Join us three times a week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday) for a podcast about all things watches… from watch releases to the industry to brands to the culture of watches and everything in-between. Join Lydia Winters (@lydiaswatches) and Vu Bui (@vubui.watches) as we discuss this watch life that we all enjoy!
The podcast This Watch Life is created by Lydia Winters and Vu Bui. The podcast and the artwork on this page are embedded on this page using the public podcast feed (RSS).
In this 200th episode of This Watch Life we talk about what we've learned, how our thoughts about watches and the industry changed, and what we've discovered about our listeners.
In this episode we answer questions from @katshoulders and @alexmjryan about the most surprising watches in our collections as well as what types of watches we find most and least photogenic.
In today's episode we discuss Vu's newest watch, the Otsuka Lotec No. 7.5. Coming right off the amazing success of the No. 6 winning the GPHG Challenge Prize, the arrival of the No. 7.5 couldn't have been better timed.
Although they share a design language, the No. 6 and No. 7.5 are very different watches. Vu explains what he loves about the design of the 7.5 which takes some inspiration from vintage cameras.
In this episode we answer questions from @casebackintime, @been63, @arkenwatchco, and @nesqydave.
In this episode we talk about Lydia's new watch, the Credor Locomotive. Her second Gerald Genta designed watch, but also a limited edition remake of a little known collaboration from one of the world's best known watch-designers and Japan's most well known brand, Seiko.
In this episode we discuss Lydia's family cruise and the watches she chose to bring on it, and why. The cruise has very specific and diverse needs, because of the variety of activities you partake in, all packed into a singe experience.
So what did she bring?
In today's episode we talk about Vu's new watch, the Arken Alterum limited edition Year of the Dragon, and why Vu thinks it's probably the coolest watch under $1000.
Check out Arken here: https://arken.uk
Here's my first photo of the watch: https://www.instagram.com/p/DCbsx0jI3Dq/
NOTE: Although Vu had intended to pay full price for this watch and tried to purchase it, founder Ken sneakily gave it to him as a gift from a friend. He didn't ask for anything in return, and as usual has not paid us to make any media about it, nor has any say over the content we choose to make.
Today we answer a question from @watchrolling about whether or not Rolex watches are necessary for watch enthusiasts, from @watch_girl_life and @nomoschino about our best/favorite watch purchases of the year, and a question from @jordonia about what we wish we knew when we got started in this wild hobby of watch collecting and enthusiasm.
In this episode we talk about Lydia finally discovering the joy of changing watch straps, and our experience with Delugs, our favorite watch strap company, which I've been buying straps from for 4 years, and they've been making straps and leather goods now for six!
NOTE: Delugs has provided us with watch straps for free but have not paid us and have no input into what we do with or say about the products they have given us.
In today's episode we go back in time and answer a frequently asked question... how did we even meet? We also talk about how we chose our 10th anniversary watch gifts for each other, and the difficulty in making that seemingly simple task work.
In today's episode Lydia tells us the story of the Pole Router, Universal Geneve's watch commemorating the Polar Route for SAS flights that significantly reduced the flight time for international flights.
See Masaharu's post here:
https://www.instagram.com/p/DCZMHZDN1I2/
In this episode we talk about Lydia's trip to Geneva for the GPHG Awards show and gala. Also Vu finally let her borrow a watch, and it's his current favorite one!
In this episode Lydia talks about her trip to Schaffhausen to visit the IWC manufacture with Nymans Ur, and the coolest Ingenieur she’s seen yet!
We finally got hands on with 47ZERO Watches! In this episode we talk about why these watches really drew us in and the powerful story of overcoming adversity and turning a traumatic event into the beautiful and thoughtful designs behind them.
See them at 47zero.com
Note: We were lent these watches by 47Zero, and had to send them back. We didn’t get paid or compensated in any way, and 47Zero didn’t get to request or approve any content we made about them.
Lydia takes us on a deep dive into movement decoration, some of the history, the techniques, and we discuss yet again whether casebacks should be closed!
We have been gone for 6 weeks, but we are back this week! We discuss a bit about what has happened, what is coming, and our plans to finish out the year with this podcast.
We're back! We had an unplanned break and missed two episodes, but we're back and in this episode we talk about an amazing watch event Lydia attended, and a new Glashütte Original that our friend bought!
In this episode Lydia takes us through a bit of history and information about both perpetual and annual calendars, and we talk about which watches we are most interested in.
In this episode we discuss some of the awesome watches we saw on the red carpet and on the winners of The Emmys.
In this episode we talk about Lydia's quote in Bentley Magazine and find out that asking AI about yourself can actually be quite nice.
In today's episode we talk about Britt Pearce's video about the worst watches to come out in the past 3 years. And we have opinions about her opinions!
In this episode we answer a question by our dear friend Owen, that he came up with in the midst of international travel airport boredom, that we couldn't help but answer. What dog would your favorite watch be? The answers we got from some of you are surprisingly insightful!
In this episode we discuss a recently released post by Chrono24 detailing the results of a survey they had conducted about first time luxury watch buyers.
In this episode we talk about some of the watch news we have found interesting in the last week. Watches from Moser/Studio Underdog, Longines, Sarpaneva, Laurent Ferrier, and King Seiko.
In this episode we answer a questioner from Jordi about how we actually time things with mechanical watches. Except for a very select and expensive few watches, there aren't many options in mechanical watches for minute-level accuracy timers which actually notify you. So, what are we to do?
We also talk a little about the new Apple Watches and some of the very watch industry terminology they seem to be using when talking about their Apple Watch (don't call it a smart watch!).
In today's episode we discuss the recently released Biver Automatique, and the fact that the MoonSwatch is now FINALLY available online! Well, sort of.
In this episode Vu asked an AI to recommend 6 watches for his stylish but adventurous partner that were between $3000 and $10000. Then he asked her to react to them.
In this episode we answer a question from @time2_myself about the best season to buy watches, and from @watch.hightower about collecting other things that pair with watches.
