A Blog To Watch Weekly

This week on aBlogtoWatch Weekly, Rick, Ariel, and David dive into the growing challenges facing luxury watch brand CEOs and whether corporate oversight is holding back creativity and innovation in the watch industry. Ariel breaks down why today's executives have less freedom to take risks, while the trio discusses the influence of investors, the importance of visionary leadership, and what it might take for watch brands to regain their creative independence. They also examine the controversial results of the 2026 Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève (GPHG), including the night's biggest winners and Patek Philippe receiving a special jury prize despite not entering the competition.

Plus, David shares his experience at Miami's Time to Drive event, where luxury cars meet high-end watchmaking, and discusses Grand Seiko's sold-out U.S. limited editions. The crew also introduced live audience voting to their Hit, Miss, Maybe segment, putting three very different watches to the test. This week's lineup included the H. Moser & Cie. Pioneer Cylindrical Tourbillon Skeleton Saquon Barkley Edition, the $5,000 Peacock Black Hole Central Tourbillon, and the Tutima Patria 6612. Along the way, they explore the future of affordable mechanical complications, the appeal of exclusive watches, and whether the luxury watch industry is playing it too safe.

Discover the innovative light-powered technology behind Citizen Eco-Drive and explore the collection at:
https://www.citizenwatch.com/.

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, aBlogtoWatch Weekly, and aBlogtoWatch, check us out on:
- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ablogtowatch/

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

- Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/aBlogtoWatch

If you enjoy the show please Subscribe, Rate, and Review!

(00:00) Introduction and Welcome
(01:40) Time to Drive: Luxury Cars and Watches in Miami
(07:57) Grand Seiko Limited Editions and Watch Collecting
(09:51) The Future of Leap Seconds in Timekeeping
(15:34) Are Luxury Watch Brand CEOs Losing Power?
(20:00) Corporate Restrictions and the Future of Watchmaking
(30:02) Introducing Live Audience Voting for Hit, Miss, Maybe
(33:15) GPHG Awards and Watch Industry Controversy
(36:34) Patek Philippe's Special Jury Prize
(39:39) Hit, Miss, Maybe: H. Moser Saquon Barkley Edition
(47:49) HMM: Peacock Black Hole Central Tourbillon
(55:10) HMM: Tutima Patria 6612
(01:03:08) Hit, Miss, Maybe Results and the Wheel of Death

This week on aBlogtoWatch Weekly, Ariel and Rick are holding down the fort as they dive into the latest watch industry news, controversial decisions, and a few watches worth talking about. They kick things off with Rick's ever-expanding Hit Miss Maybe website and its new Picker Wheel of Death before exploring the futuristic Hautlence Kubera and Bulgari's confusing Aluminium collection. The conversation then turns to Audemars Piguet's new pre-owned watch platform, with Ariel and Rick questioning whether luxury brands are making it harder than ever for collectors to find a good deal.

Later, the duo examines the uncertainty surrounding Zenith's future, including the brand's identity struggles and why the Chronomaster Sport might actually be a better buy than a Rolex Daytona. They also take a closer look at the latest Casio G-SHOCK GWBX5600, debating why a classic square G-SHOCK might be the one watch every serious collector should own. Along the way, Ariel and Rick share their thoughts on watch collecting etiquette, which watches might make them question someone's taste, and why friends don't let friends pay over retail.

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, aBlogtoWatch Weekly, and aBlogtoWatch, check us out on:
- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ablogtowatch/
- Website - https://www.ablogtowatch.com/
- Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/aBlogtoWatch

If you enjoy the show please Subscribe, Rate, and Review!

