WatchSmarts

David Newman
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Hi there! This is David Newman, host of WatchSmarts, the podcast for anyone who loves watches and wants to get smarter about what's on their wrist. Whether you're just a beginner (like me!) or a seasoned watch enthusiast, each episode brings you a fun, fly-on-the-wall conversation with collectors, microbrand founders, dealers, your favorite watch podcasters and YouTubers, and other watch-world insiders, sharing stories, lessons, wins, and a few mistakes along the way. We also cover watch events and watches worth paying attention to at every price point. Whether you are brand new on the watch scene or have a vast collection, this is the watch podcast you've been looking for. Your ears and wrist will thank you!

  1. 1d ago

    The Surprise Jewelry Box and the "Entry-Level" Debate with Nico Robben

    Get the FREE WatchSmarts Beginner Buyer's Guide  David Newman welcomes Nico to discuss a collection that started not with a purchase, but with a total surprise from a deceased neighbor. Mr. Beattie left Nico a jewelry box containing ten vintage timepieces, including a fleet of Hamiltons and a Korean War-era Omega, effectively turning a non-watch wearer into a dedicated enthusiast overnight. Nico shares his journey from that first inherited box to his first intentional purchase of a Seiko Presage Irish Coffee and his more recent acquisition of a Hamilton Jazzmaster to honor his mentor. Throughout the conversation, Nico and David dive into the "entry-level" watch debate, the tactical benefits of National Watch Day, and why a $200 discovery in Paris can sometimes provide more joy than a high-status Rolex. ⏱️ Timestamps 00:02 : The Accidental Collector Nico reveals that he did not own a single watch through high school or most of college. How a surprise inheritance from a neighbor changed his perspective on horology forever. 00:59 : Mr. Beattie's Jewelry Box Opening a legacy gift containing ten Hamilton watches and a Korean War-era Omega Seamaster. The challenge of getting vintage mechanical pieces back into working order after decades of storage. 02:01 : The Irish Coffee Seiko Nico details his first self-purchased watch, a Seiko Presage with a chocolatey brown dial. Why the quality and feel of an affordable piece mattered more than a high-end price tag. 03:15 : Legacy of the Neighbor Discovering the hidden watch collection of a man who usually collected seeds and recipes. Why Mr. Beattie likely chose Hamilton as his primary brand of choice based on family ties. 05:32 : The Entry-Level Debate David discusses a "Watch Crunch" firestorm regarding the definition of entry-level timepieces. Why price points are subjective and every level of the hobby deserves respect. 09:37 : National Watch Day David reveals a fun fact about recording on June 19th, the official National Watch Day. Exploring the cultural impact of watches and their endurance in a digital age. 12:41 : The Paris Discovery The story of a spontaneous Louis Pion purchase that caught Nico's eye in a French shop window. Why the aesthetics of a watch face and font can often trump the prestige of a brand name. 17:53 : The Rolex Resistance Why Nico finds many Rolex models overrated compared to unique independent offerings. Avoiding the social signal trap of buying a watch just because you are told you should love it. 30:54 : The Digital Gateway How smartwatches are actually helping the traditional industry by reclaiming "wrist real estate." The shift from purely utilitarian tools to accessories with deep personal meaning. 33:06 : The Lightning Round Nico chooses between vintage and modern, straps and bracelets, and loud versus quiet designs. Why he believes in owning one great watch over five good ones to ensure daily wear. 35:16 : Final Thoughts Nico shares why the story and personal connection to a watch matter more than the price. Encouraging new collectors to wear what they love without worrying about brand prestige. The best watch in the world is the one that makes you smile when you look at your wrist, regardless of the logo. ========== FREE GUIDE: Buy Your First Great Watch Without Getting Burned Download the WatchSmarts Beginner Buyer's Guide » Know exactly what matters (and what doesn't) before you spend a dollar Avoid the 10 common mistakes that cost beginners thousands Find a great watch that fits your life, your style, and your budget Skip the jargon, the snobbery, and the "collector nonsense" Get a simple decision framework that makes buying easy and obvious