In this episode we answer a question from @watchmedicine about what dress watch we would choose from the Holy Trinity, and a question from @time.the.destroyer about whether or not we'd consider moving to Switzerland.
In this episode we answer a question from @see_me_watch about what's more important in watch buying decisions, the dial, or the movement?
We use a couple of Grand Seikos that Vu is extremely interested in as examples:
In this episode Lydia shares with Vu some of the watches that have been announced at Geneva Watch Days and Shanghai Watches and Wonders.
In this episode we talk about the watch Lydia borrowed from Oris for a week while she was visiting Florida last month. We talk about her thoughts on the watch and on Oris's new 2024 Sustainability Report.
In this episode we answer a question from @spillingcoffeeoncars about vintage watches and whether or not service history is factored into the pricing.
For the first time we have a guest expert on the podcast, because @windsmeup recorded a detailed answer for this question!
In this episode we answer three questions from our awesome listeners, and discuss what we think about pocket watches (@ten10fiftynine), what the best water resistant kids watch is (Arthur), and which Tudor we'd pick for a one-watch collection (@yakubsaveli).
Kid's watch recommendations:
In today's episode we answer questions by @anne_gmann and @lazybones_206. Firstly, we discuss whether we make our watch buying decisions with our hearts or our heads. Then we talk about whether or not customizing watches is a good idea. And Vu rants about how the good old days were better because people made stuff, or something.
In this episode we talk about the recent Chanel partial acquisition of MB&F, a new Tissot PRX with a glow in the dark robot on it, and a secret watch club with only 58 members that isn't so secret anymore.
The Montblanc Minerva M58 Club story is based on this article from Watchonista:
Mark Cho, founder of The Armoury, posted a list of his 12 principles of watch collecting that he's put together after many years of collecting and learning. And in this episode we talk about the second 6.
See his post here:
Mark Cho, founder of The Armoury, posted a list of his 12 principles of watch collecting that he's put together after many years of collecting and learning. And in this episode we talk about the first 6.
See his post here:
In this episode we discuss the fact that most people, ourselves included, seem to follow the general practice to wear certain watches for certain things dictated only by their style, not their capabilities or specs. Should this change?
In today's episode we discuss some of the so-called error dials in the world of watches, and their perceived higher value in some cases. What makes some of them worth more?
In today's episode Lydia makes Vu take a quiz about watches from WatchTime Magazine.
Here are the answers to the quiz:
https://www.watchtime.com/watch-quiz-how-much-of-a-watch-savant-are-you/
In today's episode we talk about some of the latest watch releases that have caught our attention!
Longines Spirit Zulu Time 39 Titanium
In this episode we let AI take over and assess the level of Lydia's watch enthusiasm. How does she do?
In today's episode we discuss the Rolex Perpetual Planet Initiative because they dropped a new video about the initiative on the Rolex YouTube channel:
In this episode we discuss the Elvis watch that Lydia photographed for Alexander Bitar, who donated it to be sold at the Saint-Tropez Gala One charity auction to raise money for One Drop Foundation.
In today's episode we reference a recent video by Britt Pearce where she listed the most iconic watches from a bunch of different brands. We discuss these icons... and disagree with at least one of her takes!
Britt's video:
In this episode we talk about a new page on our website where we attempt to create more transparency about our own relationships with watch brands, based on what we'd love to see from others. Let us know what you think!
In today's episode we discuss some of the gold medals won at the Olympics recently where the athletes were wearing watches during the competitions.
We reference this article by Katherine Arteche:
These Female Track Athletes All Won Gold Wearing This Omega Aqua Terra
And these are the watches that these gold medalists all wore:
THE SEAMASTER AQUA TERRA "ULTRA LIGHT"
In today's episode we answer a question from @realwatchbrothers about what watch from the past we would want brought back into modern production.
In this episode we are talking about Omega being the official timekeeper of the Olympics. What does that even mean? And we also talk a bit about two of their novelties:
In this episode we discuss a bunch of topics, like the fact that it seems that children don't love our podcast as much as their parents seem to... and the fact that yet another fireman has come forward as someone who uses dumpster fires as topics of conversation.
We also announce that we are taking next week off, and will be back on August 5th!
On Saturday, July 7th, a podcast episode will drop from Form and Function, where Vu was a guest and talked with @arkenwatches and @gearetal all about watches and other gear for over an hour. Go check it out!
And here's a link to the new Lorca Model No. 2 Chronograph.
In this episode we answer a question from Stephen Fox, asking what American micro-brands we are interested in. We took a loosey goosey approach to "micro-brands", but talk about some really cool watchmakers and brands.
In today's episode we discuss the recently announced competing watches for the 2024 GPHG Awards. Some favorites of ours are in the running, but also some watches and brands we have never even heard of!
NOTE: This episode is full of advice based on our own experiences, and we are sharing it in the spirit of our own best practices and things to consider. It's not at all meant to be a comprehensive guide to fool-proof security, and doesn't even cover all of our thoughts or practices on the matter. Do what you think is best!
In this episode we answer a question by @adriantpt about security for your watches and how best to store them.
In this episode we answer questions from @syktgrei, Wayne, and @onceuponatimetherewerewatches about a few subjects, like whether TAG Heuer should go back to just being Heuer, and whether we have had watches that had bad associations with them that made us not love them (spoiler, yes we have).
In today's episode we kind of answer a question from Saul MacNeil about receiving watches as gifts, though we really focused more on watches as gifts in general. Also we answer another question about liking your own collection too much in a way that makes it heard to know what to wear.
In today's episode we talk about the rise of mono-brand boutiques in watches. Is this the future of watch purchases? And is this even a new phenomenon?
In today's episode we talk about summer watch strap options and why you would choose some over others. We also dive into Delugs CTS rubber straps!
NOTE: Delugs gave us some straps, including the rubber ones we talk about in today's episode, and we get to keep them. No money exchanged hands and they did not get any approval or input into the content.
In this episode we discuss two of the reports that were just published from Swatch Group and Richemont. Although some brands and some models of watches may be doing better than ever, there are definitely others that are suffering.
