Off Hours

By Chris Manning & Jon Edwards

Arts Technology Business Design Careers Gadgets

What's Off Hours about?

Off Hours is a conversational podcast that delves into technology, working with our hands, and other curiosities.

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Off Hours episodes:

01.04.2022
Daniela Marin
Jon and Chris sit down for a chat with Daniela Marin, co-founder of the original Speake-Marin brand and the driving force behind The Naked Watchmaker as well as their recently released Masterclass. This episode of Off Hours was made possible in...
09.28.2021
Quintessential Bellows
Jon and Chris discuss the future of filmmaking, the transmission of know-how, and ornamental turning. Interested in sponsoring a future episode of Off Hours? Get in touch. This episode of Off Hours was made possible in part thanks to the Amazon Associates...
08.24.2021
Watchmaking Studio in a Box
Having recently rescued some sorely abused collets after acquiring yet another lathe, Chris is now swimming in a sea of collets. He and Jon discuss various tools, blackest black ink, hyperwhite paint, watch photography, and movement finishing. Interested in sponsoring a...
07.27.2021
Over-polished Bevel
Chris and Jon continue their discussion of finishing techniques, as well as custom tools, and specialized work holding techniques. Interested in sponsoring a future episode of Off Hours? Get in touch. This episode of Off Hours was made possible in part thanks...
07.13.2021
Mill of Theseus
Chris and Jon are back recording after lockdown. They discuss the first-documented watch produced in Canada, which Jon recently performed some conservation work on, Chris’ many machine woes, and what constitutes a perfect finish. Interested in sponsoring a future episode of...
04.06.2021
That Caliber of Caliber
Playing with light. From eccentric applications of phosphorescence to designing guilloché patterns in Excentro, Jon and Chris discuss a number of new releases and prototypes in progress. Interested in sponsoring a future episode of Off Hours? Get in touch. This episode of...
03.23.2021
Symphonic Sounds of the Shop
An off-hand remark from Jon leaves Chris‘ lathe in pieces. The duo also get into what just might be the most expensive liquid on earth, as well as the exciting results of Chris’ latest casting experiment. Interested in sponsoring a future...
03.02.2021
Using the Hive Mind
Chris and Jon discuss joining the 21st Century, some interesting dial experiments for Project Minotaur, and Chris’ change of (mechanical) heart. Interested in sponsoring a future episode of Off Hours? Get in touch. This episode of Off Hours was made possible in...
02.09.2021
Standing Watchmaker’s Bench
Chris and Jon discuss the standing desk and standing watchmaker’s bench Chris has made, as well as Jon’s attempts to automate himself. Interested in sponsoring a future episode of Off Hours? Get in touch. This episode of Off Hours was made possible...
01.12.2021
Entropy Will Eventually Prevail
A new year comes with reflections on last year’s themes, and new themes for 2021. Chris and Jon also discuss where they are in the process of building Project Minotaur. Interested in sponsoring a future episode of Off Hours? Get in...
12.15.2020
The Shop is a Tool
It’s been a year since Chris and Rich moved into their new studio. Chris and Jon talk about the ups and downs of the first year, what has changed, and how it has affected our work. Interested in sponsoring a future...
12.01.2020
High-end Art
Chris and Jon discuss case making ideas and techniques, Christian Lass’ prototype reveal, and Dufour’s phenomenal success at auction. Plus Off Hours merch is now available <img src="https://s.w.org/images/core/emoji/12.0.0-1/72x72/1f389.png" alt="
11.17.2020
Paul Burberry
Chris and Jon are joined by precision machinist, vintage pen restorer, and pen maker, Paul Burberry. Interested in sponsoring a future episode of Off Hours? Get in touch. This episode of Off Hours was made possible in part thanks to the Amazon...
11.03.2020
A Relatively Primitive Setup
Jon Chris discuss the first chips made on Project Minotaur, using the new wobble stick, and what the next steps are in the process of making their first watch caliber. Interested in sponsoring a future episode of Off Hours? Get in...
10.20.2020
The Hero Egg
Chris and Jon follow up on a number of topics old and new, including Christian Lass’ new movement, Ferdinand Berthoud’s FB 2RE, fumé dials, the “Faberge Egg” of Octopussy, as well as some new tools Chris has been making. Interested in...
10.06.2020
Statute of Limitations on Spoilers
Chris and Jon discuss the model making techniques of The Mandalorian, Ferdinand Berthoud’s FB 2RE, and a new project they’re collaborating on. Interested in sponsoring a future episode of Off Hours? Get in touch. This episode of Off Hours was made possible...
09.22.2020
Christian Lass Part 2
