What does it take to remain one of the world’s most respected watch brands for over a century? 

 In this exclusive WatchDNA interview, we sit down with Martin Mills, Vice President of Sales at Citizen Watch Canada, to explore the history, innovation, and philosophy behind one of Japan’s most influential watchmakers. 

Known for pioneering technologies such as Eco-Drive and Super Titanium™, Citizen has built its reputation on creating reliable, innovative, and accessible timepieces that combine everyday practicality with advanced engineering. 

In this conversation, Martin shares insights into Citizen’s remarkable journey, how the brand continues to evolve, and why innovation remains at the heart of everything they do. 

💬 In this episode, we discuss: 

⌚ Citizen’s heritage and growth into a global watchmaking powerhouse 
☀️ The story behind Eco-Drive technology and its impact on the industry 
🛡️ How Super Titanium™ delivers durability, comfort, and performance 
🌍 The balance between innovation, craftsmanship, and everyday wearability 
📈 How Citizen continues to stay relevant in a rapidly changing market 
🔮 What’s next for one of Japan’s most iconic watch brands 

Whether you’re a seasoned collector, a Citizen owner, or simply curious about modern watchmaking, this interview offers a fascinating look inside a company that has helped shape the future of timekeeping. 

🎥 Hosted by WatchDNA | Where Time Connects Us All 

📍 Explore more at: WatchDNA.com/Citizen 

✨ Follow WatchDNA:
 🌐 Website: WatchDNA.com
 📸 Instagram: instagram.com/watchdna
 ▶️ YouTube: youtube.com/@watchdna
 📱 TikTok: tiktok.com/@watchdna 

Stay tuned for more interviews, brand stories, and behind-the-scenes insights from the world of watchmaking. ⏱️ 

#Citizen #CitizenWatches #EcoDrive #SuperTitanium #JapaneseWatchmaking #WatchDNA #MartinMills #WatchIndustry #Horology #WatchCollectors #TimeConnectsUs 

Send us Fan Mail

From cars to watches—and everything in between. 

In this episode of WatchDNA, we sit down with Justin Mastine-Frost, Director of Digital Content at SHARP Magazine, to discuss his unique journey through automotive and watch journalism, where a passion for design, engineering, craftsmanship, and storytelling connects two fascinating worlds. 

Justin shares his perspective on the evolution of media, the importance of authenticity in content creation, and how enthusiasm and curiosity continue to shape both the automotive and horological communities. 

💬 In this conversation, we explore: 
 ⌚ The deep connection between watches and cars—and why enthusiasts are often drawn to both 
🏎️ How design, performance, and engineering influence collectors across industries 
📱 The evolving role of digital media, content creation, and storytelling 
✍️ Justin’s personal project, “Cursive Perspective,” and the value of slowing down in a fast-paced digital world 
🌍 Favourite watches, memorable wrist shots, GMTs, and the brands that continue to inspire him 

At WatchDNA, conversations like these embody our mission to educate, entertain, and connect the global watch community through meaningful stories and authentic voices.  

🎥 Hosted by WatchDNA | Where Time Connects Us All 

🔗 Discover more:
 ⌚ WatchDNA.com 

📲 Follow WATCHDNA:
 📷 Instagram: @WatchDNA
 🐦 Twitter/X: @WatchDNA
 👍 Facebook: WatchDNA
 🎬 TikTok: @WatchDNA 

#JustinMastineFrost #SHARPMagazine #WatchDNA #WatchJournalism #Horology #CarCulture #WatchCollectors #GMTWatches #LuxuryWatches #WatchCommunity #TimeConnectsUsAl 

Send us Fan Mail

Beyond Pink & Shrink: Building Real Tool Watches For Women (feat. Abingdon Co.)

🎥 Hosted by WatchDNA | Where Time Connects Us All
🔗 Discover Abingdon Watches: WatchDNA.com/Abingdon

Why does the watch industry think "pink it and shrink it" is the only way to design a woman's watch?

Today, WatchDNA host Thomas sits down in Las Vegas with Chelsea Abingdon Mullin, the boundary-breaking pilot and founder of The Abingdon Co. For 18 years, Abingdon has quietly revolutionized the watch world by rejecting traditional fashion trends to build heavy-duty, purpose-driven tool watches designed specifically for women who do more.  