In today's episode we were inspired by a question from @officially_uncertified about which category of watch we would choose if we could only wear one for the rest of our lives. The problem, however, is how these categories are even defined!
It's new watch day! Vu finally was able to purchase an Otsuka Lotec No. 6. This has been years in the making, and so far it seems that it was worth the wait. We talk all about this amazing watch and its maker, Jiro Katayama who created Otsuka Lotec.
You can see photos of the watch at @thiswatchlifepodcast.
In today's episode we answer a question from @anotherwristshot about what watches we would choose INSTEAD of the watches we own. What if we were in an alternate reality where we made slightly different choices in watches, but for the same purposes.
Watches mentioned in this episode:
Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe
In this episode we answer questions from @watch_girl_life and Mike S, about whether or not we can trust watch media and also about what it means for a watch to be perfect.
In today's episode we answer a question from listener Wayne about the future of watches. Specifically, what brands will still be relevant 100 years from now?
We do a dive into the past and the future to try and come up with some answers.
In today's episode we talk about our own history with watch photography, why it's interesting to us, what is great about posting watch photos to Instagram, and why Vu is completely bored with his own photos.
Today we answer some questions from our email inbox! Hugo, Kordel, Dewey and Bruce all asked great questions that lead to some interesting conversation.
In this episode we talk about a watch we have been borrowing for a month or so, the Atelier Wen Perception Xia. Can a 3000 EUR Chinese watch measure up against other watches in that price range, or even higher? And does Vu already want to buy one?
NOTE: We have borrowed this watch directly from Atelier Wen. We will be sending it back when we are done oogling it and taking photos. No money or compensation has changed hands and Atelier Wen has no say or review over this podcast or anything we make with the watch.
In this episode we discuss time travel with watches, Rolex availability, and Lydia tells the story of her IWC 3706 which she bought in Tokyo on a whim! These are answers to questions from @dialupper, @tusharchaudhary, and @swizzmamba.
In this episode we discuss the thing that draws us into a watch first and makes us start to want it! Or if there even IS a first thing! This came from a question by @anne_gmann.
In this episode we talk about the new MoonSwatch releases and what shifted Lydia's perspective on them. And we also celebrate that some of our friends were just announced on the Watchonista 30 under 30 list.
In today's episode we each build a 2-watch collection for $3000. This idea came in as a question from @magpie_memoirs.
Who do you think build the better collection?
Lydia:
Oris Divers Sixty Five Cotton Candy
Vu:
In today's episode we talk about Vu's new watch, and the interesting way Lydia gave it to him.
In today's episode we talk about whether or not we could share a watch, what we think of Longines watches, discuss how we sell watches, and what watch we think would be a great 60th birthday watch! A jam packed episode thanks to questions by @daydreaming_watches, @ipatjeeex, @from.lugtolug, and @watch_girl_life.
In today's episode we discuss whether it makes sense to buy one nice watch or split your budget into smaller watches, modding watches, our YouTube channel and dream OP colors! Questions by @jdavid573, @tiberisnatator, @faysal_and_his_watches, and @therubyhour.
In this episode we answer a question from @james_kenneth about getting jaded with watches. And boy does Vu have a rant about this.
In this episode we discuss some of the new strap products that Delugs launched yesterday (but there are even more that we didn't talk about!) that we have just spent a week trying out, we talk about Lydia's plans for her annual midsummer photo, and we let you all know how we want to disclose our relationships with watch and watch related companies!
In today's episode we answer a question from @adriantpt about where, in price, you start to really notice a difference in quality. As often is the case, it's not an easy question!
In this episode we answer questions about our watch collections from @weijiejia, @kctimeshare , and @coleschmerbeck. What's each of our favorite watches in our collections? What's the idea collection size? And what's the watch that started our collections?
In this episode we answer a question from @patrick1200 about regrettable watch purchases, and we scour our memories for some true regrets.
In this episode we discuss a fairly new but already accomplished brand, Serica. We borrowed their 6190 Field Chronometer and 8315 Travel Chronometer for three weeks and it's time to give our take on these watches.
In this episode we talk about how we fall in love with a watch brand, and this one is NOMOS! Last year we visited Glashütte and attended the NOMOS Forum and saw the complete process of in-house manufacturing.
We also discuss our final selections of colors for which watches we are going to buy from the Tangente 38 Date 175 Years Limited Edition series.
Lydia's final choice (unless she changes her mind again):
Vu's final choice:
Watch Teddy Baldassare's video on NOMOS:
Today we answer two questions by @photowatch50 and @late.sunday that both center around the same topic. Why are watches labeled with gender, and should they be?
Article by Cara Barrett:
https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/all-watches-should-be-unisex-and-heres-why
In today's episode we answer questions from @late.sunday and @lazybones_206 about the pricing for the Kith x TAG Heuer as well as whether or not a low cost brand could come out with icons of design like the Royal Oak and Nautilus.
Today we answer questions from @the_wong_watch, @late.sunday and @watchcology.
First, how stressful is it to come up with ideas for a daily podcast? Should open case backs be standard on all watches? And which is our favorite Tudor Black Bay size?
In this episode we talk about what seems like a resurgence of the fun case and dial shapes of the 60's and 70's. From big names like Audemars Piguet to newcomers like Anoma, interesting cases seem to be a big thing right now!
Today we talk about how as enthusiasts we often are judgmental not only about watches but also the intent behind the decisions that make them. Is it likely that watch designers just don't care about certain aspects of the watch design, or is it more likely that there are other priorities at play?
We are also borrowing three watches right now that we will talk about soon. Do you have questions about Serica watches or Atelier Wen watches that we can answer for you?
Last night we went to an event hosted by Grand Seiko and Nymans Ur at the National Museum in Stockholm. Lydia found herself actually interested in listening to talks about movements, something no one saw coming, and Vu got hands on with his dream watch.
Vu's Dream Watch: Grand Seiko SLGW003
Vu decides he needs to buy a new watch for a very specific and perhaps ridiculous reason. And ends up buying the King Seiko SPB281 because of it.