  2. Sep 8

    023: Behind the Watch Strap with Calvin Smith

    Get the FREE WatchSmarts Beginner Buyer's Guide David Newman welcomes Calvin Smith of Lusso Straps to dive into the often overlooked but essential world of watch straps. Calvin shares how his background in the Peace Corps and travels to over 75 countries fueled a passion for high quality leather that eventually led him to the unique cult of Panerai. They discuss why most mass produced straps are essentially the particle board of the horological world and how a simple strap change can completely transform the mood and functionality of a timepiece. From creating custom fit solutions for small wrists to pulling out subtle dial details with contrasting thread, Calvin explains why a handcrafted strap is the ultimate way to refresh your collection without buying a whole new watch.   00:01 – The World of Straps David introduces Calvin Smith, the founder of Lusso Straps and a specialist in the niche world of Panerai customization. Setting the stage for a conversation on how straps serve as the unsung heroes of the watch box. 00:41 – Peace Corps and Plywood Leather How a background in international consulting and Costa Rican leather crafts sparked the idea for a business. Why bonded leather is considered the particle board of the watch world and why quality matters for comfort. 03:41 – The Panerai Connection Exploring why the unique tool watch history of the Italian Navy makes Panerai the perfect canvas for leather work. Why legibility and size are critical for true diving tools when used in murky underwater conditions. 06:46 – Solving the Small Wrist Struggle Calvin discusses the difficulty of finding high-quality straps that fit a six and a half inch wrist properly. Why custom measurements are far superior to off-the-rack options that look like a sundial on the arm. 10:46 – Handcrafted in the Midwest Meeting the master strapsmith and former saddleryman who brings Calvin's designs to life with movie-quality precision. The technical challenge of maintaining a strict tolerance of less than a quarter of a millimeter for a perfect fit. 14:31 – Seasonal Mood Swings How a bright yellow strap for summer or black crocodile for luxury can completely change a watch's personality. Using contrasting thread to highlight specific dial details, such as a red arrowhead second hand. 18:17 – The Alternative to a New Watch Why you do not need to drop ten thousand dollars on a green dial if you can just buy a high-quality green strap. How a few hundred dollars on handcrafted leather can scratch the itch for a new timepiece. 21:57 – The Panerai 101 A breakdown of the three basic categories of the brand, including the Radiomir, Luminor, and Submersible. Why the Radiomir wire lugs require a bit more expertise and patience to navigate during a strap change. 28:35 – Motorsport and Memories Calvin shares his personal collection including Chopard Superfast models and his first Rolex Day-Date purchase. The story behind the Yema Rallygraph and the 1969 Mario Andretti Indianapolis 500 victory. 36:18 – Becoming a Connoisseur Why moving from off-the-rack straps to custom leather is like moving from a department store suit to a tailored jacket. Final advice on finding the perfect fit that complements both your physiology and your personal style. Once you experience a strap that was made specifically for your wrist, you will never go back to off-the-shelf leather again. ========== FREE GUIDE: Buy Your First Great Watch Without Getting Burned Download the WatchSmarts Beginner Buyer's Guide » Know exactly what matters (and what doesn't) before you spend a dollar Avoid the 10 common mistakes that cost beginners thousands Find a great watch that fits your life, your style, and your budget Skip the jargon, the snobbery, and the "collector nonsense" Get a simple decision framework that makes buying easy and obvious