Chelsea shares her Eureka moment of learning to fly airplanes at the Santa Monica airport at age 22, only to discover that every pilot's watch on the market looked like a giant grandfather clock on her wrist. From aviation slide rules and race track telemeters to 9-inch rulers built onto dive straps, we take an exclusive first look inside her brand-new, appointment-only showroom in the Las Vegas Arts District.

Chelsea also handles the internet's biggest debate—Quartz vs. Automatic movements—explaining why a pilot in the clouds needs split-second quartz precision, while a diver underwater demands an automatic seal.

In this video:

The Abingdon Origin Story: How a group of female pilots and mechanics helped design the brand's first timepieces.

Wrist Check & Collection Walkthrough: A look at the iconic Amelia GMT, the multi-time zone Elise, and the Jordan racing watch in Champagne.

Exclusive Las Vegas Edition: A close-up of the ultra-rare "Year 1" Las Vegas Race Watch limited to just 40 pieces, complete with an old-Vegas sign engraving and a custom racing-helmet box.  

The Nadia Dive Watch: Why this mechanical piece features a strap that doubles as a functional 23 cm / 9 in measuring ruler.

The WASP Legacy Piece: A historical tribute series limited to 112 pieces, honoring the Women Air Force Service Pilots of World War II.  

A Message to Major Brands: Why offering only one color option or diamond bezels ignores what adventurous women actually want.

Timestamps:
0:00 - Meeting Chelsea Abingdon Mullin in Las Vegas
0:42 - What is Abingdon Co.? Purpose-Built Watches for Active Women
1:07 - The Eureka Moment: Finding a Pilot Watch That Fits a 5'6" Frame
1:40 - The Jackie" & "Amelia" Flight Computers (E6B Slide Rules Explained)
2:10 - The "Jordan" Racing Watch & The Micro-Edition "Las Vegas Race" Model
3:13 - The Best-Selling "Elise" 33mm Tri-Time Zone GMT
3:42 - How a Self-Taught Founder Mastered Watchmaking (AWCI Masterclasses)
4:05 - The Quartz vs. Automatic Debate: Why Pilots Demand Quartz Precision
4:51 - The "Nadia" Diver: Long Straps and the 9-Inch Wet Suit Ruler
5:14 - The WASP Watch: Honoring World War II's Female Aviation Legends
5:50 - "Stop Pink-and-Shrink" – How the Industry Can Empower Female Collectors
6:38 - The 92% Rule: Why Trying on a Feeling Matters More Than Online Shopping
7:13 - Inside the New Las Vegas Arts District Showroom & Outro

#WomensWatches #ToolWatches #AbingdonCo #PilotWatch #DiveWatch #WomenInAviation #Microbrands #Las Vegas #WatchDNA #Horology #QuartzVsAutomatic #GMTWatch #RacingChronograph #WomensEmpowerment

Send us Fan Mail

What happens when a deep love for vintage horology intersects with a powerful family legacy?

Today, WatchDNA host Thomas experiences a "double Thomas" moment as he sits down in Vancouver with Thomas, the founder of the newly launched microbrand Tessé Watches. Fresh off their official launch just days prior, the duo discusses the overwhelming community feedback on Tessé's debut model and the deeply personal story that brought the brand to life.

Named after a quiet, rural village in Charente, France, where his grandparents lived, Tessé Watches was born out of a moment of loss and remembrance. After his grandfather, Michel—a dedicated, modest Renault car factory worker—passed away, Thomas inherited his prized 1970s Lip mechanical watch. It was a watch Michel wore with absolute pride, always hanging it safely on a single nail in the house before heading out to tend his garden. Finding that watch still hanging on the exact same nail years later sparked the "crazy" idea to start a watch company.

Thomas pulls back the curtain on how the brand's debut model modernizes that classic 1970s French Lip DNA blending a striking vintage cushion/tonneau case shape with heavily textured dials and beautifully decorated, high-grade Swiss automatic movements.

In this video:

The Story of Tessé: Moving from watch collecting to founding a brand rooted in the Charente region of France.

A Shared Heritage: Host Thomas shares a crazy coincidence about finding his own father’s long-lost vintage Lip watch from 1973.

Design Language: How Tessé translates '70s retro aesthetics (cushion cases, distinct hour markers, and unique hands) into modern luxury craftsmanship.  

Swiss Heart, French Soul: A look through the sapphire exhibition caseback at the beautifully finished and decorated Swiss movement.

