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?

Check out Hampden Watches:

https://hampdenwatch.com/

Send us a text

Support the show: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2237102/support
Visit our Blog: https://lonelywrist.com
Watch our Youtube: http://youtube.lonelywrist.com
100% Viewer Funded: Donate Here

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.

Checkout Trips Brand Lōcī Here:

https://www.lociwatch.com/

Send us a text

Support the show: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2237102/support
Visit our Blog: https://lonelywrist.com
Watch our Youtube: http://youtube.lonelywrist.com
100% Viewer Funded: Donate Here

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.

Checkout Tom's brands here:

https://www.cdmlec.com/

Send us a text

Support the show: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2237102/support
Visit our Blog: https://lonelywrist.com
Watch our Youtube: http://youtube.lonelywrist.com
100% Viewer Funded: Donate Here

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.

Send us a text

Support the show: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2237102/support
Visit our Blog: https://lonelywrist.com
Watch our Youtube: http://youtube.lonelywrist.com
100% Viewer Funded: Donate Here

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.

Checkout Panzera Watches:

Http://panzerawatches.com

Send us a text

Support the show: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2237102/support
Visit our Blog: https://lonelywrist.com
Watch our Youtube: http://youtube.lonelywrist.com
100% Viewer Funded: Donate Here

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.

Follow Anna on Instagram at:

https://www.instagram.com/chrono.girl.life/

Send us a text

Support the show: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2237102/support
Visit our Blog: https://lonelywrist.com
Watch our Youtube: http://youtube.lonelywrist.com
100% Viewer Funded: Donate Here

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.

Subscribe and follow Skyler here:

https://www.youtube.com/@Skyler.Santana

https://www.instagram.com/skylernsantana/

Send us a text

Support the show: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2237102/support
Visit our Blog: https://lonelywrist.com
Watch our Youtube: http://youtube.lonelywrist.com
100% Viewer Funded: Donate Here

What happens when your entire life is erased in an instant? At 23, Robert Spencer survived a catastrophic accident that left him with total amnesia - wiping away every memory from birth until that moment. This devastating experience gave him a profoundly unique relationship with time that most of us will never understand.

In this riveting conversation, Robert shares how he rebuilt his life without past experiences to guide him, concealing his condition from loved ones for over a decade. He reveals how this blank slate paradoxically freed him from the limitations most of us carry - allowing him to build successful careers in MMA, missing children recovery, and environmental conservation without the burden of preconceived boundaries.

Robert's perspective on timepieces transcends typical watch enthusiasm. For him, watches serve as vital anchors to the present moment - "I cannot look at my watch and see tomorrow or yesterday. It only tells me what moment I am right now." This philosophy drives his approach to life, from his work with Project Heal the Land connecting inner-city youth with nature to his carefully curated collection of rugged tool watches that accompany his adventures.

The conversation weaves through profound insights about living fully present, the distinction between purpose and passion, and finding meaning through connection with nature. Robert challenges listeners to examine their own relationship with time, offering wisdom gained through extraordinary circumstances: "If you go through your whole life thinking about the next thing without spending time in this thing, your whole life flashes before your eyes one day and you're like, man, I missed it all."

Whether you're a watch enthusiast, nature lover, or simply searching for deeper meaning, Robert's remarkable journey will transform how you think about time and the moments we're given. Subscribe now and join us for more thought-provoking conversations that extend far beyond watches.

Learn more about Rob's story and follow his YouTube and Instagram:

https://www.youtube.com/@venturethewild/videos

https://www.instagram.com/advrob

Send us a text

Support the show: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2237102/support
Visit our Blog: https://lonelywrist.com
Watch our Youtube: http://youtube.lonelywrist.com
100% Viewer Funded: Donate Here

From overcrowding a restaurant to hosting 60+ prestigious watch brands across America, Rich Park's journey building Minutes and Hours represents something extraordinary in the world of horology – a genuine commitment to community.

The spark ignited in 2019 when what was supposed to be a small gathering of watch enthusiasts literally burst at the seams, drawing the attention of fire marshals. This unexpected response revealed a hunger for more personal, authentic interactions between collectors and brands. What began as "LA Microlux" quickly evolved into Minutes and Hours, now recognized as one of the premier watch shows in the United States.

What sets Minutes and Hours apart isn't just its impressive brand roster – though with names like Bremont, Christopher Ward, Baltic, Junghans, and dozens more, it certainly demands attention. Rather, it's Park's deliberate choice to limit participation to around 65-75 brands, creating an environment where meaningful connections flourish. "We're not chasing 100+ brands," Park explains, noting how larger shows often leave both collectors and smaller brands feeling overlooked or rushed.

The show has revealed fascinating regional differences among American watch collectors. Los Angeles gravitates toward more exclusive pieces in the $8,000-18,000 range, while Chicago and Austin enthusiasts typically focus on the $3,000-5,000 segment. This type of insight has helped Minutes and Hours craft experiences tailored to each market while maintaining its core mission.

Beyond the main exhibition, attendees can participate in watchmaking workshops where they build timepieces from scratch, attend VIP breakfasts with featured brands, and enjoy post-show gatherings that extend networking opportunities. These elements transform Minutes and Hours from a simple trade show into a comprehensive weekend experience that celebrates every aspect of watch enthusiasm.

The next Minutes and Hours show takes place July 26-27 in Los Angeles, with free admission and exciting hourly giveaways. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just beginning your horological journey, this event promises the perfect blend of exceptional timepieces and the community that loves them.

Get your ticket to Minutes and Hours Here:

https://www.minutesandhours.com/

Send us a text

Support the show

Support the show: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2237102/support
Visit our Blog: https://lonelywrist.com
Watch our Youtube: http://youtube.lonelywrist.com
100% Viewer Funded: Donate Here

What begins as a chance friendship forged through watch enthusiasm unfolds into one of the most illuminating conversations about why we truly collect timepieces. James Bachici (The Timist) shares his remarkable journey from a 15-year-old boy mesmerized by a Citizen Blue Angels watch to becoming a respected voice in the watch community and creator of the Wandering Watch Project.

The conversation takes an unexpectedly emotional turn as James recalls how his grandfather placed $100 down on layaway for that first Citizen, teaching him that valuable things require dedication and sacrifice. This watch—still his most cherished possession—was on his wrist when he married, creating an unbreakable bond between timepiece and milestone. Blake reciprocates with his own poignant story about inheriting his late father's Breitling, revealing how watches become vessels for our deepest connections and memories.

Beyond personal stories, they explore the fascinating psychology behind collecting. James articulates something many collectors feel but struggle to express: "We catalog our memories with our watches... I can tell you what watch I was wearing when significant milestones happened." This insight illuminates why watch enthusiasts form such deep attachments to objects that, functionally speaking, have been technologically surpassed.

Their candid discussion about content creation exposes the tension between authentic passion and commercial interests in watch media. Both agree that the most meaningful content springs from genuine enthusiasm rather than algorithmic optimization—a refreshing perspective in today's metrics-driven environment.

The episode culminates with reflections on why watches uniquely accelerate friendship formation compared to other hobbies. As James beautifully puts it, "We come for the watches, but stay for the people." Whether you're a seasoned collector or simply curious about this fascinating world, this conversation offers profound insights into the human connections that timepieces mysteriously facilitate.

You can follow James and listen to his podcast here:

https://www.instagram.com/the_timist_ig/

https://timistpodcastseries.buzzsprout.com/

Send us a text

Support the show

Support the show: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2237102/support
Visit our Blog: https://lonelywrist.com
Watch our Youtube: http://youtube.lonelywrist.com
100% Viewer Funded: Donate Here