A Matter of Time

What makes a watch GOOD, GREAT, or GRAIL? | EP 04


Listen Later

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.

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

A Matter of TimeBy Time+Tide Watches

  • 4.8
  • 4.8
  • 4.8
  • 4.8
  • 4.8

4.8

6 ratings


More shows like A Matter of Time

View all
The Grey Nato by James Stacey and Jason Heaton

The Grey Nato

823 Listeners

Two Broke Watch Snobs by Two Broke Watch Snobs

Two Broke Watch Snobs

264 Listeners

The Worn & Wound Podcast by Worn & Wound Podcast Network

The Worn & Wound Podcast

301 Listeners

Scottish Watches by Scottish Watches

Scottish Watches

132 Listeners

Fratello.com by Fratello Watches

Fratello.com

95 Listeners

Superlative by Ariel Adams

Superlative

37 Listeners

A Blog To Watch Weekly by Watching Watches Watch

A Blog To Watch Weekly

34 Listeners

Collectors Gene Radio by Cameron Ross Steiner

Collectors Gene Radio

51 Listeners

Wrist Enthusiast Radio by Wrist Enthusiast

Wrist Enthusiast Radio

24 Listeners

The 1916 Company Podcast by The 1916 Company

The 1916 Company Podcast

16 Listeners

The Deep Track by Blake Buettner

The Deep Track

30 Listeners

This Watch Life by Lydia Winters and Vu Bui

This Watch Life

43 Listeners

Hairspring by Hairspring

Hairspring

55 Listeners

That Watch Podcast by G - Matt - Darren

That Watch Podcast

16 Listeners

Openwork: Inside the Watch Industry by Collective Horology

Openwork: Inside the Watch Industry

32 Listeners