Mike Margolis On Building Czapek In America, Modern Watch Marketing, And Buying With Your Heart

Mike Margolis On Building Czapek In America, Modern Watch Marketing, And Buying With Your Heart

New day, same great conversations. Catch new episodes of SUPERLATIVE every Wednesday! In this episode of SUPERLATIVE, aBlogtoWatch founder and host Ariel Adams sits down with Mike Margolis, President of Czapek Americas, to explore what it takes to build an independent watch brand in today's competitive market. Drawing on decades of experience across luxury watch retail, distribution, and brand development, Mike shares how Czapek has grown its presence in North America while staying true to its identity. Along the way, he reflects on lessons learned from industry icons such as Jean-Claude Biver, the importance of creating meaningful collector relationships, and why authentic storytelling remains one of the most valuable tools in modern watch marketing. Their conversation also dives into the realities of selling independent watches, the changing role of retailers and events, the impact of tariffs and global business challenges, and why collecting should always be driven by passion rather than investment. Whether you are fascinated by the business behind luxury watches or simply appreciate great horology, this episode offers thoughtful insight into what helps brands and collectors thrive together. Learn more about Mike Margolis: - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thewatchenabler/ [https://www.instagram.com/thewatchenabler/] - Website - https://www.horologyworks.com/ [https://www.horologyworks.com/] - Czapek Watches - https://www.czapek.com/ [https://www.czapek.com/] This week's episode is sponsored by the Movado Heritage Kingmatic collection, learn more at the link below: - 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/X - 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! Key Timestamps: 00:35 Introduction 01:34 Mike's Career & Czapek 05:34 Tariffs & Importing Watches 10:32 Why Americans Should Buy Local 14:06 The Hublot Years 15:32 Working With Jean-Claude Biver 24:37 Lessons in Watch Marketing 30:09 Finding Modern Collectors 35:56 Becoming a Watch Collector 39:49 How Watch Collecting Has Changed 42:14 Events, Retail & Direct Sales 48:23 Can You Trust Online Reviews? 55:03 Buying Watches Online 56:58 Why Watches Should Bring Joy 1:01:48 Selling & Trading Watches 1:02:39 Buy With Your Heart 1:06:31 Rolex, CPO & Speculation 1:08:31 Final Thoughts

Frederic Gasser on B.R.M’s Racing DNA, American Retail, and the Power of Staying Niche

New day, same great conversations. Catch new episodes of SUPERLATIVE every Wednesday! In this episode of SUPERLATIVE, aBlogtoWatch founder and our host Ariel Adams sits down with Frederic Gasser, President of B.R.M North America, to discuss the unconventional story of bringing the French motorsport inspired watch brand to the United States. Frederic shares how a phone call, a handful of watches, and an unexpected first sale helped launch B.R.M in America, eventually leading to early opportunities with Neiman Marcus and retailers across the country. He also explains how B.R.M translates the colors, materials, mechanics, and energy of the racetrack into its watches, why the brand has remained committed to its distinctive racing identity, and how customization has helped build a passionate collector base. The conversation also explores the changing realities of the American watch market, from the growing influence of major brands over retailers to the challenges independent companies face in traditional wholesale. Frederic discusses B.R.M’s shift toward direct relationships with collectors, bespoke watches, and creative collaborations, while sharing why smaller brands need to stay focused rather than chase every market opportunity. Ariel and Frederic also examine the challenges European watch companies face when entering the United States, the importance of having a genuine local presence, and why finding your own niche may be more valuable than just pursuing volume. Learn more about B.R.M: - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/brmchronographes/ [https://www.instagram.com/brmchronographes/] - Website - https://brm-chronographes.com/ [https://brm-chronographes.com/] This week's episode is sponsored by the Movado Heritage Kingmatic collection, learn more at the link below: - 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/X - 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! Key Timestamps: [0:35] Intro & B.R.M Origins [3:58] Frederic Brings B.R.M to America [9:26] Early U.S. Growth & Retail Expansion [11:08] How B.R.M Manufactures Its Watches [13:19] B.R.M’s Racing Inspired Design [19:54] Richard Mille Comparisons & Staying Focused [23:47] Doing Fewer Things Well [24:31] The Power of Human Connection [26:00] Polarizing Design & Passionate Collectors [30:47] Technical Innovation & Lightweight Watches [35:08] Pricing & Customization [36:32] The Shift to Direct & Bespoke [39:12] Retailers & Big Brand Pressure [45:30] U.S. vs. European Discounting [47:23] Why the U.S. Market Is So Difficult [56:26] The Importance of the U.S. Market [58:10] Why Brands Need a Local Presence [1:00:47] Watches and Wonders & B.R.M’s Future [1:04:23] Closing