In today's episode we discuss the feeling we've heard from quite a few people that Tudor is all of a sudden everywhere. Is this true? And does it matter?
https://www.tudorwatch.com/en/pressroom/born-to-dare
If you have a question you'd like us to answer you can DM us at @thiswatchlife or email us at [email protected].
In today's episode we discuss Vu's week of borrowing and wearing a gold Rolex Submariner. Has he changed his mind about gold? Did it turn him into a "monster", as Lydia has suggested?
In this episode we share what we’ve been building to this week, inspired by episode 347 of the Worn & Wound podcast, each of our picks for a three watch collection under $10,000. The categories are everyday, fun, and special occasion. They took slightly different approaches, but who do you think build the better collection? Vote on Instagram at @thiswatchlife
Lydia’s picks:
NOMOS Club Campus Non-Stop Red
Vu’s picks:
If you have a question you'd like us to answer you can DM us at @thiswatchlife or email us at [email protected].
In this episode we discuss special occasion watches. The last category in our perfect three watch collection.
In this episode we discuss fun watches, the second in our three categories for the perfect three watch collection. This is the watch that stands out, the works outside of your typical style.
Worn & Wound article on The Fall Guy
Timex x Engineered Garments x Beams Boy
NOMOS Tangente 38 Date - 31 colors
If you have a question you'd like us to answer you can DM us at @thiswatchlife or email us at [email protected].
In today's episode we discuss our daily watches, what our criteria are for a daily watch, and why people spend so much time going from the beach to the boardroom???
If you have a question you'd like us to answer you can DM us at @thiswatchlife or email us at [email protected].
In today's episode we discuss the amazingly fun topic of watch categorization. But it's less boring than that sounds. If you were to have a three watch collection, what would the three types of watches be?
Inspired by this episode of the Worn and Wound Podcast:
If you have a question you'd like us to answer you can DM us at @thiswatchlife or email us at [email protected].
In this episode we talk about vintage watches and what has kept Vu from buying one, but also tell the story of the recent vintage watch he bid on.
Britt's vintage watch video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQDD1MeHiZo&t=407s
Kaplans' auction page for the Omega Constellation Vu bid on:
https://www.kaplans.se/sv/auktioner/4373/vara/1999293
If you have a question you'd like us to answer you can DM us at @thiswatchlife or email us at [email protected].
In today's episode we answer a question from @poppingcrowns about scratches on watches. Do scratches bother you? Do they make you happy? Do you polish them out or leave them? Is there a difference between cool scratches and boring scratches?
Unsurprisingly Lydia and Vu have slightly different takes.
If you have a question you'd like us to answer you can DM us at @thiswatchlife or email us at [email protected].
In today's episode we discuss the very personal and individual thoughts that go behind how we value a watch. What makes it "worth" the money? What does a watch need to have in order for you to be willing to pay for it?
In today's episode we discuss quartz watches. Since Lydia's recent purchase of her quartz powered Royal Oak she had some realizations!
Here's the interesting article about the quartz crisis story perhaps not being all that we've been told:
If you have a question you'd like us to answer you can DM us at @thiswatchlife or email us at [email protected].
In this episode we discuss a new potential trend of wearing watches upside down on the wrist, so to the wearer it's upside down but to the external viewer or the photographer they are right side up. Lydia shows that there are limits to her loosey goosey ways!
Partly inspired by this article:
https://timeandtidewatches.com/celebrities-need-to-stop-wearing-watches-upside-down-trend/
Holy moly, we've made 100 episodes of This Watch Life! In today's episode we talk about where we've been this year in watches, and where we want to go next with the podcast.
A HUGE thank you to literally every single person who listens to our podcast. You are the reason we keep doing it!
To join the 100 Club please go here: https://www.thiswatchlife.com/episodes/episode-100.
Thank you to @dogsontime for making the art for this 100th episode and surprising us with it!
In this episode we answer a question from @ten10fiftynine about whether we've started looking at new watches at the same time that we get a new watch, and from @watchcology about customizing a brand's watches (where Lydia shares a design she created herself and submitted to AP for a custom Royal Oak), and a question from Tiago Cruz about Stendhal's Syndrome in relation to watches.
To see Lydia's design submission go to thiswatchlife.com.
In today's episode we discuss an ad and a movie that both feature Ryan Gosling wearing TAG Heuer watches and being funny and looking cool. They have more to do with each other than you'd think!
The Chase for Carerra ad (short film):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cuJjngO6uxk
The Extra Gum ad that Vu loved so much:
In this episode we discuss how we like to approach going to look at a watch that we are interested in. How should someone use the valuable little time they often have with a watch before needing to make a decision on whether or not to buy it.
We approach this with slightly different mentalities, Vu with his interview and Lydia more like a first date.
If you have a question you'd like us to answer you can DM us at @thiswatchlife or email us at [email protected].
In this episode we talk about Lydia's latest acquisition, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 33mm 67650ST. Why she bought it, how Vu sorta kind of tricked her into seeing it, and which Rolex she traded in to get it!
In today's episode we talk about the journey we typically go on from seeing a watch for the first time, be it in a photo or a video or on someone's wrist, to buying it.
We all have our different routines, and Lydia and Vu approach this very differently, to the surprise of no one.
If you have a question you'd like us to answer you can DM us at @thiswatchlife or email us at [email protected].
In today's episode we talk about some recent watch engravings that we have had done on the case backs of a few important gift watches. We discuss the value that it brings, the value that it takes away, and how we like to approach the thought around what to engrave.
Some references for this episode:
https://teddybaldassarre.com/en-int/blogs/watches/watch-engraving-ideas
https://www.wristenthusiast.com/latest/2022/4/22/most-famous-watch-caseback-engravings
https://www.fratellowatches.com/engraving-your-case-back-is-still-such-a-cool-thing-to-do/#gref
If you have a question you'd like us to answer you can DM us at @thiswatchlife or email us at [email protected].
In this episode we discuss what watch boutiques and ADs get wrong, and what it looks like when they do it right, based on a question from @calico.calibers. And @watchmedicine asks us what high horology watches we are currently after?