🔗 Read more: WatchDNA.com
 📲 Subscribe for more: youtube.com/@watchdna
🔗 Discover more:
 ⌚️ WatchDNA.com
📲 Follow WATCHDNA:

 ● 📷 Instagram: @WatchDNA
 ● 🐦 Twitter: @WatchDNA
 ● 👍 Facebook: WatchDNA
 ● 🎬 TikTok: @WatchDNA

Timestamps:
0:00 - The "Double Thomas" Interview in Vancouver
0:17 - Early Feedback: Launching a Brand-New Watch Brand
0:39 - The Origin Story: Why "Tessé" is Rooted in a French Village
1:00 - Inheriting a Legend: The 1970s Mechanical Lip Watch
1:12 - A Crazy Coincidence: Host Thomas Finds His Dad's 1973 Lip
1:40 - The Story of Michel: Garden Nails and French Factory Pride
2:17 - Translating '70s Retro Style: The Modern Cushion Case & Indices
2:43 - Movement & Finish: Elevating Vintage Design with Swiss Craftsmanship
3:05 - Where is Tessé, France? A Hidden Gem Near Bordeaux
3:18 - Outro & Exploring the WatchDNA Brand Directory

#TesseWatches #Microbrands #VintageLipWatch #RetroWatches #70sStyle #SwissMovement #WatchDNA #FrenchHeritage #CushionCase #WatchCollecting #Horology #NewWatchRelease #WatchFair

Send us Fan Mail

Why NORQAIN is Dominating Independent Swiss Watchmaking! (Wild ONE & Skeleton Flyback Review)

🔗 Discover more:
⌚️ WatchDNA.com

📲 Follow WATCHDNA:
📷 Instagram: @WatchDNA
🐦 Twitter: @WatchDNA
👍 Facebook: WatchDNA
🎬 TikTok: @WatchDNA

Is NORQAIN the most exciting young brand in luxury horology?

Today, WatchDNA sits down with Emmanuel from NORQAIN to explore how this independent, family-owned Swiss watch company has completely redefined modern mechanical sports watches since its launch in 2018. Founded by Ben Küffer in Nidau, Switzerland, NORQAIN combines generations of traditional family watchmaking expertise with an aggressive, youthful approach to cutting-edge materials and design.

Emmanuel gives us an exclusive, hands-on look at their latest high-performance releases, including the ultra-engineered Wild ONE Skeleton. Weighing a mere 78 grams, built from their proprietary NORTEQ carbon fiber composite, and boasting an insane 5,000 g of shock resistance, it is arguably the ultimate rugged sports watch on the market.

We also dive into the high-end Independence Skeleton Chrono Flyback—a limited-edition column-wheel chronograph launched at Watches & Wonders—and look at the playful, pastel-hued Freedom 60 "Enjoy Life" Edition featuring a weekly ice cream emoji calendar complication.

In this video:

The NORQAIN Story: How an independent Swiss brand achieved explosive growth in the U.S. market since 2019.

NORTEQ Carbon Fiber Technology: The multi-layer rubber shock-absorption case architecture behind the Wild ONE.

Watches & Wonders Limited Edition: A close-up look at the Grade 5 Titanium Flyback Chronograph limited to 500 pieces.

The Adventure Collection: Heavy-duty, cerulean blue dials built to handle everything from mountain climbing to playing hockey.

Timestamps:
0:00 - Introduction to NORQAIN with Emmanuel
0:28 - The History: Ben Küffer & Independent Swiss Watchmaking
0:50 - From a Tiny Miami Office to U.S. Market Growth
1:16 - Hands-On: The Limited Edition Independence Skeleton Chrono Flyback
2:14 - The Wild ONE Skeleton: 78g & 5,000 Gs of Shock Resistance
3:19 - Freedom 60 Chrono "Enjoy Life" Pastel Ice Cream Edition
4:00 - The Adventure Collection: 44mm Steel & DLC Chronographs
4:37 - Discover More at the WatchDNA Authorized Dealer Directory

#Norqain #IndependentWatchmaking #SwissMade #WildONE #Norteq #SkeletonWatch #WatchesAnd Wonders #SportsWatch #Chronograph #LuxuryWatches #WatchDNA #Horology #NorqainFreedom #Microbrands

