Superlative

Latest Episodes:

THE ESSENCE OF LUXURY AND INDIVIDUALITY WITH ROBERT TRAN OF UNDONE WATCHES Dec 30, 2024

Show notes

This week on the Superlative Podcast, host and aBlogtoWatch Founder Ariel Adams is joined by Robert Tran, the Co-Founder of UNDONE Watches. Ariel and Robert dive into the conversation discussing the unique watch culture in Hong Kong, the evolution of watch manufacturing, and the innovative approach Undone takes towards customization and e-commerce. Robert shares his insights into the challenges of consumer behavior in customization and the importance of personality in watch design. Throughout the episode, Robert and Ariel talk about the essence of luxury watches while emphasizing the importance of beauty, craftsmanship, and individuality. Robert highlights the role of collaboration and community in watchmaking, particularly in the context of customization and cultural inspirations, especially from Japan. He also shares insights on navigating partnerships with both large intellectual properties and smaller artists, the balance between limited editions and continuous production, and the need for brands to adapt to changing market dynamics. Listen in on Robert and Ariel’s conversation on this week’s episode of the Superlative Podcast.

- Website - https://undone.com/

- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/undonewatches

- YouTube - www.youtube.com/@UndoneWatches

Check Out This Week’s Sponsor:

Jack Mason Watches - https://jackmasonbrand.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 and aBlogtoWatch, check us out on:

- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ablogtowatch/

- Twitter - https://twitter.com/ABLOGTOWATCH

- Website - https://www.ablogtowatch.com/

If you enjoy the show please Subscribe, Rate, and Review!

THE EXPANSION OF THE INDIAN WATCH MARKET FEATURING MITRAJIT BHATTACHARYA Dec 23, 2024

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This week on the Superlative Podcast, host and aBlogtoWatch Founder Ariel Adams is joined by Mitrajit Bhattacharya as they dive into the luxury watch industry in India, focusing on the country’s unique position within it. They discuss the historical context of luxury watches in India dating back to British colonialism, and how cultural appreciation for luxury in India differs significantly from China. Ariel has Mitrajit expand on the current pre-owned watch market in India being in its infancy and how it shows promise for exponential growth. Mitrajit shares his insights on consumer behavior, the competitive landscape, and the evolving dynamics of watch collecting in India. Throughout this conversation, Ariel and Mitrajit discuss the impact of political stability on consumer confidence, and the interplay between luxury goods and global politics. They highlight the challenges of pricing in the luxury sector and the dynamics of media coverage in the watch industry, emphasizing the need for a balance between big and small brands. Join in and listen now to hear Ariel and Mitrajit fully explore the Indian watch market and its exciting growth on this week’s episode of the Superlative Podcast.

- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mitrajitb/

- Check out Mitrajit’s work - https://luxe.outlookindia.com/author/mitrajit-bhattacharya

Check Out This Week’s Sponsors:

Raymond Weil - https://www.raymond-weil.com

Marathon Watches - https://www.marathonwatch.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 and aBlogtoWatch, check us out on:

- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ablogtowatch/

- Twitter - https://twitter.com/ABLOGTOWATCH

- Website - https://www.ablogtowatch.com/

If you enjoy the show please Subscribe, Rate, and Review!

CRAFTSMANSHIP: THE HEART OF DOXA WATCHES WITH JAN EDOCS Dec 16, 2024

Show notes

This week on the Superlative Podcast, host and aBlogtoWatch Founder Ariel Adams is joined by Jan Edocs, the CEO of Doxa Watches. Jan and Ariel jump right into the rich history of Doxa and its significant history and legacy in the diving watch arena. Jan shares insights on the importance of functionality, and why craftsmanship and controlled distribution are key to maintaining brand integrity in today's market. He also emphasizes the need for brands to understand retailer dynamics and the significance of cultural sensitivity in marketing. As they discuss luxury dive watches needing a balance of functionality and aesthetics, Jan explains why innovation should not compromise brand identity, and why the watches also must fulfill their functional duty first and foremost. He also highlights Doxa's commitment to its brand DNA, balancing innovation with tradition, and the unique aspects of their watch designs. Listen to Jan and Ariel fully submerse themselves in the dive watch world on this week’s episode of the Superlative Podcast.

- Doxa Watches - https://doxawatches.com/

Check Out This Week’s Sponsor:

Raymond Weil - https://www.raymond-weil.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 and aBlogtoWatch, check us out on:

- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ablogtowatch/

- Twitter - https://twitter.com/ABLOGTOWATCH

- Website - https://www.ablogtowatch.com/

If you enjoy the show please Subscribe, Rate, and Review!

