The Fine Watches Podcast

Kyle Schut, the creative mind behind not one, but two independent watch brands, Straton and Signum Watch Co.s, , joins us for an epic chat about the cars, watches, designs, eras and music that fuel his passion. Two distinct brands with their own individual style, Straton which builds on the aesthetic and spirit of the motorsport watches that helped make racing in the 60s and 70s so cool, and Signu...

Australian motorsport legend John Bowe joins Ben to discuss: the commonly held shared love of both cars and watches, what it takes to be a successful racing driver, some of John's favourite machines, both on the track and wrist, and the fact that sometimes the biggest names in both arenas don't necessarily deliver the best product. For the motorsport fan, we also chat about "that&qu...

RedBar is a name well known to most watch enthusiasts world wide. With a membership of around 13,000 people globally across 90 chapters on every continent , bar Antarctica, the watch meetup group brings together horology lovers everywhere. (For any RedBar members listening on the southernmost continent, if you can help with a RedBar sign with your Antarctic station's chapter on it would be am...

After a short break, we're back.......and how!! Max Büsser joins Ben for another fascinating, wide ranging, conversation. Creative leaders like Max are few and far between. Profoundly driven by his principles and creative drive, he is clearly aware, despite the lofty heights that MB&F's core products occupy, that people and giving back are not only corporate bywords, but fundamental...

As if choosing a watch isn't hard enough, most models come in different materials. This means different colours, durability and price! In this episode Ben and Lewis discuss some of the most widely seen materials and finishes used over time, their advantages and disadvantages, and look through a collection of watches that offer great examples of the use of each. Send us an email! podcast@finew...

Pilot watches form one of the most popular tool watch categories, and for good reason. Designed for maximum readability, with neat, simple dials, they're a great every day wear, and go with almost any outfit. In this episode we discuss a range of pilot watches we think represent a good cross section of what's available, talk a bit about the history of their design and how to find value i...

Changing trends in watch design over time mean that vintage watches offer a diverse universe of options for watch collectors. While some vintage pieces command huge prices, and in most cases, rightly so, brilliant value can be had by choosing a vintage watch over a modern one. Ben and Lewis run through some iconic favourites and discuss reasons why considering a vintage watch might just be a great...

There is an argument to be made that the Submariner is the perfect tool watch. Its design has remained largely unchanged, bar subtle adjustments, since its release in the 1950s. The austere clarity of the dial and hands, the proportions of the bezel and lugs, and its robust construction give it a durable usability under all conditions that few other watches can truly claim. In this episode, we dis...

There's no denying the Royal Oak its place in the pantheon of legendary watch designs. Another of Gerald Genta's masterpieces, alongside the Patek Philippe Nautilus and Aquanaut, the AP enjoys global demand, comparable only to the Rolex Submariner. In this quick fire episode we discuss the model's range, current market price and  alternative integrated bracelet sports watches, at a...

When looking for value and durability in a watch, it's very hard to argue against Seiko as one of the best brands going. In this episode Lewis and Ben discuss the Japanese watch industry, the incredible retail and second hand markets in Tokyo and further afield, and compare the very best of Japan's giants and independent watchmakers against some of the most popular, big name Swiss houses...

Should you use a sourcing and collection curation service when buying your watches? Lewis and Ben share thoughts on why you should, what the specific benefits are, and make a case for why it delivers value as a paid service. As usual, the lads rant about this fortnights outrages in the industry, and laud those delivering interesting quality work. If you're the type of collector Ben mentions a...

We're back! After a short unavoidable break, Ben and Lewis review the landscape of the watch industry, how Watches and Wonders 2023 fits with the trends for the year so far, and, as always identify brands and models delivering exceptional value. Let us know what watches have caught your eye this year so far. Send us an email! podcast@finewatches.com.au We're now on YouTube!: https://www....

Considering buying a Rolex? They're arguably the world's best every day wear, and the brand offers up some of the most enduring designs for both sports and dress watches available. The market for popular pieces including the Submariner, Yacht Master, GMTs, and others, has been hot for several years. Lewis and Ben share their thoughts around if this is a good time to buy in to the brand,...

