Superlative

Latest Episodes:

THE HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE AND RESURGENCE OF FAVRE LEUBA WITH PATRIK HOFFMANN Oct 21, 2024

Show notes

This week on the Superlative Podcast, host and aBlogtoWatch Founder Ariel Adams is joined by Patrik Hoffmann, the Chairman and CEO of Favre Leuba. Ariel starts by asking Patrik to dive into his journey in the watch industry such as his previous role as the Former CEO of Ulysse Nardin, and what lessons he learned from that time in his career. The two talk about the relaunch of Favre Leuba representing an exciting opportunity for innovation and growth, and the challenges of relaunching such a historically significant brand. Patrik emphasizes the need for a commercial strategy that balances uniqueness with market demands, and how fair pricing is vital for maintaining consumer trust and brand integrity. Join in on the conversation with Ariel Adams and Patrik Hoffmann as they discuss the future of Favre Leuba, the current watch market facing challenges related to pricing and consumer expectations, and so much more on this week’s episode of the Superlative Podcast.

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

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

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 ART OF WATCH REPAIR AND RESTORATION WITH DR. GREG PETRONZI OF TRUE PATINA Oct 14, 2024

Show notes

This week on the Superlative Podcast, host and aBlogtoWatch Founder Ariel Adams is joined by Dr. Greg Petronzi, the Founder of True Patina. Ariel and Greg begin the show by diving into the obsession with watches and the connection between watches and other hobbies. Dr. Petronzi, who holds a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology, explores the idea of watches as tools that give men a sense of power and the intersection of the artistic and mechanistic aspect of watches themselves. The two discuss the appeal of vintage watches especially and the multiple “dimensions” of time that they seem to represent to their enthusiasts. While they touch on the importance of servicing and maintaining these watches, they begin to look at the emotional desire to keep older things alive and how that factors into the love for vintage timepieces. Ariel asks Greg about the challenges of repairing watches and his unique approach to watch repair and restoration. Dr. Petronzi shares with us his unique approach to watch repair and restoration while emphasizing the importance of combining technical expertise with artistic skill in order to restore these watches to their original condition. Greg also touches on his experience in creating True Dome, a company that manufactures high-quality watch crystals. He also discusses the challenges of being an independent watchmaker and the need for more educational opportunities in the field. Listen in as Ariel and Greg fully immerse their conversation into the artful world of watch repair and restoration on this week’s episode of the Superlative Podcast.

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

- https://truedome.com/

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

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!

UNDERSTANDING THE INDIAN LUXURY MARKET WITH SHILPA DHAMIJA Oct 07, 2024

Show notes

This week on the Superlative Podcast, host and aBlogtoWatch Founder Ariel Adams is joined by Shilpa Dhamija, the Founder of Luxury Volt and an Indian luxury market expert. To start the show Ariel and Shilpa dive into the potential for India to become a major destination in the luxury watch world market and the growing development of the watch industry in the country. Shilpa talks about the importance of understanding the local culture and consumer base for brands looking to improve their market standing in India, and what challenges and opportunities lie there when dealing with the need for inclusivity and the preference for value-consciousness.

Ariel and Shilpa highlight the rich history of luxury in India and the potential for Swiss watch brands to make their mark within the Indian market. The two emphasize the need for luxury brands to listen to their local partners and adapt their strategies to cater to the growing middle class within the country. Shilpa also brings up the significance of pricing, availability, and customer experience in building brand loyalty while prioritizing humility and respect in their interactions with Indian consumers. Join in on this week’s conversation to learn more about the ever growing Indian luxury market with Shilpa Dhamija on this week’s episode of the Superlative Podcast.

- Website - https://luxuryvolt.com/

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

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!

THE EVOLUTION OF WATCH BLOGGING AND ALGORITHM CHASING FEATURING KARAR AIMER OF IFL WATCHES Sep 30, 2024

Show notes

This week on the Superlative Podcast, host and aBlogtoWatch Founder Ariel Adams is joined by Karar Aimer, the Founder of IFL Watches. To start the show Ariel and Karar discuss the evolution of blogging and the role of bloggers in sharing knowledge and advocating for the watch industry. Karar talks about the current challenges of creating content that both satisfies the audience and the always changing algorithm on todays’ social media platforms. He emphasizes the importance of creativity and variety in content creation while highlighting the opportunities for watch content creators in the industry. Ariel Adams and Karar Amar also chat about the downsides of algorithm chasing in the watch industry and the difficulties of sharing watch genuine enthusiasm on social media. They explore the limitations of Instagram as a discovery engine for new watch brands and models while Karar balances his social media content as a promotional tool. Karary shares his experience in creating and selling customized watches and accessories, and the two also discuss the importance of marketing and design in their respective business models. Join in on this week’s conversation with Karar Aimer and Ariel Adams on this episode of the Superlative Podcast.