  3. Sep 1

    The Millionaire Magician's Watch Secrets with Steve Cohen

    Get the FREE WatchSmarts Beginner Buyer's Guide David Newman sits down with Steve Cohen, the "Millionaire's Magician," to explore the surprising historical intersection where watchmaking and magic coexist. Steve shares his transition from wearing stone-faced teenage relics to owning a curated dozen of high-end pieces, including Patek Philippe World Times and the legendary A. Lange & Söhne. He pulls back the curtain on the technical mechanics of the watch steal, explaining why your leather band is a pickpocket's dream and how he uses psychological misdirection to "remove" luxury timepieces in plain sight. From the mystery of why million-dollar watches say "Email" on the dial to the personal significance of wearing a Rolex Batman to the top of Mount Fuji, Steve reveals why true horological joy is found in the thrill of the hunt and the understated elegance of stealth wealth. 00:02 – The Lineage of Magic and Horology How legendary magicians like Robert-Houdin began their careers as master watchmakers. The historical connection between gear systems in clocks and mechanical magic tricks. 01:41 – First Impressions and the Sharper Image Steve's early attraction to a stone-faced watch worn by a magician he admired. Discovering minimalism through a black-and-white Danish timepiece from The Sharper Image. 03:21 – Secrets of the Watch Steal Why Steve had to learn the mechanics of every luxury clasp to perform his signature magic trick. The reason he eventually stopped stealing watches to protect his professional reputation. 06:03 – The Vulnerability of the Leather Band Why a pin-and-buckle system is the easiest target for a professional pickpocket. How simple misdirection and physical pressure can remove a watch in seconds. 08:17 – Defeating the Deployment Clasp The technical challenge of removing a bracelet watch while navigating the human thumb. Using coins and matchbooks as "theatrical devices" to manipulate a subject's grip. 10:47 – The David Blaine Influence How wearing David Blaine's Zenith Rolex Daytona for a day sparked a serious obsession. Buying his first major piece from a "sketchy" shop in the New York Diamond District. 13:22 – Patek Philippe and the Magician's Connection Using personal relationships to secure an A. Lange & Söhne in three weeks instead of four years. The versatility of the World Time ratchet system for a performer constantly on the road. 17:40 – The Psychology of the Hunt Why the peak of dopamine occurs at the moment of the purchase rather than the acquisition. Steve's philosophy on buying only what you love rather than treating watches as pure investments. 25:02 – The Legend of Max Malini The incredible story of a magician who turned a borrowed watch into a "minute repeater" using magic. Why modern smartwatches are making classical horological magic much harder to perform. 34:14 – Batman, Mount Fuji, and the Dark Knight Why Steve identifies with the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso worn by Bruce Wayne in the films. Climbing to the top of Mount Fuji while wearing a Rolex GMT Master II to honor the Batman lore. 38:28 – The Mystery of the "Email" Dial Why a $1.5 million Patek Philippe has the word "email" written at the bottom. Learning the distinction between modern technology and the Swiss-French term for enamel. 41:25 – Lightning Round: One Great Watch Why Steve prefers one high-end masterpiece over a collection of five entry-level pieces. The case for stealth wealth and why understated design beats "bling" every time. A great watch is the ultimate sleight of hand: it tells a story of success while keeping its deepest secrets hidden in plain sight. ========== FREE GUIDE: Buy Your First Great Watch Without Getting Burned Download the WatchSmarts Beginner Buyer's Guide » Know exactly what matters (and what doesn't) before you spend a dollar Avoid the 10 common mistakes that cost beginners thousands Find a great watch that fits your life, your style, and your budget Skip the jargon, the snobbery, and the "collector nonsense" Get a simple decision framework that makes buying easy and obvious

  4. Aug 25

    021: Category Kings and the James Cameron Grail with Christopher Lochhead (Part 2)

