Superlative

Latest Episodes:

THE FUTURE OF WATCH AND LUXURY SOCIAL EVENTS WITH ZACH WEISS OF WORN AND WOUND Jun 12, 2023

Show notes

This week on Superlative our host and aBlogtoWatch Founder Ariel Adams is joined by Zach Weiss, the Co-Founder and Creative Director of Worn and Wound, brought to you by aBlogtoWatch.

THE REAL BEAUTY IN COMPLEXITY WITH ROGER PEETERS - HOOKE AND HUYGENS Jun 05, 2023

Show notes

This is Superlative: A Podcast about watches, the people behind them, and the worlds that inspire them. This week our host and aBlogtoWatch Founder Ariel Adams is joined by Roger Peeters, the Founder and Master Watchmaker of Hooke and Huygens. To start the show Ariel dives into discussing small independent high end watch brands, and their important role in the watch industry. They talk about the mentality behind the modern watchmaker today, and how important having a true artist’s touch is important when creating a watch brand or new design. Ariel asks why Roger did not go with his own name when creating this brand, and who exactly Robert Hooke and Christiaan Huygens are. They dive into the brands overall strategy with their relationship with their customers, and they go over their patented Hooke and Huygens ring-shaped semi-skeleton ring movement with 12 positions and 41 jewel bearings.

To stay updated with Roger and Hooke and Huygens:

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

Instagram @HookeandHuygensWatches - https://www.instagram.com/hookeandhuygenswatches/

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 ENDURANCE RACER TO ENDURANCE AMBASSADOR WITH JACKY ICKX AND CHOPARD May 29, 2023

Show notes

This is Superlative: A Podcast about watches, the people behind them, and the worlds that inspire them. This week our host and aBlogtoWatch Founder Ariel Adams is joined by the 6-time La Mans winner and ambassador for Chopard, Jacky Ickx. To start the show Ariel and Jacky reminisce over his career and the changes that occurred in racing during his career and now. Ariel calls Jacky a professional risk taker as well as a professional driver, and Jacky describes what it is like to overcome the fear of risk in order to compete. Going through his career, Ariel brings up the infamous Le Mans 24 hour race that Jacky won 6 times, and they dive into what makes that race so special in the world of motorsports. They of course talk about Jacky’s ambassadorship with Chopard and what the company has done for him over the years. The two talk about the watches that Chopard developed, which were three limited edition Chopard Mille Miglia Jacky Ickx Men's watches, with a fourth Chopard watch designed with his help. Ariel talks about the influence on racing inspired watches that Jacky and Chopard have had since their inception, and he asks Jacky what Chopard can continue to do that will maintain their connection to classic racing today.

To stay updated with Jacky and Chopard:

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

Instagram @Chopard - https://www.instagram.com/chopard/

Instagram @JackyIckxOfficial - https://www.instagram.com/JackyIckxOfficial/

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!

INNOVATING CLOCKMAKING FOR OVER 184 YEARS WITH ARNAUD NICOLAS OF L'EPEE 1839 May 22, 2023

Show notes

This is Superlative: A Podcast about watches, the people behind them, and the worlds that inspire them. This week our host and aBlogtoWatch Founder Ariel Adams is joined by Arnaud Nicolas, the CEO of L'Epee 1839. To start the show Ariel and Arnaud dive into the world of clockmaking and the company's history that spans back over 184 years. As one of the world's premier clockmakers, Arnauld gives us insight on what makes his clocks unique and how the world of clock making is continuing to evolve today, just in a different manner than wristwatch making. Ariel asks about the different collaborations that L’Epee is a part of, such as their collaboration with MB&F. The two discuss how Arnaud marries the worlds of model-making and miniatures with timekeeping as he develops his extraordinary clocks that have a feel of uniqueness and fun. Ariel asks about all the materials that are made in house since there are so many components to any given design that is created by the company, and what some of the challenges are when trying to source or develop these components. They also converse about some of the different unique models that are made by L’Epee, and Ariel has Arnaud explain how their unique sounding striking clocks operate and make the sounds they do. Join us and listen in on the conversation that spills all of the details of the world of clockmaking from one of the world's premier clockmakers.

