Grab your warmest gear and pack a hot lunch, as this episode features a lengthy chat about Jason’s return to the land of ice and snow (and the frigid waters below) following his recent outing to go ice diving. From setup and life on-the-ice to the specialized gear, managing a camera, and how to stay warm in near-frozen water, Jason has all the details from his adventure under the ice.
Good for you, Jason! I do quite a bit of ice climbing, but I would be much less confident under the ice. Is the claustrophobia inherent in diving 10x worse under ice?
The ice diving recap was fascinating. I was also delighted to hear you share the article I sent in on Amundsen’s Maud. Of course no need to apologize for any delay, I am just glad you enjoyed it and hope a larger audience will too. As you suspected, I am not the actor but I can share some mistaken identity stories with you if the NYC meetup returns. Keep up the great work.
I had never heard about ice diving before and so really interesting episode. Even with all the safety checks in place, I just don’t think I could do it - I would probably feel trapped with no clear escape route and as kids we were always told don’t play on icy ponds incase fall through. Then again in the U.K. it would be incredibly thin ice and so very different to that you have. I guess one reason I like the Winter Olympics so much is because winter sports are pretty much off the cards here unless are lucky to be able to afford to go skiing in Europe, Canada or the States. Or luckier still to snowboard in Japan which I hear is pretty amazing. One day I hope to get to see a live ice hockey game too!
I have one side note about watch finishes related to your discussion of T-R and Aera early in the episode. Bead blasting is just a texturing of existing (usually stainless) steel. Parkerizing is a chemical treatment that leaves a phosphate coating on non-stainless steels. I associate it with firearms (like military-era colt 1911 handguns). It was used on some watches, but I don’t think it works on stainless steel.
Great episode! As a Norwegian it makes me excited to hear you talk about Roald Amundsen. Did you know he was the first to explore the north pole areas by plane? That story is truly amazing, it involves landing two planes on sea ice, one of them breaking and then bring stuck on the ice for weeks. Btw, noticed a slight misspelling of Amundsen in your notes. Have a great weekend!
Another great episode. Thanks guys! I can't wait to dig into that story of the Maud!
Jason, I'm doing One Watch for One Month during February and I've chosen the Tudor Black Bay Heritage. So far, it's hasn't been "difficult" and in many ways it's nice to not have to wind/set a watch every day. But I'm barely halfway through my month, so it's not over yet.
I did a quick listen to the section on the Tornek-Rayville, I was curious to hear your thoughts on the watch being an homage. I have struggled with how I feel about this segment of the hobby for quite a while but I have finally decided that it is OK to be inconsistent and contradictory. For me, I can simultaneously eschew a copy of a modern watch but I have little hesitation in suspending judgment and embracing an homage to an old and obscure model. Does this make sense? Maybe, maybe not but I think that is fine. Here's an example, I love the look and vibe of a vintage Milsub or better yet, a vintage Blancpain FF from the 1950s. While I may be able to spend the money on a FF I have no desire to do so. Why? Because at the end of the day, I want a watch that I can wear and adventure in. I want a watch that can take a knock on the side of the boat without me freaking out. To me, this is where watches like the Tornek or Helson Skindiver (my personal choice) really fill a void. They provide the nerds like us with a piece that echos history but can be worn daily without fear.
Good for you, Jason! I do quite a bit of ice climbing, but I would be much less confident under the ice. Is the claustrophobia inherent in diving 10x worse under ice?
The ice diving recap was fascinating. I was also delighted to hear you share the article I sent in on Amundsen’s Maud. Of course no need to apologize for any delay, I am just glad you enjoyed it and hope a larger audience will too. As you suspected, I am not the actor but I can share some mistaken identity stories with you if the NYC meetup returns. Keep up the great work.
I had never heard about ice diving before and so really interesting episode. Even with all the safety checks in place, I just don’t think I could do it - I would probably feel trapped with no clear escape route and as kids we were always told don’t play on icy ponds incase fall through. Then again in the U.K. it would be incredibly thin ice and so very different to that you have. I guess one reason I like the Winter Olympics so much is because winter sports are pretty much off the cards here unless are lucky to be able to afford to go skiing in Europe, Canada or the States. Or luckier still to snowboard in Japan which I hear is pretty amazing. One day I hope to get to see a live ice hockey game too!
Any info on the first paid subscriber podcast?
Following - I'd like to know as well.
By the end of the month is what I was told by James Stacey.
Friday or Saturday of this week, will come in an email with the details for new feed as well. Editing it now :)
Definitely a cool episode.
I have one side note about watch finishes related to your discussion of T-R and Aera early in the episode. Bead blasting is just a texturing of existing (usually stainless) steel. Parkerizing is a chemical treatment that leaves a phosphate coating on non-stainless steels. I associate it with firearms (like military-era colt 1911 handguns). It was used on some watches, but I don’t think it works on stainless steel.
Great episode! As a Norwegian it makes me excited to hear you talk about Roald Amundsen. Did you know he was the first to explore the north pole areas by plane? That story is truly amazing, it involves landing two planes on sea ice, one of them breaking and then bring stuck on the ice for weeks. Btw, noticed a slight misspelling of Amundsen in your notes. Have a great weekend!
The indices on the Aera remind me a little of the Hamtun H2 Kraken.
Another great episode. Thanks guys! I can't wait to dig into that story of the Maud!
Jason, I'm doing One Watch for One Month during February and I've chosen the Tudor Black Bay Heritage. So far, it's hasn't been "difficult" and in many ways it's nice to not have to wind/set a watch every day. But I'm barely halfway through my month, so it's not over yet.
I did a quick listen to the section on the Tornek-Rayville, I was curious to hear your thoughts on the watch being an homage. I have struggled with how I feel about this segment of the hobby for quite a while but I have finally decided that it is OK to be inconsistent and contradictory. For me, I can simultaneously eschew a copy of a modern watch but I have little hesitation in suspending judgment and embracing an homage to an old and obscure model. Does this make sense? Maybe, maybe not but I think that is fine. Here's an example, I love the look and vibe of a vintage Milsub or better yet, a vintage Blancpain FF from the 1950s. While I may be able to spend the money on a FF I have no desire to do so. Why? Because at the end of the day, I want a watch that I can wear and adventure in. I want a watch that can take a knock on the side of the boat without me freaking out. To me, this is where watches like the Tornek or Helson Skindiver (my personal choice) really fill a void. They provide the nerds like us with a piece that echos history but can be worn daily without fear.
Have a listen to our episode 84, in which "homage" watches are the main topic. Hope you enjoy the discussion!
What an adventure. I listened while wearing my 90s Seamaster on a walk in 6ºC rain. Basically the same, right? ;)