Superlative

Dubai Watch Week 2025 With David Bredan: What the Watch Industry Can Learn

On this episode of Superlative, host Ariel Adams, founder of aBlogtoWatch, is joined by aBlogtoWatch team member David Bredan for a deep, candid breakdown of Dubai Watch Week 2025 and why it has quietly become one of the most important consumer facing watch events in the world. Fresh off the show floor and still navigating jet lag, Ariel and David unpack how Dubai Watch Week has evolved from a modest regional gathering into a fully realized global watch destination, discussing why its consumer first structure, emphasis on storytelling, and uncompromising hospitality set it apart from traditional Swiss trade fairs. The conversation dives into what actually gets worn at Dubai Watch Week, from the overwhelming presence of Audemars Piguet Royal Oaks and independent brands to the surprising scarcity of certain mainstream luxury models, along with a frank discussion about how market forces, scarcity, and resale dynamics have reshaped perceptions around brands like F.P. Journe. Ariel and David also explore the role of the Siddiqui family in shaping the event’s success, explaining how centralized ownership, long term investment, and an obsession with guest experience allow Dubai Watch Week to succeed where many other regional watch events struggle. From booth design and brand education to safety, access, comfort, and the importance of creating environments where watches can actually be worn and appreciated, this episode offers an unfiltered look at what luxury watch events get right, what they consistently get wrong, and what the global watch industry could learn if it were willing to listen. Follow David and check out his work: Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/abtw_david/ [https://www.instagram.com/abtw_david/] His work on ABTW - https://www.ablogtowatch.com/author/david-bredan/ [https://www.ablogtowatch.com/author/david-bredan/] 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, 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!

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!