What would you put in a watch collection with no limit on budget or availability? Ben and Lewis discuss their choices, with very different results. There are some very rare heavy hitters in collection. Without giving too much away, the only brand with two watches here is MB&F! Hear also why neither of us ended up including a Rolex......The answer is not what you'd expect. Let us know what...

Last episode we looked at how to start a watch collection. This time, we've put together each of our thoughts on what we'd buy with $10,000 (Australian) dollars to spend. It's a diverse mix and includes some great value pieces, all worthy of consideration. Of course, Lewis thinks his lineup won out over Ben's.... Let us know who you think nailed it, which of the models named yo...

Getting started with watch collecting can be as daunting as it is exciting. Ben and Lewis discuss the do's and don'ts of starting a luxury watch collection. From Rolex to Tag Heuer, collecting as an investment, to throwing caution to the wind, the guys discuss everything you need to know. You can now also find us on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thefinewatchespodcast/ Check out Lewis...

The first episode of Season 2 sees us welcome new co-host Lewis Butterfield of The Watch Dealers to the show,  joining Ben Kushinsky of FineWatches Australia. After a great conversation in episode 20 of Season 1, we've decided to join forces to bring you a new chattier format which will still cover current happenings in the watch market, trends, bubbles, a deep love of vintage pieces and bran...

In his capacity as owner of The Watch Dealers, and his guise as @gcwatchguy on Instagram, Lewis Butterfield is at the leading edge of the watch trade in Australia. In this, the FineWatches Podcast's 20th episode it was a great pleasure to have a free and frank discussion with Lewis and to get to express some of the things I've always wanted to say on the cast. From the state of the marke...

It's rare that one gets to speak with a true raconteur. It's a fitting description for Ben Lewin. His film "The Favour, The Watch and The Very Big Fish" with Jeff Goldblum and Bob Hoskins was one of the seeds that began my journey into watches. Featuring a JLC Reverso, it showed that watches could be something more than just a tool for telling the time. We refer quite a bit to...

One need look no further for a true expert on Patek Philippe than Tania Edwards. With over three decades both at the helm of the brand's marketing department, and now as a key member of the team at Collectability, Tania's knowledge and passion for the company, its output and its history, is deep and fascinating. Our conversation covers why Patek Philippe has held its reputation as one of...

Speaking with Andrea Furlan, one half of the Furlan Marri brand which exploded onto the watch scene under Covid with its Mechaquartz Chronograph range, it is evident why it has enjoyed such success. His vision and work that has gone into a lifelong passion for both design and watches shines through. The modesty with which Andrea discusses the success of the brand, pointing always to the incredible...

Horomariobro's images are among the most recognisable, and unique, for anyone who follows watches on Instagram. Born out of a desire for something to do while stuck at home during the pandemic, Mario turned his Loupe system and iPhone X to taking photos of his incredible watch collection. Highlighting and critiquing the craftsmanship of some of the worlds best watchmakers, his content is fasc...

It's impossible to talk about watches without eventually touching on the close tie between motor racing and the sport's reliance on the precise measurement of time. Tim Schenken is one of the few Australians to have driven in Formula 1. He is a supremely accomplished driver who has driven, and won, for such legendary names as Williams, Surtees, Porsche, Ferrari, and others, in Formula 1,...

Rescapement is a newsletter and blog that provides highly interesting content around both the modern and vintage aspects of the watch world. Far from just covering the well trodden paths that so many travel on social media and elsewhere, topics are at once esoteric and highly engaging. Joining me for this episode is its founder Tony, who, incredibly runs the platform as a love project, which provi...

This episode is an epic discussion. I'm joined by Kathleen McGivney, one of the Founders of the RedBar Group, former COO of the Horological Society of New York and board member of Bailey House. We discuss what drives Kathleen and her RedBar associates to so passionately pursue the organisations philanthropic activities, the importance of brands and watches that neat their own path, and more,...