To stay updated with Arnaud and L’Epee:

Website - https://www.lepee1839.com/

Instagram @Lepee_1839 - https://www.instagram.com/lepee_1839/

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!

CREATING CONTENT AND DEFINING LUXURY WITH BEN GALLAGHER OF LUXE COLLECTIVE May 15, 2023

Show notes

This is Superlative: A Podcast about watches, the people behind them, and the worlds that inspire them. This week our host and aBlogtoWatch Founder Ariel Adams is joined by Ben Gallagher, the Co-Founder of Luxe Collective Fashion. To start the show Ben actually has Ariel give us the rundown on his perception about TikTok, and Ben lays out some of the more unique aspects of the platform and what it can do for companies today. They dive into what benefits utilizing the platform from a business marketing aspect has for companies, and how Ben has used TikTok and content creation in regard to Luxe Collective. The two then give their opinions on what is the true definition of the term “Luxury”, and Ben asks Ariel what he is looking for when he is determining the true value of a watch. They speak on the similarities and differences of the watch industry vs the fashion industry, and what some of the inner working aspects of each industry are. Ariel brings up his opinion on the title of “Influencer” and the integrity of what they are promoting, and Ben gives us his view on how authenticity while being an influencer can result in a massively loyal fan following that brands could learn from. Bouncing between the topic of Luxury, to the marketing effect that content creation can have for brands, this episode is a must listen for anyone interested in the world of luxury during the modern social media age.

To stay updated with Ben and Luxe Collective:

Website - https://luxecollectivefashion.com/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-gallagher-677352236/

Instagram @LuxeCollective - https://www.instagram.com/luxecollective_/

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!

ART WITH A HEARTBEAT WITH VIRAAL RAJAN - TIME AVENUE INDIA May 08, 2023

Show notes

This is Superlative: A Podcast about watches, the people behind them, and the worlds that inspire them. This week our host and aBlogtoWatch Founder Ariel Adams is joined by the Owner and Director of Time Avenue in Mumbai, Viraal Rajan. To start the show Ariel asks about the amount of Rolex authorized dealers in Mumbai, and they jump right into the luxury watch scene in India. Ariel is puzzled hearing about the 110% watch tax that existed around 25 years ago, and Viraal gives us a detailed view of how the watch world in Mumbai and India has evolved since. Ariel asks about Viraal’s inspiration for wanting to own and operate a luxury watch retailer in India. As Viraal is someone who sells their products daily, the two discuss how he feels about Rolex increasing production during its incredible demand, and how he initially dealt with the sudden surge of demand in the community. They continue on to talk about how watch design is truly the meeting point of creativity and engineering, why that speaks to Viraal so deeply, and why he feels watches are just “Art with a heartbeat”. Ariel dives into the correlation between the entertainment industry and the desires of the luxury industry consumer, and how local businesses can truly invest in a community on a personal level that major brands have trouble doing so.

To stay updated with Viraal and Time Avenue:

Website - https://timeavenue.com/

Instagram @Timeavenueindia - https://www.instagram.com/timeavenueindia/

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 LOOK INTO THE ROLEX MARKETING MACHINE, WITH AUTHOR BRENDAN CUNNINGHAM May 01, 2023

Show notes

This is Superlative: A Podcast about watches, the people behind them, and the worlds that inspire them. This week our host and aBlogtoWatch Founder Ariel Adams is joined by Brendan Cunningham, PhD. Brendan is a Professor of Economics at Eastern Connecticut State University and the author of “Selling the Crown: The Secret History of Marketing Rolex”. Ariel and Brendan dive right into Brendan’s opinion on Rolex as a brand not just in the watch industry, but in all industries. They talk about the earlier days of Rolex and how they still influence the current operations of the company today, and their marketing structure that can be seen as quite unique in the space. The two switch things up and dive into Brendan’s book and what the secret history behind the brand really is when it comes to marketing. Ariel asks about the “modern analogues” of today while the internet is flourishing, and about the details of the financials behind Rolex’s advertising throughout their history. They talk about some of the information that was available to Brendan while writing the book and documenting their history, and Ariel has a curiosity into how the brand's goals and “personality” have changed over the years.

