Superlative

Ariel Adams

This is Superlative: A Podcast about watches, the people behind them, and the worlds that inspire them. Spending time with great minds and interesting personalities from the watch community, while talking about things that matter for timepiece enthusiasts. Superlative is a talk show inspired podcast with weekly guests hosted by Ariel Adams, the Founder of aBlogtoWatch.com.

  1. 4d ago

    Steve McQueen's Legacy: Watches, Racing, And The King Of Cool With Chase McQueen

    This week on SUPERLATIVE, aBlogtoWatch founder, Ariel Adams, welcomes Chase McQueen, grandson of legendary actor and motorsports enthusiast Steve McQueen, for a conversation about the enduring legacy of the "King of Cool." Chase shares personal stories passed down through his family, explores his grandfather's lifelong passion for cars, motorcycles, and mechanical watches, and discusses what made Steve McQueen such an authentic and influential cultural icon. Together, they reflect on his most memorable films, his remarkable collection of vehicles, and the McQueen family's efforts to introduce his legacy to a new generation. The conversation also dives into Steve McQueen's fascinating history with watches, from the iconic TAG Heuer Monaco featured in Le Mans to his lesser-known passion for Hanhart chronographs. Chase reveals the story behind the family's new collaboration with Hanhart, the mystery surrounding his grandfather's missing original watch, and why the partnership represents much more than another celebrity-branded timepiece. Along the way, Ariel and Chase explore the importance of authenticity, the connection between watchmaking and motorsports, and how the McQueen family continues to preserve the spirit of one of Hollywood's most unforgettable legends. Check out the links below to learn more about Chase McQueen, Steve McQueen’s legacy, and the latest Hanhart collaboration: Renaissance Licensing: https://renaissancelicensing.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/chasemcqueen/ Hanhart Steve McQueen Limited Edition Watch: https://www.hanhart.com/en/product/steve-mcqueen-limited-edition-no-1/ 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/X - https://twitter.com/ABLOGTOWATCH - Website - https://www.ablogtowatch.com/ If you enjoy the show please Subscribe, Rate, and Review! Key Chapters: [00:00] Introduction to Chase McQueen and Steve McQueen's Legacy [03:28] What Made Steve McQueen the King of Cool? [06:02] Family Stories and Memories of Steve McQueen [07:17] Steve McQueen's Most Memorable Films [08:49] The Boys Republic and Steve McQueen's Early Life [09:37] Steve McQueen's Personal Car and Motorcycle Collection [11:19] A Shared Passion for Machines and Engineering [13:06] Steve McQueen's Businesses and Inventions [17:32] Ariel Adams' Journey Into the Watch Industry [21:49] Preserving Steve McQueen's Legacy for Future Generations [25:42] Bringing Steve McQueen's Films Back to Audiences [28:56] The Discovery of Lost Le Mans Film Footage [30:07] Steve McQueen and the Iconic TAG Heuer Monaco [32:14] The History Behind Steve McQueen's Hanhart Watch [35:30] The New Hanhart Steve McQueen Limited Edition [36:01] The Mystery of Steve McQueen's Missing Hanhart [38:36] Why Steve McQueen Chose Functional Tool Watches [41:58] The History Behind Hanhart's Red Pusher [47:09] How the Hanhart Collaboration Came Together [51:57] AI and the Future of Steve McQueen's Image [55:24] Who Is the New Steve McQueen Watch For? [57:00] The Future of the McQueen Family Legacy [01:00:08] Where to Discover More About Steve McQueen