If you have a question you'd like us to answer you can DM us at @thiswatchlife or email us at [email protected].
Today we talk about the newly announced Tudor FXD Chronograph "Cycling Edition" that Vu wants very much, as well as tackle the age old question, asked by @handsandcogs, of why dive watches are so popular even though few of us actually dive in them?
If you have a question you'd like us to answer you can DM us at @thiswatchlife or email us at [email protected].
Today we answer a question by @swizzmamba asking what we prefer, arabic, roman or no numerals on a dial. And @jordi.nunez asks how one tries to save money for a big watch purchase when there are so many distractions along the way that are more affordable and easy to buy.
If you have a question you'd like us to answer you can DM us at @thiswatchlife or email us at [email protected].
In this episode we discuss GMTs and whether they are useful to most people, and whether or not they are even useful for travelers, spurred by a question by @syktgrei. We also talk about using a dive bezel as a makeshift GMT as per @tedspeaker's suggestion, and discuss whether or not a GADA watch can even work in a collection with specialized pieces, thanks to @adriantbt.
If you have a question you'd like us to answer you can DM us at @thiswatchlife or email us at [email protected].
In today's episode we talk about Vu's new watch, the Tudor Black Bay Chrono Pink, and why he decided to trade in his Explorer II Polar to get it.
Watch prices seem to have been going up and up non-stop for years, and @mechanicaltom asks if this is pricing people out of the hobby entirely! We also discuss a few of our favorite micro brands, and tease a NWA coming soon!
Discussed in this episode:
In today's episode we answer three questions... one from @el_lay_time about Glashutte Original, one from @naturalescapement reminding Vu to try wearing a small watch as promised, and one from @yakubsaveli about the relationship between the size of one's collection and the costs to keep the watches serviced.
Watches mentioned in this episode:
Glashutte Original Sixties Panorama Date Green
Today we answer a question from Chris Antzoulis about personal watch habits and rules that perhaps not everyone has. It seems that perhaps we all enjoy watches in slightly different ways.
Today we discuss three independent watch brands that we finally got some hands on time with, having never seen them before.
In today’s episode Lydia tells the story of how and why she chose a Rolex OP to give to her dad as a gift. And why the Silver dial OP might just be the perfect GADA watch.
In this episode we discuss some of our favorite watches that we tried on and spent time with at Watches and Wonders. We talk about why we loved the colorful NOMOS Tangente 38 Dates, how the Oris Aquis changes make it an even more attractive watch than before, and how impressive Parmigiani Fleurier watches were in person.
Some watches that were mentioned:
In this episode Lydia talks about the many joys that watches have brought her in the past year.
Today we discuss just SOME of the amazing smaller brands and watches we got to see and try on at the Beau Rivage Hotel, one of the homes of the indie brands, during Watches and Wonders.
Watches we discuss in this episode:
In this episode we discuss some of the watches we tried on and checked out at the Bukowski's Important Timepieces Auction preview event we went to last night.
The watches we discuss:
Omega "Tony Montana" La Magique
Cartier Tank Solo "Python Dial"
A. Lange & Söhne Zeitwerk Striking Time
In this episode we talk about Lydia's realization that yes, she has probably bought too many watches. She discusses how she came to that realization and what she might do about it.
This is part 2 of Vu rethinking his entire collection. In this episode we talk about the watch that really was the main catalyst for Vu thinking differently about how he has been collecting, and wanting to add watches that aren't just awesome, but also interesting and that offer something different.
Biggest thanks to Masa for sharing his watches with us!
Watches and Wonders sent Vu into a tailspin of "have I done everything wrong???"... but in a fun and interesting way instead of what sounds like a terrible existential crisis.
This is part 1 of 2, where we go through some of the watches that caused this.
Today we’re coming live from the show floor. It’s a noisy, caffeine fueled episode talking about the things we’ve seen!
In this episode we are talking about some of the more strange novelties to be announced at this year's Watches and Wonders. Get your nose (yes the one on your face) ready for some watches!
Grand Seiko Spring Drive Chronograph GMT SBGC275
Cartier Santos Dumont Rewind
Today we talk about some of the most amazing and complicated and masterful watches that were released at Watches and Wonders.
Piaget Altiplano Ultimate Concept Tourbillon
150TH Anniversary
IWC Portugieser Eternal Calendar
A Lange & Sohne Datograph Perpetual Tourbillon Honeygold Lumen
Today we talk about our favorites from today's Watches and Wonders announcements. These are the ones that we either really really want or at least almost want.
NOMOS Tangente 38 date limited editions
Today Lydia talks through why she bought the second half of her Rolex collection, one watch at a time. Particularly interesting was the fact that she previously wasn't even interested in the ceramic Daytona.
Today Lydia talks us through the first half of her Rolex collection. Why she bought them, why she loves them, and what makes each one special to her!
Our Iceland Rolex OP Turquoise video:
https://youtu.be/ut4S5JqEuoQ?si=Qfy4_NXxamua9Ccr
Lydia's Moving to Sweden vlog:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JWaVh1hulHU&t=1s
More photos of each watch on thiswatchlife.com
Today we answer a question from listener Tiago Cruz about how to choose a new watch and add it to your collection. With Watches and Wonders coming up we thought this was a really important thing to remind ourselves... not to get caught up in the excitement and really think about what we want.
Today we answer a question from @seanaggie about culling your watch collection in order to spend more time with the watches that you love. Vu has already worked on that journey, but Lydia still has a long way to go.
Today we talk about some of our predictions and probably mostly just wishes for what we will see announced at Watches and Wonders, with a bit of a dive into Rolex, Tudor and Oris.
Watches and Wonders is happening in Geneva, Switzerland next week! We are headed down there and will be meeting brands and humans and new watches and it's sooooo exciting and we definitely shouldn't have let Lydia drink coffee before recording this episode!
Today we answer Jim Crupi's question about date windows on watches. This is something that really divides the watch enthusiast community. We can't help but love a good date, but not everyone agrees.