Chris and Jon continue their conversation with independent watchmaker, Christian Lass. They dive into more details about his upcoming watch, complex mechanical marvels, and collaborating with his wife, master engraver, Hanne Gleich. Part 1 of Jon & Chris’ conversation with...
09.08.2020
Christian Lass Part 1
Christian Lass is an independent watchmaker hailing from Denmark. He has worked for the likes of the Danish Royal Family under the tutelage of Søren Andersen, spent several years working with renowned independent watchmaker, Vianney Halter, and served for nearly...
08.25.2020
Hacking About
Chris and Jon discuss some new potential camera and video options for watchmakers, specifically in the studio, as well as some follow-up on free-sprung balances. Seeing Through a Watchmaker’s Eyes IWC’s Cyberloupe IWC Virtual Tours In light of COVID-19, IWC has launched...
08.11.2020
Simplicity is King
Jon and Chris follow up on a few projects discussed over the last few years, and take a deep dive into the details of free-sprung movements. “Beginners acutely feel the struggles of other beginners” Tatiana Mac on why beginners should teach Watchmaking...
07.28.2020
Open Source Movement
Chris and Jon take a deep dive into a few of the open source movement projects online, as well as discuss the business of independent watchmaking. SPEMT A collaborative watchmaking project, with a novel escapement Open Movement Project ETA 6497 Dan Spitz...
07.14.2020
Potpourri in Your Pomander
Chris and Jon discuss Christian Lass’ online Masterclass, Dr Rebecca Struthers’ talk on Fakes and Forgeries, and how Chris uses reference books for inspiration. Awair Air quality monitors Esembl-o-graf by William O. Smith Sr. and William O. Smith Jr. The Hardy Boys...
06.30.2020
Time Capsule Workshop
Chris and Jon discuss the current reality of holding major conferences virtually, as well as the challenges and importance of sharing knowledge. T4AP vGTG Season 1 Wrap Up Time 4A Pint is taking a (much deserved) break Google Meet Adding Blurred Backgrounds...
06.16.2020
Four Frames Out of Sync
Jon and Chris chat about their appearance on Time 4A Pint, along with some follow out from that show. Bellus3D FaceApp A tool Jon & Chris used to 3D print tailor-fit frames for face masks in the fight against COVID-19 DIY Surgical...
06.02.2020
Nearly an Identical Name
Chris and Jon discuss new 3D printers, becoming more opinionated in design choices, and virtual pints. Richemont’s Artificially High Losses Turns out the 67% drop Jon & Chris spoke about last episode is closer to 34% when their acquisition of Net-A-Porter...
05.19.2020
Spiralling Airstream
Jon and Chris discuss more outrageous gear ratios and other objects of wonder. Making a GOOGOL:1 Reduction with Lego Gears Here’s What a Googol:1 Gear Ratio Looks Like The googol:1 gear ratios Jon & Chris spoke about back in Episode 61 BrickLink...
05.05.2020
Building a Cathedral
Chris and Jon discuss the possible death of Baselworld, the birth of virtual get togethers, marketing in 2020, and laser experiments. Raynald Aeschlimann Interview Gear Patrol’s pointed interview with the head of Omega Watches Omega “Speedy Tuesday” Limited Edition Omega “Ultraman” Limited...
04.07.2020
My Little Bubble
While still in lockdown Chris is able to get his straight line engine assembled and shoot some video. He and Jon discuss the new iPad and its utility for design, as well as a few resources for making your own...
03.24.2020
Artist Hermit
Jon is housebound. Chris is bubble hopping. As a pandemic sweeps the globe—bringing laser prices down along with it—they discuss two very different globe-like complications. Underwater Adventures Time4APint Episode 53 Casio F91W G-Shock Dream Project A solid gold Casio G-Shock G-Shock Full Metal...
03.10.2020
Force Multipliers
Chris has returned from WorkbenchCon with a new fidget spinner and knowledge of plasma and saws. Jon and Chris discuss the updates to the new studio as well as a few watches at opposite ends of the manufacturing spectrum. WorkbenchCon Chris’...
02.11.2020
The Machines That Enable the Art
Jon and Chris discuss the new Speedmaster with the 321, Seth Kennedy and engine turning, making watch crowns, a quick shop update, and more. Omega Caliber 321 Rereleased in stainless steel—at long last Velcroing SSDs to a Macbook Tyler Stalman on 12...
01.28.2020
It Was Utterly Terrifying
It is yearly theme time again. Chris and Jon discuss how successful 2019’s themes were, what their 2020 themes are, and an update on Chris’ shop move. My Chaos is Self-imposed Last year’s ‘Yearly Themes’ episode Silver Hand Youtube Channel Loen...
12.17.2019
Absolutely Palatial
Chris and Jon discuss a number of articles and videos covering Kari Voutilainen’s shop and watchmaking, Dean DK’s excellent YouTube channel and his shop visits while in Switzerland, as well as the new home of Silver Hand Studios. Prince Horology School...
12.03.2019
Redesigning Numbers
Chris and Jon discuss the new pad printer from Kent Printers, as well as the typeface design Lee worked on for Chris’ new dial. Kent Pad Printers Chris picked up his pad printer & attended some training on it at Kent...