  2. Oct 28

    Rethinking Watch Retail With Roldorf & Co. Founder Jason Gallop

    This week on SUPERLATIVE, aBlogtoWatch founder Ariel Adams is joined by Jason Gallop, founder of Roldorf & Co., a unique watch retailer and service center in Vancouver, Canada. Jason shares his journey from growing up in a family of goldsmiths in London to training as a watchmaker, working with Rolex, and eventually building a business that brings watchmaking and retail together under one roof. Unlike traditional watch boutiques, Roldorf & Co. features an open workshop where customers can see watchmakers at work, creating a more transparent and engaging experience that connects collectors directly with the craftsmanship behind their timepieces. Together, Ariel and Jason explore the importance of this hands-on approach, building a community of watch enthusiasts, and creating a retail experience centered around trust, education, and a shared passion for watches. Ariel and Jason also dive into the evolving challenges of watch retail, including relationships between brands and retailers, changing distribution strategies, and the importance of supporting independent businesses. They discuss Roldorf's unique approach to assembling watches for brands like Paulin and anOrdain, the benefits of offering pre-owned watches backed by in-house servicing, and the growing presence of Canadian watch brands such as Marathon and Halios. Throughout the conversation, Jason offers an inside look at the realities of running an independent watch business and how craftsmanship, innovation, and community are helping shape the future of watch retail. Check Out Rodolf & Co.: Website - https://roldorf.co/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/roldorf Listen to Ariel on the Rodorf & Co. Podcast - https://youtu.be/QPIg2tiCmx4?si=FKiR977BBbt89qFs 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/X - https://twitter.com/ABLOGTOWATCH - Website - https://www.ablogtowatch.com/ If you enjoy the show please Subscribe, Rate, and Review! Key Chapters: [00:00] Introduction to Jason Gallop and Roldorf & Co. [02:45] The Many Roles of a Modern Watchmaker [04:44] Jason's Journey Into Watchmaking [09:00] Working With Rolex and Moving to Canada [11:55] Inside Roldorf's Unique Watch Retail Experience [14:40] Building an Independent Watch Business [17:45] The Challenges of Independent Watch Retail [19:20] Watch Brands and Their Relationships With Retailers [29:35] Seiko's Distribution Changes in Canada [37:20] The Impact on Watch Retailers and Customers [43:55] Inventory Risks and the Challenges of Selling Watches [47:30] Assembling Watches for Paulin and anOrdain [53:14] Roldorf's Approach to Pre-Owned Watches [57:00] Supporting Canadian Watch Brands [59:30] Watch Collaborations and Creative Partnerships [01:01:44] Closing Thoughts and Where to Find Roldorf

  3. Oct 21

    Bringing Swiss Watchmaking Precision to Men's Jewelry with VELM Founder Vjeko Miloradovic

    This week on SUPERLATIVE, aBlogtoWatch founder, Ariel Adams, is joined by Vjeko Miloradovic, founder of VELM, a men's jewelry brand bringing the precision, craftsmanship, and engineering of Swiss watchmaking into the world of luxury accessories. Drawing on decades of experience designing watches for brands including Fossil, Burberry, and MVMT, Vjeko shares his journey through the watch industry and explains why he chose to create watch-inspired jewelry rather than launch another watch brand. Ariel and Vjeko explore the challenges of innovation in the watch industry, why established Swiss brands often rely on heritage instead of new designs, and how branding and marketing influence the perceived value of luxury watches. They also dive into the philosophy behind VELM, from ceramic bracelets and titanium accessories to precision-engineered clasps inspired by mechanical watches. Along the way, they discuss the importance of prototyping, the relationship between design and functionality, and how Vjeko is bringing a fresh perspective to men's jewelry by applying the same attention to detail traditionally reserved for fine timepieces. Check Out VELM Jewelry: Website - https://thevelm.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/the.velm/ 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/X - https://twitter.com/ABLOGTOWATCH - Website - https://www.ablogtowatch.com/ If you enjoy the show please Subscribe, Rate, and Review! Key Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Vjeko Miloradovic and VELM 01:40 The early days of watch blogging 06:00 Working in the Swiss watch industry 10:10 Why Swiss watch brands struggle to innovate 13:00 Heritage, limited editions, and originality 15:00 Challenges of introducing new designs 19:15 Vjeko's watch design career 22:00 Prototyping and Swiss watchmaking 28:00 Watch quality and luxury pricing 31:15 The rise of MVMT 35:45 Lessons in branding and marketing 40:15 The inspiration behind VELM 42:45 Rethinking traditional jewelry 44:30 Bringing watchmaking precision to jewelry 47:15 What makes VELM different 49:40 Watch-inspired cufflinks and finishing 51:55 Reinventing ceramic bead bracelets 54:00 Engineering precision clasp systems 59:00 Craftsmanship, pricing, and value 01:01:00 The future of VELM 01:03:30 Closing remarks

  4. Oct 14

    The Art of Meaningful Design and the Future of Swiss Watches With Hakim El Kadiri of ELKA Watch Co.