In today's episode we talk about a watch brand that we didn't really know about until we were invited to an event with them last night in Stockholm. Turns out, they're pretty impressive!
Watches we mentioned in the episode:
Frederique Constant Manufacture Slimline Moonphase Date Seconde Seconde
In this episode we talk about Vu's preference for modern watches over vintage, and Lydia realizes that perhaps she doesn't prefer modern watches, but she definitely mostly owns modern watches. We also answer a question about Lightroom and give our favorite tool and tips on how to use it for watch photos.
Questions by:
In this episode we talk about (and completely disagree about) birth year watches. Are they as meaningless as Vu would have us believe? We also talk about Lydia's colorful OP collection, and answer a question about film photography in this day and age.
Questions by:
Today we talk about where we do or do not wear our watches. We discuss things like wearing your watch to sleep, wearing them while working out, wearing them while typing on keyboards. Where are you not willing to wear your watch?
Today we answer some questions from our wonderful listeners! We talk about lume and how useful it really is (or isn't), about which type of gold is our favorite in watches, and which we'd choose if we could only have one in our lives... watches, or photography???
Questions by:
Last night at midnight Swatch announced the new Mission to the Moonphase MoonSwatch with moon phase complication. And Snoopy is in it! We discuss this release and find out what Lydia actually knows about moon phases.
Today we discuss what it means to be a watch collector vs a watch enthusiast. There are often strong definitions proposed by collectors as to what it takes to be considered a "true" collector. We argue that there probably shouldn't be.
Article by Blake Buettner, Worn and Wound
https://wornandwound.com/opinion-watch-enthusiast-or-collector-a-distinction-worth-making/
Link to @averagewatches post we reference:
Today we discuss our own situation, as a couple, on sharing watches (spoiler: one of us is more open to it than the other). We also talk about trading watches with friends, loaning watches to people, and just the concept of sharing watches, in general.
Today we discuss the Tudor Black Bay Fifty Eight and why Vu loves it so much! It's the only watch he has bought in multiple colors and will soon be the only watch he buys the same exact model again after making the mistake of selling it (the Explorer II was technically the new model when he bought it again).
Here's the Tudor Big Crown 7924 that the BB54 was based on:
https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/tudor-big-crown-submariner-heritage-auction-world-record
Today Lydia talks to her sister Mindy, who is a budding watch enthusiast, about what got her more interested in watches, what she is finding out about the community, and how listening to a watch podcast can be as only a semi-watch enthusiast.
Today we discuss some watches we completely changed our minds about after the first impression. This question was posed by Bianca and answered by Alon and David on The Real Time Show in their episode “Watchmaking Tattoos and the Roman Numeral Debate”
Today we answer a few questions from our listeners, one of them being about the first watch that got us interested in watches. And for Vu that was an Oakley watch. And for some reason during recording Vu promised to post a photo of himself wearing it, back in 2004. (it's posted on thiswatchlife.com) Please keep in mind this was 20 years ago!
Watches discussed in this episode:
Today we answer the question of whether or not jubilee bracelets belong on tool watches, and reveal our most instinctive watch purchases.
Watches discussed in this episode:
Questions by:
Last night was the 2024 Oscars and there some amazing watches on display! But for a few people it wasn't about the watch they were wearing, but rather HOW they wore them. Both Ryan Gosling and John Cena made atypical outfit choices that paired with their watches perfectly.
Rolex and Cinema - https://www.rolex.com/perpetual-initiatives/perpetual-arts/rolex-and-cinema/oscars
It's International Women's Day! A global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. Today we answer questions from some of the wonderful women who listen to our podcast.
Questions from:
Today we discuss whether watch brand boutiques are a good thing, and what watch we'd choose as a one-watch from a brand we don't currently own, and reveal our favorite watches that we don't currently own.
Watches mentioned:
Questions by:
Yesterday Omega released the new Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch with a white dial! We discuss how we got here and what we think about this new option for Moonwatch enthusiasts.
Last night we went to a little watch friend dinner meetup and not only had a wonderful time eating Vietnamese food and speaking for hours about watches, but also got to spend time with two watches we hadn't seen in person. The Arcanaut D'Arc Matter and the M.A.D.1 from Max Busser.
Arcanaut D'Arc Matter https://arcanaut.watch/products/arc-ii-darc-matter-badger-blue
M.A.D.1 Green https://www.madgallery.net/geneva/en/creators/mad-editions
Today we were asked to talk about our favorite brands that aren't Swiss, German or Japanese. It wasn't difficult! Although the watches in our collections are almost entirely produced in these three countries, we have really wanted some of these watches and it will be interesting to see which ones we go for first!
Watches mentioned in this episode:
For today's episode we play would you rather again, and have to decide between options like: black dials only, or no black dials? a few free watches, or any watch you can imagine every day for the rest of your life but you can't repeat the same watch twice?
Today we review some of the interesting and surprising things that came out of the newly released watch industry report about fiscal year 2023 for Swiss brands. Rolex unsurprisingly dominated, but there were things that actually surprised us!
See the report here:
https://revolutionwatch.com/morgan-stanley-luxeconsult-2024/
Vu sold 8 watches out of his collection over the course of 18 months, and learned a lot along the way. In this episode we go over each watch and why he sold them and which ones he regrets letting go!
Watches discussed:
Today we answer a few questions from our wonderful listeners and talk about the watches we'd choose to survive the zombie apocalypse, what our minimum case size is, and what old trends in watches we want to make a comeback.
We answered questions from:
Watches mentioned in this episode:
Watch technical specifications or aesthetics... which is more important to you? @watch_girl_life asked us to answer that question, and as we discussed it we realize that this question isn't as easy to answer as we initially thought.
Watches mentioned in this episode:
In today's show we play a game of Would You Rather (Watch Edition) and answer some hypothetical questions about watch scenarios that quite sadly will most definitely never ever happen in real life.
see the ad we are referencing at thiswatchlife.com
In 1969 Rolex put out an ad that stated "If taming oil well fires was your job, you'd wear a Rolex". And the Rolex they were advertising was the yellow gold Day Date. These days many people don't feel they can put even their stainless steel watches, let alone their precious metal watches, through much rough use at all. But price aside, should that be the case?
