The Grey NATO – 197 – Watches, Design, and Wartime Photojournalism With Robert Spangle
For this week’s episode, we’re thrilled to have Robert Spangle on the show for an extended chat about his remarkable background and work. A true renaissance man with a military background, Robert is a photographer, designer, photojournalist, writer, and trained tailor. He goes by @thousandyardstyle on Instagram and he operates one of James’ favorite brands – The Observer Collection.
Robert and the TGN boys get into a wide range of topics including his start in fashion photography and conflict photojournalism, how he thinks about product design, the future of social media, and his extended embed near the front lines of the war in Ukraine. It was a fascinating chat with a guy that defines the idea of being multi-talented.
A big thanks to Robert for being on the show, we hope you love it.
Click here if you want to play episode 197 from your browser – thanks so much for listening.
1:23 Rare Shades 6 Photo Report
1:57 The Throttle House
2:54 Wind Up Chicago
4:37 Oris Holstein 2022 Edition
7:26 What to know before buying your first dive watch
14:40 Maurice Sedwell Tailoring
23:13 Robert’s photos from Ukraine
30:47 MKII Seafighter
32:20 Tudor Mini Sub
35:18 MKII Project 300
39:04 Ghurka Shorts
41:11 The Observer Collection
43:10 The Piecekeeper
50:20 Robert’s photos from Mosul
1:00:47 The Donbas Frontliner
1:00:57 Popular Front
1:01:47 Hospitaliers Volunteer Medical Battalion
1:05:49 Leica MD
1:0644 Nikon D850
1:08:10 Acronym shell jacket
1:08:57 Danner Mountain Lights
1:09:26 Garmin In-Reach Mini
1:10:10 Muyshondt Flashlights
1:10:17 Chris Reeve Knives
1:20:07 Thousandyardstyle Instagram
1:20:58 “Build” - Tony Fadell
1:24:04 Tony on H Radio
1:25:40 “Top Guns” - California Magazine
“For me, the strength of photography lies in its ability to evoke humanity. If war is an attempt to negate humanity, then photography can be perceived as the opposite of war.” - James Nachtwey
I just want to say what a delight it's been seeing Jason and Gishani enjoying Western North Carolina. Having grown up about 40 miles from Weaverville, just across the line in East Tennessee, those hills, cricks, and hollers are essentially my backyard. It's a special place, and I've gotten a kick out of seeing them enjoy it so much.
Asheville is indeed the Paris of the South - a singular mix of stunning terrain, one of the world's most biodiverse rain forests, and a thriving arts community.
One note - good call on skipping Biltmore for more hiking and waterfalls. However, I have to say that at least one visit to Biltmore is a must. It's not just the house, which is stunning, but the entire property is magnificent. Also, there's wine.
Y'all come on back anytime!
This is a super niche comment - this community might the be only place with even a bit of interest in this. But here goes --
A couple of weeks ago I posted about a Heimdallrr mesh bracelet for a Seiko SXK009. I bought the larger mesh version (the fine mesh version wasn't available in 22mm). It arrived quickly.
As a warning - it is not sized - so you will have to trim links to get it to fit. I bought small metal cutting pliers and cut the links. It worked but was a pain in the neck. A Dremel would probably work (I don't have a Dremel and it didn't make sense to buy one to size a sub 40 dollar bracelet).
As another note - the fat Seiko spring bars do not fit. I have been using regular spring bars and they seem to be fine. I have worn it a good bit, including in the pool, etc. - and have not had any problems.
Anyway, the bracelet looks cool. I've been wearing it for a couple of weeks now. The fit and finish is way, way above what you'd expect from something that cost less than 40 bucks. I'd recommend it if you want a cheap way to try out a mesh bracelet this summer.