    This week on SUPERLATIVE, aBlogtoWatch founder, Ariel Adams, is joined by Hakim El Kadiri, founder of ELKA Watch Co., for a conversation about meaningful watch design, the importance of storytelling, and the future of Swiss watchmaking. Ariel and Hakim explore the creative process behind an upcoming ELKA Watch Co. collaboration celebrating aBlogtoWatch's 20th anniversary, including the inspiration behind its unique tree-ring dial and its connection to Swiss history. They discuss what makes a watch truly special, why emotional connections matter more than brand prestige, and how thoughtful design can create something that resonates with collectors beyond its price tag. The conversation also examines the challenges facing the Swiss watch industry, from rising prices and shifting consumer expectations to the growing influence of independent watchmakers. Hakim shares his perspective on how smaller brands are filling gaps left by major manufacturers, the importance of maintaining the value of Swiss-made watches, and his experiences working within the industry. Ariel and Hakim also discuss the changing landscape of watch retail, the benefits of connecting directly with customers, and why the future of independent watchmaking may require a fresh approach to distribution and the traditional retail model.  Check Out ELKA Watch Co.: Website - https://www.elkawatch.ch/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/elkawatchco/ 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/X - https://twitter.com/ABLOGTOWATCH - Website - https://www.ablogtowatch.com/ If you enjoy the show please Subscribe, Rate, and Review!

  5. Oct 7

    Guy Allen on Elliot Brown Watches and the Independent Watch Revolution

    This week on SUPERLATIVE, aBlogtoWatch founder Ariel Adams is joined by Guy Allen, Head of Sales at Elliot Brown Watches. Guy reflects on more than four decades in the watch industry, from his early work with LEGO watches to finding his place at Elliot Brown. He shares how the British brand developed its reputation for rugged tool watches, including its work with the UK Tier One Special Forces community and the development of the Holton. Guy and Ariel also discuss what authenticity means for an independent watch brand, why collectors increasingly buy across vastly different price points, and how events and enthusiast communities have transformed the relationship between brands and their customers. The conversation then turns to the changing economics of the watch industry, including Elliot Brown's move toward a direct-to-consumer model and the growing opportunities for independent brands. Guy offers his perspective on escalating Swiss watch prices and questions the value proposition of familiar watches that now cost dramatically more, while Ariel examines why major Swiss brands have increasingly pursued higher prices and lower volumes. They also discuss the growing strength of non-Swiss and independent watchmakers and a developing movement-supply problem that is making popular Japanese movements more expensive and difficult for smaller brands to source. Keep up with Guy and Elliot Brown Watches: Website - https://elliotbrownwatches.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ebwatches/ 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/X - https://twitter.com/ABLOGTOWATCH - Website - https://www.ablogtowatch.com/ If you enjoy the show please Subscribe, Rate, and Review! Key Chapters: 00:00 Introduction 00:59 Guy Allen’s History With LEGO Watches 07:24 Joining Elliot Brown 10:17 Creating Watches for Special Forces 14:31 How Tough Is the Elliot Brown Holton? 17:42 Building an Authentic Independent Watch Brand 19:26 Why Elliot Brown Went Direct-to-Consumer 24:05 Watch Collecting and the Power of Community 28:02 How Watch Shows Changed the Industry 36:18 Why In-Person Watch Shows Are Here to Stay 39:50 Solving the Watch Resale Problem 47:32 Managing the Growing Watch Show Circuit 51:08 How Lockdown Transformed the Watch Business 53:47 Why the Watch Hobby Is Winning 56:49 Why Swiss Watch Prices Have Gone Too Far 01:04:47 The Looming Watch Movement Supply Crisis 01:08:28 Where to Learn More and Closing Remarks

