We’re back for the first show of 2022 and this episode features a chat with Don Cochrane, the man behind the revival of a British watch brand called Vertex.
Just want to say that I appreciate James and Jason's good show notes. I refer to them a lot after listening to a podcast. So frustrating listening to other podcasts without this. I know it is a lot of work, and it is appreciated!
Echo this, the show notes are an incredible resource. Could you guys put them all together on one web page so they're somewhat searchable? I'm trying to find your recommendation on a portable fire pit and can't remember which episode it came from. Thanks!
They are directly searchable via Substack, just go to the main TGN page and you'll see a small magnifying glass in the menus just below the most recent post.
Jason, you are correct about the ribbed nato's stiffness! I ordered a few of these about a month ago as the ribbed look was great and I especially liked the racing green color which you don't see often. I received them a few days ago and was really surprised how plastic and stiff they felt to the point of being harsh. I've been bending and flexing them and washed them repeatedly with only a minor improvement. Unfortunately, I find them to be annoyingly unwearable as they take the joy out of wearing my watches. Bottom line - the look is awesome but the feel is terrible.
I really appreciate the stiffness - it helps stop the watch head from flopping around like can happen on the softer nylon straps. Maybe it's because I prefer to wear them a bit loose.
I've got the SMC as well and like it but it is smooth and kind of plain looking in some situations. I got an FKM rubber strap from B&R straps that has a rib in the center to give it a little more of an interesting look. I tend to wear it more than the SMC. https://www.bandrbands.com/black-aqua-vent-fkm-rubber-quick-release-watch-band.aspx
Oh, I love that! How's the quality and comfort compare to the SMC? I don't know if this kind of rubber was new or what what I got mine (mid 2019 maybe?) but I feel like there's many more options now. Really good price too for the BandRBands
I like it. Quality is good. I feel like the channel on the underside could be a tad more substantial to be more effective but it is comfortable to wear. It is definitely less stiff overall than the SMC. Both are good straps.
Another rubber option: Check out Scurfa's rubber straps as well. Pretty certain that were supplied by or at least designed by Terry @ Ute. I have a couple and they are pretty top notch.
Awesome show guys. I reached out to Vertex afterwords and asked about the lug to lug of the M60. I got a quick response (from Don actually) and he shared the specs - 20mm strap, 14mm thick, 40 mm wide and 49 mm lug to lug. It's pretty cool that it was Don who responded. Gotta love that customer oriented approach from the top of the company on down. I'm looking forward to everything to come from TGN in 2022.
Just a quick note to say I really enjoyed this episode! Great start to 2022! Look forward to hearing what’s next. Forgive me if you’ve already done an episode on this, but if not, to continue a theme, it might be cool to interview someone from Cabot Watch Company, or maybe Eddie Platts from TimeFactors regarding his revival of Smiths.
Been enamoured with my Vertex M100 for years. The watch is fantastic, the chunky lume numerals are mesmerizing, and the founder, Don, is such a genuinelly nice person. You can't help but root for Vertex to be successful, not just sustainable. Love these interview episodes, too.
Great episode! Reminds me that I wanted to remind ya'll: please figure out a 2nd round with Paul Scurfield, would be really cool to hear what he's up to under water and with his watches. Preferably with a little more solid connection this go around :)
Just want to say that I appreciate James and Jason's good show notes. I refer to them a lot after listening to a podcast. So frustrating listening to other podcasts without this. I know it is a lot of work, and it is appreciated!
Echo this, the show notes are an incredible resource. Could you guys put them all together on one web page so they're somewhat searchable? I'm trying to find your recommendation on a portable fire pit and can't remember which episode it came from. Thanks!
They are directly searchable via Substack, just go to the main TGN page and you'll see a small magnifying glass in the menus just below the most recent post.
Jason, you are correct about the ribbed nato's stiffness! I ordered a few of these about a month ago as the ribbed look was great and I especially liked the racing green color which you don't see often. I received them a few days ago and was really surprised how plastic and stiff they felt to the point of being harsh. I've been bending and flexing them and washed them repeatedly with only a minor improvement. Unfortunately, I find them to be annoyingly unwearable as they take the joy out of wearing my watches. Bottom line - the look is awesome but the feel is terrible.
I really appreciate the stiffness - it helps stop the watch head from flopping around like can happen on the softer nylon straps. Maybe it's because I prefer to wear them a bit loose.
James - strap recommendation for you! I haven't experienced the Hirsch before, but I have an rubber strap from StrapMillCanada that I love (https://www.strapmillcanada.com/collections/smc-rubber/products/smc-rubber-basic-vulcanized-rubber-strap). It only comes in blue/black, but StrapCode has what appears to be basically the same strap in green (https://www.strapcode.com/products/le-ru-fkm01i-biw01-xx). I haven't experience the StrapCode, but I absolutely love my StrapMillCanada.
I've got the SMC as well and like it but it is smooth and kind of plain looking in some situations. I got an FKM rubber strap from B&R straps that has a rib in the center to give it a little more of an interesting look. I tend to wear it more than the SMC. https://www.bandrbands.com/black-aqua-vent-fkm-rubber-quick-release-watch-band.aspx
Oh, I love that! How's the quality and comfort compare to the SMC? I don't know if this kind of rubber was new or what what I got mine (mid 2019 maybe?) but I feel like there's many more options now. Really good price too for the BandRBands
I like it. Quality is good. I feel like the channel on the underside could be a tad more substantial to be more effective but it is comfortable to wear. It is definitely less stiff overall than the SMC. Both are good straps.
Hey thanks! (JS)
Another rubber option: Check out Scurfa's rubber straps as well. Pretty certain that were supplied by or at least designed by Terry @ Ute. I have a couple and they are pretty top notch.
Awesome show guys. I reached out to Vertex afterwords and asked about the lug to lug of the M60. I got a quick response (from Don actually) and he shared the specs - 20mm strap, 14mm thick, 40 mm wide and 49 mm lug to lug. It's pretty cool that it was Don who responded. Gotta love that customer oriented approach from the top of the company on down. I'm looking forward to everything to come from TGN in 2022.
Just a quick note to say I really enjoyed this episode! Great start to 2022! Look forward to hearing what’s next. Forgive me if you’ve already done an episode on this, but if not, to continue a theme, it might be cool to interview someone from Cabot Watch Company, or maybe Eddie Platts from TimeFactors regarding his revival of Smiths.
Great cabin building video. If you're into that definitely take a look at My Self Reliance on youtube, hours of entertainment - https://www.youtube.com/c/ShawnJamesMySelfReliance
Been enamoured with my Vertex M100 for years. The watch is fantastic, the chunky lume numerals are mesmerizing, and the founder, Don, is such a genuinelly nice person. You can't help but root for Vertex to be successful, not just sustainable. Love these interview episodes, too.
Great episode! Reminds me that I wanted to remind ya'll: please figure out a 2nd round with Paul Scurfield, would be really cool to hear what he's up to under water and with his watches. Preferably with a little more solid connection this go around :)