11.19.2019
Squeegee Work
It’s Blade Runner Month! Jon and Chris discuss Blade Runner inspired watches, the Only Watch auction, GPHG, and some of the subtleties of dial making. Blade Runner Chris’ favourite film is set in the same month & year that this episode...
11.05.2019
The Perfect Black
The perfect cookie, the perfect moon phase, perfect silence, and the perfect black. ChefSteps’ Ultimate Guide to Chocolate Chip Cookies Skillet Cookie AirPods Pro Tools Episode Jon & Chris discussed some of their favourite items to use around the shop back in Episode 6...
10.08.2019
Infinitely Recyclable
Chris and Jon discuss the end of the Santa Fe Symposium, archery tag, Apple’s Series 5 Watch, and Chris’ upcoming pad printer purchase. Santa Fe Symposium Eddie Bell The Goldsmiths’ Company Jewellery Materials Congress Portland Jewelry Symposium SNAG The Society of North American Goldsmiths Dr. Robert...
09.24.2019
Watchmaking – Lathes
In the fourth instalment of our series on George Daniels’ book, Watchmaking, Chris and Jon discuss the watchmaker’s lathe, its uses, and what to look for when buying one. Watchmaking by George DanielsLathesStruthers’ Project 248 2 Minds, 4 Hands, One...
09.10.2019
Peter Speake-Marin Part 2
Peter Speake-Marin joins Chris and Jon for a conversation about life as an independent watchmaker and his most recent endeavour, The Naked Watchmaker Project. This is part two of two. Part one can be listened to here. Peter Speake-Marin Part One...
08.27.2019
Peter Speake-Marin Part 1
Peter Speake-Marin joins Chris and Jon for a conversation about life as an independent watchmaker and his most recent endeavour, The Naked Watchmaker Project. This is part one of two. The Naked Watchmaker Speake-Marin Watch Brand St. John’s Comprehensive School The school young...
08.13.2019
The Wobble of the Earth
Chris and Jon discuss the horological parts of Chris’ recent trip to the UK, including Greenwich, a visit with the #watchnerd, pad printing, and the BHI’s chronograph course. Silver Car Debunked Mercedes-Benz Silver Arrows Team Fordite Black Badger Composites Black Badger x Bamford Mokume-gane Purple...
07.30.2019
A Rather Destroyed Aston Martin
Chris returns from the Goldsmiths’ Company Jewellery Materials Congress. He and Jon discuss Crown Jewels, gold jugs, and the horrible things people do to nice cars. Santa Fe Sympoaium Papers Papers from the 2019 Santa Fe Symposium have been posted The Goldsmiths’...
07.16.2019
Watchmaking – Drafting & Magnification
Jon and Chris continue their series on George Daniels’ book Watchmaking, delving into the craft of drafting and various forms of magnification useful to watchmakers. Watchmaking The quintessential watchmaking guide, written by George Daniels La Porte School of Watchmakers North America’s first...
07.02.2019
Kamado Joe in the Snow
Jon and Chris discuss the tribulations of baking the world’s best chocolate chip cookies, as well as a new method Chris is experimenting with to rapidly prototype watch dials. The World’s Best Chocolate Chip Cookie According to The Food Lab Valrhona Chocolate...
06.18.2019
Stuck on Runways
Chris and Jon continue discussing Chris’ month of travel. This episode they discuss Makers Central and the Santa Fe Symposium. Birmingham Jewellery Quarter Makers Central Chris recently exhibited at Makers Central with his good friend, Rich Loen Loen Design Vectric Vectric helped make it...
06.04.2019
Flying Cap Jewels
Chris has returned from a month of travel. He and Jon discuss the day/date and automatic course he took at the British Horological Institute. BHI Short Courses Chris recently attended another short course at the British Horological Institute Seth Kennedy Antiquarian watchmaker...
05.21.2019
Watchmaking – Benches
Chris and Jon continue their discussion of George Daniels’ book Watchmaking. In this episode they discuss work benches. Watchmaking by George Daniels Phone Posture An article about the toll that craning our necks has on our spines Archer Watches California Closets Economical Watchmaking Bench Popular...
05.07.2019
Watchmaking – Floor to Ceiling
Chris and Jon begin a series discussing George Daniels’ book Watchmaking. Watchmaking by George Daniels—the only reference book you need to build a watch from the raw materials Canadian Horological Institute With its massive floor to ceiling windows, the building that originally...
04.23.2019
Burn Quite Nicely
Chris and Jon talk about a unique balance wheel, resin-based 3D printers, and wireless earbuds. If you’re in Birmingham, UK on May 11 or 12, 2019 be sure to drop by Makers Central and say hi to Chris. This episode of...
04.09.2019
Flat Polished Blued Screw
Blued screws, blued indices, blued hands. Steel isn’t the only thing that’s blue in this episode. Chris and Jon chat about tempering steel, Baselworld 2019, and Swiss customs. This episode of Off Hours was made possible in partthanks to the Santa...

