Cornelius Ye of CIGA Design on Story Driven Watches, Skeleton Innovation, and Global Growth

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!

Cornelius Ye of CIGA Design on Story Driven Watches, Skeleton Innovation, and Global Growth

In this episode of Superlative, aBlogtoWatch founder and our host Ariel Adams sits down with Cornelius Ye of CIGA Design to explore how a modern watch brand can stand out in a crowded global market. Cornelius explains his role as a “go to market manager”, acting as the bridge between design, production, and sales, while helping bring each watch from concept to launch. He shares how CIGA Design grew from a small team focused on crowdfunding into an internationally recognized brand, driven by a commitment to original design and accessible pricing.  The conversation dives into the brand’s core philosophy, from skeletonized watches and story driven collections to award winning designs like the Blue Planet. Cornelius breaks down how narrative, aesthetics, and emotional connection matter more than traditional timekeeping in today’s market, and why CIGA Design focuses on creating distinctive pieces rather than competing with legacy Swiss brands. From Everest inspired tourbillons to evolving global distribution, this episode offers insight into how a new generation of watchmakers is redefining value, creativity, and what consumers truly want from a watch. Check out CIGA Design: - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cigadesign.global/ [https://www.instagram.com/cigadesign.global/] - Website - https://cigadesign.com/ [https://cigadesign.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!

Marine Lemonnier-Brennan of 289 Consulting on Connecting Brands, Media, and Collectors

In this episode of Superlative, our host and aBlogtoWatch founder Ariel Adams sits down with Marine Lemonnier-Brennan, founder and managing director of 289 Consulting, to explore the often unseen forces that drive the watch industry forward. Marine shares how her career evolved from the entertainment world into watchmaking, and how her experience helped shape a more strategic and globally connected approach to PR. Together, they unpack the critical role of relationships in an industry where success depends not just on great products, but on the people behind them and the stories that bring them to life. The conversation dives into Marine’s time working with major brands like Vacheron Constantin and Hublot, her experience alongside Jean-Claude Biver, and the decision to build her own firm focused on supporting independent watchmakers. She explains how 289 Consulting bridges the gap for smaller brands that need global visibility but lack the resources of large groups, while also emphasizing the importance of maintaining a healthy ecosystem between brands, media, and retailers. Along the way, Ariel and Marine reflect on how the industry has evolved, why connection remains at its core, and what it takes for brands to stay relevant in a rapidly changing landscape. Check out 289 Consulting and Follow Marine: - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/289consulting/ [https://www.instagram.com/289consulting/] - https://www.instagram.com/marinelemonnier/ [https://www.instagram.com/marinelemonnier/] - Website - https://289consulting.com/ [https://289consulting.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!