For this episode of aBlogtoWatch Weekly, our usual trio of hosts, Ariel, Rick, and David are joined by Rob Corder from WatchPro. To kick off the show, we get a quick discussion about the various gifts that watch companies have given throughout the years, including Rob’s favorite Oris Bear pajamas, and this ultimately leads to the question of what would Ariel do with a life-size statue of the Oris Bear if he were to be gifted one for the holidays. From there, it’s a deep dive into the economic side of the luxury watch industry, and Rob explains which markets are still seeing growth, along with why there will always be differences and lag in the reported figures for Swiss watch exports compared to the actual consumer behavior that can be observed within local markets. The discussion then gets into why the United States has a good chance of being positioned to be the dominant market in the near future, and how some recent changes in legislature might make the UK a great destination for Americans to buy luxury watches.

After wrapping up the conversation about all things related to the business side of the watch industry, our hosts then turn their attention to the ongoing faux patina debate that was recently addressed on the site, and they try to explain why vintage-inspired lume has become such a controversial point within the greater collector and enthusiast community. Next, we learn that Ariel has recently been sleeping with the Apple Watch Series 8 to assess its sleep tracking capabilities, and he reports back on his findings to answer the key question of whether or not Apple’s latest smartwatch actually knows when you are asleep. After briefly discussing press trips and watch events, along with what the actual purpose of them is within the modern watch media industry, it’s time to look at some of the new releases from this past week, including the numerous new watches from Seiko and the limited edition Tag Heuer Carrera x Porsche RS 2.7 watch. After collectively agreeing that Seiko’s pricing structure can be a bit all over the place, and that the brand puts out so many watches that it can actually make choosing one a difficult task, it’s a closer look at the Tag Heuer Carrera within the context of automotive culture, and why vintage Porsche is so popular among today’s car collectors. Wrapping up the episode is a quick look ahead to Ariel’s upcoming trip to Italy with Jacob & Co. to celebrate the 50th anniversary of The Godfather, where Rob will also be attending, and Rick brings up the question as to whether or not either of them needs to be worried about waking up with the head of the Oris Bear in their bed.

Each week, the editors of the timepiece enthusiast publication aBlogtoWatch.com come together to discuss some of the latest new releases and hottest industry stories for the aBlogtoWatch Weekly news podcast program. Listeners can learn more by clicking on any link below to view the articles discussed by the aBlogtoWatch crew in the program.

This episode features Ariel, Rick, and David, plus Rob Corder from WatchPro.

Show Notes:

• 03:46 — Slump in sterling and return of VAT rebates makes Rolex 31% cheaper in the UK than USA
• 16:38 — Is Anyone Listening? Faux Patina Doesn’t Make A Watch Vintage-Inspired
• 22:58 — Sleeping With The Apple Watch Series 8
• 28:07 — Community Over Commerce: NYC Hosts Horology Forum 8
• 28:07 — Adventuring In Jackson Hole, Wyoming With NORQAIN Watches
• 28:07 — WatchPro Event Tickets
• 36:11 — Seiko Debuts Presage Sharp-Edged Watches Inspired By Kabuki Theater
• 36:11 — Seiko Debuts New Prospex U.S. Special Edition Dive Watches Inspired By Cave Diving
• 46:45 — Hands-On Debut: Limited-Edition TAG Heuer Carrera X Porsche RS 2.7 Watches

aBlogtoWatch launched the first-ever podcast about watches back in 2010, and continues to be the most referenced and respected publication for watch enthusiasts, buyers, and collectors in the world. Today, in addition to the website and social media channels, aBlogtoWatch produces the SUPERLATIVE podcast interview program as well as aBlogtoWatch Weekly.