Superlative

Precision and Heritage with Felix Wallner of Hanhart Watches

In this episode of Superlative, host Ariel Adams, Founder of aBlogtoWatch, sits down with Felix Wallner, CEO of Hanhart, for a wide-ranging conversation that explores the deep heritage, technical ingenuity, and modern evolution of one of Germany’s most storied watch manufacturers. Felix discusses Hanhart’s origins in the Black Forest and its longstanding ties to Swiss horology, the company’s early breakthroughs in accessible mechanical stopwatches, and the military specification chronographs that later defined the brand’s identity. He explains how Hanhart maintained its leadership in mechanical stopwatch production even as the rest of the industry moved toward wristwatches, and why the company continues to manufacture more than 90 percent of its stopwatch components in-house today. Ariel and Felix also examine the modern landscape of German watchmaking, Hanhart’s product-first philosophy, and the engineering-driven mindset that shapes everything from movement regulation to hardened HD12 steel, anti-magnetic construction, and mono pusher modifications. The conversation reveals how a small authenticity-focused brand balances heritage with innovation, how customer interaction directly informs product refinement, and how Hanhart preserves its identity in a competitive market without compromising on integrity or artisanship. Whether exploring the technical complexities behind mechanical timing instruments or the cultural nuances of German tool watch design, this episode offers a thoughtful and comprehensive look at what makes Hanhart a unique force within the watch industry. Check out Hanhart watches: - Website: https://www.hanhart.com/ [https://www.hanhart.com/] - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hanhart_watches/ [https://www.instagram.com/hanhart_watches/] SUPERLATIVE IS NOW ON YOUTUBE! To check out Superlative on Youtube as well as other ABTW content: - YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@ablogtowatch [https://www.youtube.com/@ablogtowatch] To check out the ABTW Shop where you can see our products inspired by our love of Horology: - Shop ABTW - https://store.ablogtowatch.com/ [https://store.ablogtowatch.com/] To keep updated with everything Superlative and aBlogtoWatch, check us out on: - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ablogtowatch/ [https://www.instagram.com/ablogtowatch/] - Twitter - https://twitter.com/ABLOGTOWATCH [https://twitter.com/ABLOGTOWATCH] - Website - https://www.ablogtowatch.com/ [https://www.ablogtowatch.com/] If you enjoy the show please Subscribe, Rate, and Review!

Marc Michel-Amadry on Heritage and Innovation at Girard-Perregaux

In this episode of Superlative, host Ariel Adams, founder of aBlogtoWatch.com, speaks with Marc Michel-Amadry, the Managing Director of Girard-Perregaux, for a deep and thoughtful conversation on the legacy, innovation, and future direction of one of Switzerland’s most historically significant manufactures. Marc shares the importance of being rooted in true watchmaking culture as he literally joins the interview from a workspace alongside Girard-Perregaux’s master watchmaker and expands on why the craft remains the soul of the brand. Ariel and Marc explore Girard-Perregaux’s rich movement-making history, including decades as a key supplier to other maisons and the evolution of signature calibers such as the iconic 3300 and the newly launched GP4800. Their discussion covers the mechanical breakthroughs of the 1960s and 70s, the birth of the Laureato amid a transformational design era, and how today’s integrated-bracelet models represent a refined and modernized continuation of that heritage. Together, they examine architectural movement design, silicon technology, finishing techniques, ergonomics, and Girard-Perregaux’s broader mission to reaffirm its position as a top-tier haute horlogerie brand with integrity, independence, and long-term vision. Check out Girard-Perregaux: - Website: https://www.girard-perregaux.com/ [https://www.girard-perregaux.com/] - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/girardperregaux/ [https://www.instagram.com/girardperregaux/] SUPERLATIVE IS NOW ON YOUTUBE! To check out Superlative on Youtube as well as other ABTW content: - YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@ablogtowatch [https://www.youtube.com/@ablogtowatch] To check out the ABTW Shop where you can see our products inspired by our love of Horology: - Shop ABTW - https://store.ablogtowatch.com/ [https://store.ablogtowatch.com/] To keep updated with everything Superlative and aBlogtoWatch, check us out on: - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ablogtowatch/ [https://www.instagram.com/ablogtowatch/] - Twitter - https://twitter.com/ABLOGTOWATCH [https://twitter.com/ABLOGTOWATCH] - Website - https://www.ablogtowatch.com/ [https://www.ablogtowatch.com/] If you enjoy the show please Subscribe, Rate, and Review! *Sponsored Podcast Episode by Girard-Perregaux

Building the Future of American Watchmaking with Josh Shapiro of J.N. Shapiro Watches