To stay updated with Brendan and to purchase his book:

His Book - https://www.amazon.com/Selling-Crown-Secret-History-Marketing/dp/B0B5KXF578

His Blog - https://www.horolonomics.com/

Instagram @Katimepieces- https://www.instagram.com/katimepieces/

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!

WATER COOLER WATCH TALK WITH ZOE ABELSON Apr 24, 2023

Show notes

This is Superlative: A Podcast about watches, the people behind them, and the worlds that inspire them. This week our host and aBlogtoWatch Founder Ariel Adams is joined by Zoe Abelson. Zoe is the Founder of Graal Limited, a one stop destination for those looking to buy, sell, and trade luxury watches. To start the show Ariel and Zoe jump into how watch collecting has infiltrated social media, and what people are looking to get in return when they showcase their watch hobby online. Ariel asks if there are any differences between how men and women collect and talk about watches in Zoe’s experience. Zoe goes through some of her day to day duties and how she forms and maintains relationships with her clients. Ariel dives into the rapport that is built between Zoe and her clients as they talk about the benefits of having a watch friend who can also enable your watch “addiction”, or hobby as some people refer to it. Zoe also gives us some insight into the typical “water cooler talk” that might occur on a watch sales floor. The two talk about Zoe living and working in Hong Kong for years, how prevalent the watch culture is there, and what the rest of the industry can learn from HK and their passion for watches.

To stay updated with Zoe:

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

Instagram @Watchgirloffduty - https://www.instagram.com/watchgirloffduty/

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

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 TOOL CAME FIRST, THE WATCH CAME SECOND WITH OLA STRAY OF STRAYER WATCHES Apr 17, 2023

Show notes

This is Superlative: A Podcast about watches, the people behind them, and the worlds that inspire them. This week our host and aBlogtoWatch Founder Ariel Adams is joined by Founder of Strayer Watches, Ola Stray. To start the show Ariel gives our guest some praise for his career and what he has created with Strayer Watches. Ola gives us a bit of background on what he made and designed before watches, which happened to include some of the tools that are used to create watches. Ariel asks Ola to explain his thought process when he says a product, how he begins to envision the improvements that he would make, and ultimately how that mindset has taken him to where he is today. Ariel asks about some of the struggles that Ola has faced with Strayer Watches when it comes to manufacturing, suppliers, and other aspects of the industry. Ola explains his fascination with the world of mechanical objects, and watches in particular, and what is next for Strayer Watches.

To stay updated with Ola and his work:

Website - https://strayerwatches.com/

Instagram @Strayerwatches - https://www.instagram.com/strayerwatches/

LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/strayer-watches/

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 THE WORLD OF MEDIA TO A LIFE ALL ABOUT DESIGN WITH CHRIS MITCHELL, CO-AUTHOR OF PATINA MODERN Apr 10, 2023

Show notes

This is Superlative: A Podcast about watches, the people behind them, and the worlds that inspire them. This week our host and aBlogtoWatch Founder Ariel Adams is joined by Chris Mitchell, the Co-author of Patina Modern. Ariel and Chris start the show reminiscing about Chris’s memories of the late Baselworld when he was a magazine publisher at different publications such as GQ, and Vanity Fair amongst others. The two talk about different brand parties that were attended and some not so fond memories of traveling to the show. As Ariel brands Chris as an expert with interiors, Chris talks about why he was drawn to the interior design world and how it all came to be. They talk about balancing the challenge of practicality and aesthetic as it pertains to design, but also how Chris and his wife Pilar are able to bring emotion out of their designs. Ariel asks about the investment it might take for someone to reinvent their space or renovate a home, and Chris talks about some of the challenges of renovation that they face such as the logistics of shipping. As they talk about design as a whole, Ariel starts to draw comparisons to the design and creation of watches to interior design, and he asks Chris to talk about his recent book that he co-authored with his wife Pilar, titled “Patina Modern”.

To stay updated with Chris and his work:

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

Instagram @ChrisMitchellOfficial - https://www.instagram.com/chrismitchellofficial/

Instagram @Patina.Modern - https://www.instagram.com/patina.modern/

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!