Send us Fan Mail

Inside the Secret Paris Boutique of France’s Most Stylish Watch Brand! (March LA.B AM2 Review)

📍 Explore more at: WatchDNA.com/MarchLAB
 🎥 Full video on our channel: YouTube.com/@watchdna
✨ Follow WatchDNA:
 🌐 Website: WatchDNA.com
 📸 Instagram: instagram.com/watchdna
 ▶️ YouTube: youtube.com/@watchdna
 📱 TikTok: tiktok.com/@watchdna

We are taking you inside the stunning March LA.B flagship boutique in Le Marais, Paris, for an exclusive hands-on look at one of France's most stylish independent watch microbrands. Known for their radically striking 1970s retro-futuristic aesthetic, March LA.B blends French style with classic Californian surf culture vibes.

In this video, we sit down to discuss the 14-year history of the brand, explore their unisex design philosophy, and get a hands-on review of their signature square-shaped watch line: the March LA.B AM2. From trying on the sleek new 41mm AM2 GMT automatic watch with its four-hand layout, to exploring the AM2 Slim (36mm) and their dedicated women’s collection (Lady Mansart and Lady Monarch), we break down why these luxury timepieces are catching the attention of collectors worldwide.

If you love unique independent watchmaking, vintage-inspired case profiles, and microbrands pushing design boundaries, this hands-on boutique tour is a must-watch!

Learn more about the collection over at WatchDNA.com/MarchLab

Don't forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more luxury watch reviews, boutique tours, and independent watchmaking spotlights!

0:00 - Unboxing & Trying on the March LA.B AM2 GMT 
1:02 - The History of March LA.B: From Biarritz to Paris
1:40 - Global Expansion & After-Sales Service
2:12 - Nostalgic Parisian Memories in Le Marais
2:42 - Exploring the AM2 Shaped Watch Collection
3:15 - Unisex Philosophy & Dedicated Ladies' Watches
3:55 - Annual March Artistic Collaborations
4:18 - Where to Find March LA.B in Paris & Wrap Up

#MarchLAB #MarchLABAM2 #FrenchWatches #IndependentWatchmaking #WatchReview #Microbrands #LuxuryWatches #MensWatches #WomensWatches #BoutiqueTour #ParisFashion #Watches #WatchCollector #GMTWatch #RetroFuturism

Send us Fan Mail

Becoming a Watchmaker: Inside the Secret Luxury World of Maison Birks

What does it actually take to become a luxury watchmaker? We are on location at an exclusive watch show in Laval/Montreal sitting down with Gregor, the Head Watchmaker and Director of After-Sales Service at the legendary Canadian luxury institution, Maison Birks.

In this video, Gregor shares his journey starting from the National Watchmaking School of Canada (École nationale de l'horlogerie) to landing a career leading watch restorations and customer care for the finest international luxury watch brands in Canada.

We dive deep into the current state of the horology industry, addressing the critical shortage of certified watchmakers, and why professional servicing is essential to preserve timepieces as multigenerational family heirlooms. Gregor also opens up about passing down the passion for collecting to his own son, and the bright future ahead for watchmaking education in Canada.

If you are passionate about mechanical movements, luxury horology history, or are considering a career in precision micro-mechanics, this expert interview is a must-watch!

Learn more about luxury movements and timepieces at WatchDNA.com/Watchmaking

Don't forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more exclusive watchmaker interviews, luxury watch reviews, and horology event coverage!

🔗 Discover more:
 ⌚ WatchDNA.com
Follow WATCHDNA:
 📸 Instagram: @WatchDNA
 🐦 Twitter: @WatchDNA
 👍 Facebook: WatchDNA
 🎬 TikTok: @WatchDNA
Special thanks to Grigor for sharing his time and perspective.

0:00 - Introduction: The Passion for Horology Stories
0:32 - The Growing Canadian Watch Community in Montreal
0:58 - Meet Gregor: Head Watchmaker at Maison Birks
1:32 - The Global Shortage of Professional Watchmakers
2:01 - Why Luxury Watch Servicing & Maintenance Matters
2:43 - Passing Watches Down as Family Heirlooms
3:24 - Future Upgrades to Canada's National Watchmaking School
4:05 - Outro & Where to Learn More

#Watchmaking #MaisonBirks #WatchDNA #Horology #WatchCollector #LuxuryWatches #WatchRepair #MontrealWatchShow #Timepiece #IndependentWatchmaking #FamilyHeirloom

Send us Fan Mail

The Toughest Watch Built for Open Space: Testing Fortis Watches in Orbit!