Key Chapters:
[00:00] Introduction: Just Ariel and Rick
[02:54] Could Baselworld Be Making a Comeback?
[03:43] Hit Miss Maybe: Watch Rankings and the Picker Wheel of Death
[11:47] Are There Too Many Watch Brands?
[15:39] Hautlence Kubera: A Futuristic Jumping-Hour Watch
[21:27] Bulgari Aluminium: Confusing Names and Watch Marketing
[28:15] Audemars Piguet's New Pre-Owned Watch Platform
[33:27] Why Online Watch Deals Are Disappearing
[38:15] What's Happening at Zenith?
[40:15] Zenith Chronomaster Sport vs. Rolex Daytona
[42:35] Casio G-SHOCK GWBX5600: The Essential Collector's Watch
[44:25] Which Watches Would Make You Unfriend Someone?
[47:28] Friends Don't Let Friends Pay Over Retail
[50:55] Louis Vuitton's Unusual Watch Design
[54:05] Watches That Double as Accessories
[55:40] Luxury Watches and Life on a Scottish Farm
[59:00] Closing Thoughts and What's Next

This week on aBlogtoWatch Weekly, Ariel Adams, Rick, David, and Ripley explore some of the watch industry's most unconventional creations, from Minecraft-inspired chronographs to a $2,000 Tissot PRX and a world timer with an extraordinary 3D-printed titanium bracelet. The crew kicks things off with Fossil's latest Minecraft collaboration, debating whether video game-inspired watches have a place in traditional watchmaking and exploring the growing connection between gaming and the watch industry. They also take a closer look at Ming's fascinating 57.05 Comet Worldtimer, featuring an Art Deco-inspired design, a visually dynamic dial, and an innovative titanium bracelet.

Plus, the team debates whether Tissot's $2,000 Damian Lillard PRX is worth its hefty price tag, reviews the surprisingly impressive Marvin Bathyscaphe dive watch, and explores Rick's new interactive watch-ranking website, complete with head-to-head watch battles and a few surprises. Along the way, they dive into the drama surrounding some of Switzerland's biggest watch brands, spotlight exciting innovations from smaller players, and share their thoughts on where the watch industry is headed next.

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, aBlogtoWatch Weekly, and aBlogtoWatch, check us out on:

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

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

- Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/aBlogtoWatch

If you enjoy the show please Subscribe, Rate, and Review!

Key Chapters:
[00:00] Introduction and Welcome
[03:14] Ariel's Trip to India and Fossil's Growing Market
[07:20] Fossil's Minecraft Dungeons Chronograph Watches
[16:00] Rick's New Watch-Ranking Website
[21:33] Marvin Bathyscaphe Automatic Diver Review
[27:03] Zenith's Challenges and the Future of the Brand
[37:46] Ming 57.05 Comet Worldtimer
[44:01] Ming's 3D-Printed Titanium Bracelet
[49:20] The Picker Wheel of Death Returns
[52:18] Konstantin Chaykin and the Watch Review Challenge
[57:34] Letting the Audience Choose Future Watch Reviews
[01:00:39] Tissot's $2,000 Damian Lillard PRX
[01:06:42] Closing Thoughts and What's Next

This week on aBlogtoWatch Weekly, Rick, David, and Ripley explore a new chapter for Hublot, Audemars Piguet's latest venture into luxury jewelry, the 50th anniversary of the IWC Ingenieur, and much more. With Ariel away, the trio kicks things off with a discussion of Hublot's evolving direction under former Audemars Piguet CEO François-Henry Bennahmias, including the new Classic Fusion Original and Big Bang Original.

David shares his firsthand experience at Hublot's launch event in Milan, where he met brand founder Carlo Crocco and learned more about the history behind Hublot's signature fusion of gold and rubber. The conversation also turns to Audemars Piguet's Royal Oak Joaillerie collection, as the guys debate what happens when you take the watch out of a luxury watch and somehow make it even more expensive. Later, the guys examine the IWC Ingenieur's 50th anniversary models, debate the often-overlooked Aquatimer, and wrap things up with another unpredictable round of the Picker Wheel of Death featuring Greubel Forsey, Gerald Charles, and Cuervo y Sobrinos.

