Kyle Schut, the creative mind behind not one, but two independent watch brands, Straton and Signum Watch Co.s, , joins us for an epic chat about the cars, watches, designs, eras and music that fuel his passion. Two distinct brands with their own individual style, Straton which builds on the aesthetic and spirit of the motorsport watches that helped make racing in the 60s and 70s so cool, and Signum, which focuses on tool watches, but uses materials and minerals for their dials that makes each watch unique. In this episode we continue the Fine Watches mission of discovering more about indepen ..read more

Australian motorsport legend John Bowe joins Ben to discuss: the commonly held shared love of both cars and watches, what it takes to be a successful racing driver, some of John's favourite machines, both on the track and wrist, and the fact that sometimes the biggest names in both arenas don't necessarily deliver the best product. For the motorsport fan, we also chat about "that" Bathurst, and why Jim Richards may have been justifiably put out by the crowd on the day. Send us an email! podcast@finewatches.com.au We're now on YouTube!: https://www.youtube.com/@Thefinewatchespodcast/ Check out ..read more

RedBar is a name well known to most watch enthusiasts world wide. With a membership of around 13,000 people globally across 90 chapters on every continent , bar Antarctica, the watch meetup group brings together horology lovers everywhere. (For any RedBar members listening on the southernmost continent, if you can help with a RedBar sign with your Antarctic station's chapter on it would be amazing!!) Starting as two friends meeting at the RedBar, the group has grown into a global organisation that allows enthusiasts to gather, learn, and enjoy each others timepieces, and which also boasts a f ..read more

After a short break we're back.......and how!! Max Büsser joins Ben for another fascinating, wide ranging, conversation. Creative leaders like Max are few and far between. Profoundly driven by his principles and creative drive, he is clearly aware, despite the lofty heights that MB&F's core products occupy, that people and giving back are not only corporate bywords, but fundamental to truly satisfying, sustainable success. In a time when profits dictate production more and more, MB&F continues to succeed by sticking to its core why; "To inspire people to think differently." We discu ..read more

As if choosing a watch isn't hard enough, most models come in different materials. This means different colours, durability and price! In this episode Ben and Lewis discuss some of the most widely seen materials and finishes used over time, their advantages and disadvantages, and look through a collection of watches that offer great examples of the use of each. Send us an email! podcast@finewatches.com.au We're now on YouTube!: https://www.youtube.com/@Thefinewatchespodcast/ Check out Lewis' Instagram here: @gcwatchguy And Ben's is here: @finewatchesau ..read more

Pilot watches form one of the most popular tool watch categories, and for good reason. Designed for maximum readability, with neat, simple dials, they're a great every day wear, and go with almost any outfit. In this episode we discuss a range of pilot watches we think represent a good cross section of what's available, talk a bit about the history of their design and how to find value in a category that spans all price points. Send us an email! podcast@finewatches.com.au We're now on YouTube!: https://www.youtube.com/@Thefinewatchespodcast/ Check out Lewis' Instagram here: @gcwatchguy And B ..read more

When looking for value and durability in a watch, it's very hard to argue against Seiko as one of the best brands going. In this episode Lewis and Ben discuss the Japanese watch industry, the incredible retail and second hand markets in Tokyo and further afield, and compare the very best of Japan's giants and independent watchmakers against some of the most popular, big name Swiss houses. Send us an email! podcast@finewatches.com.au We're now on YouTube!: https://www.youtube.com/@Thefinewatchespodcast/ Check out Lewis' Instagram here: @gcwatchguy And Ben's is here: @finewatchesau ..read more

Should you use a sourcing and collection curation service when buying your watches? Lewis and Ben share thoughts on why you should, what the specific benefits are, and make a case for why it delivers value as a paid service. As usual, the lads rant about this fortnights outrages in the industry, and laud those delivering interesting quality work. If you're the type of collector Ben mentions as being one in a million, and would like to join us for a special episode of the show, please do reach out! We'd love to hear your story. Send us an email! podcast@finewatches.com.au We're now on YouTu ..read more

We're back! After a short unavoidable break, Ben and Lewis review the landscape of the watch industry, how Watches and Wonders 2023 fits with the trends for the year so far, and, as always identify brands and models delivering exceptional value. Let us know what watches have caught your eye this year so far. Send us an email! podcast@finewatches.com.au We're now on YouTube!: https://www.youtube.com/@Thefinewatchespodcast/ Check out Lewis' Instagram here: @gcwatchguy And Ben's is here: @finewatchesau We'd love to hear from you with comments, questions and any suggestions on guests or topi ..read more

Considering buying a Rolex? They're arguably the world's best every day wear, and the brand offers up some of the most enduring designs for both sports and dress watches available. The market for popular pieces including the Submariner, Yacht Master, GMTs, and others, has been hot for several years. Lewis and Ben share their thoughts around if this is a good time to buy in to the brand, and what to consider and look out for if you decide to make the jump. Send us an email! podcast@finewatches.com.au We're now on YouTube!: https://www.youtube.com/@Thefinewatchespodcast/ Check out Lewis' Ins ..read more