    Get the FREE WatchSmarts Beginner Buyer's Guide In part two of this deep dive, Christopher Lochhead joins David to explore the evolution of watch collecting in a world dominated by smart technology. Christopher shares his stance on why "hell will freeze over" before an Apple Watch replaces the mechanical piece on his left wrist and how he uses AI tools like ChatGPT to research his next major acquisitions. They discuss the "new child dilemma" of balancing a nine piece collection and take a detailed look at some heavy hitters, including the historical Blancpain Fifty Fathoms, the rugged Marathon GSAR, and the white gold "Dark Knight" Yacht Master. Christopher also reveals the secret behind his "Frankenstein" Daytona, explaining how a savvy modification allowed him to capture the spirit of a six figure platinum grail for a fraction of the cost while emphasizing that the best collections are built on personal joy rather than corporate hype.   ⏱️ Timestamps 00:00 – The Lost Art of Watch Spotting Christopher explains why mechanical watches have become a rare signal in a world where smartwatches dominate the market. Why he views the Apple Watch as a great wellness tool for his mother but a non-starter for his own left wrist. 01:46 – Finding Your Online Tribe A look at the "Watches, Travels, and Adventures" Facebook group and the importance of finding community outside of bots. How to identify "real people" in the digital space who cheer on your collection rather than being critical or s****y. 06:14 – The Famous Scott White Meeting the most famous watch collector on Facebook and his legendary "fashionista" modifications. Exploring how custom dials, bezels, and straps turn a standard Rolex into a personal work of art. 11:35 – Building a Collection with AI Christopher shares his tactical approach to using ChatGPT to research the pros and cons of pieces like the Batman GMT. The "new child dilemma" where falling in love with a new watch inevitably leads to wearing your old favorites less. 14:31 – The Fifty Fathoms and the $3,000 Bracelet A history lesson on the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms as the first true professional dive watch to ever ship. Why Christopher spent thousands to swap a hated sailcloth strap for what he calls the most comfortable sports bracelet in existence. 20:45 – The Official U.S. Military Beater The rugged lore of the Marathon GSAR and its status as the only mechanical watch currently contracted by the military. Why this $1,500 workhorse is the ultimate under-the-radar tool that you can wear with anything from a wetsuit to a tuxedo. 22:47 – The Dark Knight Yacht Master Exploring the clean, sexy aesthetic of the white gold Yacht Master 42 on an Oysterflex strap. How the sliding extension mechanism allows for a perfect fit without the need for any tools during international travel. 27:54 – The Frankenstein Platona The story of modifying a black dial Daytona to mimic the look of a legendary $200,000 platinum grail. Why Christopher prefers to have 90 percent of the fun for 10 percent of the price while keeping his "Frankenstein" watch a genuine Rolex. 30:21 – The Lightning Round Christopher breaks down why he would rather have five awesome watches over one singular Patek Philippe. A surprising turn toward the beauty of all-gold Rolexes and the potential for a vintage piece in his near future. 36:18 – Parting Words of Wisdom Why the best watch in the world is the one that makes you feel awesome every time you look at it. Final advice for beginners on investing in quality and never trying to make one single watch do everything.   You do not need to spend two hundred thousand dollars to own a watch that tells a legendary story. ========== FREE GUIDE: Buy Your First Great Watch Without Getting Burned   Download the WatchSmarts Beginner Buyer's Guide » Know exactly what matters (and what doesn't) before you spend a dollar Avoid the 10 common mistakes that cost beginners thousands Find a great watch that fits your life, your style, and your budget Skip the jargon, the snobbery, and the "collector nonsense" Get a simple decision framework that makes buying easy and obvious