THE JOURNEY OF A WATCH COLLECTOR FEATURING AUTHOR MITCH KATZ Dec 09, 2024

Show notes

This week on the Superlative Podcast, host and aBlogtoWatch Founder Ariel Adams is joined by author and watch collector Mitch Katz. The two dive right into Mitch’s journey into watch collecting, the stories behind his collection, and the emotional connections that come with it. As Mitch shares his insights on the personal nature of his collecting he also expands on the emotional connection to watches often stemming from the stories behind their acquisition. While responding to Ariel’s intrigue into how he began writing about his collectors journey in his book “Time on My Hands: A Collector's Journey in the World of Watches”, Mitch shares why documenting a watch collection is crucial for future generations and how a personal narrative enhances the value of a collection. Mitch talks about the transition to fiction writing incorporating his passion for watches, and how the emotional connection to watches can be truly shared through storytelling. Listen in on Mitch and Ariel’s conversation on this week’s episode of the Superlative Podcast.

- Mitch’s Book “Time on My Hands” on Amazon - https://a.co/d/gK1W5HA

Check Out This Week’s Sponsors:

Bezel - https://shop.getbezel.com/collections/112

Up to 20% off select listings through December 16th. Be on the lookout for new inventory throughout the sale!

- https://shop.getbezel.com/

Marathon Watch - https://www.marathonwatch.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 and aBlogtoWatch, check us out on:

- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ablogtowatch/

- Twitter - https://twitter.com/ABLOGTOWATCH

- Website - https://www.ablogtowatch.com/

If you enjoy the show please Subscribe, Rate, and Review!

FROM DEEP IN THE SWISS WATCH INDUSTRY TO FOUNDING A WATCH BRAND IN AUSTRALIA WITH CHRISTOPHE HOPPE OF BAUSELE. Dec 02, 2024

Show notes

This week on the Superlative Podcast, host and aBlogtoWatch Founder Ariel Adams is joined by Christophe Hoppe, the Founder of Bausele watches based out of Australia. They discuss Christophe's journey from working in the Swiss watch industry to establishing his own brand in Australia while seeking a new life and opportunity. The conversation explores the cultural influences on watch design, the evolution of the Australian watch market, and the significance of their military collaborations. Christophe shares insights into the art of watch hands, as that was a large part of his career before Bausele, and how navigating supplier relationships is a complex but essential part of the business. They also dive into how design philosophy must balance originality with consumer familiarity and why consumer price sensitivity plays a significant role in watch purchasing decisions. Join in on the conversation with Ariel and Christophe on this week’s episode of the Superlative Podcast brought to you by aBlogtoWatch.

- Website - https://www.bausele.com/

- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bausele/

Check Out This Week’s Sponsors:

Bezel - https://shop.getbezel.com/collections/112

Use code "HOLIDAY500" for $500 off your first qualifying purchase with a minimum purchase requirement of $7,500. (Code is only valid through 12/2). Up to 20% off select listings through December 16th. Be on the lookout for new inventory throughout the sale!

- https://shop.getbezel.com/

Marathon Watch - https://www.marathonwatch.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 and aBlogtoWatch, check us out on:

- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ablogtowatch/

- Twitter - https://twitter.com/ABLOGTOWATCH

- Website - https://www.ablogtowatch.com/

If you enjoy the show please Subscribe, Rate, and Review!

WATCHES TO MAKE YOU SMILE WITH VJ GERONIMO OF ORIS Nov 25, 2024

Show notes

This week on the Superlative Podcast, host and aBlogtoWatch Founder Ariel Adams is joined once again by VJ Geronimo, the CEO of The Americas at Oris. They discuss how watch media, especially podcasts, have been a way for those in the industry to stay updated with what is going on in other segments of the industry as well as their colleagues and other brands. Ariel and VJ dive into the importance of community engagement in the watch industry and how focusing on building community relationships enhances brand loyalty with their customers. Geronimo shares his insights on American consumer behavior, the emotional connection to watches, and the historic personality of Oris as a brand. Ariel asks VJ to explore the balance between luxury and Oris’s rich history of providing value for money, and the trend of vintage design continuing to influence the market today. Additionally, they touch on the importance of e-commerce in the modern market while still supporting retail partners, and Oris's commitment to social responsibility and sustainability. Listen in on this engaging conversation between Ariel Adams and VJ Geronimo on this week’s episode of the Superlative Podcast.

- Website - https://www.oris.ch/

- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/vj.geronimo/

Check Out This Week’s Sponsor: Marathon Watch

- https://www.marathonwatch.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 and aBlogtoWatch, check us out on:

- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ablogtowatch/

- Twitter - https://twitter.com/ABLOGTOWATCH

- Website - https://www.ablogtowatch.com/

If you enjoy the show please Subscribe, Rate, and Review!

IMAGINARY VINTAGE: THE CONCEPT BEHIND ALBISHORN WATCHES WITH SÉBASTIEN CHAULMONTET Nov 18, 2024

Show notes

This week on the Superlative Podcast, host and aBlogtoWatch Founder Ariel Adams is joined once again by Dr. Sébastien Chaulmontet, the owner of Albishorn Watches and prominent figure in the watchmaking industry. Ariel and Sébastien jump right into the emotional connections designers have with their creations and the challenges of originality in a market filled with re-editions. As the conversation delves into the balance between aesthetics and functionality, as well as the nostalgia of mechanical watches, Sébastien expands on the innovative approach behind his new brand, Albishorn. The two talk about why Sébastien enjoys the freedom of independent watchmaking and how designing beautiful watches can be more complex than creating complicated ones in a market that seems to often prioritizes re-editions over originality.

