- On vehicle loadout, it's a tough question to answer. So many specifics that need to be looked at to make intelligent choices about what to carry. Remember the Colin Chapman philosophy, 'everything weighs'. If it's not helping you, it's slowing you down. Modern cars are just so good and pretty reliable. Keep the vehicle in as tip top as you can. Never let anything go, fix it as soon as you find it. And pack the vehicle based on what is the most likely problem you're going to encounter. Anything driven off tarmac, tire repair, compressor, and a good, full size spare (or two) are good calls. To James' point, a USB battery for the phone can solve a bunch of problems.. So can $500 or so in cash. Jason, practice driving without using the clutch. Vehicle stopped, engine off, engage first gear, start engine. If you're careful, it's not too difficult to manage without a clutch. If you have access to something without syncromesh (which I wouldn't be surprised if the SIII doesn't have for 1st) it's a bit easier to practice. You can just carry the starter then, leave the clutch hydraulics at home...
- On watch blindspots, specifically reasonable GMT's. Consider the new Seiko Presage 'Sharp Edge' GMT's. Flyer setting, 100m water resist, power indicator, and a kind of cool subdial date. My local AD is selling them for right at $1,000 or so.
-Tudor repair model. They are doing what is becoming the norm in modern service industries. Much easier to control the QC, speed, and cost by swapping out major components. As mentioned, the norm for quartz movements for years. And a lot of industries use this model. I agree with Jason's thoughts/comments, use the watch as a tool. Good on Tudor for offering the option though.
- 19mm lugs on the Certina. I've got two 19mm lug watches that I use 20mm NATO's on with no issues. Had to use curved spring bars on the old art deco Bulova because of the funky case shape, but other wise no problems. So the Bond downsize or cram it through upsize should both be viable options.
I'm in automotive repair, and I couldn't help thinking about remanufactured parts when listening to the discussion of Tudor's practice. Nobody rebuilds alternators starters or brake calipers anymore. You bolt on a reman one and send the core back to Juarez or Bangladesh or Louisiana where they rebuild them en masse and sell them back to parts houses.
That said, my boss has an all original '73 Vette, original down to the OE spark plug wires. I guarantee you if it needed an alternator, he'd get the original one rebuilt to maintain that status. But just like watch servicing, places that do that are becoming few and far between.
Great episode! I seem to have a habit now of waking up early on Thursday and listening straight away.
With regards to vehicle carry. Top of my list is a first aid kid. I drive an Xterra so it came stock with one but I have replaced it with a couple of other options. I have a fairly robust general first aid kit in it with bandaids, meds, and such. This lives in the back and gets used on road trips trailheads, and Airbnb stays. I also have an IFAK kit that lives on the passenger headrest. This makes it easy to grab in an emergency, either for myself or a passenger in the car if we need it if we are stuck or if we were to happen upon an accident. I have not had to use it yet.
Next up: the know-how to use the IFAK kit, tourniquet, etc.
And my last addition I'll mention: What I call the wife kit. This lives in a small pouch and has some tampons, lip balm, tissues, wet wipes, toothpaste and brush, floss, a tube of nuun, sunscreen, and bug spray, maybe a few other little things I am forgetting... Basically, the things that make my wife happy out on a trail or road trip. Your list may be different... but this has greatly improved my experience outdoors. :-)
Have a spin around their site. Not inexpensive, but I have had zero issues with anything I have purchased from them and they will last forever. I wholeheartedly endorse their Tool Bag (have 4 and use them for just about every small thing that goes camping), Tool Pouch Sling, and their First Aid Kit IFAK Velcro Pouch that lives on the headrest.
+1 to the first aid kit. I thought that was the only thing they forgot to add. And, I like the spouse kit idea. We do something similar for our daughter because somehow we always forget something!
Its nice having this drop Thursdays. Oddly enough I fell asleep once listening to podcasts.
TGN dropped while I was asleep and got to the top of my listening queue. I woke up listening to myself ask James and Jason a question about dive watches. Kinda dreamy. ;-)
Absolutely on the first aid kit. In my cars (older BMWs, so tools are needed), I have the first aid kit, compressor, tire plug kit, jumper cables, and typically at least a basic set of sockets/wrenches/etc, and expand on the tools for any kind of road trips. Definitely keep a premium AAA membership on the list too
Jason, I entirely agree with your view of the Rolex Explorer. I do not see what the fuss is about. Super glad to hear James' commitments to Hodinkee will not impact on TGN.
I enjoyed the question about a imagining a future watch that doesn't exist - I wish mechanical world timers or GMTs had 30 min intervals (indian standard time matters to me).