Today we had a question from @chrono_camera about watch mistakes. We discuss some of the mistakes we have made, many times, and how we hope to avoid them in the future.
Whoops, in the episode I accidentally call the Grand Seiko SBGM221 the SBGM211 (which doesn't exist).
Watches mentioned in this episode:
Omega Seamaster Railmaster 1957 Trilogy Edition https://www.omegawatches.com/en-se/watches/seamaster/heritage-models/railmaster/the-trilogy-1957/product
Grand Seiko SBGM221 https://www.grand-seiko.com/us-en/collections/sbgm221g
Today we take a question from @dogsontime about traveling with watches. We discuss our history of travel with perhaps too many watches, and where we are at now. And we briefly touch on which watches we plan to travel with to Watches and Wonders 2024.
Today is the THREE year anniversary of Lydia's watch Instagram account! She talks about how she got into it, what it's taught her, what she is trying to get out of it, and what the next 100 days might hold for her!
http://instagram.com/lydiaswatches
We had some amazing questions for our Q&A today, and we answered with tips for watch photography, choosing watches for watch events, whether to use watch winders, and more!
Our questions were asked by:
Watch photography tip:
https://watchstudies.co/blogs/notes/how-to-shoot-a-parrot-wrist-shot-with-a-camera-or-a-phone
Delugs case that Vu gifted to Lydia:
https://delugs.com/collections/eight-watch-case/products/zip-box-eight-brown-light-brown
Today it's Vu's turn to be inspired by Valentine's Day and share 5 things he loves in the watch world. From specific watches he owns to watch companies and watch communities, join us in a chat about true loves.
For Valentine's Day we thought we'd talk about love... love for watches! Here are 5 things Lydia chose as her loves from the world of watches.
We received a question from @poppingcrowns about watches in movies, and whether there had been watches in movies that affected us in any way. And it turns out there have!
Watches mentioned in this episode:
There's a new watch in the house! The amazing Grand Seiko SBGA415. Very similar to what is probably the most popular Grand Seiko outside of Japan, the "Shunbun" SBGA413, Vu's new "Taisetsu" SBGA415 is a work of art and mechanical excellence.
The "Taisetsu":
https://www.grand-seiko.com/se-en/collections/sbga415g
The "Shunbun":
https://www.grand-seiko.com/us-en/collections/sbga413g
My first Grand Seiko SBGM221:
Today is a Q&A episode! We talk about whether or not you should stack bracelets, whether buying the standard models or the limited editions is better, and what we think about the pricing of the Piaget Polo. And more!
The amazing questions were from:
The podcasts we recommended in this episode:
In this episode we discuss EDC (Every Day Carry) through the lens of a watch enthusiast. We talk about designing a kit specifically for the watch enthusiast, and perhaps the enthusiast with an Instagram account.
My EDC gear that I carry in my pockets:
Rovyvon Aurora A8 flashlight
Victorinox Compact
Knipex Cobra XS
Fisher Space Pen
Alpaka Zip Pouch Pro
In this episode we discuss the sometimes hotly debated topic of double wristing watches. Why would someone wear a watch on each wrist? Or... why would someone care that someone else is doing that?
A thousand... dollars? Euros? Pounds? Sure! Here are some of our favorite watches under about a grand... some that we own, and some that we might own at some point soon in the future.
Watches mentioned in this episode:
In this episode we answer a question from Jill @only.passing.time, asking how we think about automatic movements vs hand wound movements vs quartz movements.
Today we discuss the new collaboration between Victoria Beckham and Breitling, where she was the creative director for a new series of Chronomats that bear her name.
See the watches here:
https://www.breitling.com/us-en/partnerships/victoria-beckham/
Rhonda Riche wrote a great article about Victoria's watch collection:
https://www.watchonista.com/articles/history/unlikely-watch-collector-victoria-beckham
Today we talk all about grail watches! From the fact that it seems most people can't even agree on what a grail watch even is to what seems like the case that most people have never seen their grail in person. We also discuss our own grail watches and how our thinking about grails has changed so much over time.
Watches discussed in this episode:
GQ article with watch grails by watch experts: https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/article/ultimate-grail-watches-experts
https://www.goldminemag.com/columns/holy-grail-what-is-a-grail-and-what-does-it-mean-to-a-music-collector
We get a question from @anything_but_hugo about bracelets today, and talk about our favorite ones as well as which ones we don't prefer, and why. From a good taper and well proportioned and finished clasp, to the bane of Vu's existence, bracelets without a tool-less quick-adjust mechanism, we talk about all things bracelets.
Bracelets discussed in this episode:
This week is LVMH Watch Week 2024 and Zenith, TAG Heuer, Hublot and Bulgari all announced new watches. We talk about some of our favorite novelties and discuss some of the big trends we see in these releases and what that could mean for the rest of watch announcement season in 2024!
Watches discussed in this episode:
We were also on the Worn and Wound Changing Gears podcast with our wonderful friend Kat Shoulders, you can hear that at https://wornandwound.com/podcasts/changing-gears-talking-photography-and-adventure-with-lydia-winters-vu-bui/
In this episode we talk about how Vu thinks about keeping watches in his collection or letting them go, how he tracks whether he is wearing them, and what to think about when going to sell a watch. Lydia, on the other hand, has almost no experience culling her collection and doesn't track anything. Perhaps it's time to start?
Today is a Q&A episode where we answer questions about watches that surprised us on the wrist, Rolex release predictions, and how we talk to non-watch people about our love of watches.
Note: Today's episode isn't up to our typical audio quality standard as we had a power outage and had to record on battery powered backup devices, which means we also had to improvise the intro song, uh oh.
Today we talk about the newly teased Snoopy Moonswatch and then play "never have I ever", forcing each other to tell embarrassing watch stories, like "never have I ever dropped someone else's watch!"
