What happens when a frustrated vintage watch collector stumbles upon a forgotten brand with a fascinating cinematic history? Angus McFadden joins us to share how he breathed new life into Alsta, the Swiss-made American watch brand that adorned Richard Dreyfuss's wrist in Jaws and Johnny Depp's in Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.

McFadden's journey began in 2014 when his frustration with authenticating vintage Rolex pieces led to an unexpected discovery – an Alsta dive watch in a part-exchange bundle. That chance encounter sparked a deep dive into the brand's rich heritage dating back to 1946, culminating in his acquisition of the dormant brand and its relaunch in 2017.

Unlike many revived watch brands that focus solely on recreating the past, McFadden has carefully balanced heritage with innovation. The original Nautiscaff and iconic Super Automatic models have been joined by fresh designs like the Motoscaff, purposefully built for motorcyclists. Throughout our conversation, McFadden's commitment to authenticity shines through – from his customer-centric approach to product development to his refreshingly honest acknowledgment that "nobody needs a watch" in today's smartphone era.

What's particularly fascinating about Alsta is its cultural significance as "the non-obvious choice" – the watch for rebels who value quality and character over flashy brand names. This positioning has attracted a passionate customer base that's 80-90% American, honoring the brand's New York roots. As Alsta approaches its 80th anniversary, McFadden remains focused on sustainable growth through product excellence rather than marketing hype – ensuring this once-forgotten treasure continues to grace the wrists of those who appreciate genuine heritage with modern reliability.

Subscribe now to hear more conversations with the innovative minds reshaping the watch industry and bringing forgotten treasures back to life.

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A century-old American watch brand doesn’t just survive on luck; it survives on purpose. We sit down with Joe Wein, the third‑generation CEO of Hampden Watch, to explore how a family business threaded its way from Chicago’s catalog era to today’s Swiss‑powered precision—without losing what matters most: the stories people carry on their wrists.

Joe opens the vault on a lineage that includes Clinton, Wolbrook, Douglas, and Benrus, revealing how Chicago’s shipping hub and direct‑mail culture shaped the company’s early growth. He shares the quirks that make watch history fun—like Clinton divers sold “packed in water”—and the unexpected brushes with legend, including a Hampton in the Wright Brothers exhibit at the Smithsonian. Then we dive into the modern heartbeat of the brand: personalization with purpose. From laser engraving that cut turnarounds from weeks to days, to the patented case cap that clicks between a sapphire exhibition view and a perfectly aligned engraved canvas, Hampden proves that technology can serve sentiment. Movement lovers get their due with Swiss calibers, while engraving purists get a design concierge to turn vows, coordinates, and family mottos into heirlooms.

Along the way, we talk leadership, legacy, and the realistic future of American watchmaking. Joe reflects on hard calls after 2008, the culture of loyalty that kept multi‑decade employees, and why giving each generation a lane—engineering for him, marketing and PR for his son Dan—builds a stronger house. We also preview Hampden’s hands‑on classroom where you assemble a Unitas‑based manual watch and go home with your initials on the ratchet wheel, turning craft into a personal milestone.

If you care about mechanical watches, personalized engraving, Swiss movements, Chicago watch history, or the rise of meaningful microbrands, this conversation will stick with you. Subscribe, share with a watch‑obsessed friend, and leave a review telling us what you’d engrave on your own heirloom—what story would your watch tell?

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https://hampdenwatch.com/

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What if your watch could do more than just tell time? What if it could help protect the very places that inspire its design?

Trip Henderson's journey from Navy service to tech entrepreneur to disaster relief leader ultimately led him to create Lōcī (pronounced "low-kai"), a watch brand with environmental conservation at its core. His experiences at sea—standing on a ship deck in the middle of the Atlantic, witnessing a night sky untouched by light pollution—sparked a lifelong passion for meaningful places. Later, working with Team Rubicon on disaster response operations, Trip witnessed firsthand how vulnerable our most treasured environments have become.

