This was a fun episode. The "homage" discussion was interesting - like James I have a instinctual aversion to most homages, but the line gets very very blurry when half of the Swiss brands have a connection to their history in name only. Maybe at the end of the day it doesn't matter, so long as a watch is fun and well made.
Great episode, been waiting for you guys to finally have Bill on! Great timing with the release of the Tornek-Rayville, which I was able to get in on! I was also happy to hear James shift a little on his homage opinion. “Strong Opinions, Loosely Held”!
I thoroughly enjoy homage watches, I own a few vintage issued military watches for which I also own a corresponding homage that I tend to wear more often to protect my originals.
At the end of the day one of my favorite, everyday wear watches is my Tudor Black Bay 58, which you would be hard pressed to convince me is not much more than a high quality homage!
His quote of “I just wanted to experience the design” in reference to his desire to own/create homage watches completely flipped my perspective on them.
Haven't listened yet but I want to say a huge thank you to Jason. I finally finished Depth Charge. What an amazing book. It has rekindled my love of fiction and I have added a few of the Ian Fleming Bond novels to my wish list. Well done Mr. Heaton! I am excited to see what comes next.
James, your mention of the Hadley Roma reminded me of the "Cheap Metal Bracelet" you mentioned in an early TGN episode. I bought 2 of these for around $10 apiece and they have been fantastic to wear. I also have the Hadley you mentioned and find their quality about the same.
Would have been nice to hear more about the "long lead times" with one project(project 300, how many years did he hold customer deposits before delivering a watch?) lasting up to nearly 10 years and several other mult year projects all running. This lead time seems both unique and unusual and hearing the circumstance in which that happens would be nice.
Great episode. Bill is a gem. Also, a funny story related to what James was saying about driving with a Garmin. Just last weekend my buddy was telling me that his boss bought his teenage daughter a standard shift Jeep as a graduation gift. Why a standard? Because it organically impedes distracted driving, phone use, etc. Brilliant solution to a problem.
Enjoyed hearing how James' view of homage watches has evolved since your previous episode a couple of years ago. I think he's spot on in that the disdain amongst some (many?) in the community regarding homages is a form of "gatekeeping" so to speak.
Interesting discussion on homage watches. When I got into watches a lot more last year, I bought in to some of the typical anti-homage rhetoric. Then my wife bought me a Dan Henry 1972 (black) as a complete surprise for my birthday this year. Had never noticed the watch, didn't know it's story, and probably wouldn't have thought anything of it had I ever seen it. I mean, it's quartz, it's an homage, and it's got a man's name on the dial - 3 faux pas right there ;). It has quickly turned into my favorite watch. You just can't fault the superb design, no detail overlooked, perfect proportions for my wrist, and there's just something about it. Not all homages are equal, but I've realized that's quite a bad reason to dismiss a watch.
Great episode and thanks for the new take on these types of watches. Interesting to hear Bills first-person description of what kinds of things he wants to make.
One topic I struggle with and that maybe fits a TGN lifestyle is the mix of gear-head (which I think often results in accumulation, what’s new and fun, etc) and the other side which I find to be about owning more permanent objects, things that aren’t just an impulse buy. And I actually found myself struggling with that when the new Tornek Rayville were released - I want this because I love the old TR and the design and also respected that folks like Jason supported the brand. But also, is this a permanent watch - I have others that feel more so.
Great stuff as always, gentlemen. Two questions I was really hoping to hear asked of Bill, but didn't: who actually owned the T-R name before Bill bought it? It wasn't really brand before -- just an invented word mark. So fascinated to know the story of that acquisition. Second, why oh why no moisture indicator? There is no way on earth I could have resisted buying this watch if it came with its most gadgety original feature!
Another fantastic interview with an A1 guest. Bill’s attention to detail is second to none. I own a Hawkinge AGL non- date and it’s such a fun, no-nonsense everyday watch!
I just received the American Trench-Mk II collab: 0-0 jacket and what an amazing jacket for $100 US!!! It’s too hot to wear at the moment but it’s going to be my go to for Fall/Spring. Do yourself a favour and try to get one of these, you won’t be disappointed.
I’m excited for future releases from this collaboration, exciting news.
James and Jason, you have to have Bill on again for another conversation as this one honestly felt too short.
loved bill's explanation of homage watches ie enjoying the design in their intended settings... would like to hear cole more on the podcast if possible :)
This was a fun episode. The "homage" discussion was interesting - like James I have a instinctual aversion to most homages, but the line gets very very blurry when half of the Swiss brands have a connection to their history in name only. Maybe at the end of the day it doesn't matter, so long as a watch is fun and well made.