My answer to that question would be a solar powered replacement to the rotor and mainspring :)
Another fun one, and James hosting Hodinkee Radio is a nice surprise - I liked SJP as a writer but the podcast format never really worked for me.
I'm too lazy to record this as a question, but I'd love an explanation of what the job titles at Hodinkee actually mean. Due to SJP's departure I was looking at the masthead and James is the only writer with "writer" in his title; everyone else seems to be some form of editor. Seems like a whole lotta editing going on.
I’ve always thought of GMT with home time hand that jumps in quarter hour increment instead of an hour. I’m from Nepal and respect to James for knowing it’s +5:45 UTC off the top of his head!
Just caught up on some podcasts over the long weekend, and loved the show as usual! Also, congratulations James on your appointment at the helm of Hodinkee Radio! Best of luck in your new endeavor.
Can’t tell if the James’s comment about Marshall’s buttery-smooth voice was knowing or or accidental, but Marshall also hosts an extremely popular Magic: the Gathering podcast and occasionally serves as an announcer and hosts for their broadcast as well. Very entertaining to me to know him to some extent from both sides as both a watch fan and Magic fan (and his watch repair YouTube channel rocks!).
Jason, I feel you as a fellow southpaw! Can I recommend Uniball Jetstream pens? Their ink is amazing - it flows well and is immediately dry. Affordable and a pleasure to use, especially for left-handers
Love that you guys mentioned the Black Bay 36! I also loved that you mentioned how Tudor takes into consideration the requests of enthusiasts when sending your watch in. This makes me even more excited to purchase my BB36. Excellent episode. Thanks guys!
It sounds that Jason (much like myself) is really just waiting for Omega to release the inevitable 165.024 tribute with a coaxial movement and other modern updates. I’m also mostly in agreement with James on 5 digit vs 6 digit Rolex. The 16600 Sea Dweller is fantastic. But I do also love my 6 digit Milgauss. I really want Blancpain to make regular production 40mm version of the titanium Fifty Fathoms on bracelet. But I also don’t want to pay new Blancpain prices especially knowing how much less the non limited editions sell for lightly used.
Also strongly agree on the 4 and 5 digit Rolex. Agree the Milgauss and the 36mm OP are the best of the 6 digit Rolex. Have yet to see the new 36mm Explorer. I was gifted a GMT Master II 116710LN black ceramic bezel years ago and really do not like how it wears. Pick my 1675 over it every time.
James & Jason - Commenting on Mike’s question about “Talking about bigger watches” And “The watch you love is the in Thing”
I really have to echo what he said “People really follow what you guys say”
I myself am also a listener since the beginning. I now own an SRP777, Doxa, Halios, Bremont, Red Wing Boots The list goes on.. Thanks to you guys. I consider myself TGN through and through.
I interpreted this comment more as a HUGE compliment to you guys. And, well, honestly, your influences on MANY of us, run much deeper than you both realize.
You guys mentioned Bremont on the "controversial" takes question and I have been waiting to hear your thoughts and impressions on the Hawking with the retrograde seconds, big date, and caseback design. It is way outside my usual tastes but I find it very interesting especially the steel and black dial which has an almost tuxedo vibe with the retrograde seconds display, a really cool "complication". Would love to hear some quick thoughts at some point as I know you are both fans of the brand.
As far as car EDC goes, I make sure to have a fire extinguisher with me. I have used one twice. The first time I pulled over to help a 20 something who’s new Audi was on fire on the shoulder of I35 in Fort Worth. I asked permission to help, knowing that it might not work. He said “what do I do?” And I looked at him and calmly replied, “Your car is on fire, call 911.” I was able to get the fire out, otherwise the car probably would have burned to the ground. The second time I could not get the fire out, I was in rural Colorado and there was a small truck that had rolled over on the side of a gravel road. No one was hurt, but the truck burned. My father has similar stories of how he has used fire extinguishers to help others and stop his own car from burning to the ground.
Another enjoyable episode. I was listening to the worn & wound podcast & they mentioned a Mars watch done by Konstantin Chaykin so that might be one of your Q&A answers ticked off. Pretty crazy looking beast, check it out below.
I also thought James was talking price when he mentioned "six figure Rolex."
