Collector has the deep enthusiast take on Tudor's new dive watch.

Big days in Geneva, and we were there for it.

From Germany with love (and cameras).

“Every watch is a skull watch if you think about it”

The watch podcast equivalent of a full English breakfast.

The push into pre-owned and the future of watch enthusiasm.

Make my coffin out of cork and bury me with my Nautilus.

It's time for an adventure.

Jack dreams of a green baby. Thanks, Frank.

Grab your gear, we're going diving.

The Swiss are back and at it again. Here's our recap of the big trade show.

Character watch madness, the Black Panther effect, and way too much Space Jam.

We've got iced-out Rolexes on the big screen and impossible-to-find Journes on the wrist.

Watch spottings, fantasy collaborations, and a whole lot more.

Which drops, collabs, and wait-listers rule them all?

We talk customization, collaborations, collecting, and a whole lot more.

An interview with CEO Wilhelm Schmid and a chat about what makes Lange watches so special to wear.

Custom numerals, simplified dials, and user-friendly layouts go a long way.

Our editor-in-chief shares his favorite memories and stories from six years at the helm.

Plus, insights into our favorite new releases. And a collaboration from Timex.

The style arbiter did a survey about watch and wrist sizes, and the results will surprise you.

All you need to love watches is to, well, love watches.

Funky sport watches, newly discovered space watches, and go-go gadget watches.

Records, surges and shocks – this auction season had it all.

The wonderful, weird, and wild of contemporary horology go head-to-head-to-head.

The perennial Super Bowl champ (and legit watch enthusiast) chats with Ben Clymer and Stephen Pulvirent.

To show the movement or not to show the movement, that is the question.