Building MEC Watches: From Collector to Creator with Carlos Ramirez

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/

Pedro Costa and his company, Costa Design, are redefining watch artistry in a way no one else in the industry is. He’s not just crafting timepieces—he’s bringing them to life as jaw-dropping, larger-than-life sculptures. What started as handcrafted coffee tables shaped like oversized (and often fully functional) Rolex, Audemars Piguet, and Patek Philippe watches has now expanded into stunning lamps and even more incredible designs.   In this episode, Pedro shares the journey behind his one-of-a-kind creations, the intricate process of building these sculptures, and what exciting projects he has in store for the future. If you love watches, art, or just groundbreaking creativity, you won’t want to miss this conversation!   Check out all of Costa Design's sculptures: https://costadesignstudio.com.co/ Follow Costa Design on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/costadesignco   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 on YouTube: https://youtu.be/eiDEkZtaxm0   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/

2024 is coming to a close, and there were A LOT of exciting new watch releases this year. to close out the year, Craig, Ben, and Derek go through their favorite watches in a variety of categories, including dress watches, under $1,000, microbrands, independents, complications, chronographs and many more. The guys also give their overall favorite watches of 2024.   Let us know your favorite releases in every category (and overall favorite).   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 on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Ehd3CRHc4I4   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/

What discontinued/vintage watches would we like to see brands bring back. From the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Rectangular, to the steel Vacheron Constantin Historiques 222 and the original Rolex Milgauss Reference 6541, there are a lot of watches Craig, Ben and Derek want to see come back. The guys also spend some time discussing the new Patek Philippe Cubitus and the upcoming 2025 Watches & Wonders.    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 on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ba4Jjk5H9Po   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/

Craig is back from Japan. While there, he was there he visited both Seiko Epson, where Grand Seiko Quartz and Spring Drive watches are produced, and Grand Seiko Studio Shizukuishi, where Grand Seiko's mechanical watches are made. Craig, Ben and Derek discuss the trip, as well as Craig's interview of Akio Naito, President Of Seiko Watches. The guys also discuss Watches of Switzerland's recent purchase of Hodinkee and what it means for both companies. Finally, they discussed the new Omega Speedmaster FOIS (First Omega in Space) and offered their thoughts on fake watches. Hint on their thoughts about fakes: they aren't big fans.   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 the Episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/oPVVpekqsxU   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

Can you get a quality watch at under $1,000 USD? Turns out you can! Craig, Ben and Derek take a look at their favorite affordable watches in many different categories, including dive watches, skeleton watches, chronographs, field watches, and pilot watches.   And introducing the new 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 the Podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/A_1Y3RJu1Zo    For Watch News, Reviews and Buying guides: https://www.wristenthusiast.com/   The Watches:  Best Divers Under $1,000: Seiko SPB143: https://www.seikowatches.com/us-en/products/prospex/spb143j1 Wren Diver One Snow: https://www.wristenthusiast.com/shop/wren-diver-one-snow Christopher Ward C60 Sapphire Baltic Aquascaphe: https://baltic-watches.com/en/products/aquascaphe-blue-gilt Seiko SKX: https://www.seikowatches.com/us-en/products/5sports/lineup Best Integrated Bracelet Watches Under $1,000: Maen Manhattan 37: https://www.maenwatches.com/en-us/collections/manhattan-37 Tissot PRX Powermatic 80 35mm: https://www.tissotwatches.com/en-us/T1372073302100.html Yema Urban Traveller: https://yema.com/products/yema-urban-traveller-ywtr23-gms Best GMTs Under $1,000: Jack Mason Strat-o-Timer: https://jackmasonbrand.com/collections/the-strat-o-timer-collection-1 Nodus X Raven Trail Trekker: https://ravenwatches.com/pages/trailtrekker Seiko 5 GMT: https://seikousa.com/products/ssk003 Timex Expedition GMT Titanium: https://timex.com/products/expedition-gmt-titanium-automatic-41mm-silicone-strap-watch-tw2w53000 Timex Q GMT: https://timex.com/collections/q-timex-gmt-watches Best Chronographs Under $1,000: Seiko Speedtimer Solar Chronograph: https://www.seikowatches.com/us-en/products/prospex/special/speedtimer/solar/index Depancel Allure Manual Chronograph: https://depancel.com/en-us/products/allure-manual-chronograph-blue-39mm Depancel Allure MecaQ: https://depancel.com/en-us/products/allure Brew Metric Chronograph: https://www.brew-watches.com/products/brew-metric-retro-black Studio Underd0g Series 01: https://underd0g.com/pages/01series-collection Best Skeleton Watches Under $1,000: MIDO Commander Gradient: https://www.midowatches.com/us/commander-gradient-m0214071841100.html Depancel Pista GT: https://depancel.com/en-us/products/pista-gt-steel?variant=40498525044787 Xeric Invertor II: https://www.xeric.com/collections/invertor-ii-automatic-watches CIGA Design Magician: https://cigadesign.com/products/ciga-design-mechanical-watch-magician-3-in-1 Orient Bambino Open Heart: https://www.orientwatchusa.com/collections/orient-bambino/ra-ag0005l10a Swatch Black Lacquered: https://www.swatch.com/en-us/black-lacquered-so29b107/SO29B107.html Swatch Sistem Through Again: https://www.swatch.com/en-us/sistem-through-again-yis431/YIS431.html Best Field Watches Under $1,000: Hamilton Khaki Field Murph 38: https://www.hamiltonwatch.com/en-us/h70405730-khaki-field-murph-38mm.html Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical Bronze: https://www.hamiltonwatch.com/en-us/h69459510-khaki-field-mechanical-bronze.html Seiko Laurel Alpinist SPB243: https://seikousa.com/products/spb243 Formex Field Automatic 40: https://formexwatch.com/collections/field-automatic/ Best Pilot Watches Under $1,000: Tsao Baltimore Balt Pilot Woldtimer: https://tsaobaltimore.com/collections/balt-pilot-worldtimer Seiko SRPH29: https://seikousa.com/products/srph29 Seiko SSK023: https://www.seikowatches.com/us-en/products/5sports/ssk023   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 

There has been a lot of recent news in the watch industry. Craig, Derek and Ben tackle it all. They discuss Donald Trump's new watch brand, including his new gold tourbillon model (with hundreds of diamonds). Are Trump's watches worth it? They also discuss Mark Zuckerberg and his new insane watch collection. Why did the Meta founder get into watch collecting? The guys also discuss new releases, including the Hodinkee and Zenith Triple Calendar Meteorite and the Jaeger-LeCoultre Tribute Monoface.   Watch the Full Video on Youtube: https://youtu.be/Txao1BPxNAE   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