Good episode guys! Couple of thoughts:
- On vehicle loadout, it's a tough question to answer. So many specifics that need to be looked at to make intelligent choices about what to carry. Remember the Colin Chapman philosophy, 'everything weighs'. If it's not helping you, it's slowing you down. Modern cars are just so good and pretty reliable. Keep the vehicle in as tip top as you can. Never let anything go, fix it as soon as you find it. And pack the vehicle based on what is the most likely problem you're going to encounter. Anything driven off tarmac, tire repair, compressor, and a good, full size spare (or two) are good calls. To James' point, a USB battery for the phone can solve a bunch of problems.. So can $500 or so in cash. Jason, practice driving without using the clutch. Vehicle stopped, engine off, engage first gear, start engine. If you're careful, it's not too difficult to manage without a clutch. If you have access to something without syncromesh (which I wouldn't be surprised if the SIII doesn't have for 1st) it's a bit easier to practice. You can just carry the starter then, leave the clutch hydraulics at home...
- On watch blindspots, specifically reasonable GMT's. Consider the new Seiko Presage 'Sharp Edge' GMT's. Flyer setting, 100m water resist, power indicator, and a kind of cool subdial date. My local AD is selling them for right at $1,000 or so.
-Tudor repair model. They are doing what is becoming the norm in modern service industries. Much easier to control the QC, speed, and cost by swapping out major components. As mentioned, the norm for quartz movements for years. And a lot of industries use this model. I agree with Jason's thoughts/comments, use the watch as a tool. Good on Tudor for offering the option though.
- 19mm lugs on the Certina. I've got two 19mm lug watches that I use 20mm NATO's on with no issues. Had to use curved spring bars on the old art deco Bulova because of the funky case shape, but other wise no problems. So the Bond downsize or cram it through upsize should both be viable options.
Thanks as always guys, excellent work!
I'm in automotive repair, and I couldn't help thinking about remanufactured parts when listening to the discussion of Tudor's practice. Nobody rebuilds alternators starters or brake calipers anymore. You bolt on a reman one and send the core back to Juarez or Bangladesh or Louisiana where they rebuild them en masse and sell them back to parts houses.
That said, my boss has an all original '73 Vette, original down to the OE spark plug wires. I guarantee you if it needed an alternator, he'd get the original one rebuilt to maintain that status. But just like watch servicing, places that do that are becoming few and far between.
Great episode! I seem to have a habit now of waking up early on Thursday and listening straight away.
With regards to vehicle carry. Top of my list is a first aid kid. I drive an Xterra so it came stock with one but I have replaced it with a couple of other options. I have a fairly robust general first aid kit in it with bandaids, meds, and such. This lives in the back and gets used on road trips trailheads, and Airbnb stays. I also have an IFAK kit that lives on the passenger headrest. This makes it easy to grab in an emergency, either for myself or a passenger in the car if we need it if we are stuck or if we were to happen upon an accident. I have not had to use it yet.
Next up: the know-how to use the IFAK kit, tourniquet, etc.
And my last addition I'll mention: What I call the wife kit. This lives in a small pouch and has some tampons, lip balm, tissues, wet wipes, toothpaste and brush, floss, a tube of nuun, sunscreen, and bug spray, maybe a few other little things I am forgetting... Basically, the things that make my wife happy out on a trail or road trip. Your list may be different... but this has greatly improved my experience outdoors. :-)
All of this (and my tool kit) is stored in products from Blue Ridge Overland. https://www.blueridgeoverlandgear.com/
Have a spin around their site. Not inexpensive, but I have had zero issues with anything I have purchased from them and they will last forever. I wholeheartedly endorse their Tool Bag (have 4 and use them for just about every small thing that goes camping), Tool Pouch Sling, and their First Aid Kit IFAK Velcro Pouch that lives on the headrest.
I am pretty keen to try these sometime for the sun visors. If anyone has experience with them, please share. https://fieldcraftsurvival.com/mobility-04-01-modular-visor-panel-drivers-side-configuration/
Be well.
+1 to the first aid kit. I thought that was the only thing they forgot to add. And, I like the spouse kit idea. We do something similar for our daughter because somehow we always forget something!
Its nice having this drop Thursdays. Oddly enough I fell asleep once listening to podcasts.
TGN dropped while I was asleep and got to the top of my listening queue. I woke up listening to myself ask James and Jason a question about dive watches. Kinda dreamy. ;-)
Absolutely on the first aid kit. In my cars (older BMWs, so tools are needed), I have the first aid kit, compressor, tire plug kit, jumper cables, and typically at least a basic set of sockets/wrenches/etc, and expand on the tools for any kind of road trips. Definitely keep a premium AAA membership on the list too
Jason, I entirely agree with your view of the Rolex Explorer. I do not see what the fuss is about. Super glad to hear James' commitments to Hodinkee will not impact on TGN.
