Where are you in your watch-collecting journey? This episode of the watch-focused podcast dives deeply into the complexities and personal nuances of the watch-collecting journey. The trio explores common feelings of being “stuck” in collecting, the influence of social and personal identity, and the myth of linear progression in watch collecting.

The conversation starts by showcasing the hosts’ current watches, symbolising different stages in their collecting paths. Ele shares enthusiasm for independent watchmaker F.P. Journe, reflecting a stage of passionate discovery, while Kristian presents his “final” watch, symbolising a contented endpoint for his collecting journey. Andrew discusses his eclectic approach, highlighting how his collection defies the traditional ladder concept.

A compelling analogy likens watch collecting to a drug addiction, illustrating the escalating desire for new pieces and experiences, but also the eventual realisation that material accumulation alone does not guarantee fulfilment. The hosts discuss how the notion of a “ladder”, progressing from entry-level watches to high-end collectables, is common but limiting.

Instead, they propose seeing collecting as a puzzle, where different pieces fit differently over time depending on who the collector is and how they evolve. This idea is further enriched by a metaphor involving Jennifer Lawrence’s character in Red Sparrow, emphasising the changing nature of what collectors seek to complete their personal “puzzle.”

Common anxieties such as budget constraints, access to exclusive brands, and the fear of making “wrong” choices are also addressed. They reassure listeners that collecting is not about privilege or money; even modest collections hold value and meaning. The importance of trying on many watches, exploring a variety of brands and styles, and seeking stories behind timepieces is emphasised as a way to deepen the collecting experience.

The hosts share personal regrets and lessons learned, such as selling prized watches too early or succumbing to social pressures. They also highlight the cathartic and joyful process of curating a collection by selling and acquiring watches, encouraging listeners to embrace the fluidity of their journey. Finally, they invite the audience to reflect on their own collecting paths, whether it’s a ladder, a puzzle, a drug addiction, or something else, and to share their stories for future episodes.

Episode 7 delves into the intriguing concept of whether influencers actually influence other influencers, particularly within the world of luxury watches. The conversation delves into personal anecdotes, brand ambassador strategies, and the authenticity behind celebrity endorsements.

Andrew, Eleonor, and Kristian examine how genuine passion and personal connection with a brand often outweigh mere paid promotion. The dialogue also touches on the impact of unofficial endorsements, leaks of unreleased watches, and the dynamics of belonging to a “club” represented by a brand’s ambassador.
Throughout, the trio emphasise the importance of sincerity in influence, revealing that real influence often comes from people within their own circles rather than celebrities or paid ambassadors.

They share stories about iconic figures like George Clooney, Lenny Kravitz, David Beckham, and John Malkovich, reflecting on how those personalities shape attitudes toward watch brands. The episode concludes with reflections on how emotional connections, personal style, and genuine enthusiasm drive purchase decisions more than marketing campaigns alone.

In this engaging episode of A Matter of Time, the trio explore the dynamic and evolving landscape of the watch industry, focusing particularly on the contrast between big box brands and microbrands, and their respective advantages.

The discussion dives into what large, established brands can offer compared to the agility and innovation of smaller, independent watchmakers. The conversation touches on the price points, marketing approaches, customer engagement, emotional connection to watches, and the challenges and opportunities presented by disruptive newcomers such as Christopher Ward’s Loco model.

The hosts debate the value proposition of microbrands that deliver high horology features at more accessible prices versus the heritage, brand power, and emotional resonance of legacy brands like Tudor and Rolex or haute independents like MB&F.

The episode also highlights the importance of physical interaction with watches — holding and wearing them — as a critical factor in truly appreciating their value. It discusses how small brands build closer relationships with customers, often directly through social media or personal contact, compared to the more corporate, polished, but distant big brands.

The hosts share their personal preferences, wrist checks, and emotional attachments to various watches, illustrating that buying a watch is as much about emotion and story as it is about specifications and price.

The debate extends to the design language of new watches, with Ele, for example, craving originality and emotional impact rather than derivative designs.

The episode ends reflecting on the evolving retail environment, the comeback of British watchmaking, and how smaller brands can innovate faster while big brands move more slowly but with greater stability and legacy. The conversation closes with reflections on the emotional power of watches and the privilege of being able to explore a wide variety of timepieces as members of the watch media industry.

Thinking that Rolex will seal the deal on date night? Think again. For Episode 5, A Matter of Time hosts Kristian Haagen and Andrew McCutchen put their co-host, Eleonor Picciotto, in the hot seat to leverage her distinct perspective, and the discussion revealed some brutal truths about what women actually notice about the watch on your wrist.

Episode 4 of A Matter of Time explores the distinctions between a good watch, a great watch, and a grail watch. Andrew, Eleonor, and Krisitian do a deep dive into what separates these categories in terms of design, quality, emotional value, and personal significance.

Of course, the trio acknowledges that how we appreciate watches individually can be very subjective, especially when differentiating between good, great, and grail watches. They emphasise that while technical specifications are valuable, design often plays the most crucial role in defining a watch’s appeal.

