Superlative

Latest Episodes:

THE UNION OF HEAVY METAL AND WATCHMAKING WITH DAN SPITZ Jan 08, 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 Dan Spitz, a watchmaker and the former guitarist for legendary heavy metal band Anthrax. To start the show Ariel has Dan dive into his career as the guitar player for Anthrax, and explain how he transitioned into the watch industry. Dan talks about being a third-generation watchmaker, and how his dad instilled in him a mechanical aptitude at a young age. Ariel and Dan draw a parallel between musicians and their equipment manufacturers working together to create exactly what the musicians in the industry needed and how Rolex did the same in its earlier days with the customers that needed its products to be efficient tools of their trades. Dan gives us a peek at how watches were seen and worn in the upper echelons of the heavy metal and touring musician worlds, and who he currently builds his pieces for today. The two talk about the marketing struggles of being an independent watch brand today, and where Dan aesthetically gets the heavy metal inspiration for his designs without hitting the cliche marks that some brands do when trying to appeal to an “alternative” crowd.

To stay connected with Dan:

- Website - https://danspitz.com/

- Instagram @DanSpitzOfficial - https://www.instagram.com/danspitzofficial

- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/danspitz/

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!

CELEBRATING CHINESE WATCHMAKING AND CULTURE WITH ROBIN TALLENDIER Jan 01, 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, our host and aBlogtoWatch Founder Ariel Adams is joined by Robin Tallendier, the French Co-Founder of Chinese watch brand, Atelier Wen. To start the show Robin shares what the brand's mission is when it comes to celebrating Chinese culture and craftsmanship. The two talk about the uniqueness behind the brand being in China compared to some of the other Chinese watch brands belonging throughout Europe, and what the taste of luxury Chinese watch consumers is when it comes to European goods overall. Ariel has Robin explain the typical customer of Atelier Wen, and how he became so interested and connected to Chinese culture and watchmaking. They also discuss the typical points that brands usually hit when they are trying to make a Chinese themed design and what Atelier Wen does differently.

To stay connected with Robin and Atelier Wen:

- Website - https://atelierwen.com/

- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/robin-tallendier/

- Instagram @AtelierWenWatches - https://www.instagram.com/atelierwenwatches/

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!

PRESERVING HOROLOGICAL HERITAGE WITH THE WATCH LIBRARY FOUNDATION WITH MARTINE DEPRESLE Dec 25, 2023

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, our host and aBlogtoWatch Founder Ariel Adams is joined by Martine Depresle, the CEO, Co-Founder and Managing Director of The Watch Library Foundation. To start the show Ariel and Martine talk about her extensive career in the watch industry while working for other major brands before she dives into what the Watch Library is. Martine talks about the foundation's mission with preservation, and the two discuss how the history of the industry plays a part in the value of today’s watches. Ariel asks how someone would reach out to the Watch Library if they feel they have something of value that the library would appreciate, and he asks what it is like to actually use the Watch Library itself. They talk about the introduction of AI in the historical preservation industry, and what an actual Watch Library exhibit could potentially look like in person.

To stay connected with Martine and The Watch Library:

- Website - https://watchlibrary.org/

- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-watch-library/

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 DEEP DIVE INTO HAUTE- RIVE WITH FOUNDER STEPHANE VON GUNTEN Dec 18, 2023

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, our host and aBlogtoWatch Founder Ariel Adams is joined by Stephane von Gunten, Founder of Haute-Rive Watches. To start the show Ariel has Stephane dive into his journey from working at multiple brands to creating his own watch brand. They begin to talk about how Stephane grew up in the same area that his family’s ancestors were making watches in, and how the world of engineering and watch making intercept. Ariel asks about what Stephane did at Ulysses Nardin with researching silicone, where those efforts led, and what his research team did when he worked at Patek Philippe as well. As they transition into Haute-Rive from talking about Stephane’s career, Ariel and Stephane discuss the tech specs behind the Honoris 1 with its 1000 hour power reserve, and what the future of the brand’s designs might entail. Ariel asks about the initial strategy for securing the investment needed to start the brand, and he inquires into how the testing is being done in the Swiss luxury industry.

To stay connected with Stephane and :

- Website - https://haute-rive-watches.ch/

- Instagram @Haute_Rive_watches_official - https://www.instagram.com/haute_rive_watches_official/

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 CHILDREN’S BOOKS TO ARTISTIC WATCHES WITH DESIGNER KRISTOF DEVOS Dec 11, 2023

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, our host and aBlogtoWatch Founder Ariel Adams is joined by Kristof Devos, a watch designer who has designed pieces for Mr Jones Watches. To start the show Ariel asks Kristof about how he became interested in watch design after designing picture books for children for years of his career. Kristof talks about his education and design background, and Ariel inquires about Kristof’s general watch enthusiasm before and after designing pieces for Mr Jones watches. The two dive into Kristof’s designs for the brand, and what he is trying to convey to the world through these designs. Ariel has Kristof talk about how he would approach designing a children’s watch, and Kristof shares his story about how his design career initially began with books for children. They talk about what feedback Kristof has received over the years on his designs, and if we can see more Kristof designed watches from Mr Jones watches any time soon.