Listen and join in on the conversation as Sébastien shares his insights on market positioning, the collaborative efforts that have shaped his journey in horology, and so much more on this week’s episode of the Superlative Podcast.

- Website - https://albishorn-watches.ch/

- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/albishorn_watches

Check Out This Week’s Sponsor: Marathon Watch

- https://www.marathonwatch.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 and aBlogtoWatch, check us out on:

- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ablogtowatch/

- Twitter - https://twitter.com/ABLOGTOWATCH

- Website - https://www.ablogtowatch.com/

If you enjoy the show please Subscribe, Rate, and Review!

THE FUTURE OF WATCH TRANSACTIONS WITH THE FOUNDERS OF CHRONO HUNTER Nov 11, 2024

Show notes

This week on the Superlative Podcast, host and aBlogtoWatch Founder Ariel Adams is joined by Sam Rayner and Max Nordigian, founders of Chrono Hunter, a platform designed to help individuals buy and sell luxury watches. Ariel has Sam and Max start the show by diving into the history and purpose of Chrono Hunter while discussing the unique value proposition of their service, which connects buyers and sellers while ensuring fair transactions and preventing fraud. They expand on how the platform addresses the “last mile” problem in the watch market, and why speed and fairness in transactions are crucial for customer satisfaction. The conversation delves into market dynamics, consumer behavior, and the importance of a strong retailer network, especially in a watch market that has seen significant changes post-COVID. The trio talk about how they see transparency and communication as essential components in the watch industry today and why the future of retail may involve more collaboration with brands than we have seen in the years past. Join in on the conversation and see how Max and Sam aim to create a more stable watch market with their platform Chrono Hunter, on this week’s episode of the Superlative Podcast.

- Website - https://chronohunter.com/

- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/chronohunter/

Check Out This Week’s Sponsor: Marathon Watch

- https://www.marathonwatch.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 and aBlogtoWatch, check us out on:

- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ablogtowatch/

- Twitter - https://twitter.com/ABLOGTOWATCH

- Website - https://www.ablogtowatch.com/

If you enjoy the show please Subscribe, Rate, and Review!

EXPLORING AESTHETICS IN THE WATCH INDUSTRY WITH MO COPPOLETTA Nov 04, 2024

Show notes

This week on the Superlative Podcast, host and aBlogtoWatch Founder Ariel Adams is joined by designer, Mo Coppoletta. Throughout the conversation Ariel and Mo discuss the intricate relationship between aesthetics and functionality in modern watch design. Mo emphasizes the importance of personal experience and cultural influences in shaping a designer’s unique vision.

The conversation explores the evolving landscape of branding in the digital age and how branding should encompass more than just logos as it includes the entire experience. Ariel dives into the parallels with the tattoo industry and how maybe the artistry in tattoos can inspire new directions in watch strap design. Mo also shares his insights on the importance of emotional connection in design and why brands need to begin to engage with their customers on a personal level. Listen in on the conversation as Ariel and Mo fully immerse themselves into the world of design and aesthetics in the modern watch industry on this week’s episode of the Superlative podcast.

- Websites - https://www.coppolettadesigns.com/

- https://gagalaboratorio.com/

- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/mo_coppoletta

Check Out This Week’s Sponsor: Bezel

- https://shop.getbezel.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 and aBlogtoWatch, check us out on:

- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ablogtowatch/

- Twitter - https://twitter.com/ABLOGTOWATCH

- Website - https://www.ablogtowatch.com/

If you enjoy the show please Subscribe, Rate, and Review!

BALANCING INNOVATION AND TRADITION AT SHINOLA WITH GREG VERRAS Oct 28, 2024

Show notes

This week on the Superlative Podcast, host and aBlogtoWatch Founder Ariel Adams is joined by Greg Verras, the Design Director at Shinola. The show starts with the two discussing Greg’s journey to Shinola, which involved his time at Fossil as an Associate Watch Designer for Diesel, and how he has emphasized the importance of passion in design at Shinola for almost 12 years now. Ariel and Greg talk about the sometimes unknown complexities of watch design and the importance of understanding the customer’s expectations when it comes to crafting new and innovative designs fit for an ever changing market. Greg shares his insights on balancing innovation with tradition while highlighting the impact of Detroit's legacy on design, and the role of American design in Shinola's identity. They discuss the evolution of the role of manufacturing in Detroit and how they are navigating their business decisions in their design blueprint while trying to showcase the American design aesthetic to the global market. Greg dives into Shinola's focus on watches remaining strong, despite exploring other product categories and how the future of watch design at Shinola will continue to evolve with a focus on quality and innovation. Join in on the conversation as Ariel and Greg talk about tradition, American design, and where Greg sees Shinola headed on this week’s episode of the Superlative Podcast.

- Websites - https://www.shinola.com/

- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/shinola/

Check Out This Week’s Sponsor: Marathon Watch

- https://www.marathonwatch.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 and aBlogtoWatch, check us out on:

- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ablogtowatch/

- Twitter - https://twitter.com/ABLOGTOWATCH