  6. Sep 30

    Lilian Thibault of AWAKE Watches on Making Métiers d’Art More Accessible

    This week on the SUPERLATIVE Podcast, host and aBlogtoWatch founder, Ariel Adams, is joined by Lilian Thibault, founder of AWAKE Watches. They discuss the evolution of AWAKE and how the brand found its identity by embracing Métiers d’Art, traditional craftsmanship, and a more focused creative direction. Lilian explains why launching a watch brand may be easier than ever, while building one that lasts has become increasingly difficult. He also shares how AWAKE’s handmade dials and use of techniques such as Vietnamese Son Mài lacquer have helped the brand offer collectors something distinctive at a more accessible price point. Ariel and Lilian also explore why watches have become expressions of personality and emotion, the freedom founder-led brands have to take creative risks, and why AWAKE has no ambition to become a high volume watch company. They discuss the growing appeal of independent brands, changing collector attitudes toward resale value, and the importance of creating a more personal relationship between brands and their customers. Lilian also explains how AWAKE searches around the world for talented artisans, why great craftsmanship is not defined by where it comes from, and how the brand plans to bring greater sophistication to its watches while remaining committed to Métiers d’Art and accessible pricing. Keep up with Lilian and AWAKE Watches: Website - https://awakewatches.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/awake.concept/ 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/X - https://twitter.com/ABLOGTOWATCH - Website - https://www.ablogtowatch.com/ If you enjoy the show please Subscribe, Rate, and Review! Key Chapters: 0:36 Lilian Thibault and the Evolution of AWAKE Watches 2:32 Why Starting a Watch Brand Is Easier Than Ever 4:47 Finding the Idea That Made AWAKE Different 7:52 Making Métiers d’Art More Accessible 10:47 Defining Métiers d’Art and Preserving Traditional Craftsmanship 13:42 Why Presentation Matters as Much as the Watch 17:26 Watches, Emotion, and Personal Expression 20:00 Reinventing AWAKE and Its Brand Identity 25:36 Why Founder Led Brands Can Take More Risks 27:54 Why AWAKE Does Not Want to Become a High Volume Brand 32:12 Moving Beyond the Investment Watch Era 36:18 Why Collectors Are Turning to Independent Brands 41:49 Navigating U.S. Tariffs and the Customer Experience 46:50 The Challenge of Affordable Artisanal Watch Dials 48:15 Why “Talent Has No Passport” 53:23 Finding Artisans Around the World 58:37 Why Developing New Craft Techniques Takes Years 1:00:45 What Comes Next for AWAKE Watches

  7. Sep 23

    Gary Girdvainis on the Unspoken Realities of the Watch Industry

    This week on the SUPERLATIVE Podcast, host and aBlogtoWatch Founder Ariel Adams is joined by longtime watch industry veteran Gary Girdvainis. Drawing on a career that stretches back to the early days of International Watch magazine, Gary reflects on decades spent inside the watch business and how dramatically the relationship between brands, media, retailers, and consumers has changed. Ariel and Gary discuss the realities behind watch journalism, the growing influence brands have sought over media, the shift from traditional publishing to today’s crowded creator landscape, and why simply following the Swiss playbook does not always lead to success. The conversation also goes behind the scenes of the business itself, including Gary’s experiences working alongside Danny Govberg, his time with Franck Muller, and what those roles revealed about inventory, distribution, marketing, and the less visible side of the Swiss watch industry. They explore why some European brands continue to struggle with the American market, the need for a major consumer facing watch show in the United States, and Gary’s current work with Nivada Grenchen and FTS. The episode closes with a deeper look at American watch manufacturing, the enormous challenges of producing components domestically, and why building a truly Made in USA watch is far more complicated than it might seem. Keep up with Gary and learn more about his work with FTS and Nivada Grenchen: FTS - https://www.ftsusa.us/ Nivada Grenchen - https://nivadagrenchenofficial.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/X - https://twitter.com/ABLOGTOWATCH - Website - https://www.ablogtowatch.com/ If you enjoy the show please Subscribe, Rate, and Review! Key Chapters: [00:36] Introduction and Gary Girdvainis’ Watch Industry Background [03:36] Breaking the Rules of the Swiss Watch Industry [06:33] Watch Media, Brand Control, and Staying Honest [12:52] The Wild West of Modern Watch Media [15:20] Gary’s History With International Watch Magazine [22:16] Pulling Back the Curtain on the Watch Industry [27:13] How Luxury Marketing Differs in America and Europe [30:45] What Happened to Franck Muller? [39:41] Why Swiss Watch Brands Struggle With the U.S. Market [42:29] The Reality of Working in Watch Media [50:34] Does America Need a Major Watch Show? [54:35] FTS and the Future of American Watchmaking [58:40] The Economics of Making Watches in America