Rather than following the traditional watchmaking path, Trip built Lōcī around a mission: to celebrate the connection between people and places while actively protecting endangered environments. Each watch line draws inspiration from a specific location, with 10% of every sale supporting nonprofits that preserve these places for future generations. The inaugural Pacific Coast Highway collection, with its three distinct dials reflecting different aspects of California's iconic coastline, exemplifies this philosophy perfectly.

Unlike many brands that offer vague promises about "portions of proceeds" going to good causes, Lōcī maintains complete transparency, even publishing donation receipts directly on their website. This commitment reflects Trip's belief that watches can be more than status symbols—they can be vehicles for positive change.

Whether you're drawn to the contemporary design, the California-based craftsmanship, or the environmental mission, Lōcī watches offer something increasingly rare: the opportunity to wear a timepiece that not only tells time but tells a story of places worth protecting. Explore the collection and discover how your wrist can make a difference.

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https://www.lociwatch.com/

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What does it take to resurrect legendary watch brands from the past? Tom van Wijlick, the visionary behind CDMLEC, joins us to share his remarkable journey from IT entrepreneur to guardian of horological heritage through his revival of Lebois & Co and Airain watches.

Tom reveals how a side hustle trading timepieces evolved into a passion for preserving watchmaking history. His story begins with a Christie's auction discovery that captured his imagination—a vintage Lebois chronograph he printed and magnetized to his refrigerator as inspiration. That single image sparked a decade-long adventure acquiring and breathing new life into discontinued watch brands with rich histories.

The conversation explores the delicate balance between honoring heritage and creating modern timepieces. Tom takes us behind the scenes of his meticulous development process, from the technical challenges of case design to the emotional reward of seeing collectors connect with his watches. We dive deep into the Airain Submarine—a tool watch that balances functionality with refined details—and learn about the unexpected revival of the Fixoflex bracelet that perfectly complements it.

Perhaps most touching is Tom's recounting of restoring an 80-year-old gold Lebois chronograph for a customer who inherited it from his uncle. The piece represented three generations of family history, and though barely profitable, the restoration project embodied what drives Tom's work: connecting people through timepieces that tell stories across decades.

Whether you're fascinated by watch design, entrepreneurship, or the preservation of craft traditions, Tom's approach to measuring success through customer satisfaction rather than mere profits offers valuable insights for anyone passionate about creating products with meaning and purpose. Subscribe now to join our exploration of creativity, craftsmanship, and the enduring appeal of mechanical watches.

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https://www.cdmlec.com/

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What happens when watch enthusiasm meets a passion for service? The Anti-Watch Watch Club (AWWC) is redefining what a watch community can accomplish by focusing on those who protect us every day.

Cody Fite, Head of Business Development at AWWC and 20-year Army veteran, takes us inside this unique nonprofit founded by veterans and first responders who initially connected through their shared love of watches. Unlike traditional charities bogged down by bureaucracy, AWWC delivers immediate help to veterans and first responders in need – whether that's emergency transportation, housing assistance, or specialized training that saves lives.

The conversation reveals how military experience shapes both their approach to watches and community building. For these veterans, watches aren't status symbols but tools that mark time – something they understand is precious and irreplaceable. Their Blue Guardians Program sponsors law enforcement officers to receive advanced training their departments can't afford, while their collaborations with watch brands fund scholarships and housing for homeless female veterans with families.

Beyond philanthropy, Cody provides powerful insights into the challenges veterans face when transitioning to civilian life. "That's your identity, that's all you know," he explains about military service. "When you retire or get out, that's a big part of your identity just gone." AWWC creates a community where veterans find the camaraderie they miss while navigating civilian careers.

This episode goes beyond typical watch talk to explore how timepieces can bring people together for greater purpose. Whether you're a veteran, first responder, watch enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates authentic community building, you'll find inspiration in how the Anti-Watch Watch Club is using their passion to serve those who serve us.

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What happens when two Australian watch enthusiasts decide to challenge the status quo of luxury timepieces? Andrew Herman, co-founder of Panzera Watches, reveals the remarkable journey of building a global watch brand that's sold 300,000 watches across 100 countries without traditional retail channels.

Founded in 2009 with partner Roger Cooper, Panzera emerged from a simple frustration: quality watches were too expensive for regular collectors. Their solution? Cut out the middlemen, eliminate retail markups, and deliver watches directly to consumers. The result is a brand that offers bold, rugged timepieces at prices that don't require a second mortgage.