  5. Aug 18

    Category Kings and the James Cameron Grail

    Get the FREE WatchSmarts Beginner Buyer's Guide  David Newman welcomes the king of category design, Christopher Lochhead, to discuss why a mechanical watch is the ultimate reminder of what is possible in life. Growing up in a working class environment with a stolen family heirloom, Christopher moved from a "Rolex is for idiots" phase to owning nine high end pieces including his personal grail, the Rolex Deep Sea James Cameron. They explore the visceral feeling of a heavy watch on the wrist, the secret art of "watch porn" on the internet, and the touching story of wearing a Batman GMT to the Super Bowl to honor a family legacy. Whether it is the subtle elegance of a Bruce Wayne on a Jubilee or the rugged history of a Panerai diver, Christopher explains why every watch should be a personal signal of arrival and a celebration of your own success ⏱️ Timestamps 00:03 – The Category King Arrives David introduces Christopher as a fellow enthusiast who caught a glimpse of a GMT Pepsi on a previous call. Christopher shares his love for watch people and the unique bond they share through their collections. 01:10 – The Tissot Heirloom Memories of a father's 1973 blue-face Tissot that was promised as an 18th birthday gift. How growing up in a life of struggle shaped Christopher's early appreciation for functional style. 02:49 – The Rolex Resistance Why Christopher initially avoided Rolex because he felt every idiot already had one. Exploring early purchases like the Cartier Pasha and the heavy heritage of Panerai. 04:15 – Traveling 400k Miles A look at the steel Panerai that accompanied Christopher on decades of international business travel. Why he prefers to wear his watches a little loose to feel the weight of the mechanism. 05:22 – The Tahoe Downsize Selling off most of the collection after moving to Lake Tahoe and leaving the corporate boardroom. How the watch disease went dormant for a decade before the internet conspired to bring it back. 07:51 – Hunting the James Cameron Discovering the Rolex Deep Sea with its hypnotic blue-to-black dial that emulates the ocean. Why Christopher considers this his "one watch" for the rest of his life and his ultimate grail. 11:09 – Digital Watch Porn Exploring the community of watch creator capitalists and the joy of sharing wrist shots online. Christopher's recommendation for Charlie Walker, the Honest Watch Dealer, and his "infotainment" style. 17:53 – Batman vs. Bruce Wayne Decoding the differences between the blue-and-black Batman and the subtle gray-and-black Bruce Wayne. Why the combination of Jubilee and Oyster bracelets allows for different levels of flash and utility. 22:16 – The Penis Watch Theory A blunt and humorous philosophy on why a watch must provide a sense of masculine pride and arrival. How a quality timepiece serves as a reminder of everything you have overcome to achieve success. 26:02 – Imbuing Objects with Life The emotional story of wearing a Batman GMT to the Super Bowl to honor his late brother-in-law. Why a watch becomes a companion that captures the most critical—and even the most horrible—moments of a lifetime. A great watch is more than an instrument for tracking time; it is a mechanical record of the risks you took and the stories you lived to tell. ========== FREE GUIDE: Buy Your First Great Watch Without Getting Burned Download the WatchSmarts Beginner Buyer's Guide » Know exactly what matters (and what doesn't) before you spend a dollar Avoid the 10 common mistakes that cost beginners thousands Find a great watch that fits your life, your style, and your budget Skip the jargon, the snobbery, and the "collector nonsense" Get a simple decision framework that makes buying easy and obvious

  6. Aug 11

    019: Shut Up and Let Me Enjoy What I Enjoy with Bond Halbert

    Get the FREE WatchSmarts Beginner Buyer's Guide  Bond Halbert joins David Newman to discuss a horological journey that began with a Japanese TV show and a blind chiropractor's tactile timepiece. Bond explores the emotional weight of a gold Rolex heirloom passed down from his father and his own tactical approach to negotiating in the Los Angeles jewelry district. From the unique hum of vintage Accutron tuning forks to the lore of the Gruen jump hour watch, Bond explains why his collection of seventy watches is about variety and self-expression rather than mere status. He shares valuable lessons on the importance of watch communities, the art of the walk away negotiation, and why the best reason to wear a great watch is to remind yourself that your time is truly valuable.   ⏱️ Timestamps 00:01 : The Name is Bond Introduction of Bond Halbert and the reality of sharing a name with a cinematic icon. David explains why the show cannot play the famous James Bond theme song due to copyright rules. 01:41 : The Pop-Up Spark  Memories of a blind chiropractor's special watch that popped open to reveal the time by touch. How the 1960s Japanese show Giant Robot created a childhood fascination with wrist-worn tools.   04:22 : The Heirloom Surprise  The emotional story of a gold Rolex Day-Date recovered from a loan to be gifted for Christmas. Why David and Bond discuss the significance of passing down a "trophy" watch as a family legacy.   05:22 : Hunting the Submariner  Bond explains why he chose the Rolex Submariner as his first major purchase over Omega.  The decision to hunt for used pieces to maximize value and variety in a growing collection.   08:40 : Tactical Negotiation  Using printed online offers and a wallet with exactly half the cash to secure better deals. The importance of being willing to walk away from the glass to get a major price cut.   10:20 : The Electric Hum  Exploring the unique engineering of vintage Bulova Accutrons and their vibrating tuning forks. Why these electrical magnets create a distinctive sound that can be heard through a pillow.   13:48 : Presidential Lore  Decoding the history of the Rolex President name and its connection to Harry Truman. Why Bond prefers fan-given nicknames like the Citizen Orca over corporate branding.   17:11 : The Gruen Jump Hour Mystery  A look at the vintage military watch where the entire face shifts for the twenty-four hour system. Discussing the mechanical charms of vibrating alarms and paratrooper timepieces.   26:02 : Finding Community  How digital forums like the Poor Man's Watch Forum turn into real-world social groups. The benefit of having a network of collectors to help vet prices and find rare pieces.   28:36 : High-End Catalog Collecting  Why David and Bond suggest visiting luxury boutiques in major cities just to request their hardcover catalogs. Using these high-quality books as mini coffee table references for any collector.   35:07 : Avoiding Maintenance Traps  The necessity of having a trusted watchmaker before diving into vintage mechanical purchases.  Why service costs should always be deducted from the initial offer price of a used watch.   43:00 : Five Good Watches Versus One  Bond shares why a diverse collection of seventy watches beats owning a single expensive icon.  Final thoughts on why watches should be enjoyed for personal happiness rather than investment. A great watch is a personal signal that reminds you that your time is truly your own. ========== FREE GUIDE: Buy Your First Great Watch Without Getting Burned Download the WatchSmarts Beginner Buyer's Guide » Know exactly what matters (and what doesn't) before you spend a dollar Avoid the 10 common mistakes that cost beginners thousands Find a great watch that fits your life, your style, and your budget Skip the jargon, the snobbery, and the "collector nonsense" Get a simple decision framework that makes buying easy and obvious