  8. Sep 16

    Thomas J. Sandrin of WatchDNA on What Defines Watch Brands and Drives Consumer Choice

    This week on SUPERLATIVE, Ariel Adams is joined by Thomas J. Sandrin, founder of WatchDNA, to discuss what defines a watch brand and how consumers navigate an industry with more choices than ever. Thomas shares his journey from more than a decade with the Swatch Group and Hamilton to earning his MBA and launching Northern Watch Services and WatchDNA. He explains the thinking behind WatchDNA, an educational platform built to help enthusiasts discover brands, understand the people and history behind them, and make more informed decisions without blurring the line between education and selling. Ariel and Thomas also explore why a strong sense of identity matters for watch brands, the growing challenge of knowing who to trust for watch information, and the role independent retailers continue to play in the buying experience. They discuss how social media has changed perceptions of expertise, why relationships and third party validation remain important in the watch industry, and why the ability to experience a watch in person still carries so much weight. Thomas also explains how WatchDNA is developing tools to connect consumers with retailers and make discovering and comparing brands easier in an increasingly crowded watch market. Learn more about Thomas and WatchDNA: WatchDNA Website - https://watchdna.com/ Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/WatchDNA/ - https://www.instagram.com/thomasjsandrin/ 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/X - https://twitter.com/ABLOGTOWATCH - Website - https://www.ablogtowatch.com/ If you enjoy the show please Subscribe, Rate, and Review! Key Chapters:  [00:35] Introduction to Thomas Sandrin and WatchDNA [03:55] Leaving the Swatch Group and Taking an Entrepreneurial Leap [05:00] Thomas’s Personal Journey and Going Back to School [08:01] What an MBA Taught Thomas About the Watch Industry [14:08] Why Brand DNA Matters [18:34] Thomas’s Career at Hamilton and the Swatch Group [21:44] Building Trust Between Watch Brands and Retailers [28:13] The Changing Role of Authorized Dealers and Brand Boutiques [33:10] Why Thomas Created WatchDNA [36:24] The Three Pillars of WatchDNA [41:40] Building a Community Around Watch Education [44:44] Social Media, Algorithms, and Watch “Experts” [51:41] Trust, Transparency, and Third Party Validation [54:04] Building WatchDNA’s Global Retailer Directory [56:00] The Business Model Behind WatchDNA [59:54] How Consumers Choose Where to Buy Watches [01:02:26] Thomas Turns the Questions on Ariel [01:04:08] Ariel on Building aBlogtoWatch and Becoming an Entrepreneur [01:06:27] Lessons, Mistakes, and Trust in the Watch Industry [01:13:28] Thomas’s Personal Philosophy and the Future of WatchDNA

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4.4
out of 5
35 Ratings

About

This is Superlative: A Podcast about watches, the people behind them, and the worlds that inspire them. Spending time with great minds and interesting personalities from the watch community, while talking about things that matter for timepiece enthusiasts. Superlative is a talk show inspired podcast with weekly guests hosted by Ariel Adams, the Founder of aBlogtoWatch.com.

Information

  • Creator
    Ariel Adams
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    299
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2026 Superlative
  • Show Website
    Superlative

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