On this episode of Superlative, host Ariel Adams sits down with Josh Shapiro, the founder and CEO of J.N. Shapiro Watches, for a deep look into how one of the most impressive independent American watchmaking operations has taken shape in Southern California. Josh shares the evolution of his brand from a garage guilloche hobby into a fully verticalized manufacturing facility producing movements, cases, and dials with a focus on rare craft techniques and extraordinary hand finishing. He and Ariel discuss the balance between artistic authenticity and operational growth, the realities of creating American made movements, the unique personalities and skills on Josh’s expanding team, and the long term vision for advanced manufacturing, education, and industry infrastructure in the United States. They also examine the impact of tariffs, supply chain shifts, retailer relationships, and the type of collector who is drawn to J.N. Shapiro’s work. This conversation offers an in depth perspective on craftsmanship, business discipline, and the future of independent horology through the lens of one of America’s most ambitious modern watchmakers. Keep up with Josh and J.N. Shapiro Watches: - Website: https://www.jnshapirowatches.com/ [https://www.jnshapirowatches.com/] - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jnshapiro_watches/ [https://www.instagram.com/jnshapiro_watches/] Check out this week’s sponsor - Jack Mason Watches: - https://jackmasonbrand.com/ [https://jackmasonbrand.com/] SUPERLATIVE IS NOW ON YOUTUBE! To check out Superlative on Youtube as well as other ABTW content: - YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@ablogtowatch [https://www.youtube.com/@ablogtowatch] To check out the ABTW Shop where you can see our products inspired by our love of Horology: - Shop ABTW - https://store.ablogtowatch.com/ [https://store.ablogtowatch.com/] To keep updated with everything Superlative and aBlogtoWatch, check us out on: - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ablogtowatch/ [https://www.instagram.com/ablogtowatch/] - Twitter - https://twitter.com/ABLOGTOWATCH [https://twitter.com/ABLOGTOWATCH] - Website - https://www.ablogtowatch.com/ [https://www.ablogtowatch.com/] If you enjoy the show please Subscribe, Rate, and Review!

Inside the World of Watch PR with Pascal Brandt

In this episode of Superlative, host and aBlogtoWatch founder Ariel Adams sits down with Pascal Brandt, a longtime journalist and communications executive whose public relations career has spanned some of the most prestigious names in Swiss watchmaking, including Panerai, Vacheron Constantin, BVLGARI, and Parmigiani Fleurier. Pascal shares how the world of watch public relations has transformed from the print-dominated era of the 1990s into today’s fast-paced digital landscape, while emphasizing that genuine relationships, trust, and passion remain at the heart of the business. Together, Ariel and Pascal explore the rise of collector communities and watch clubs as modern influencers, the growing appeal of smaller independent brands, and how major groups balance creativity with corporate structure. They also discuss the evolution of women’s watches, the true meaning of an iconic model, and the enduring craftsmanship and culture that continue to define Swiss horology. Join in on their conversation as Pascal offers an insider’s look at how storytelling, authenticity, and connection shape the luxury watch world today. Keep up with Pascal Brandt: - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pascal-brandt-083590b [https://www.linkedin.com/in/pascal-brandt-083590b] - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/watchesbrandt [https://www.instagram.com/watchesbrandt] Check out this week’s sponsor - Movado Watches: - https://www.movado.com/ [https://www.movado.com/] SUPERLATIVE IS NOW ON YOUTUBE! To check out Superlative on Youtube as well as other ABTW content: - YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@ablogtowatch [https://www.youtube.com/@ablogtowatch] To check out the ABTW Shop where you can see our products inspired by our love of Horology: - Shop ABTW - https://store.ablogtowatch.com/ [https://store.ablogtowatch.com/] To keep updated with everything Superlative and aBlogtoWatch, check us out on: - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ablogtowatch/ [https://www.instagram.com/ablogtowatch/] - Twitter - https://twitter.com/ABLOGTOWATCH [https://twitter.com/ABLOGTOWATCH] - Website - https://www.ablogtowatch.com/ [https://www.ablogtowatch.com/] If you enjoy the show please Subscribe, Rate, and Review!

Design, Leadership, and Legacy: Jean-Christophe Babin on Shaping the Future of BVLGARI and LVMH Watches

This week on Superlative, host Ariel Adams, founder of aBlogtoWatch.com, welcomes Jean-Christophe Babin, CEO of BVLGARI and the Head of LVMH Watches, for an in-depth and inspiring conversation about the future of luxury watchmaking. Our guest shares how BVLGARI continues to evolve by merging Italian creativity and Swiss precision, bringing emotion and innovation together in collections like the Serpenti and Octo Finissimo. He discusses the brand’s commitment to designing true feminine timepieces with their own mechanical movements, the growing importance of community through initiatives like the Octo Lovers, and how digital platforms and AI are transforming how luxury brands connect with their audiences. Babin also reflects on the origins of Geneva Watch Days and how collaboration, culture, and inclusivity continue to shape the industry’s progress. If you enjoy hearing from visionary leaders who are redefining craftsmanship, design, and leadership in the modern luxury world, this episode is not to be missed. Keep up with Jean-Christophe Babin: - Website: https://www.bulgari.com/ [https://www.bulgari.com/] - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jc.babin/ [https://www.instagram.com/jc.babin/] Check out this week’s sponsor - Jack Mason Watches: - https://jackmasonbrand.com/ [https://jackmasonbrand.com/] SUPERLATIVE IS NOW ON YOUTUBE! To check out Superlative on Youtube as well as other ABTW content: - YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@ablogtowatch [https://www.youtube.com/@ablogtowatch] To check out the ABTW Shop where you can see our products inspired by our love of Horology: - Shop ABTW - https://store.ablogtowatch.com/ [https://store.ablogtowatch.com/] To keep updated with everything Superlative and aBlogtoWatch, check us out on: - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ablogtowatch/ [https://www.instagram.com/ablogtowatch/] - Twitter - https://twitter.com/ABLOGTOWATCH [https://twitter.com/ABLOGTOWATCH] - Website - https://www.ablogtowatch.com/ [https://www.ablogtowatch.com/] If you enjoy the show please Subscribe, Rate, and Review!