To stay connected with Kristof and to stay updated on his designs:

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

- Instagram @Kristoftekent - https://www.instagram.com/kristoftekent/

- Mr Jones - www.mrjoneswatches.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 BRANDING OF BELL AND ROSS WITH MARIE-LAURE TRICHARD Dec 04, 2023

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, our host and aBlogtoWatch Founder Ariel Adams is joined by Marie-Laure Trichard, the Global Marketing and Communication Director at Bell and Ross. To start the show Ariel asks our guest about what drew her to the brand initially, and they also explore the significance of the brand's visuals and intricate details. They talk about what it is like operating a luxury brand out of Paris for the past few years, and what challenges or surprises they have faced while recruiting people to work for a luxury brand in Paris. Ariel talks about how a brand and its products are separate entities, and Marie-Laure dives into what it takes to build both sides. Marie-Laure also talks about the fusion of aviation and design and how both are legs of the brand that are carrying values within the brand and their products.

To stay connected with Marie-Laure and Bell and Ross:

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

- Instagram @BellandRossWatches - https://www.instagram.com/bellrosswatches/

- LinkedIn - linkedin.com/in/marie-laure-trichard-a7764b

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 AND FUTURE OF SMARTWATCHES WITH TODD REGISTER OF GARMIN Nov 27, 2023

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, our host and aBlogtoWatch Founder Ariel Adams is joined by Todd Register, a Creative Lead at Garmin supporting the Outdoor segment while focusing on smartwatch design. To start the show Ariel and Todd talk about Garmin’s history with manufacturing smart watches, and they discuss the new line of MARQ tool watches from Garmin. Todd elaborates on what makes the MARQ line unique in the world of smartwatches, but also what Garmin has done differently with the materials used to create the timepieces. Ariel asks about if Garmin’s extensive history with smart devices gives them a leg up on their competition in the smartwatch sector, as well as what their outlook on the sector is while looking ahead at the next couple of decades. The two talk about where the luxury side of the market might go, and why someone would want to buy a Garmin smartwatch over the biggest smartwatch manufacturer that we all know.

To stay connected with Todd and Garmin:

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

- Instagram @Garmin - https://www.instagram.com/garmin/

- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-register-735a367/

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 CREATIVE FREEDOM WITH HAKIM EL KADIRI OF ELKA WATCH CO Nov 20, 2023

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, our host and aBlogtoWatch Founder Ariel Adams is joined by Hakim El Kadiri, the Founder of Elka Watch Co. Ariel and Hakim start the show talking about the inspiration of the brand name being Hakim’s childhood nickname, and Ariel dives into the brand's latest collaboration with Ace Jewelers. They talk about how the exclusive four pieces in the Diversity Series celebrate diversity by having each watch use a different numeric script for showcasing the numeric values on the dial. Ariel asks Hakim what he learned from collaborating with Ace Jewelers, and what it was like creating custom watches for movies on short time frames when he was head of production for Hamilton watches. Hakim talks about how his corporate experiences with his past positions in major brands helped him calculate a more formulated approach to founding his own watch brand in Elka Watches.

To stay connected with Hakim and Elka Watch Co.:

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

- Instagram @Elkawatchco - https://www.instagram.com/elkawatchco/

- LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/elka-watch-co/

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!

HERITAGE AND MODERN INNOVATION WITH NICHOLAS BIEBUYCK OF TAG HEUER Nov 13, 2023

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, our host and aBlogtoWatch Founder Ariel Adams is joined by Nicholas Biebuyck, the Head of Tag Heuer’s Heritage Department. To start the show Ariel jumps into Nicholas’s role in the Heritage Department, and how he actually works a lot regarding Tag Heuer in the modern age as a type of spokesperson for the brand. They discuss what the corporate culture at Tag Heuer is like in regards to being a part of a group like LVMH, and how a brand can look to the past and still innovate going forward. Ariel asks what it is about the spirit of the brand that allows them to seemingly do more research and development than their competitors, and the two dive into the history behind the infamous Carrera and what it means to the brand today.

To stay connected with Nicholas and Tag Heuer:

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

- Instagram @TagHeuer - https://www.instagram.com/tagheuer/

- Instagram @Nicholasbiebuyck - https://www.instagram.com/nicholasbiebuyck

- A Matter of Time Podcast - https://www.tagheuer.com/us/en/listen/podcast-a-matter-of-time-season-1.html

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!

INDEPENDENTLY SWISS MADE WITH BEN KÜFFER OF NORQAIN Nov 06, 2023

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 Küffer, the Founder and CEO of Norqain. Ariel and Ben start the show by talking through Jean-Claude Biver uniting with Norqain as an advisor to the board, and what the initial conversations between Ben and Jean-Claude were like. Ariel dives into the first watch that has resulted from this new partnership and what inspired them to make this shock resistant mechanical watch. As they talk about this new high-performance sports watch, which is called the Wild One, Ariel has Ben elaborate on their ground-breaking new material featured in their special case concept, NORTEQ. Ariel has Ben talk about his goals with the brand over the next few years, and how a brand’s relationship with suppliers can go hand in hand with the rising costs of manufacturing as the brand’s grow in their success. The two talk about the younger watch collecting generations and how they relate to the “Swiss Made” term today, and what the industry can do to help educate the younger generations of today on what the term’s true value has always been.

To stay connected with Ben and Norqain:

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

- Instagram @Norqain - https://www.instagram.com/norqain/

- X (Twitter) @NorqainWatches - https://twitter.com/norqainwatches

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