College Football Watches & Geneva Watch Days: The Wildest Week in Watches

This week on Wrist Enthusiast Radio, we're diving into one of the most unexpected crossovers in watchmaking — college football and luxury watches. Ben and Craig hit the road with Axia Time, the brand behind official watches for the College Football Playoff and the Heisman Trophy, and we share what really goes on behind those limited-edition team pieces. Then, we head to Geneva Watch Days 2025, where we break down our favorite releases from Ming, Bulgari, Grand Seiko, Micromilspec, and more. From the Heisman Trophy to high horology, this episode covers one of the wildest weeks we've ever had in watches.   Learn more about Axia Time here: https://axiatime.com/   Make sure to check out the sponsor of our podcast, Delugs! Delugs is a great place to get all your watch straps and accessories. Definitely check them out! Delugs website: https://delugs.com/   Follow us on Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wristenthusiast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wristenthusiastradio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wristenthusiast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wristenthusiast   Follow Craig: https://www.instagram.com/craig_karger/ Follow Ben: https://www.instagram.com/benswatches/ Follow Derek: https://www.instagram.com/theminutemon/

Craig, Derek, and Ben sit down with VJ Geronimo, Oris' CEO of the Americas, to talk about the brand's latest release, the Aquis New York Harbor II, and Oris's unexpected ties to baseball and country music. We cover the story behind Oris's sustainability projects, play a round of "This or That" with VJ, and dig into what makes the brand different as an independent watchmaker.   Make sure to check out the sponsor of our podcast, Delugs! Delugs is a great place to get all your watch straps and accessories. Definitely check them out! Delugs website: https://delugs.com/   Follow us on Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wristenthusiast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wristenthusiastradio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wristenthusiast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wristenthusiast   Follow Craig: https://www.instagram.com/craig_karger/ Follow Ben: https://www.instagram.com/benswatches/ Follow Derek: https://www.instagram.com/theminutemon/ 

In this episode of Wrist Enthusiast Radio, Craig, Ben, and Derek share their picks for the most overrated and underrated watches across every major category, including divers, chronographs, GMTs, skeleton watches, and more. They debate popular models like the Pelagos 39, the Submariner, and the Tissot PRX, and highlight overlooked favorites from brands like Zenith, Doxa, Longines, Cartier, and JLC. Plus, updates on new pickups like the Wren Diver 38 Seafoam and the Zenith Lapis Chronomaster.   Make sure to check out the sponsor of our podcast, Delugs! Delugs is a great place to get all your watch straps and accessories. Definitely check them out! Delugs website: https://delugs.com/   Preorder the Wren Diver 38 Seafoam: https://www.wristenthusiast.com/shop/p/wren-diver-38-seafoam   Follow us on Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wristenthusiast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wristenthusiastradio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wristenthusiast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wristenthusiast   Follow Craig: https://www.instagram.com/craig_karger/ Follow Ben: https://www.instagram.com/benswatches/ Follow Derek: https://www.instagram.com/theminutemon/ 

In this episode of Wrist Enthusiast Radio, Craig, Derek, and Ben dive deep into the world of microbrands, bringing their personal picks and strong opinions across a range of watch categories. From affordable GMTs and creative chronographs to asymmetrical art pieces and full-blown complications, the crew covers it all—highlighting both fan favorites and obscure gems. Expect shoutouts to Wren, Studio Underdog, Serica, Furlan Marri, Atelier Wen, and many more, all while discussing what really defines a microbrand in today's ever-evolving watch world. It's the ultimate enthusiast's guide to discovering the best microbrand watches, whether you're new to the scene or already deep in the weeds.   Make sure to check out the sponsor of our podcast, Delugs! Delugs is a great place to get all your watch straps and accessories. Definitely check them out! Delugs website: https://delugs.com/   Preorder the Wren Diver 38 Seafoam: https://www.wristenthusiast.com/shop/p/wren-diver-38-seafoam   Follow us on Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wristenthusiast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wristenthusiastradio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wristenthusiast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wristenthusiast   Follow Craig: https://www.instagram.com/craig_karger/ Follow Ben: https://www.instagram.com/benswatches/ Follow Derek: https://www.instagram.com/theminutemon/

In this episode of Wrist Enthusiast Radio, Craig, Ben and Derek dive into the world of watches that aren't just props, they're part of the plot. From the Hamilton Murph's role in Interstellar to the cracked-dial watch in The Last of Us, we explore the timepieces that drive emotion, character, and story on screen. We also look at Patrick Bateman's Seiko in American Psycho and how Richard Mille and Patek Philippe show up in unexpected places like Your Friends & Neighbors. These watches don't just tell time, they tell stories.   Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.wristenthusiast.com/podcastlibrary    For Watch News, Reviews and Buying guides: https://www.wristenthusiast.com/   Follow us on Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wristenthusiast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wristenthusiastradio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wristenthusiast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wristenthusiast   Follow Craig: https://www.instagram.com/craig_karger/ Follow Ben: https://www.instagram.com/benswatches/ Follow Derek: https://www.instagram.com/theminutemon/ 