This is "luxury you can really use. Live from Day 3 at the Couture show in Las Vegas, WatchDNA host Thomas sits down with Jupp (100% owner) and Pascal from Fortis Watches to explore the incredible engineering behind these ultimate tool watches.

In this video, Jupp shares how he transformed Fortis into a true independent, family-run brand since taking over in 2018. We then dive into a hands-on review of the legendary Fortis Novonaut—the iconic successor to the Official Cosmonauts watch worn by astronauts and cosmonauts on the ISS. Discover how Fortis literally sent 13 mechanical movements into space on a stratospheric flight and a rocket test to survive extreme zero-gravity vibrations, radiation, and thermal shifts. We break down its column-wheel chronograph movement featuring a massive 60-hour power reserve.

Next, we look at the newly redefined Fortis Flieger F-41 Mission Black and Tactical Green collections. Built purely for extreme pilot legibility and robustness, these German-style pilot watches feature solid, raised blocks of Super-LumiNova for unparalleled illumination.

If you are a fan of space exploration, ultra-robust tool watches, and independent watch microbrands, this interview is for you!

Find an authorised Fortis retailer near you and explore the collection at WatchDNA.com/Fortis

Don't forget to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more luxury watch reviews, independent brand spotlights, and exclusive horology trade show vlogs!

📲 Follow WATCHDNA:
● 📷 Instagram: @WatchDNA
● 🐦 Twitter: @WatchDNA
● 👍 Facebook: WatchDNA
● 🎬 TikTok: @WatchDNA

#Fortis #WatchDNA #ToolWatch #MissionReady #VegasWatchTalk #SwissWatches #builttoperform 

0:00 - Luxury You Can Use: Meeting Fortis Watches at Couture
0:44 - Inside a Real Family-Owned Independent Watch Brand
1:11 - Hands-On: The Legendary Fortis Novonaut Space Watch
2:12 - Rocket-Tested: How Fortis Builds Movements for Outer Space
3:16 - The Ultimate Pilot Watch: Fortis Flieger Mission Black
3:58 - Solid Super-LumiNova Bricks & Extreme Low-Light Lume
4:22 - Outro & Where to Buy Fortis Watches

#FortisWatches #WatchDNA #SpaceWatch #Flieger #Novonaut #ToolWatch #LuxuryWatches #WatchCollector #Chronograph #Cosmonaut #PilotWatch #Horology #CoutureVegas

Send us Fan Mail

We had the honour of meeting Sophia Chong, the vision behind Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair 2025, one of the most important stages for the luxury watch industry.

What makes this fair so unique is how it blends tradition with innovation. In Hong Kong, the world of watches comes alive: heritage brands, independent creators, and collectors all come together in one place. Under Sophia Chong’s leadership, Hong Kong Watch & Clock Fair continues to grow as a true global hub for luxury timepieces.

If you’re into luxury watches, fascinated by watch fairs, or just curious about the energy of Hong Kong’s watch scene, this video gives you a closer look.

🔗 Discover more:
 ⌚️ WatchDNA.com
 📲 Follow WATCHDNA:
 📷 Instagram: @WatchDNA
 🐦 Twitter: @WatchDNA
 👍 Facebook: WatchDNA
 🎬 TikTok: @WatchDNA

#ClocksAndWatches #SofiaChong #HongKongWatches #LuxuryWatches #WatchFair #WatchDNA

Send us Fan Mail

It started with watches, but with U-BOAT, the conversation doesn’t stay on the wrist for long.
Boats, cars, power, design, and the kind of mindset that doesn’t ask for permission are the keys to the U-boat universe.
This is more than a timepiece. It’s a way of moving through the world.

 📰 More at: WatchDNA.com/Uboat

🔗 Discover more:
 ⌚️ WatchDNA.com
📲 Follow WATCHDNA:
 📷 Instagram: @WatchDNA
 🐦 Twitter: @WatchDNA
 👍 Facebook: WatchDNA
 🎬 TikTok: @WatchDNA

#UBoat #WatchDNA #BigBoyEnergy #BoatsAndWatches #WatchTalk #NoRulesDesign #BuiltDifferent

Send us Fan Mail