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/

Ep. #275 Custom Watches. Should They Be More Popular?

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/

Ep. #276 Talking ProTek, Tritium, and the Future of the Brand With Barry Cohen

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

Ep. #277 There Is No Secret Watch Society

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!

Ep. #278 Mike Got "The Call"

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/

Ep. #279 Talking Military Watches With PSYWAR Wristcheck & Timely Moments

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/

Ep. #280 The Mickey Mouse Watch

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/

Ep. #281 In Defense of the Sh*tter Watch

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

Ep. #284 Are Luxury Watches Even Worth It?

In this episode of Two Book Watch Snobs, Mike and Kaz discuss their recent experiences with watches, travel, and photography. They delve into Mike's trip to Iceland, exploring the intersection of travel and watch collecting, and share insights on photography in different environments. 

They talk about packing strategies, the philosophy of traveling with just one watch, and the mishaps that can occur with watches during adventures. The discussion also touches on watch maintenance, repair, and the unique experience of visiting JS Watch Co., a small watch manufacturer in Iceland. 

As they wrap up, they brainstorm ideas for future episodes, including challenges related to affordable and vintage watches.

Show notes

The Christmas Chrono: https://twobrokewatchsnobs.com/orient-wv0051tx-neo70s-limited-edition-review/

CWC Royal Navy Diver: https://twobrokewatchsnobs.com/cwc-1980-royal-navy-diver/

Watches in Iceland: https://twobrokewatchsnobs.com/four-watches-across-iceland/

WOE Canvas Watch Roll: https://www.watchesofespionage.com/products/the-w-o-e-explorer-canvas-4-watch-roll

Make Way for Ducklings: https://www.boston-discovery-guide.com/make-way-for-ducklings.html

Ep. #285 Watches in Iceland + Travel Watch Talk

$200 or less. That’s the magic number, folks—one and done! The boys are back at it, and in today’s episode, Kaz and Mike are diving into the one-watch-collection concept from a budget-friendly angle. Too often, people think a one-watch collection means shelling out for some outrageous, high-end piece. But, there are some seriously solid options out there that won’t break the bank. After recording this episode, you might just find yourself tempted to snag a couple of these beauties—trust us, the Two Broke Watch Snobs are feeling it!

And that’s not all! Mike added a new watch to his collection, and Kaz has unearthed a long-lost TBWS artifact that’s making its triumphant return. You won’t want to miss this epic wrist check!

They'll also chat about some exciting new releases featured on the site, dive into some quirky astronaut-adjacent collectibles, and share plans for future episodes. This one’s packed with fun, so don’t miss out!

Show notes: 

Halios Seaforth: https://halioswatches.com/products/sfiv

Orient Star GMT: https://twobrokewatchsnobs.com/orient-star-gmt-wz0071dj-review/

Rdunae Legendary Diver: https://rdunae.com/Rdunae-R6-Legendary-Diver-p488713236

Timex Q Falcon Chronograph: https://twobrokewatchsnobs.com/timex-q-falcon-eye-chronograph/

Casio EFB Chronograph: https://www.casio.com/intl/watches/edifice/product.EFB-730D-7AV/

Orient Mako Series (but check Amazon if you look for one): https://www.orientwatchusa.com/collections/orient-mako

Timex Field Solar 36mm: https://timex.com/products/expedition-field-solar-36mm-eco-friendly-leather-strap-watch-tw2v64200

A whole batch of Eco-Drive watches on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/citizen-eco-drive-watches/s?k=citizen+eco+drive+watches

Amazon Essentials Watch: https://www.amazon.com/Amazon-Essentials-Mens-Strap-Watch/dp/B0CCYQNNMT?th=1

Ep. #286 A One-Watch Collection for $200 or Less

Wrist watch Bar Talk and Horological Shenanigans at their finest. A wrist watch podcast about two friends sitting down every week for an honest, foul-mouthed discussion about all things watch related.