They each share examples of watches they consider good, great, and grail. “Good” watches are characterised by value, everyday wearability, and reliability, such as the Christopher Ward Desk Diver.

“Great” watches, like the Bulgari Octo Finissimo and Cartier Santos-Dumont, elevate the experience through superior craftsmanship, innovative engineering (e.g., ultra-thin cases, integrated bracelets), and iconic design details, making them more refined and desirable. The “grail” category, which represents the pinnacle of watch collecting, is often reserved for legendary pieces such as the Patek Philippe Nautilus ref. 3700.

The gang discuss how the grail status transcends technical attributes and often becomes a deeply personal and emotional concept, influenced by heritage and storytelling. Emotion can really sway things in each direction for a watch's score on such a scale; it depends on the individual and their relationship with the watch.

The Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse is one key example mentioned, as both Eleonor and Kristian have a strong family connection with the model and design. Such watches carry immense historical significance, rarity, and emotional attachment, often tied to personal memories or aspirations.

The episode also touches on the social and cultural dimensions of watches, including how gender influences design and perception, the role of celebrities like George Clooney in watch culture, and the communal experience of sharing watches and stories.

This episode of A Matter of Time centres on the polarising topic of Rolex and whether the brand is overrated, its position in the luxury watch industry, and personal relationships with the iconic brand.

The hosts — Kristian Haagen from Denmark, Eleonor Picciotto from France, and Andrew McUtchen from Australia — share candid reflections on Rolex watches, touching on their technical excellence, mass appeal, emotional connection, and commodification.

Eleonor expresses a nuanced scepticism toward Rolex, shaped by her upbringing in a watch family that favoured independent brands over Rolex’s mass-market dominance. Andrew, who owns and has sold Rolex watches, highlights the brand’s dual nature as both a luxury product and a commodity. Kristian, a long-time Rolex enthusiast, offers insider insights from his visit to Rolex’s production facilities, emphasising the interplay between human craftsmanship and industrial precision.

The discussion explores Rolex’s technical superiority in manufacturing, its brand power, and its cultural symbolism. While Rolex is praised as the best mass-produced luxury watch — known for precision, reliability, and value retention — it is also critiqued for its ubiquity, lack of human emotional warmth, and the speculative market it fosters.

The hosts contrast Rolex with other brands like Tudor and independent watchmakers, which offer more personalised connections and accessibility. They also discuss vintage Rolexes, which carry more character and emotional attachment compared to modern models that feel “dehumanised.”

Throughout the episode, each host shares personal stories involving Rolex, including passing down watches to children as heirlooms and the emotional significance tied to these timepieces. The episode closes with reflections on favourite Rolex models, including gem-set variants and the Oyster Perpetual line, underscoring the diversity within the brand’s offerings. Ultimately, the conversation portrays Rolex as a complex symbol, both celebrated and critiqued for its place in watch culture, luxury, and personal meaning.

What do you think? Is Rolex overrated?

In Episode 02, Eleonor, Kristian, and Andrew discuss affordable watches that they personally recommend for collectors and newcomers alike. The conversation blends humour, personal anecdotes, and expert insights to explore the nuances between bargain and affordable watches. They emphasise that “affordable” is subjective, with watches ranging from under $1,000 to several thousand dollars, highlighting brands and models that balance price, quality, and collector respect. Key watches discussed include micro-indies like the Furlan Marri Mechaquartz, Dennison ALD, Serica, and Toladano & Chan B/1, along with cult-favorite brands like Seiko, Casio, Nomos, and Oris.

The hosts reflect on watch design, craftsmanship, and the evolving microbrand landscape, noting how some smaller brands are disrupting traditional pricing and styles. They also touch on the significance of ornamental stones, rarity, and the emotional connection collectors have with watches. The episode closes with an obligatory round of "The Sickness", showcasing the personalities behind the watches and celebrating the culture surrounding watch collecting via Time+Tide's card game for watch collectors.

The inaugural episode of the A Matter of Time podcast asks the question: What is the best first luxury watch? Eleonor, Kristian, and Andrew recount their first luxury watch experience, reflecting on how these watches sparked a lifelong passion. They also discuss current trends in watch collecting, such as the rise of microbrands, the impact of the pandemic on the industry, and how market speculation contrasts with their own emotional approach to watch ownership.

After sharing their personal first watches, each host then nominates the "best first luxury watch for newcomers." Andrew advocates for the Tudor Black Bay 54 for its value and versatility, Eleanor favours independent brands like Louis Erard for their craftsmanship and exclusivity, and Kristian suggests neo-vintage/vintage models like the Omega Seamaster 300 for their cultural cachet and affordability.

This is just the beginning. Meet the trio behind A Matter of Time - Eleonor Picciotto, Kristian Haagen, and Andrew McUtchen - and get a taste of what’s to come. From collecting tales to insider industry insights, this podcast is for anyone who knows it’s always a good time to talk watches. Three minds. One passion. All the time in the world.