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, aBlogtoWatch Weekly, and aBlogtoWatch, check us out on:
- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ablogtowatch/

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

- Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/aBlogtoWatch

If you enjoy the show please Subscribe, Rate, and Review!

Key Chapters:
[00:00] Introduction and Welcome
[01:36] Hublot's New Era and François-Henry Bennahmias
[03:02] Hublot's Artist Collaborations and AP's Marvel Watches
[06:09] What Does the Future Hold for Hublot?
[08:47] Audemars Piguet's Royal Oak Joaillerie Collection
[16:35] A Closer Look at the Royal Oak Bracelets
[17:52] Hublot Classic Fusion Original Launch in Milan
[20:00] The History of Hublot's Gold and Rubber Design
[23:20] Exploring the New Classic Fusion Original
[29:12] Hublot Big Bang Original Review
[30:17] IWC Ingenieur 50th Anniversary Watches
[32:13] The Anniversary Design and Silver Dial
[35:38] Has the IWC Ingenieur Been a Success?
[37:45] Rediscovering the IWC Aquatimer
[43:20] Picker Wheel of Death
[46:30] Greubel Forsey's Watchmaking and Favorite Models
[47:56] Upcoming Reviews and What's Next

This week on aBlogtoWatch Weekly, Ariel Adams is joined by David and Ripley for a conversation covering everything from affordable G-Shocks to luxury smartwatches and some of the most unusual designs coming out of Japan. Ripley kicks things off with highlights from the first Istanbul Watch Festival and a look at Turkey's thriving watch culture. The crew then explores Casio's new $180 G-Shock GW-BX5600, discussing its upgraded MIP display, solar charging, and Bluetooth connectivity before diving into the confusing world of Casio's product lineup. Next up is Garmin's latest MARQ Gen 3 collection, where premium materials, specialized features, and prices reaching $3,100 spark a debate about what makes a luxury smartwatch worth the money.

The conversation then shifts to an incredibly complicated Citizen pilot watch, leaving the crew wondering whether anyone actually knows how to use all its functions. From there, Seiko brings some much-needed fun with its panda-inspired chronograph from the Power Design Project, sparking a discussion about creative watchmaking, unconventional designs, and the watches enthusiasts wish brands would actually produce. The crew also takes a closer look at Panerai's left-handed Luminor, questioning whether flipping a familiar design is enough to call it something new. As usual, there are plenty of laughs, strong opinions, and a few detours along the way, even with Rick away on yet another secret mission that apparently must remain a secret.

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, aBlogtoWatch Weekly, and aBlogtoWatch, check us out on:

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

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

- Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/aBlogtoWatch

If you enjoy the show please Subscribe, Rate, and Review!

Key Chapters:
[00:00] Introduction and Rick's Mysterious Absence
[00:37] Istanbul Watch Festival and Turkey's Watch Culture
[03:36] Casio's New $180 G-Shock GW-BX5600
[06:02] Casio's Confusing Website and Product Lineup
[09:14] G-Shock Displays, Features, and Design Choices
[12:22] The Many Faces of G-Shock
[19:26] Garmin's $3,000 MARQ Gen 3 Smartwatches
[23:08] Garmin's Specialized Luxury Smartwatches
[25:41] The Garmin Golf Watch's Hole Indicator
[29:03] Garmin's Design, Features, and Technology
[34:01] Micro-LED Displays and Smartwatch Battery Life
[37:50] Citizen's Incredibly Complicated Pilot Watch
[43:05] Seiko's Panda Chronograph and Power Design Project
[46:03] Bringing Seiko's Wild Designs to Market
[50:03] The Panda Costume and Final Watch Design
[52:40] Panerai's Left-Handed Luminor Destro
[55:35] Is Panerai Doing Enough With Its Designs?
[01:00:43] Panerai's Details and Design Decisions
[01:03:10] Vintage Watches and Historical Design
[01:07:23] Closing Thoughts and the Wheel of Death