- IFL Watches Website - https://iflwatches.com/

- Karar on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/karar__aimer/

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!

A MICRO BRAND WITH QUALITY AND DESIRABILITY FEATURING RYAN TORRES AND REAGAN COOK OF VAER WATCHES Sep 23, 2024

Show notes

This week on the Superlative Podcast, host and aBlogtoWatch Founder Ariel Adams is joined by Ryan Torres and Reagan Cook, co-founders of Vaer Watches. To start the show, Ariel has Ryan and Reagan open up about their experiences as exhibitors at watch shows and the challenges and opportunities they have faced so far in the watch industry. They discuss the importance of attending watch shows for networking and building relationships with other brands and customers, and they also chat about the competitiveness and the high quality of microbrands at these shows. The conversation shifts to the topic of bringing watch manufacturing back to the United States and the emotional connection consumers have with American-made products. They also touch on the pricing and profitability of microbrands and the role of desirability in luxury branding. Ryan and Reagan expand on Vaer Watches' focus on treating watches as tools and aim to appeal to a wide range of customers, from enthusiasts to professionals in various fields. Ariel has them dive into why they aspire to create watches that can be passed down through generations, and how the company has found success in offering watches under $500. Ryan and Reagan also talk about how their design philosophy centers around creating watches with classical proportions and timeless aesthetics while prioritizing customer feedback in their product development. Listen in on the conversation as Ariel talks with Ryan and Reagan about their experience running a microbrand that delivers high-quality and desirable watches, and much more, on this week’s episode of the Superlative Podcast.

- Vaer Watches Website - https://www.vaerwatches.com/

- Vaer on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/vaeradventure/

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 Inspiration Behind The Helicon Watch Company with Jonathan Bordell Sep 16, 2024

Show notes

This is Superlative: A Podcast about watches, the people behind them, and the worlds that inspire them. This week on the Superlative Podcast, host and aBlogtoWatch Founder Ariel Adams is joined by Jonathan Bordell, the Co-Founder of The Helicon Watch Company. To start the show Ariel has Jonathan discuss his experience in the watch industry and the initial challenges he faced as a brand and company. He shares his insights on the resistance to change within the industry and the difficulties of selling watches online. Jonathan also talks about the importance of storytelling and the need for a reason behind introducing novel watch designs. He emphasizes the value of local knowledge and the role of retailers in guiding customers towards making their purchasing decisions. Ariel and Jonathan dive into the popularity of tool watches and the shift towards smaller watch sizes in the recent years. Jonathan Bordell discusses the inspiration behind Helicon Watches and what he sees as the future of watchmaking going forward. He shares the story of how a vintage-inspired watch prototype led to the creation of Helicon Watches. The two discuss the trend of vintage-style sport watches and the potential end of this trend that could happen in the near future. They also explore the true fragility of the watch manufacturing industry and the need for diversification within sourcing and pricing. Ariel and Jonathan also touch on the possibilities of new technologies and materials in watchmaking and the importance of collaborations. As the conversation comes to a close they chat about the value of watches and the importance of passing them on to future generations. Join in on the conversation with Ariel Adams and Jonathan Bordell on this week’s episode of the Superlative Podcast!

- Company Website - https://heliconwatches.com/

- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jonathan-bordell-a54a0a10/

Check out this week’s sponsor - Bezel:

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!

The Importance of Engaging Content in the Retail Industry with Mark Bernardo of Teddy Baldassarre. Sep 09, 2024

Show notes

This is Superlative: A Podcast about watches, the people behind them, and the worlds that inspire them. This week on the Superlative Podcast, host and aBlogtoWatch Founder Ariel Adams is joined by Mark Bernardo, the Director of Editorial Content at Teddy Baldassarre. Ariel has Mark discuss his experience in the watch industry from his time as the Senior Editor of WatchTime Magazine to where he is today at Teddy Baldassarre. He highlights the passion and camaraderie within the watch industry, as well as the magnetic appeal of watches. Their conversation explores the reasons why people are drawn to the watch space as he highlights the passion and camaraderie within the watch industry. They also discuss the lack of recognition of watches as just a hobby and the potential for watches to connect with other professions besides just divers, pilots, drivers, such as writers and artists. They dive further into Mark's transition from watch media to working in retail, and the differences in creating online content for both. Ariel and Mark talk about the general transformation of the watch retail industry, the value of firsthand experience in watch journalism, and the role of independent coverage in influencing buying decisions for consumers. Join in on the conversation as Ariel and Mark talk about the retail industry, watch content, and much more on this week’s episode of the Superlative Podcast.