What's Off Hours about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Off Hours episodes:

Daniela Marin

Quintessential Bellows

Watchmaking Studio in a Box

Over-polished Bevel

Mill of Theseus

That Caliber of Caliber

Symphonic Sounds of the Shop

Using the Hive Mind

Standing Watchmaker’s Bench

Entropy Will Eventually Prevail

The Shop is a Tool

High-end Art

Paul Burberry

A Relatively Primitive Setup

The Hero Egg

Statute of Limitations on Spoilers

Christian Lass Part 2

Christian Lass Part 1

Hacking About

Simplicity is King

Open Source Movement

Potpourri in Your Pomander

Time Capsule Workshop

Four Frames Out of Sync

Nearly an Identical Name

Spiralling Airstream

Building a Cathedral

My Little Bubble

Artist Hermit

Force Multipliers

The Machines That Enable the Art

It Was Utterly Terrifying

Absolutely Palatial

Redesigning Numbers

Squeegee Work

The Perfect Black

Infinitely Recyclable

Watchmaking – Lathes

Peter Speake-Marin Part 2

Peter Speake-Marin Part 1

The Wobble of the Earth

A Rather Destroyed Aston Martin

Watchmaking – Drafting & Magnification

Kamado Joe in the Snow

Stuck on Runways

Flying Cap Jewels

Watchmaking – Benches

Watchmaking – Floor to Ceiling

Burn Quite Nicely

Flat Polished Blued Screw