Two Broke Watch Snobs

After a bit of a break (life happens), Kaz and Mike are back on the mics and immediately dive into one of those questions that never seem to go away: Are luxury watch brands actually worth the price? It’s not exactly a yes-or-no thing. They end up wandering through everything from the storytelling behind big names to that weird-but-compelling pull Panerai still manages to have.

They also get into Tudor, and not just the watches, but the "waiting" for Tudor. The brand seems to demand a kind of patience that collectors aren't always great at. Grand Seiko comes up too, especially those 9F quartz movements. But more than anything, this one’s about trying to unpack what makes a watch feel “worth it.” It's not always specs. Sometimes it's personal history, or just that irrational connection you can't explain.

Somewhere along the way, the guys also touch on brand perception, marketing, and why it’s okay to admit a watch is too expensive, but still want it anyway. It’s a therapy session disguised as a podcast episode, basically.

Show Notes

Seiko Turtle: https://twobrokewatchsnobs.com/seiko-turtle-review-and-info/

Monta Triumph: https://twobrokewatchsnobs.com/monta-triumph-military-green-limited-edition/

Grand Seiko SBGV233 9F Quartz: https://twobrokewatchsnobs.com/grand-seiko-quartz-review-my-grail-the-sbgv233/

Panerai Luminor: https://twobrokewatchsnobs.com/panerai-luminor-marina-review/

Formula 1 Solargraph: https://www.tagheuer.com/us/en/timepieces/collections/tag-heuer-formula-1/tag-heuer-formula-1-date/

Christopher Ward C12 Loco: https://www.christopherward.com/int/watches/The-C12-Loco/C12-41H6D1-S00K0-B0.html

In this episode of Two Broke Watch Snobs, hosts Mike and Kaz delve into the concept of 'shitter watches'—affordable timepieces that may not be high-end but hold a special place in the hearts of collectors.

They explore the relativity of what constitutes a shitter watch, share personal anecdotes about their own collections, and celebrate the charm of budget-friendly options like the Invicta Pro Diver. The conversation highlights the fun and enjoyment that can come from these watches, regardless of their perceived value.

They also delve into Panerai watches' controversial reputation and surrounding community, highlighting the balance between aesthetics and technical appreciation in watch collecting.

The conversation highlights personal experiences with different models, the importance of aesthetics over brand prestige, and the fun of owning affordable timepieces that still look great.

Show Notes

Benyar Chronograph: https://benyarwatch.com/collections/chronograph/products/2022-benyar-new-watches-men-luxury-brand-chronograph-male-sport-waterproof-clock-stainless-steel-men-quartz-watch-relojes-hombre

Archie Luxury: https://www.youtube.com/user/ARCHIELUXURY

Invicta Pro Diver: https://twobrokewatchsnobs.com/invicta-pro-diver-review-8926ob/

Skeleton Watches: https://twobrokewatchsnobs.com/skeleton-watches/

Kaz and Mike are back after a brief hiatus to talk about the history of the Mickey Mouse watch and a ton of Disney magic that plays a role in its enduring story. You'll get to hear about merchandising deals and the timeline of brands that served as official timepiece manufacturers for Disney watches.

Plus, there's a lot to catch up on, and the guys give an update on why they've been gone for a bit.

Show notes

Raven Endeavor II: https://ravenwatches.com/pages/endeavour

Grand Seiko SBGV233: https://ravenwatches.com/pages/endeavour

Watches with Mickey Mouse Dials: https://teddybaldassarre.com/blogs/watches/watches-with-mickey-mouse

Citizen Disney Collection: https://www.citizenwatch.com/us/en/collection/disney/

Watch Shopping on the Disney Fantasy: https://twobrokewatchsnobs.com/watch-shopping-on-the-disney-fantasy/

In this episode of TBWS, Mike and Kaz welcome back time_moments and introduce PSYWAR Wristcheck, who share insights on military watches and their significance.

The conversation explores personal wrist checks, the evolution of modern military watches, and watch marketing's storytelling aspect. The guests discuss their backgrounds in the military and how they intersect with their passion for watches, emphasizing the importance of functionality and aesthetics in timepieces. They also discuss various themes surrounding military watches, including personal career changes, the evolution of military media, and the significance of commemorative watches. They explore the rise of unit watches, operational security concerns, and the community of watch enthusiasts.

The conversation also touches on the ethics of military-themed watches and future watch projects, highlighting the intersection of personal identity and military service through timepieces.

