In this episode of the Wrist Check Podcast, hosts Perri and Rashawn sit down with respected New York City-based watch collectors James and Yan to explore the world of independent watchmaking and rare, obscure timepieces. Known for their deep knowledge of micro-brands, complicated movements, and under-the-radar references, James and Yan open up about what drives their passion, how they built community within the NYC watch scene, and tips for newcomers entering the world of watch collecting. If you're interested in independent watch brands, horology, or want to learn how to connect with collectors in your city, this episode is a must-listen.

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Chapters00:00 Intro03:29 - Wrist Check14:43 - Staying up tp date with new watches17:42 - Price Points and Watch Flexing20:47 - The Watch Community21:35 - James' Agelocer Watch24:53 - Collectors Mentality29:31 - Tips for buying watches32:10 - Yan's Behrens Batman Watch40:30 - Yan's Rolex Day Date51:17 - James' Arbutus Clock Tower Watch54:35 - Holding brands accountable55:59 - Microbrands are bridging the gap01:00:26 - Brands making the biggest impact01:05:38 - Watch Design Advancing01:08:19 - Outro

In this episode of the Wrist Check Podcast, Perri and Rashawn sit down with Hodinkee editor and photographer Mark Kauzlarich to talk about his unconventional path into the world of watches. From freelancing and working on a grant project with National Geographic to telling powerful stories about collectors and makers, Mark shares how he found his voice in watch journalism.He breaks down how he linked up with Hodinkee, finally got his dream Rolex GMT-Master II “Pepsi,” and developed his photography and storytelling chops along the way. The trio also dives into his role in writing the now-iconic story about Jay-Z’s Patek Philippe 2499, and how a key text from Perri helped secure approval from Hov himself. It’s a conversation full of craft, community, and the evolving world of watch media.

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Chapters00:00 - Intro01:36 - Wrist Check Rashawn03:17 - How Rashawn got the JLC05:54 - Wrist Check Perri06:52 - Wrist Check Mark10:42 - Most Iconic Rolex12:56 - Entry into photo journalism15:20 - Transitioning to Hodinkee20:12 - Impactful Relationships25:50 - Finding Your Voice28:28 - Growing as a writer32:22 - Hodinkees Evolution36:09 - Watch Photography40:03 - Interviewing Todd Snyder43:00 - Jay Z's 2499 Patek Philippe48:19 - Following Ben's lead51:51 - Whats next?54:06 - Outro

In this episode, Perri and Rashawn sit down with Josh and Emily, the husband-and-wife duo behind micro-brand watch company Papar. Born in the high desert of San Miguel de Allende and now growing in the Berkshires, Papar blends brutalist architecture, vintage watch design, and the playful spirit of paper planes into something fresh yet familiar.They dive into what it’s like launching a watch brand as first-time designers, the creative journey behind their standout GMT sector dial, and how their Anillo model turns complication into connection. Josh and Emily open up about working together as partners in both life and business, the role of family support, and the warm welcome they’ve received from the watch community.If you’re curious about indie horology, love a good origin story, or just appreciate thoughtful design, this one’s for you.
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Chapters00:00 - Intro01:08 - Wrist Check13:31 - Inspiration to start Papar17:58 - How location inspired design20:14 - Why the name Papar24:02 - Building watch company with spouse28:16 - Transition from collector to founder35:27 - Its a family business36:15 - Promoting a watch business46:06 - Dream Ambassador47:36 - What's next for Papar52:01 - Outro

Perri and Rashawn return from Geneva to break down their unforgettable week at Watches & Wonders 2025. From wild moments with N.O.R.E., Roman Sharf, and Nico Leonard to after-hours vibes with Ulysse Nardin, they share the behind-the-scenes highlights that made the trip one for the books. They also present their personal top picks from the new releases — from Best Bracelet and Best Dial to Biggest Surprise, Best Complication, and overall Best in Show. No awards, just real opinions, hot takes, and honest reactions to the year’s most talked-about watches.