The vintage reissue and vintage inspired trends are still going strong, and with them we continue to see so-called fauxtina (faux-patina) lume in tan, cream, pumpkin, and other off-white colors. But this choice by watch companies is divisive. In this episode we discuss whether or not fauxtina lume should be something we see on modern watches at all.
Watches discussed in this episode:
Today we discuss a recent article on The Robb Report where journalist Victoria Gomelsky asked a number of industry experts about their predictions for the watch industry in 2024. Somehow she even invited us to offer our predictions, and we go over all of them in today's episode!
The article: https://robbreport.com/style/watch-collector/watch-industry-predictions-2024-1235475238/amp/
Today Lydia talks about the three turning point watches that changed the course of her collecting. From her relationship with the daily wear of a watch to how she photographs watches, there were certain watches that had more of an impact than others.
Watches mentioned in this episode:
We spent last night at two watch events - an open house at Watches of Scandinavia and a launch event for Grand Seiko at Nymans Ur. In this episode we recap the events and talk about some of the favorite things we saw.
Watches mentioned in this episode:
Sentimental value... it can be used to justify the purchase or the keeping of watches... but it can also hinder our ability to move on from watches that don't serve us anymore and could be holding us back from having what we want.
Ricardo Sime's article: https://timeandtidewatches.com/collectors-crossroads-how-sentimental-value-can-become-the-nemesis-of-an-evolving-collector/
Professor Russel Belk's article: https://thescienceofownership.files.wordpress.com/2014/10/possessions-and-the-extended-self.pdf
Watches mentioned in this article:
Can you swim with a 30m water resistant watch? Can you swim with a Speedmaster? Why do different manufacturers recommend different activities for the same depth rating? We discuss the difference in these approaches and whether or not any of it even matters.
Today we talk about Vu's Turning Point Watches... the watches that changed how he thought about collecting and the types of watches that he wanted in the future.
Watches mentioned in this episode:
Approaching strangers and asking about their watches can be scary for a number of reasons, but it can be fun and rewarding as well. Today we discuss our approaches on talking to strangers about watches.
The Worn and Wound article from which we reference Meg Tocci's quotes:
https://wornandwound.com/our-new-years-resolutions-for-2024/
Have you noticed that the watch you'd choose as your one-watch collection isn't even IN your 3-watch perfect collection? We discuss this and more about how to choose these completely hypothetical watch collections that we are fortunate enough to not need to commit to.
Watches mentioned in this episode:
Our first Q&A episode! Today we answer YOUR questions, ranging from the weird things our watch brains make us to to the best watch collab of 2023 to whether you should protect your watches with plastic film.
Watches mentioned in this episode:
Rolex Explorer II
Rolex GMT Master II
Tudor FXD MN21
NOMOS Tangente Sport Limited Edition Japan
Bulova Complecto Jet Star LE
NOMOS Orion
We discuss the new Blancpain x Swatch that somehow has to do with the moon, talk about how the Year of the Dragon gets the coolest watches, and recap your responses to Monday's watch accuracy episode!
Watches mentioned in this episode:
We look to the watches worn, and some of the watches NOT worn, at the Golden Globe Awards for 2024, and try to determine some of the trends that they may point to. From watch ambassadors to diamonds to smaller watches.
Link to Rhonda Riche’s article: https://www.watchonista.com/articles/opinions/borrowed-time-how-brands-get-their-timepieces-red-carpet
Watches mentioned in this episode:
diamond Bulgari Serpenti on Selena Gomez
Omega Constellation Sedna Gold 25mm on Da’Vine Joy Randolph
Richard Mille RM-010 on Michelle Yeoh
diamond Cartier Crash on Timothee Chalamet
Omega Seamaster Aqua Terra 34mm in Sedna Gold Barry Keoghan’s
Omega Seamaster No Time To Die on Will Ferrell
Louis Vuitton Tambour blue dial 40mm on Bradley Cooper
Tag Heuer Carrera Date 39mm on Ryan Gosling
Today we have a little debate about a recent article by Cam Wolf at GQ titled "Why True Watch Heads Never Set the Time on Their Watches". He speaks with a number of people who say they don't bother to set the time on their watches. And Vu has a lot to say about that.
Watches discussed in this episode:
Breitling Navitimer 1952 Quantieme Perpetual
The last in our week of looking back at 2023, today we discuss 5 of our favorite things in the watch world from last year. From record-smashing movies that feature watches as part of their story (let's go, Barbie!) to Vu trying to figure out how he can benefit from the softening of secondary market prices to buy more watches, we have a range of interesting topics today and we fit it all into 15 minutes!
Watches discussed in this episode:
Cartier Baignoire Bangle
Piaget Limelight High Jewelry Watch
Kurono Tokyo Chronograph 1 mk 2
Rolex Day Date Puzzle
Oris Propilot X Kermit
Lydia’s watch collection grew in some wonderful ways in 2023. She explains why she chose each of her 6 new watches over the course of the year.
Watches discussed in this episode:
Tudor Black Bay 54 ref. M79000N-0002
Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36mm Celebration ref. 126000
Chopard ref. 161092-0001
NOMOS Limited Edition Four Seasons Aki / Autumn ref. TN35AKI
Oris Divers 65 38mm Bronze Green Dial ref. 01 733 7771 3157-07 5 19 04BR
Today we discuss watch regrets, and how we were lucky to avoid a couple of them! Specifically we are referencing a YouTube video by Britt Pearce titled These Are Watches You Will Always Regret Buying, and sharing our own stories of times we were in the scenarios Britt covers in her video, with a 2011 Rolex Explorer II 16570 and a new white dial steel ceramic Daytona 116500LN.
Britt's video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9O9BFTEZW4
Malaika's article:
Episode #2 - Vu talks about the watches he bought in 2023, and why! We discuss Hamilton's Murph and Interstellar, how we got NOMOS fever after attending the NOMOS Forum, and how we finally got our hands on a MoonSwatch.
Welcome to the first episode of This Watch Life! In this episode we discuss the 2024 Swatch collab, Seiko's 100th anniversary, and Audemars Piguet's new CEO.
#thiswatchlife
En liten tjänst av I'm With Friends. Finns även på engelska.