Show Notes

PSYWAR Wristcheck: https://www.instagram.com/psywarwristcheck/

timely_moments: https://www.instagram.com/timely_moments/

The Zulu Time Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-zulu-time-podcast/id1497529473

The Covert Crown: https://www.instagram.com/the_covert_crown/

Recon Team Watch Blog: https://www.reconteamwatchblog.net/

Liberty Watch Group: https://www.instagram.com/libertywatchgroup/

Watches Win Wars: https://www.instagram.com/watcheswinwars/

Bulletproof Bezel: https://www.instagram.com/bulletproofbezel/

Huge thanks to ProTek Watches for sponsoring this week's wrist check! Check out their products at: https://protekwatch.com/

Buckle in and listen as Mike shares his experience finally getting "the call" from a Rolex AD. You'll hear about the model he was offered, how long the process took, purchase history requirements, and what he decided to do.

The guys also talk about how waitlist culture is changing, the ever-present appeal of the Grand Seiko Snowflake, and the process of sending a Panerai out for routine service through an AD.

Enjoy the show!

Huge thanks to Ollech & Wajs for sponsoring this week's wrist check! Check out their watches at: https://ow-watch.com/

In this episode, Mike and Kaz discuss the concept of a secret watch society and the pressure to conform to certain watch-collecting norms. They emphasize the importance of collecting watches that bring joy and not feeling the need to make specific purchases to be accepted by other collectors. They also mention the launch of their newsletter and their plans for live streaming. In this conversation, Kaz and Mike discuss the pressure and influence of social media on watch collecting.

Show Notes

Monta Triumph Limited Edition: https://twobrokewatchsnobs.com/monta-triumph-military-green-limited-edition/

Ollech & Wajs OW M-52B AF: https://ow-watch.com/collections/ollech-wajs-watches/products/ow-m-52baf

Ollech & Wajs B-905 US Airforce: https://ow-watch.com/collections/ollech-wajs-classics/products/ow-us-airforce

Today, on episode 276, Kaz and Mike sit down with ProTek and Luminox brand founder Barry Cohen to discuss his personal history in watch industry. Barry details some of the challenges involved with starting and running brands, securing licensing deals with the US military, Tritium technology, and the future of the ProTek brand.

Plus, we get a rundown of the brand's newest models while detailing each phase of the manufacturing process. Finally, Barry wanted to kindly extend a special 20% discount to Two Broke Watch Snobs listeners. We earn no commission from this and it's a great chance to save on a ProTek watch!

Show Notes

ProTek Watches (Use discount code "SNOBS" for a 20% discount): https://protekwatch.com/

Time Concepts: https://timeconcepts.net/

Szanto Time: https://www.szantotime.com/

Hawaiian Lifeguard Watch: http://www.hawaiianlifeguardwatch.com/

Huge thanks to BOLDR Supply Co. for sponsoring this week's wrist check! Check out their products at: https://www.boldrsupply.co/

This week, Kaz and Mike sit down to talk about the world of custom and third-party customized watches. From smaller operations, to larger companies like Bamford, the guys explore options collectors have these days and chat through how they would approach a custom watch.

Show Notes

Forstner Watches: https://forstnerbands.com/collections/watches

BOLDR Watches: https://www.boldrsupply.co/collections/all

Raven Custom Department: https://ravenwatches.com/pages/custom-dept

Bamford Watch Department: https://www.bamfordwatchdepartment.com/

Artisans de Geneve: https://www.artisansdegeneve.com/en/

Bamford MilSub: https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/the-bamford-heritage-milsub-a-modern-sub-with-all-the-bits-of-the-original-without-the-six-figure-bill

Undone Watches: https://undone.com/

After some time away, Kaz and Mike return to talk about the future of TBWS and what to expect for the rest of the year. They share their frustrations when it comes to current trends in watch media and what it's been like to tackle new challenges like YouTube.

Show Notes

Forstner A-12: https://forstnerbands.com/products/forstner-a-12

Grand Seiko SBGV233: https://twobrokewatchsnobs.com/grand-seiko-quartz-review-my-grail-the-sbgv233/

Omega Speedmaster Professional White Dial: https://www.instagram.com/twobrokewatchsnobs/p/C7xXuEfSEhv/

CWC Sea Falcon: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UvFtIDYSeh4

Citizen Promaster Dive Automatic NY0155-58X: https://www.citizenwatch.com/us/en/product/NY0155-58X.html

Balance Cock Bugle: https://twobrokewatchsnobs.com/balance-cock-bugle-satire/

It's been a while since the "Affordable Vintage Watches" segment aired and now Mike & Kaz are bringing it back with a very special guest.

Nick Ferrell runs DC Vintage Watches and specializes in vintage Seiko, Omega, and Heuer. Tune in as the guys run through Nick's professional journey, his passion for Seiko, what it's like sourcing watches and running the site, and more. Kaz & Nick even dive into some vintage Soviet watch talk.

You'll also get to hear about some cool vintage Seiko models people might be missing out on while they're focusing on the hype pieces.

Show notes:

DCVW: https://www.dcvintagewatches.com/

Nodus Contrail GMT: https://www.noduswatches.com/contrail-gmt