Shows
The Fine Watches PodcastTimeless Style - Kyle SchutKyle 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...2024-03-061h 37
The Fine Watches PodcastRacing Time - John BoweAustralian 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.auWe're...2024-01-2457 min
The Fine Watches PodcastWatch People - Adam Craniotes & Kathleen McGivneyRedBar 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 foundation which gives...2023-12-122h 00
The Fine Watches PodcastThe M.A.D. Professor - Max BüsserAfter 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 d...2023-10-0353 min
The Fine Watches PodcastThe MaterialsAs 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.auWe're now on YouTube!: https://www.youtube.com/@Thefinewatchespodcast/Check out Lewis' Instagram here: @gcwatchguyAnd Ben's is here: @finewatchesau2023-09-0628 min
The Fine Watches PodcastTime Flies - Pilot Watch Buying GuidePilot 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.auWe're now on YouTube!: https://www.youtube...2023-08-1923 min
The Fine Watches PodcastThe Vintage AdvantageChanging trends in watch design over time mean that vintage watches offer a diverse universe of options for watch collectors. While some vintage pieces command huge prices, and in most cases, rightly so, brilliant value can be had by choosing a vintage watch over a modern one.Ben and Lewis run through some iconic favourites and discuss reasons why considering a vintage watch might just be a great idea.Send us an email! podcast@finewatches.com.auWe're now on YouTube!: https://www.youtube.com/@Thefinewatchespodcast/Check out Lewis' Instagram here...2023-07-1825 min
The Fine Watches PodcastRolex Submariner AlternativesThere is an argument to be made that the Submariner is the perfect tool watch. Its design has remained largely unchanged, bar subtle adjustments, since its release in the 1950s.The austere clarity of the dial and hands, the proportions of the bezel and lugs, and its robust construction give it a durable usability under all conditions that few other watches can truly claim. In this episode, we discuss the state of the market for this highly sought after piece, and consider alternatives. Some, like the versions from sister company Tudor, offer great value as an alternative...2023-07-1825 min
The Fine Watches PodcastAudemars Piguet Royal Oak AlternativesThere's no denying the Royal Oak its place in the pantheon of legendary watch designs. Another of Gerald Genta's masterpieces, alongside the Patek Philippe Nautilus and Aquanaut, the AP enjoys global demand, comparable only to the Rolex Submariner.In this quick fire episode we discuss the model's range, current market price and alternative integrated bracelet sports watches, at a large range of price points, that should help sooth the itch for a Royal Oak if you cant happen to own one.Send us an email! podcast@finewatches.com.auWe're now on YouTube!: h...2023-06-2928 min
The Fine Watches PodcastAre Seiko's Watches Really That Good?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.auWe're now on YouTube!: https://www.youtube.com/@Thefinewatchespodcast/Check out Lewis' Instagram here: @gcwatchguy...2023-06-0659 min
The Fine Watches PodcastFinding TimeShould 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...2023-05-1849 min
The Fine Watches Podcast2023 So FarWe'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.auWe're now on YouTube!: https://www.youtube.com/@Thefinewatchespodcast/Check out Lewis' Instagram here: @gcwatchguyAnd Ben's is here: @finewatchesauWe'd love to hear from...2023-05-0246 min
The Fine Watches PodcastShould I Buy A Rolex In 2023?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.auWe're now...2023-04-0451 min
The Fine Watches PodcastThe Grail Collection - No BudgetWhat would you put in a watch collection with no limit on budget or availability?Ben and Lewis discuss their choices, with very different results. There are some very rare heavy hitters in collection. Without giving too much away, the only brand with two watches here is MB&F! Hear also why neither of us ended up including a Rolex......The answer is not what you'd expect.Let us know what you'd put in your sky's the limit collection, and, of course, your pick of which of our collections you think comes out o...2023-03-2049 min
The Fine Watches PodcastThe $10K CollectionLast episode we looked at how to start a watch collection. This time, we've put together each of our thoughts on what we'd buy with $10,000 (Australian) dollars to spend.It's a diverse mix and includes some great value pieces, all worthy of consideration.Of course, Lewis thinks his lineup won out over Ben's.... Let us know who you think nailed it, which of the models named you'd include, and anything else we might have left out.Send us an email! podcast@finewatches.com.auYou can now find us on YouTube...2023-03-0650 min
The Fine Watches PodcastHow to Start A Watch CollectionGetting started with watch collecting can be as daunting as it is exciting.Ben and Lewis discuss the do's and don'ts of starting a luxury watch collection. From Rolex to Tag Heuer, collecting as an investment, to throwing caution to the wind, the guys discuss everything you need to know.You can now also find us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thefinewatchespodcast/Check out Lewis’ Instagram here: @gcwatchguyAnd Ben’s is here: @finewatchesauWe’d love to hear from you with comments, questions and any suggestions on guests or top...2023-02-2059 min
The Fine Watches PodcastNew Beginnings - Welcome aboard LewisThe first episode of Season 2 sees us welcome new co-host Lewis Butterfield of The Watch Dealers to the show, joining Ben Kushinsky of FineWatches Australia.After a great conversation in episode 20 of Season 1, we've decided to join forces to bring you a new chattier format which will still cover current happenings in the watch market, trends, bubbles, a deep love of vintage pieces and brands, horological history, amazing guests and more. We're committed to bringing you the story beyond the latest press releases the FineWatches Podcast is known for, there's just two of us now, and a b...2023-02-0758 min
The Fine Watches PodcastConversing Time - Lewis ButterfieldIn his capacity as owner of The Watch Dealers, and his guise as @gcwatchguy on Instagram, Lewis Butterfield is at the leading edge of the watch trade in Australia.In this, the FineWatches Podcast's 20th episode it was a great pleasure to have a free and frank discussion with Lewis and to get to express some of the things I've always wanted to say on the cast.From the state of the market, through profiteers, to what actually constitutes a Micro-Brand, among other tasty morsels, we cover a lot of ground, and we're just getting...2022-12-051h 26
The Fine Watches PodcastTime Traveller - Ben LewinIt's rare that one gets to speak with a true raconteur. It's a fitting description for Ben Lewin.His film "The Favour, The Watch and The Very Big Fish" with Jeff Goldblum and Bob Hoskins was one of the seeds that began my journey into watches. Featuring a JLC Reverso, it showed that watches could be something more than just a tool for telling the time. We refer quite a bit to his 2002 documentary "Hollywood Gold", linked to below, which beautifully captures the characters in the Hollywood watch and jewellery scene at the time.The...2022-06-281h 28
The Fine Watches PodcastDefining fine. - Tania EdwardsOne need look no further for a true expert on Patek Philippe than Tania Edwards. With over three decades both at the helm of the brand's marketing department, and now as a key member of the team at Collectability, Tania's knowledge and passion for the company, its output and its history, is deep and fascinating.Our conversation covers why Patek Philippe has held its reputation as one of the producers of the finest timepieces available for so long, the current mania around its more sought after models, some of the groundbreaking designers who have worked with the...2022-05-151h 23
The Fine Watches PodcastLa Nouvelle Vague - Andrea FurlanSpeaking with Andrea Furlan, one half of the Furlan Marri brand which exploded onto the watch scene under Covid with its Mechaquartz Chronograph range, it is evident why it has enjoyed such success. His vision and work that has gone into a lifelong passion for both design and watches shines through. The modesty with which Andrea discusses the success of the brand, pointing always to the incredible community of owners and supporters that helped make the first release a success, is indicative of a customer centric focus on quality and experience which will no doubt see this independent brand...2022-04-021h 18