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
What a great episode! Robert is such an interesting person, it’s such a rare combination to have a special forces operator become a wartime photo journalist in a new conflict region. I’m definitely going to search out more interviews he’s given about his experience as both!
Ok guys, I can’t take it anymore. I have been visiting the Doxa site several times a day, everyday for a while now. I’ve decided on the Sub 300 - what color do I get??? (I know this is THE most subjective unimportant question) I have a speedy pro, a 14060m sub, SKX007, etc. So I’ve ruled out the sharkhunter, and the whitepearl (as cool as that one is). I’m not into the orange dial professional. Kinda of narrowed down to the searambler and Caribbean. What do you think guys???
I love my Searambler. The dial is awesome. It's going to be a little more quiet/causal then the Caribbean, but if you really want that tropical vibe with some bold coloring I think you know your answer.
Good point. Truthfully whenever I have bought "louder" watches (went through a period owning some pretty fun Seiko Turtles) I end up not wearing them as my style can be pretty drab at times wearing greys, greens, and tans... Maybe the Searambler is the way to go!
Sounds like we have similar style-vibes. I think you'll get more wear from the Searambler year round. As an owner of the Searambler I have been enticed by the Caribbean for summer time wear. I would love to have both someday.
Great episode. Fantastic interview. Interesting regarding the unit's Marathon watches! My only experience with them was a travel clock that I had for one trip before the second hand fell off. Haven't tried the brand since.
And the stretch natos JH was talking about are so good. The ones from CWC and also Watch Gecko are really great stuff.
Really great episode! Thoroughly enjoyed the wide range of topics, and I’m envious of the mastery in packing for travel.
Question for Robert-
I’m curious how he feels as he’s on the front lines in a place like Ukraine, looking through a camera rather than a rifle scope. Does he have a hard time disconnecting former experiences and a desire to lead/fight/intervene versus staying “objective” and being committed to a different mission than as a Marine.
Thanks for any insight, and thanks Jason and James for lining up this fantastic interview.
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.
We will definitely be back. We realized we barely scratched the surface the past week. As for the Biltmore, we had full intention to visit on our last day before flying out, but then agreed that we're both much happier in the woods, hiking, than we are doing "cultural" stuff, given the choice. I'm sure we'll get there one day. And we did buy two bottles of Biltmore's wine at the store, and consumed them both at our lovely rental cabin. We were both utterly smitten by that part of the country.
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.
Try the slim fat tips spring bars from Watchgecko. The barrel is slim but still have the larger tip to accommodate the lug holes of the SKX. You don’t want those thin tips scraping off the larger holes and eat away the lugs.
What a great episode! Robert is such an interesting person, it’s such a rare combination to have a special forces operator become a wartime photo journalist in a new conflict region. I’m definitely going to search out more interviews he’s given about his experience as both!
https://youtu.be/Cyya23MPoAI
Alex Honnold talks a world-class sport climber into free soloing and then films it
Great episode! Enjoyed hearing about the issues with TSAR…I had an issue GSAR, lost the lume pip at 12 o’clock on the bezel very early on.
Ok now I’ve had a chance to finish the episode. What a phenomenal interview! Super interesting guy.
Ok guys, I can’t take it anymore. I have been visiting the Doxa site several times a day, everyday for a while now. I’ve decided on the Sub 300 - what color do I get??? (I know this is THE most subjective unimportant question) I have a speedy pro, a 14060m sub, SKX007, etc. So I’ve ruled out the sharkhunter, and the whitepearl (as cool as that one is). I’m not into the orange dial professional. Kinda of narrowed down to the searambler and Caribbean. What do you think guys???
I love my Searambler. The dial is awesome. It's going to be a little more quiet/causal then the Caribbean, but if you really want that tropical vibe with some bold coloring I think you know your answer.
Good point. Truthfully whenever I have bought "louder" watches (went through a period owning some pretty fun Seiko Turtles) I end up not wearing them as my style can be pretty drab at times wearing greys, greens, and tans... Maybe the Searambler is the way to go!
Sounds like we have similar style-vibes. I think you'll get more wear from the Searambler year round. As an owner of the Searambler I have been enticed by the Caribbean for summer time wear. I would love to have both someday.
Agreed. Thank you for the input! As much as I like the fun aspect of watches, I also really appreciate tons of versatility.
Great episode. Fantastic interview. Interesting regarding the unit's Marathon watches! My only experience with them was a travel clock that I had for one trip before the second hand fell off. Haven't tried the brand since.
And the stretch natos JH was talking about are so good. The ones from CWC and also Watch Gecko are really great stuff.
Really great episode! Thoroughly enjoyed the wide range of topics, and I’m envious of the mastery in packing for travel.
Question for Robert-
I’m curious how he feels as he’s on the front lines in a place like Ukraine, looking through a camera rather than a rifle scope. Does he have a hard time disconnecting former experiences and a desire to lead/fight/intervene versus staying “objective” and being committed to a different mission than as a Marine.
Thanks for any insight, and thanks Jason and James for lining up this fantastic interview.
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!
We will definitely be back. We realized we barely scratched the surface the past week. As for the Biltmore, we had full intention to visit on our last day before flying out, but then agreed that we're both much happier in the woods, hiking, than we are doing "cultural" stuff, given the choice. I'm sure we'll get there one day. And we did buy two bottles of Biltmore's wine at the store, and consumed them both at our lovely rental cabin. We were both utterly smitten by that part of the country.
I’m curious about what he’s talking about regarding how he wears his nato or some kind of material he uses for his strap. Any photos?
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.
Try the slim fat tips spring bars from Watchgecko. The barrel is slim but still have the larger tip to accommodate the lug holes of the SKX. You don’t want those thin tips scraping off the larger holes and eat away the lugs.
Thanks. I will try that.