Beyond The Dial

Latest Episodes:

Insights E31 - Iteration Inundation - The Endless Stream of New(s) Watches Sep 07, 2022

Show notes

It's gotten overwhelming, all the new releases. Allen talks about how the digital medial environment, including the socials, has put undue stress on watch brands to always be releasing something new. and he has some ideas for how to deal with it.

How Watches Work E6 - Understanding Complicated Chronographs Jul 29, 2022

Show notes

David takes Allen deeper into the world of mechanical chronographs, covering all the major complications from early flybacks to the latest in mechanical chronograph technology.

How Watches Work E5 - Understanding Mechanical Chronographs Jun 17, 2022

Show notes

David takes Allen inside the fascinating world of mechanical chronographs, and Allen finally "gets it." Vertical vs. horizontal clutches, column wheel vs. cam actuators, reset functions, and much more are covered here, leaving the listener with a foundational understanding of mechanical stop watches.

Insights E30 - "In-House" - How An Overused Term Lost Its Meaning & How To Fix It May 24, 2022

Show notes

Allen expands on his written essay on this always confusing and sometimes contentious topic. "In-House" refers to a movement built....Where exactly? By whom? It's hard to know anymore because brands have use the term in marketing so loosely that no precise definition exists. Allen suggests new terms to help clarify the many modes of movement manufacturing.

Insights E29 - The Watch Collector / Enthusiast Dichotomy & Its Discontents May 02, 2022

Show notes

Allen upends our current way of diving up the watch community into collectors, enthusiasts and consumers and suggests that we'd be far better off describing different levels of horological experience. Not to be missed for the die-hards, in this episode Allen's "phenomenology of watches" finally pays some dividends.

Conversations E17 - Bulova's 20th Century Mechanical Prowess (w Michael Benavente and Colin de Tonnac) Apr 11, 2022

Show notes

Allen speaks with Michael Benavente of Bulova and Colin de Tonnac of Semper & Adhuc about the history of Bulova as a mechanical watchmaker. There's a lot to learn here. For example, did you know that Bulova once employed more Swiss mechanical watchmakers than any other brand, including the Swiss ones? Michael provides historical perspective and Colin provides mechanical insight. Good stuff.

How Watches Work E4 - Servicing Mechanical Movements Feb 22, 2022

Show notes

David and Allen walk through the sometimes dubious topic of having your mechanical watch serviced. David explains how it all has to happen as Allen warns of scammers and how to beat them. You'll learn about timegrapher results, especially amplitude, as well as old and modern lubrications, why parts wear out, and even when service should be avoided.

How Watches Work E3 - Movements As Torque Managers Feb 02, 2022

Show notes

David Flett schools Allen about what torque is and how it operates and is managed within a watch movement. Philosophical ponderance eventually finds its way, of course, but applied physics to horology remains the main story here.

How Watches Work E2 - Gears & The Going Train Dec 09, 2021

Show notes

In this second installment of the How They Work series, David Flett joins Allen and leads him through the gears that make your mechanical watches work, generally known as "the going train." By the end they've imagined complications that track time on Mercury, Jupiter and Mars.

Insights E28 - Quantum Leaps in Collecting Watches Nov 30, 2021

Show notes

Allen explores his new directions for his own budding collection of Vacheron Constantin watches, centering on a near disaster of a purchase due to his unbridled impetuousness. Two friends saved him from repeating past mistakes.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected