STANDARD H Podcast

I first started following Toby Bateman when he joined Hodinkee during COVID. His selfies have always brought a smile to my face even though he describes them as “grumpy,” and his watches are a classic approach to design that I certainly appreciate. I was eager to speak with Toby about his various CEO roles at extremely different companies: HODINKEE was obviously watch-based, Vollebak - an incredib...

I want to welcome photographer, traveler, cyclist, fashion aficionado, watch enthusiast, a podcast host, and a former podcast guest only to return, and really, an international man of mystery, Zach Piña. Please join me in welcoming him back to the show! Links: STANDARD H https://standard-h.com/ @standardh_ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access...

Steve and I have become friends through watches, which must come as a shock, I’m sure. Steve holds an instrumental place within the Mil Sub community as you’ll soon understand in this episode. I’ve gotten to know Steve through NAABS, an annual meetup of watch collectors which changes locations each year. But this episode is a story, of sorts, about a particular watch that is more or less a sequenc...

Blake and I chat about Brazil, and mostly Las Vegas and the DQ of both McLaren cars. We get into some watch talk including a brief coverage of Dubai Watch Week and a wrist check at the end of the show. Hope you enjoy it! Links: STANDARD H https://standard-h.com/ @standardh_ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit standar...

Pit Stop - 11.18.2025 - Events - STANDARD H YouTube channel - Audrain interviews - Please share the STANDARD H Podcast with friends/family - Taupe Straps are back  - Mugello Suede Jacket PreSale - Production Delayed - Photography Coming - Collaborations Coming Links: STANDARD H https://standard-h.com/ @standardh_ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get...

This one is for the Lange fans. Saying Anthony de Haas is an incredibly important part of my personal watch journey would most definitely be an understatement. As the Director of Product Development for A. Lange & Söhne, he has had his hands in creating what happen to be some of my favorite watches ever produced. We kick off the conversation talking about his hobby playing drums, the equipment...

IWC Watches reached out to Blake and me to host a very special evening in San Francisco last week where we also recorded this podcast live for the 60 people in attendance. We focused on design, both in watches as well as considered things such as Dieter Rams' 10 Principles of Good Design. It was also an evening highlighting the Ingenieur which included having three museum pieces brought in fro...

Ariel Adams didn’t just start a blog. He left his day job as a lawyer and started an entire media outlet. I was deeply interested in sitting down with Ariel, someone who is well-connected, and for all intents and purposes, is an industry insider in a way very few are. Ariel knows the watch industry as well if not better than most, he’s been a very long term player in the space, and has a grasp on...

Today welcomes a very special episode. If you’ve seen my latest posts on Instagram, you’ll be familiar with my recent experience at the Audrain Concours in Newport, Rhode Island. Title sponsor A. Lange & Söhne was incredibly hospitable to invite me as a guest of their for the weekend, and I must say, I had an absolute blast. Friday, during the welcome lawn party known as The Gathering, I had t...

Geoff Hess is someone I’ve wanted to host for years at this point. I was first familiar with him as the CEO of Analog Shift only to later meet him at a private collectors gathering here in San Diego. He’s one of the most engaging people I’ve met through this hobby, he always has something intelligent to say, and overall, he’s just the kind of guy with whom I want to surround myself. Oh yeah, and h...

Pit Stop 9.30.25 - Under the Weather from NYC - Rolliefest - Audrain Concours - Singer event @ Willow Springs - SF event @ end of October - 50% off sale going on NOW. Use code 2025FALLSALE - New Product coming! THANK YOU FOR LISTENING! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit standardh.substack.com/subscribe

Tony Traina is a watch writer I have become friends with over the last few years, so this episode is yet another long overdue recording. His Substack, Unpolished, is one of only a few I subscribe to, so I was excited to ask him about his journey away from a larger company like Hodinkee to embark on his own, independent distribution model. Tony isn’t a car guy, so it’s all business, watches and a s...

Today’s guest is Ben Bertucci, the man behind the best films I’ve seen in recent memory. One of One is a documentary about a Japanese family of car mechanics. This is a horrible description and also vague for a reason. I watched the movie twice in two days, for reference, and it was during the second viewing that I reached out to Ben to invite him on this show. Thankfully, he’s the kind of person...