Andrew takes us behind the scenes of Panzera's evolution from their first Flieger-style watch to their current diverse lineup spanning Australian-assembled and Swiss-manufactured collections. We explore how they've maintained a distinct design identity—characterized by bold styling, exceptional water resistance, and versatile aesthetics—while expanding globally through e-commerce.

The conversation delves into fascinating territory as Andrew explains how Panzera achieves what seems impossible: delivering watches worldwide within seven days, providing 24/7 customer support, and offering Swiss-quality timepieces without the typical Swiss price tag. Unlike many luxury brands that inflate prices to cover celebrity endorsements and expensive boutiques, Panzera focuses on product quality and value.

For watch enthusiasts tired of babying precious timepieces, Panzera offers something refreshing—watches designed to be worn everywhere, from board meetings to beach adventures. As Blake puts it: "A watch you don't have to keep up with—it's designed to keep up with you." Whether you're new to watch collecting or a seasoned enthusiast, this conversation reveals how disruption in the watch industry benefits consumers who value quality, design, and accessibility.

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What transforms a casual watch observer into a passionate enthusiast with a collection of over 35 timepieces? For Anna of Chrono Girl Life, it began with simple curiosity about her partner's hobby and evolved into a rich journey of discovery, creation, and community.

In this revealing conversation, Anna shares how her initial skepticism about watches gave way to genuine fascination as she began asking questions about movements and mechanics. Her first mechanical timepiece—an Orient Bambino—opened the door to a world that would eventually see her become not only a collector but also a content creator, writer for Watch Gecko, and brand ambassador for Naga Watches.

Beyond her personal collection, Anna offers unique insights into the robust Polish watch community, where Facebook groups boast over 100,000 members and vintage Omegas command fierce devotion. She challenges conventional approaches to women's watches, advocating for designs that prioritize craftsmanship over stereotypical feminine elements like diamonds and mother-of-pearl dials.

Perhaps most compelling is Anna's perspective on what truly matters in a timepiece: the story behind it. Whether discussing her cherished Oris Aquis Clean Ocean Limited Edition or her dream of one day owning an IWC Engineer in gold, each watch represents more than metal and mechanics—it's a conversation starter that brings joy every time she glances at her wrist.

As she balances her passion for watches with a career in IT and single motherhood, Anna's authenticity shines through. Her future plans for YouTube content creation promise to bring her genuine enthusiasm to even wider audiences, continuing to bridge the gap between the technical world of horology and the personal connections that make watches truly special.

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Two passionate watch content creators pull back the curtain on what really happens behind the scenes in the watch industry, revealing truths that most enthusiasts never hear about.

Blake and Skyler Santana engage in a refreshingly candid conversation about the ethical tightrope walk of working with watch brands while maintaining authenticity. "I'm not worried about growth as much as being authentic," Blake explains, challenging the common misconception that watch YouTubers are rolling in sponsorship money. In reality, as he reveals, his entire project generates less than $10,000 annually – hardly enough to sustain a luxury watch habit.

The conversation takes fascinating turns as they discuss their approaches to brand relationships, with both creators drawing clear ethical boundaries. "Will I take money from a brand for a positive review? No, I won't," Blake firmly states, explaining how he separates his media services from his honest opinions. Skylar shares stories of brands attempting to control content, and how standing your ground is essential for maintaining credibility with audiences.

Perhaps most powerfully, both creators advocate passionately for inclusivity in the watch community. They share heartwarming stories about newcomers hesitant to attend watch meetups because they only own modest timepieces, and how critical it is to welcome the "watch curious" regardless of collection size or budget. "We are more excited about growing the pie rather than slicing it in more slices," Skylar explains, capturing their shared mission to make watch enthusiasm accessible to everyone.

Whether you're a seasoned collector or simply curious about watches, this conversation offers invaluable perspective on how authentic content creation can build bridges between enthusiasts, brands, and newcomers in an often misunderstood hobby. Subscribe to join these engaging conversations that go far beyond the typical watch review.

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