I enjoyed the question about a imagining a future watch that doesn't exist - I wish mechanical world timers or GMTs had 30 min intervals (indian standard time matters to me).
My answer to that question would be a solar powered replacement to the rotor and mainspring :)
That would be cool. I had a Citizen Eco Drive watch and regret parting with it.
Another fun one, and James hosting Hodinkee Radio is a nice surprise - I liked SJP as a writer but the podcast format never really worked for me.
I'm too lazy to record this as a question, but I'd love an explanation of what the job titles at Hodinkee actually mean. Due to SJP's departure I was looking at the masthead and James is the only writer with "writer" in his title; everyone else seems to be some form of editor. Seems like a whole lotta editing going on.
I’ve always thought of GMT with home time hand that jumps in quarter hour increment instead of an hour. I’m from Nepal and respect to James for knowing it’s +5:45 UTC off the top of his head!
Just caught up on some podcasts over the long weekend, and loved the show as usual! Also, congratulations James on your appointment at the helm of Hodinkee Radio! Best of luck in your new endeavor.
Can’t tell if the James’s comment about Marshall’s buttery-smooth voice was knowing or or accidental, but Marshall also hosts an extremely popular Magic: the Gathering podcast and occasionally serves as an announcer and hosts for their broadcast as well. Very entertaining to me to know him to some extent from both sides as both a watch fan and Magic fan (and his watch repair YouTube channel rocks!).
Jason, I feel you as a fellow southpaw! Can I recommend Uniball Jetstream pens? Their ink is amazing - it flows well and is immediately dry. Affordable and a pleasure to use, especially for left-handers
Thanks! I'll check it out!
Love that you guys mentioned the Black Bay 36! I also loved that you mentioned how Tudor takes into consideration the requests of enthusiasts when sending your watch in. This makes me even more excited to purchase my BB36. Excellent episode. Thanks guys!
It sounds that Jason (much like myself) is really just waiting for Omega to release the inevitable 165.024 tribute with a coaxial movement and other modern updates. I’m also mostly in agreement with James on 5 digit vs 6 digit Rolex. The 16600 Sea Dweller is fantastic. But I do also love my 6 digit Milgauss. I really want Blancpain to make regular production 40mm version of the titanium Fifty Fathoms on bracelet. But I also don’t want to pay new Blancpain prices especially knowing how much less the non limited editions sell for lightly used.
Also strongly agree on the 4 and 5 digit Rolex. Agree the Milgauss and the 36mm OP are the best of the 6 digit Rolex. Have yet to see the new 36mm Explorer. I was gifted a GMT Master II 116710LN black ceramic bezel years ago and really do not like how it wears. Pick my 1675 over it every time.
Jeff PerryWrites Jeff Perry ·just now
James & Jason - Commenting on Mike’s question about “Talking about bigger watches” And “The watch you love is the in Thing”
I really have to echo what he said “People really follow what you guys say”
I myself am also a listener since the beginning. I now own an SRP777, Doxa, Halios, Bremont, Red Wing Boots The list goes on.. Thanks to you guys. I consider myself TGN through and through.
I interpreted this comment more as a HUGE compliment to you guys. And, well, honestly, your influences on MANY of us, run much deeper than you both realize.
Keep up the great work!
You guys mentioned Bremont on the "controversial" takes question and I have been waiting to hear your thoughts and impressions on the Hawking with the retrograde seconds, big date, and caseback design. It is way outside my usual tastes but I find it very interesting especially the steel and black dial which has an almost tuxedo vibe with the retrograde seconds display, a really cool "complication". Would love to hear some quick thoughts at some point as I know you are both fans of the brand.
As far as car EDC goes, I make sure to have a fire extinguisher with me. I have used one twice. The first time I pulled over to help a 20 something who’s new Audi was on fire on the shoulder of I35 in Fort Worth. I asked permission to help, knowing that it might not work. He said “what do I do?” And I looked at him and calmly replied, “Your car is on fire, call 911.” I was able to get the fire out, otherwise the car probably would have burned to the ground. The second time I could not get the fire out, I was in rural Colorado and there was a small truck that had rolled over on the side of a gravel road. No one was hurt, but the truck burned. My father has similar stories of how he has used fire extinguishers to help others and stop his own car from burning to the ground.
Another enjoyable episode. I was listening to the worn & wound podcast & they mentioned a Mars watch done by Konstantin Chaykin so that might be one of your Q&A answers ticked off. Pretty crazy looking beast, check it out below.
https://chaykin.ru/en/collection/marsconquerormark3/