  7. Aug 4

    YouTube Star to Microbrand Founder with Jody Musgrove

    Get the FREE WatchSmarts Beginner Buyer's Guide  Hellllooooo… and welcome to Just One More Episode… oh, wait… David's guest is the man behind the legendary YouTube channel Just One More Watch and the co-founder of Erebus watches, Jody Musgrove. Jody shares his transition from earning a PhD in Modern History and showing people to their seats at the Sydney Opera House to becoming one of the most influential voices in the affordable watch world. He pulls back the curtain on why he sometimes bashes Seiko out of love, the reality of solo parenting while his wife is on a writers retreat in Italy, and the strategic decision to avoid scarcity marketing with his own brand. Whether you are curious about the theoretical Erebus riots of 2029 or want to know why pistachio is the new purple, Jody's blend of Scottish wit and horological wisdom is exactly what the doctor ordered. ⏱️ Timestamps 01:27 – The Z-Minus Celebrity Lifestyle Jody explains his current status as a slightly stressed out solo parent to two small children. The glamorous reality of his wife's screenwriting retreat in Italy versus the challenge of holding the fort in Sydney. 04:32 – From Casio to the Urban Gentry How a childhood Casio in the 1980s and a hand me down quartz Omega from his father built a lifelong passion. The pivotal 2015 recommendation to watch YouTube that turned a hobby into a career with 1,400 videos and counting. 06:22 – Secrets of the Sydney Opera House Jody discusses his ten plus years working as an usher and tour guide at one of the world's most iconic venues. Why real life human interactions at the Opera House provide a necessary escape from the digital world of social media. 08:50 – The Useless Doctor of Modern History The truth about Jody's PhD in Chinese Modern History and why he is the last person you want to see during a mid-flight medical emergency. How his academic training helped him eliminate the filler words and ahs from his professional presentation style. 10:47 – Building the Erebus Empire Why Jody waited until the market was saturated to launch his own brand alongside business partner Stephen Parker. The decision to reject the scarcity marketing model and focus on keeping high quality models in stock and ready to ship. 17:56 – The Philosophy of Seiko Bashing Jody defends his reputation for being tough on the new era of Seiko releases and price hikes. Why replacing a 200 dollar iconic watch with a 400 dollar version without upgrades is a major disappointment for true collectors. 23:17 – Complications for the Masses A look at the trend of bringing high horology features like chiming watches to an affordable price point. Why brands like Christopher Ward are the gold standard for innovation and brand cachet in the modern micro-brand space. 41:30 – Horological Parting Words Jody's final advice on why you should never go bankrupt for a timepiece when you already have one on your wrist. Why the best watch in the world is the one that makes you happy regardless of the logo or price tag. You don't need a Rolex to have a collection that means something; you just need a watch that makes you smile when you put it on. ========== FREE GUIDE: Buy Your First Great Watch Without Getting Burned Download the WatchSmarts Beginner Buyer's Guide » Know exactly what matters (and what doesn't) before you spend a dollar Avoid the 10 common mistakes that cost beginners thousands Find a great watch that fits your life, your style, and your budget Skip the jargon, the snobbery, and the "collector nonsense" Get a simple decision framework that makes buying easy and obvious