Thomas Baillod On Challenging Swiss Watchmaking Traditions At BA111OD

New day, same great conversations. Catch new episodes of SUPERLATIVE every Wednesday! This week on SUPERLATIVE, aBlogtoWatch founder and our host Ariel Adams sits down with Thomas Baillod, founder of BA111OD, for a conversation about challenging the traditional rules of Swiss watchmaking. Thomas looks back on the original idea behind BA111OD, which started as a proof of concept for a new way of selling watches through community, word of mouth, and what he calls “WeCommerce”. He explains how that idea grew into a full watch brand, why value remains central to the company, and how BA111OD has approached Swiss made watches, tourbillons, and retail in a way that pushes against industry norms. Ariel and Thomas also discuss BA111OD’s acquisition of BCP Tourbillon, the importance of producing accessible high end complications, and why Thomas believes luxury watchmaking should respect both the product and the consumer. Thomas shares his thoughts on heritage, the debate around the BA111OD name, the tension between price and perception, and why he is focused on building watches from the Watch Valley with passion before profit. Join Ariel and Thomas for a candid conversation about Swiss watchmaking, business model disruption, accessible tourbillons, and the future of BA111OD. Learn more about Ba111od: - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ba111od.official/ [https://www.instagram.com/ba111od.official/] - Website - https://ba111od.com/ [https://ba111od.com/] This week's episode is sponsored by the Movado Heritage Kingmatic collection, learn more at the link below: - 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/X - 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! Key Timestamps: [0:01] Intro & Thomas' Return [1:15] Camino de Santiago & Leadership Lessons [6:32] How BA111OD Began [11:13] Reinventing How Watches Are Sold [18:56] Price, Heritage & Luxury [21:00] Why Build An Affordable Swiss Tourbillon? [23:37] Who Buys BA111OD Tourbillons? [26:05] Industry Pushback & Retail Challenges [29:53] The BA111OD Name Explained [36:46] Design, Production & The Atelier [42:30] Respecting The Watch Consumer [49:16] Acquiring BCP Tourbillon [56:32] Making High End Watchmaking More Accessible [1:03:33] Closing Thoughts

Nathan Clapp Of Wraven Labs On Designing For True Watch Enthusiasts

New day, same great conversations. Catch new episodes of SUPERLATIVE every Wednesday! On this episode of SUPERLATIVE, aBlogtoWatch founder and our host Ariel Adams is joined by Nathan Clapp, founder of Wraven Labs, to explore the intersection of product design, watch collecting, and entrepreneurship. Drawing on his experience working on the Apple Watch and his passion for thoughtful industrial design, Nathan shares how a simple frustration while driving inspired the creation of the Wing One, a purpose built accessory designed to protect both watches and vehicles. The conversation dives into what it takes to bring a niche physical product to life, from prototyping and manufacturing to branding and storytelling. Nathan and Ariel also discuss why watch enthusiasts are drawn to craftsmanship, precision, and products that elevate the ownership experience. They explore the psychology of collecting, the importance of designing products that solve real problems, and how thoughtful presentation can be just as important as the product itself. Nathan also offers a look at Wraven Labs' next accessory venture, his approach to building a brand with long term value, and why creating something you are genuinely proud of matters more than chasing quick commercial success. Learn more about Wraven Labs: - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/wravenlabs [https://www.instagram.com/wravenlabs] - Website - https://www.wravenlabs.com/ [https://www.wravenlabs.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/X - 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! Key Timestamps: [00:35] Intro & Nathan's Background [04:13] Why Watch Collectors Love Craftsmanship [08:56] The Story Behind Wing One [14:34] How To Market A Niche Product [16:29] Who Wing One Is Really For [19:17] The Wraven Labs Vision [25:06] Materials, Adhesives & Durability [32:03] Building Wraven Labs [33:42] Advice For Watch Entrepreneurs [36:06] Future Variants & Collaborations [49:14] Should You Wrap Your Watch? [58:14] Sapphire, Patina & Long-Term Wear [1:00:10] Engineering The Laptop Protector [1:03:38] Where To Find Wraven Labs

Sylvain Berneron On Watch Design Without Compromise

New day, same great conversations. Catch new episodes of SUPERLATIVE every Wednesday! On this episode of Superlative, aBlogtoWatch founder and our host Ariel Adams is joined by Sylvain Berneron, founder of Berneron Watches, for an in depth conversation about independent watchmaking, creative risk, and what it takes to build a lasting brand. Best known for the unconventional Mirage collection and his bold approach to design, Sylvain shares why he left the corporate world behind, invested his own savings into launching Berneron, and chose to follow his creative convictions rather than market trends. From asymmetric movements and precious metal construction to the challenges of bringing truly original ideas to life, he explains the philosophy that drives both his watches and his business. Their discussion also explores the unique structure behind Berneron Watches, including local manufacturing, employee ownership, transparent allocations, and long term planning in an industry often focused on short term results. Sylvain reflects on the importance of craftsmanship, durability, and authenticity, while offering a candid look at the realities of building an independent watch brand from the ground up. For collectors, enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the future of luxury watchmaking, this is a fascinating conversation with one of the industry's most distinctive voices. Learn more about Berneron: - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/berneron/ [https://www.instagram.com/berneron/] - Website - https://www.berneron.ch/ [https://www.berneron.ch/] 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/X - 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! Key Timestamps: [0:00:36] Introducing Sylvain Berneron [0:02:59] Challenges Facing Modern Watchmaking [0:08:02] Leaving Corporate Life Behind [0:20:34] Why Everything Is Made Locally [0:22:45] A Different Way To Run A Company [0:35:55] Building Watches To Last Generations [0:44:01] The Story Behind The Mirage [0:49:20] Risk, Timing, And New Ideas [0:56:37] Managing Three Years Of Demand [1:02:18] Why Fairness Matters