Kristian Dowling of Leica Watches on Watch Photography, Authenticity, and Brand Storytelling

Stephen Cox Of Sopwith Watch Company On Wearing Aviation History On Your Wrist

In this episode of Superlative, aBlogtoWatch founder and our host, Ariel Adams, sits down with Stephen Cox, founder of Sopwith Watch Company, to explore the fascinating intersection of aviation history and horology. Stephen shares the incredible story behind building a watch brand that uses material from authentic historic aircraft, including World War I planes and iconic military machines, to create watch cases with a direct connection to history. From sourcing century-old materials to building an in-house foundry in Texas, Stephen explains what it takes to transform rare aviation artifacts into modern timepieces.  The conversation also dives into Stephen’s lifelong fascination with World War I aviation, his career in motorsports and television, and the philosophy behind creating watches that prioritize authenticity over marketing. Along the way, Ariel and Stephen unpack the evolution of military aviation, the watches worn by early pilots, and why the emotional connection to history matters just as much as the mechanics inside the watch. Whether you love aviation, military history, independent watchmaking, or all three, this episode offers a unique look at a brand trying to do something completely different in the world of watches. Learn more about Sopwith Watch Company: - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/sopwithwatchcompany/ [https://www.instagram.com/sopwithwatchcompany/] - Website - https://sopwithwatch.com/ [https://sopwithwatch.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!

Kristian Dowling of Leica Watches on Watch Photography, Authenticity, and Brand Storytelling

In this episode of Superlative, aBlogtoWatch founder and our host, Ariel Adams, sits down with Kristian Dowling of Leica Watches to explore the fascinating connection between photography and watchmaking. Kristian shares how his background in photography and marketing, along with his work training Leica watch teams around the world, shaped his role at the brand. He also explains why authentic watch photography matters more than ever with today’s collector landscape. From photographing watches in unpredictable trade show environments to building imagery that feels honest and realistic, the conversation dives deep into how visual storytelling shapes the way collectors experience watches long before they ever try one on. Ariel and Kristian also discuss what makes Leica Watches unique, including the philosophy behind the brand’s camera inspired approach to watchmaking and the challenge of introducing a respected photography name into the highly competitive luxury watch space. Along the way, they explore the role of authenticity in marketing, how watch brands can create stronger long term relationships with collectors, and why the best watches should look just as compelling in real life as they do in photographs. Learn more about Leica Watches and stay updated with Kristian’s work: - Instagram Accounts: - https://www.instagram.com/kristiandowling/ [https://www.instagram.com/kristiandowling/] - https://www.instagram.com/leica_watch/ [https://www.instagram.com/leica_watch/] - Websites: - https://kristiandowling.com/ [https://kristiandowling.com/] - https://leica-camera.com/ [https://leica-camera.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!

Justin Jakobson of Camp Watches on Industrial Inspired Watch Design and Southern California Creativity

On this episode of Superlative, aBlogtoWatch founder and our host Ariel Adams sits down with Justin Jakobson, founder of Camp Watches to discuss how industrial design, automotive culture, and personal storytelling all come together in modern independent watchmaking. Based in Los Angeles, Justin explains how his background in consumer electronics and industrial design shaped the identity of Camp Watches, along with the unique challenges of creating an original watch design in such a crowded and competitive category.  The conversation explores everything from typography and dial design to automotive paint inspiration and the influence of Southern California culture on creative work. Ariel and Justin also discuss the realities of building a startup watch brand, the importance of cohesive design language, and how interacting directly with collectors at watch shows helps shape future products. Along the way, they dive into analog nostalgia, vintage inspired aesthetics, and the growing community of independent watch brands emerging from Los Angeles. Learn more about Camp Watches: - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/campwatchco/ [https://www.instagram.com/campwatchco/] - Website - https://campwatches.com/ [https://campwatches.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!

Charlotte and Peter Fiell on Watch Collecting, Curation, and Storytelling

In this episode of Superlative, aBlogtoWatch founder and our host Ariel Adams speaks with design historians and authors Charlotte Fiell and Peter Fiell about their ambitious book Ultimate Collector Watches, published by TASCHEN. The conversation explores how the duo approached curating some of the most important watches ever made, from analyzing auction results to balancing representation across brands, eras, and complications. They explain why brands like Patek Philippe and Rolex dominate the high end collector space, while also sharing the challenges of expanding beyond those names to create a broader and more thoughtful narrative. Charlotte and Peter also dive into the deeper cultural and psychological aspects of collecting, from the importance of origin and rarity to the emotional connection collectors form with objects. They discuss the storytelling behind iconic timepieces, the role of design and engineering in shaping desirability, and how access to rare watches and private collections helped bring the book to life. Their conversation offers both a behind the scenes look at creating one of the most comprehensive watch books ever published and a thoughtful exploration of why watch collecting continues to resonate with enthusiasts around the world. Learn more about Charlotte and Peter: - Order their book - https://www.taschen.com/en/books/architecture-design/09300/ultimate-collector-watches/ [https://www.taschen.com/en/books/architecture-design/09300/ultimate-collector-watches/] - Website - https://www.fiell.com/ [https://www.fiell.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!

Jim Wirth of GiantMouse Knives on Why Knife and Watch Collecting Go Hand in Hand

On this episode of Superlative, aBlogtoWatch founder and our host Ariel Adams sits down with Jim Wirth, co-founder and CEO of GiantMouse Knives, for a deep conversation about knives, collecting, and the surprising overlap between blade enthusiasts and watch lovers. Together their discussion explores how design, craftsmanship, and function come together in modern knife making, while also touching on the importance of aesthetics in an increasingly visual collector culture. Ariel and Jim dive into the psychology behind collecting, the appeal of vintage objects, and why knives and watches attract such passionate communities. Along the way, they discuss the recent collaboration between GiantMouse Knives and Zodiac, the evolution of knife materials and steel technology, and how Jim’s entrepreneurial background helped shape the brand. From dive knives and Danish frogmen to the hunt for rare collectibles, this episode is a fascinating look at the mindset behind people who love beautifully made tools. Check out GiantMouse Knives: - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/giantmouseknives [https://www.instagram.com/giantmouseknives] - Website - https://www.giantmouse.com/ [https://www.giantmouse.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!