Superlative

People Don’t Buy Watches, They Buy Brands: Ressence Founder Benoît Mintiens

On this episode of Superlative, host and founder of aBlogtoWatch, Ariel Adams, sits down with Benoît Mintiens, the founder of Ressence, for an in-depth conversation on what it truly means to rethink modern watchmaking. Marking 15 years of Ressence, Benoît reflects on the emotional and strategic weight of watch trade shows like Watches and Wonders, the enduring importance of in-person experiences in a digital world, and how human connection continues to drive enthusiasm for mechanical timepieces. The discussion moves into the realities of running an independent watch brand, from the unexpected “show business” demands placed on founders to the challenges of building a company without becoming its sole personality. Benoît explains Ressence’s core philosophy of applying industrial design thinking to fine watchmaking, detailing how starting from the user experience rather than the movement has led to radical ideas such as oil-filled dials, crown-less cases, and the groundbreaking e-Crown system. Ariel and Benoît explore why most consumers buy watches for the brand rather than the products themselves, how independent brands operate at the edge of the industry’s ecosystem, and why disruption often comes from designers and engineers willing to challenge century-old norms. Listen in on their conversation as the two look at the fragile industrial supply chain behind high-end watchmaking, the cost and complexity of true innovation, and why Ressence’s future-focused approach continues to resonate with a global community of curious, forward-thinking collectors. Stay updated with Benoît and Ressence Watches: - https://ressencewatches.com/ [https://ressencewatches.com/] - https://www.instagram.com/ressence_watches/ [https://www.instagram.com/ressence_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, aBlogtoWatch Weekly, 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!

Jay Leno on the Art of Mechanical Appreciation

In a truly special episode of Superlative, host and aBlogtoWatch founder Ariel Adams sits down with legendary comedian, television host, and renowned car collector Jay Leno for an in-depth conversation that bridges the worlds of horology, engineering, and cultural influence. Recorded inside Jay Leno’s Garage, this episode explores Jay’s lifelong fascination with mechanical objects, from vintage automobiles and Ford Model T’s to precision watchmaking, as he shares how curiosity, craftsmanship, and hands-on involvement have shaped both his collections and his career. Jay reflects on his personal watch journey, from early pocket watches and Seiko to Jaeger-LeCoultre, Rolex, and A. Lange & Söhne, while offering thoughtful perspectives on why mechanical watches continue to matter in a world of modern technology. Along the way, the conversation touches on the parallels between cars and watches, the importance of understanding how things work, the role of collectors in preserving traditional crafts, and why true appreciation often comes from direct experience rather than status alone. With humor, insight, and rare behind-the-scenes stories, this episode stands out as a memorable and meaningful discussion with one of the most recognizable figures in entertainment, making it a must-listen for watch enthusiasts, car lovers, and anyone fascinated by the intersection of passion and precision. Stay updated with Jay and Jay Leno’s Garage: - https://www.lenosgarage.com/ [https://www.lenosgarage.com/] - https://www.instagram.com/nbcjayleno/ [https://www.instagram.com/nbcjayleno/] - https://www.instagram.com/jaylenosgarage/ [https://www.instagram.com/jaylenosgarage/] - https://www.youtube.com/@jaylenosgarage [https://www.youtube.com/@jaylenosgarage] 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, aBlogtoWatch Weekly, 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!

How Movado Stays in Motion with Efraim and Margot Grinberg

In this episode of Superlative, host and aBlogtoWatch founder Ariel Adams sits down with Efraim Grinberg, CEO of Movado Group, and Margot Grinberg, President of the Movado brand, for a thoughtful conversation about design heritage, modern consumer expectations, and the ongoing evolution of one of the most recognizable names in the watch industry. Together, they reflect on the enduring cultural impact of the Museum Dial and the Bauhaus principles that shaped it, while also exploring the importance of democratizing luxury and creating watches that connect emotionally with consumers. The discussion spans Movado’s deep archive of historic designs, the renewed excitement in the women’s watch category, the brand’s focus on quality, storytelling, and education, and the strategic balance between appealing to dedicated enthusiasts and a broader mainstream audience. From the rising demand for mechanical pieces in the Heritage collection to the momentum behind new lines such as the Imperiale and the 1917, Ariel, Efraim, and Margot examine how Movado continues to stay in motion while remaining true to the values that have guided the company for more than 140 years. Check out this week’s guest and episode 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, aBlogtoWatch Weekly, 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!

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