Welcome back to another F1 Podcast with Blake Buettner - I’m your host Wesley Smith, and today, Blake and I discuss the Summer Break, the Dutch Grand Prix as well as look forward to the 2026 Season. Thank you so much for listening and please enjoy this Formula 1 edition of the STANDARD H Podcast! Links: STANDARD H https://standard-h.com/ @standardh_ This is a public episode. If you'd like to discu...

I believe I first learned about Kruk design via the algorithm on Instagram. Needless to say, it sure has me pegged. Through friends at Walt Grace Vintage in Miami, I was introduced to today’s guest, the founder and one-man-band behind Kruk Designs, Blake Simon. If you’re familiar with the tartan plaids, woven leathers, and houndstooth-clad watch rolls, then you may already be familiar with the bra...

Today brings us to Round Table 3. Sadly, the third member of this conversation had an emergency, so he couldn't make it - perhaps we'll host him another time! Instead, I welcome back Raymond Milnarik to the show where we discuss a litany of Maintenance issues for us both. Stay tuned for our hot takes and things aside from cars and watches we've been into lately! This is a public episod...

For one reason or another, some podcasts end up taking years to record, and today’s is no exception. That’s right, years,  making this episode long overdue, and hosts an  inevitable guest, Cameron Barr. You probably know him as Craft + Tailored  online, and I know him as someone with whom I arguably have  far   too   much  in common. He is a cool, calm and collected vintage watch dealer, so natura...

Car Week Written Articles for submissions Colors for Fall ? Black Shif tLogo Trucker Re-Stock NEW Golf Dad Hats coming! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit standardh.substack.com/subscribe

This was one of my favorite episodes. Justin Placek, known for his unbelievably beautiful seat inserts for 911s, is my kind of guy. Obsessed with detail, striving for perfection, but understanding life is short. I thoroughly enjoyed his story-telling and he really has some to tell. I’m particularly fond of how his business has evolved and the ethics with which he operates. If you’re a fan of STAND...

Today brings you the second episode of the STANDARD H Round Table and it features two great friends: Trevor Wynn of Pare Pare Podcast and Wes Wynne of Collectors Corner NY! That's right: two Wesleys and two Wynn(e)s...who woulda thunk it?! I'm excited to release this chat as we are all devoted car and watch enthusiasts and not too dissimilar tastes! In this episode, Trevor finally gets to...

This week, my good friend Blake and I are coming to you with a special interview episode! That’s right, we are interrupting our Formula 1 action, and with very good reason, as we welcome Mr. Wilhelm Schmid, CEO of none other than A. Lange & Söhne! Wilhelm is someone I’ve been thoroughly eager to meet, so this conversation was especially exciting for me. Wilhelm is an incredibly engaging guest...

On today's Pit Stop, I discuss the new Willys Shirt Jacket in Battle Ship Grey, the Intersect Show this Saturday, updates on the Polos, the collaboration Watch Strap with Molequin, the return of an OG hat, some investor talk, as well as a fairly significant change to the approach of the STANDARD H assortment.  STANDARD H https://standard-h.com/ @standardh_ This is a public episode. If you'd li...

Kenneth Lam and I met at the Toronto Timepiece Show last September when he stopped by my booth. After chatting getting a closer look at what was on his wrist, I knew I wanted to learn more. I’m excited to host Ken and give him the space to share his design philosophies and approach to his watch brand, Arken, as it’s somewhat of a David versus Goliath story as so many micro brands are. I hope you e...

Welcome back to another F1 podcast with Blake Buettner I’m your co-host, Wesley Smith. I want to welcome you to a recap of the F1 movie! This was a super fun conversation so let’s get into it. Thanks for listening! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit standardh.substack.com/subscribe

It’s widely known I’m a huge IWC fan, and today’s episode is one I’ve looked forward to for years at this point as it hosts Chris Grainger-Herr, IWC’s Chief Executive Officer since 2017. I was fortunate to cross paths with Chris back in April when I was a guest of the brand at the Goodwood Members event. After being introduced, we shared some time chatting cars while eating hamburgers and watching...