Great episode, been waiting for you guys to finally have Bill on! Great timing with the release of the Tornek-Rayville, which I was able to get in on! I was also happy to hear James shift a little on his homage opinion. “Strong Opinions, Loosely Held”!
I thoroughly enjoy homage watches, I own a few vintage issued military watches for which I also own a corresponding homage that I tend to wear more often to protect my originals.
At the end of the day one of my favorite, everyday wear watches is my Tudor Black Bay 58, which you would be hard pressed to convince me is not much more than a high quality homage!
Thanks and Keep Up the Awesome Work!!
Great episode and Bill is a guest that should absolutely be brought back again!
100% agree
His quote of “I just wanted to experience the design” in reference to his desire to own/create homage watches completely flipped my perspective on them.
I thought the same thing.
Looking forward to listening to this.
I'm trying to patiently wait for my Tornek-Rayville. I have no idea how I'll manage that. lol.
It’s worth the wait.
Most definitely.
Haven't listened yet but I want to say a huge thank you to Jason. I finally finished Depth Charge. What an amazing book. It has rekindled my love of fiction and I have added a few of the Ian Fleming Bond novels to my wish list. Well done Mr. Heaton! I am excited to see what comes next.
Thanks, Steven! I'm so glad you enjoyed the book!
James, your mention of the Hadley Roma reminded me of the "Cheap Metal Bracelet" you mentioned in an early TGN episode. I bought 2 of these for around $10 apiece and they have been fantastic to wear. I also have the Hadley you mentioned and find their quality about the same.
For sure! I love a low-stakes bracelet (but like my spring bars very high-stakes).
Definitely have had my eye on that TORNEK-RAYVILLE.
Would have been nice to hear more about the "long lead times" with one project(project 300, how many years did he hold customer deposits before delivering a watch?) lasting up to nearly 10 years and several other mult year projects all running. This lead time seems both unique and unusual and hearing the circumstance in which that happens would be nice.
Great episode. Bill is a gem. Also, a funny story related to what James was saying about driving with a Garmin. Just last weekend my buddy was telling me that his boss bought his teenage daughter a standard shift Jeep as a graduation gift. Why a standard? Because it organically impedes distracted driving, phone use, etc. Brilliant solution to a problem.
Enjoyed hearing how James' view of homage watches has evolved since your previous episode a couple of years ago. I think he's spot on in that the disdain amongst some (many?) in the community regarding homages is a form of "gatekeeping" so to speak.
Interesting discussion on homage watches. When I got into watches a lot more last year, I bought in to some of the typical anti-homage rhetoric. Then my wife bought me a Dan Henry 1972 (black) as a complete surprise for my birthday this year. Had never noticed the watch, didn't know it's story, and probably wouldn't have thought anything of it had I ever seen it. I mean, it's quartz, it's an homage, and it's got a man's name on the dial - 3 faux pas right there ;). It has quickly turned into my favorite watch. You just can't fault the superb design, no detail overlooked, perfect proportions for my wrist, and there's just something about it. Not all homages are equal, but I've realized that's quite a bad reason to dismiss a watch.
And cool clock, does it stay lit up, or do you have to turn on a backlight each time?
Great episode and thanks for the new take on these types of watches. Interesting to hear Bills first-person description of what kinds of things he wants to make.
One topic I struggle with and that maybe fits a TGN lifestyle is the mix of gear-head (which I think often results in accumulation, what’s new and fun, etc) and the other side which I find to be about owning more permanent objects, things that aren’t just an impulse buy. And I actually found myself struggling with that when the new Tornek Rayville were released - I want this because I love the old TR and the design and also respected that folks like Jason supported the brand. But also, is this a permanent watch - I have others that feel more so.
Great stuff as always, gentlemen. Two questions I was really hoping to hear asked of Bill, but didn't: who actually owned the T-R name before Bill bought it? It wasn't really brand before -- just an invented word mark. So fascinated to know the story of that acquisition. Second, why oh why no moisture indicator? There is no way on earth I could have resisted buying this watch if it came with its most gadgety original feature!
That Seiko clock is currently 25% off with free shipping.
Another fantastic interview with an A1 guest. Bill’s attention to detail is second to none. I own a Hawkinge AGL non- date and it’s such a fun, no-nonsense everyday watch!
I just received the American Trench-Mk II collab: 0-0 jacket and what an amazing jacket for $100 US!!! It’s too hot to wear at the moment but it’s going to be my go to for Fall/Spring. Do yourself a favour and try to get one of these, you won’t be disappointed.
I’m excited for future releases from this collaboration, exciting news.
James and Jason, you have to have Bill on again for another conversation as this one honestly felt too short.
Weekly episodes are killer!
Cheers from Alberta, CA!
Asko
loved bill's explanation of homage watches ie enjoying the design in their intended settings... would like to hear cole more on the podcast if possible :)