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Chapters00:00 - Intro01:27 - Hanging with Nore and Nico05:26 - Wrist Check New Watch Alert10:26 - AP House Visit13:59 - Partying with Ulysse Nardin16:12 - Best Bracelet22:38 - Best Precious Metal Piece28:57 - Best Dial33:03 - Biggest Surprise40:45 - Best Complication45:37 - Best Gem Set48:25 - Rookie Of The Year54:10 - Best In Show01:00:17 - Honorable Mention01:00:39 - Outro

In this episode of Wrist Check Podcast, we sit down with Lex Borrero—music executive, entrepreneur, and co-founder of Neon 16—to dive deep into his journey in the entertainment industry and his passion for watches. From working with artists like J Balvin and Bad Bunny to launching his own ventures in television and branding, Lex shares how he’s built an empire while staying true to his creative vision.We also talk watches—Lex showcases his rare Audemars Piguet Perpetual Calendar (aka “The Clover”) and shares stories of the hunt for his grails. The conversation touches on the evolution of collecting, the importance of design, and how hip-hop culture influenced his love for timepieces.
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In this episode of Wrist Check Pod, Perri and Rashawn sit down with Karlos Williams, a passionate watch collector, Detroit native, and friend of the pod. Karlos shares the story behind his latest pick-up — a Rolex Daytona on Oysterflex — and dives into how he fell in love with the world of horology. He also discusses his role in D.C.-based watch club CP Time and reveals the secret sauce to securing highly coveted watches at retail. Tune in for an insightful conversation packed with insider knowledge and collecting gems.

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Chapters00:00 - Intro01:54 - Wrist Check06:59 - Karlos' New Watch Alert10:30 - Karlos' entry into the hobby14:11 - Love for Moved Watches15:56 - Getting my first Rolex17:12 - First time spending real money on a watch21:04 - Linking up with CP Time Watch Club27:31 - Sphere of influence 31:16 - Karlos' Rolex Batman32:29 - The secret to getting watches at retail35:29 - Acquiring the Batman Rolex by accident38:33 - Karlos' Rolex Pepsi GMT 41:39 - Interest in brands outside of Rolex46:20 - Collecting Cars and Cartier Glasses58:02 - Outro

In this week's episode, the guys sit down with journalist and author Vikki Tobak, fresh off the release of her book ICE COLD, which explores the deep connection between hip-hop and jewelry. Vikki shares insights on her exhibition at the Museum of Natural History, her Detroit upbringing, and how early exposure to hip-hop led her to New York to fully immerse herself in the culture. The conversation dives into the intersection of luxury watch collecting and hip-hop, exploring the artists and jewelers who helped shape this space. Tune in for a deep dive into the cultural impact of watches and jewelry in hip-hop!

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Chapters00:00 - Intro00:54 - Wrist Check06:21 - Vikki's start in Hip Hop10:42 - Sourcing Stories and pieces for Ice Cold12:27 - Public Enemy's Influence on Vikki14:31 - Jacob and Tito watch influencers17:47 - Hip Hops influence on the industry19:01 - 90's NYC Clubs were the internet24:00 - Uncovering Hip Hops influences in moments25:58 - How have watches evolved in hip hop29:02 - Customization Culture32:24 - Best Era in Hip Hop Jewelry35:05 - Hip Hop and Generational Wealth36:00 - Ice Cold Exhibition at Museum of Natural History40:33 - Rashawn throws a curveball42:42 - Hip Hop Jewelry Becoming Ephemeral 45:16 - Outro

This week on the Wrist Check Podcast, Perri and Rashawn sit down with watch collector and author J.W. Foster to discuss his new book, Dead Beat Seconds—an action-packed thriller filled with fast cars, shoot-outs, explosions, and, of course, luxury watches. They dive into J.W.'s writing process, the inspirations behind the story, and why he felt compelled to craft a novel for the watch community. Tune in for an exciting conversation at the intersection of horology and high-stakes adventure!

Purchase a copy of J.W. Fosters new book, Dead Beat Seconds HERE

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Chapters00:00 - Intro01:50 - Wrist Check11:53 - Inspiration to write this novel19:45 - Immersing the audience into the watch world27:35 - Finding the perfect narrator for the audio book34:17 - Writing an Action Thriller39:52 - Who is Blaze McClain?41:11 - Deciding which characters wore which watches44:31 - Getting the blessing to feature real watch brands47:01 - Documenting this period in watch culture49:16 - Responsibility as an author51:05 - Using the pen name J.W. Foster52:50 - Outro