  8. Jul 28

    One-Woman Brand with Susan Galvin

    Get the FREE WatchSmarts Beginner Buyer's Guide  What does it take to leave the security of global luxury giants like Omega and TAG Heuer to build an independent watch empire from your own kitchen table? In this episode, David sits down with Susan Galvin, the founder of the Galvin Watch Company and a rare female voice in the world of high end watchmaking. Susan shares her journey from the prestigious Finnish School of Watchmaking to the shores of Australia, where she launched a micro-brand that reached its funding goal on Kickstarter in just six minutes. From the challenges of assembling every single timepiece by hand to her mission of bringing more vibrant colors and "Northern Lights" inspiration to the wrist, Susan proves that the most successful watches are often the ones with the most personal stories behind them. ⏱️ Timestamps 00:46 – From Finland to the Bench Susan discusses her training at the renowned Finnish School of Watchmaking, which produced legends like Kare Voutilainen. The transition from her home country to working for LVMH in the United Kingdom repairing TAG Heuer watches. 05:17 – The Pandemic Pivot How a maternity leave during the global pandemic and a workshop relocation sparked the idea for her own company. The role of her husband in encouraging her to move from repairing luxury pieces to designing her own unique collection. 07:05 – The Power of Crowdfunding Susan explains the strategy behind her Kickstarter campaign that achieved full funding in only six minutes. How a viral press release highlighting her status as a female watchmaker helped gain international brand awareness. 12:15 – The Purest Form of Micro-Brand A behind the scenes look at Susan's in-house assembly process where she handles every dial, hand, and case personally. The rigorous quality control protocols she brought with her from her years at Swatch Group and Omega to ensure excellence. 18:38 – Inspiration from the Arctic Circle How Susan's Finnish heritage and memories of the Northern Lights influence her bold dial colors and "loimo" patterns. A shared campaign with David to bring more purple watches into the world of horology to break the mold of traditional colors. 20:15 – Breaking the Gender Barrier Susan's philosophy on why watches and watchmaking should not be gender specific but open to everyone. How she uses her husband as a test subject to ensure her designs work for both men and women. Your watch is more than just gears and dials; it is a piece of art assembled with a master watchmaker's personal touch. ========== FREE GUIDE: Buy Your First Great Watch Without Getting Burned Download the WatchSmarts Beginner Buyer's Guide » Know exactly what matters (and what doesn't) before you spend a dollar Avoid the 10 common mistakes that cost beginners thousands Find a great watch that fits your life, your style, and your budget Skip the jargon, the snobbery, and the "collector nonsense" Get a simple decision framework that makes buying easy and obvious

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About

Hi there! This is David Newman, host of WatchSmarts, the podcast for anyone who loves watches and wants to get smarter about what's on their wrist. Whether you're just a beginner (like me!) or a seasoned watch enthusiast, each episode brings you a fun, fly-on-the-wall conversation with collectors, microbrand founders, dealers, your favorite watch podcasters and YouTubers, and other watch-world insiders, sharing stories, lessons, wins, and a few mistakes along the way. We also cover watch events and watches worth paying attention to at every price point. Whether you are brand new on the watch scene or have a vast collection, this is the watch podcast you've been looking for. Your ears and wrist will thank you!

Information

  • Creator
    David Newman
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    24
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026
  • Show Website
    WatchSmarts