In this episode of Wrist Enthusiast Radio, Derek, Ben, and Craig break down their favorite watches that come on rubber straps and the ones they wish did. From classics like the Rolex Yacht-Master and Patek Philippe Aquanaut to underrated picks like the IWC Mark XV and Zenith Defy Skyline, the crew shares what works, what doesn't, and what could look even better with the right rubber strap.   They also spotlight Delugs and their lineup of cut-to-size and mosaic-pattern straps, including firsthand experiences fitting them to watches like the Omega Speedmaster, Cartier Santos, and Wren Diver One. Whether you're looking to add a rubber strap for comfort, versatility, or style, this episode doubles as a practical buying guide filled with inspiration and ideas for your next strap upgrade.   Make sure to check out the sponsor of our podcast, Delugs! Delugs is a great place to get all your watch straps and accessories. Definitely check them out!   Delugs website: https://delugs.com/   Watch this episode of Wrist Enthusiast Radio on YouTube: https://youtu.be/HsuEcHyElBo   For Watch News, Reviews and Buying guides: https://www.wristenthusiast.com/   Follow us on Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wristenthusiast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wristenthusiastradio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wristenthusiast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wristenthusiast   Follow Craig: https://www.instagram.com/craig_karger/ Follow Ben: https://www.instagram.com/benswatches/ Follow Derek: https://www.instagram.com/theminutemon/

In this episode of Wrist Enthusiast Radio, Craig, Ben and Derek are joined by Carlos Ramirez, founder of MEC Watches, for a deep dive into his collecting journey, design philosophy, and the launch of his in-house jump hour masterpiece, the MEC 1. Carlos shares how his love for watches evolved from Fossil and Panerai to F.P. Journe, eventually inspiring him to create his own brand from scratch. From the architectural influence behind MEC's unique aesthetic to the challenge of hand-delivering the first 50 timepieces, this episode is packed with insights on independent watchmaking and passion-driven entrepreneurship.   We also talk straps, quick-release buckles, the value of high-contrast dials, and standout pieces from Omega and Ulysse Nardin to Tudor and Norqain. Along the way, the conversation flows into American watchmaking heritage, the ambition to build a US-based movement manufacturing facility, and even Carlos's new biodynamic wine project. Whether you're a seasoned collector, an indie watch lover, or just fascinated by the craft of horology, this one's not to be missed.   Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/02HWXrkOUBo   For Watch News, Reviews and Buying guides: https://www.wristenthusiast.com/   Follow us on Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wristenthusiast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wristenthusiastradio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wristenthusiast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wristenthusiast   Follow Craig: https://www.instagram.com/craig_karger/ Follow Ben: https://www.instagram.com/benswatches/ Follow Derek: https://www.instagram.com/theminutemon/

In this very special episode of Wrist Enthusiast Radio, join Craig, Derek, and Ben LIVE from the Ulysse Nardin booth at Watches & Wonders Geneva as they dive into the most exciting releases, hot takes, and behind-the-scenes moments from the watch industry's biggest event of the year.   From hands-on impressions of the new Rolex Land-Dweller and Cartier's small Santos to the groundbreaking Grand Seiko UFA and IWC's Ingenieur Perpetual Calendar, it's a jam-packed episode full of favorite pieces, surprises, creator shout-outs (Teddy Baldassarre, anyone?), and even a toast or two 🥂.   Also: Swiss watch tariffs, freaky lightweight divers, hilarious doppelgänger stories, and why this week is better than Christmas (at least for us in the watch industry).   Watch Wrist Enthusiast Radio on Youtube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxY9ciMuyHvQsoKeiHAwxEVUKkMV_Yuec&si=Ln9dvkkXq_vQRJMf   For Watch News, Reviews and Buying guides: https://www.wristenthusiast.com/   Follow us on Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wristenthusiast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wristenthusiastradio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wristenthusiast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wristenthusiast   Follow Craig: https://www.instagram.com/craig_karger/ Follow Ben: https://www.instagram.com/benswatches/ Follow Derek: https://www.instagram.com/theminutemon/ 

From lawyer to watch photographer to co-founder of an independent watch brand—James Kong (@waitlisted) has done it all. In this episode, we talk about his journey into watches, the art of watch photography, and his role as COO of Fleming Watches. Plus, we get into the challenges of working with tantalum, his thoughts on watch design, and some spicy takes on watch photography.   Make sure to check out the sponsor of our podcast, Delugs! Delugs is a great place to get all your watch straps and accessories. Definitely check them out!   Delugs website: https://delugs.com/   Watch Wrist Enthusiast Radio on YouTube: https://youtu.be/VfYKQNn1OMM   For Watch News, Reviews and Buying guides: https://www.wristenthusiast.com/   Fleming's Website: https://www.fleming.watch/   Follow James on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/waitlisted   Follow us on Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wristenthusiast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wristenthusiastradio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wristenthusiast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wristenthusiast   Follow Craig: https://www.instagram.com/craig_karger/ Follow Ben: https://www.instagram.com/benswatches/ Follow Derek: https://www.instagram.com/theminutemon/ 

The watch industry is evolving, but where is it headed in 2025? In this episode of Wrist Enthusiast Radio, we break down the biggest trends we expect to see—from the rise (and fall) of integrated bracelet watches to the comeback of stone dials, microbrand innovations, and the growing shift in watch sizing. Will brands finally embrace future-forward designs, or will they keep looking to the past? What will be released during Watches & Wonders 2025?   We also discuss the impact of potential tariffs on watch manufacturing, the growing trend of "boyfriend watches," and whether watch theft concerns are reshaping how collectors wear their pieces.    Make sure to check out the sponsor of our podcast, Delugs! Delugs is a great place to get all your watch straps and accessories. Definitely check them out!   Delugs website: https://delugs.com/   Watch Wrist Enthusiast Radio on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxY9ciMuyHvQsoKeiHAwxEVUKkMV_Yuec    For Watch News, Reviews and Buying guides: https://www.wristenthusiast.com/   Follow us on Social Media: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wristenthusiast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wristenthusiastradio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wristenthusiast TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@wristenthusiast   Follow Craig: https://www.instagram.com/craig_karger/ Follow Ben: https://www.instagram.com/benswatches/ Follow Derek: https://www.instagram.com/theminutemon/