- Website - https://teddybaldassarre.com/

- Mark on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-bernardo-815458a/

Check out this week’s sponsor - Bezel:

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!

BUILDING A STRONG COMMUNITY AS A MICRO-BRAND WITH ALAN TSAO OF TSAO BALTIMORE Sep 02, 2024

Show notes

This is Superlative: A Podcast about watches, the people behind them, and the worlds that inspire them. This week on the Superlative Podcast, host and aBlogtoWatch Founder Ariel Adams is joined by Alan Tsao, the Founder of Tsao Baltimore. To start the show Alan shares with us how and why he started his own watch brand after his wife suggested he stop buying so many watches and to just start his own company. He talks about how he focuses on creating unique and different designs, and how the company was able to use pre-launch marketing to generate interest before launching on Kickstarter. Alan emphasizes the importance of balancing familiarity and originality in design, and discusses the process of designing a watch and the factors that determine its cost. Ariel asks about the challenges and opportunities of crowdfunding on Kickstarter, and why it was such a successful platform for his brand. They discuss the evolution of the watch industry, the role of Kickstarter in the rise of enthusiast-run brands, and the importance of building a strong community. Ariel has Alan dive into their connection between the brand and the city of Baltimore while also touching on the difficulties of meeting customer demands, surprise hits in the watch industry, and the future of micro-brands. Join in on their conversation on this week’s episode of the Superlative Podcast with Ariel Adams and Alan Tsao.

- Website - https://tsaobaltimore.com/

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

Check out this week’s sponsor - Marathon Watch:

Marathon: 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 POWER OF ENGAGING THE WATCH COMMUNITY WITH PERRI DASH OF THE WRIST CHECK PODCAST Aug 26, 2024

Show notes

This is Superlative: A Podcast about watches, the people behind them, and the worlds that inspire them. This week on the Superlative Podcast, host and aBlogtoWatch Founder Ariel Adams is joined by Perri Dash, the Co-Founder of the Wrist Check Podcast. Ariel and Perri explore the success and popularity of watch podcasts, despite the non-visual nature of the medium in a sometimes non-visual space. They discuss the passion and connection that drives watch podcasts, as well as the role of community in the growth of these shows. The two also delve into the challenges of monetizing content creation in the watch industry, including the reluctance of brands to invest in marketing and the difficulty of creating sustainable business models. Ariel and Perri highlight the importance of collaboration among content creators and the need to adapt innovative approaches, such as the music industry's model, to build sustainable businesses. As they touch on the power of community and the shift towards community-driven purchases in the watch industry, they dive into the need for brands to invest in marketing and creating experiences that connect with consumers. They also emphasize the importance of building relationships with collectors and engaging the watch community. Join in on this week’s conversation on this episode of the Superlative Podcast with Perri Dash and Ariel Adams.

- Wrist Check Podcast Website - https://www.wristcheckpod.com/

Check out this week’s sponsor - Bezel:

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!

Authenticity in Watch Content with Ben Cook of Ben’s Watches Aug 19, 2024

Show notes

This is Superlative: A Podcast about watches, the people behind them, and the worlds that inspire them. This week on the Superlative Podcast, host and aBlogtoWatch Founder Ariel Adams is joined by Ben Cook, content creator and founder of Ben’s Watches. To start the show Ariel dive right into the challenges that appear when trying to create engaging content that is authentic and true to themselves. They also touch on the role of content creators in the watch industry and the importance of brands partnering with genuine creators to reach consumers. They also discuss the misconception of watches as investments and the phases that young watch enthusiasts often go through in their journey, which Ben shares his personal experience with. Ben shares his journey in the watch industry and the challenges of making a living as a content creator. He talks about the importance of sponsorship and support from brands to sustain content creation on platforms like YouTube and Instagram, and how Bezel was able to give him one of his first opportunities in the industry. Ariel has Ben give his insights on the differences between Instagram and TikTok for watch content, the role of social media in watch discovery, and the importance of community engagement. Listen in on this week’s conversation with Ben Cook of Ben’s Watches to hear all of the insights on watch content and so much more!

- Website - https://www.bens-watches.com/

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

- TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@bens_watches

Check out this week’s sponsor - Marathon Watch:

Marathon: 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/