A Matter of Time

• Stone dial watches, diamonds, and gemstones - a masterclass | EP 09

  Stone dial watches, gemset watches, diamond watches... You may see this headline and think this video is not for you. But, Eleonor takes Andrew and Kristian to school, and as she runs through the origins of hardstones, intricacies of sourcing and setting diamonds and gemstones, and the various cuts utilised by many watch brands, it becomes clear that this subject, often scoffed at by male watch collectors, is far more fascinating and insightful than you might expect. Where does the added cost really come from? Is it justified? What hardstones, gemstones, and diamonds are the most and least expensive? Watch the full video to learn about it all. We promise it is very, very much worth it.Stone dial watches, gemset watches, diamond watches... You may see this headline and think this video is not for you. But, Eleonor takes Andrew and Kristian to school, and as she runs through the origins of hardstones, intricacies of sourcing and setting diamonds and gemstones, and the various cuts utilised by many watch brands, it becomes clear that this subject, often scoffed at by male watch collectors, is far more fascinating and insightful than you might expect. Where does the added cost really come from? Is it justified? What hardstones, gemstones, and diamonds are the most and least expensive? Watch the full video to learn about it all. We promise it is very, very much worth it.

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• The watch-collecting journey: Are you stuck? | EP 08

  Where are you in your watch-collecting journey? This episode of the watch-focused podcast dives deeply into the complexities and personal nuances of the watch-collecting journey. The trio explores common feelings of being “stuck” in collecting, the influence of social and personal identity, and the myth of linear progression in watch collecting.The conversation starts by showcasing the hosts’ current watches, symbolising different stages in their collecting paths. Ele shares enthusiasm for independent watchmaker F.P. Journe, reflecting a stage of passionate discovery, while Kristian presents his “final” watch, symbolising a contented endpoint for his collecting journey. Andrew discusses his eclectic approach, highlighting how his collection defies the traditional ladder concept.A compelling analogy likens watch collecting to a drug addiction, illustrating the escalating desire for new pieces and experiences, but also the eventual realisation that material accumulation alone does not guarantee fulfilment. The hosts discuss how the notion of a “ladder”, progressing from entry-level watches to high-end collectables, is common but limiting.Instead, they propose seeing collecting as a puzzle, where different pieces fit differently over time depending on who the collector is and how they evolve. This idea is further enriched by a metaphor involving Jennifer Lawrence’s character in Red Sparrow, emphasising the changing nature of what collectors seek to complete their personal “puzzle.”Common anxieties such as budget constraints, access to exclusive brands, and the fear of making “wrong” choices are also addressed. They reassure listeners that collecting is not about privilege or money; even modest collections hold value and meaning. The importance of trying on many watches, exploring a variety of brands and styles, and seeking stories behind timepieces is emphasised as a way to deepen the collecting experience.The hosts share personal regrets and lessons learned, such as selling prized watches too early or succumbing to social pressures. They also highlight the cathartic and joyful process of curating a collection by selling and acquiring watches, encouraging listeners to embrace the fluidity of their journey. Finally, they invite the audience to reflect on their own collecting paths, whether it’s a ladder, a puzzle, a drug addiction, or something else, and to share their stories for future episodes.

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• Do brand ambassadors actually influence watch purchases? | EP 07

  Episode 7 delves into the intriguing concept of whether influencers actually influence other influencers, particularly within the world of luxury watches. The conversation delves into personal anecdotes, brand ambassador strategies, and the authenticity behind celebrity endorsements.Andrew, Eleonor, and Kristian examine how genuine passion and personal connection with a brand often outweigh mere paid promotion. The dialogue also touches on the impact of unofficial endorsements, leaks of unreleased watches, and the dynamics of belonging to a “club” represented by a brand’s ambassador.Throughout, the trio emphasise the importance of sincerity in influence, revealing that real influence often comes from people within their own circles rather than celebrities or paid ambassadors.They share stories about iconic figures like George Clooney, Lenny Kravitz, David Beckham, and John Malkovich, reflecting on how those personalities shape attitudes toward watch brands. The episode concludes with reflections on how emotional connections, personal style, and genuine enthusiasm drive purchase decisions more than marketing campaigns alone.

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• Big brand power versus microbrand smarts | EP 06

  In this engaging episode of A Matter of Time, the trio explore the dynamic and evolving landscape of the watch industry, focusing particularly on the contrast between big box brands and microbrands, and their respective advantages.The discussion dives into what large, established brands can offer compared to the agility and innovation of smaller, independent watchmakers. The conversation touches on the price points, marketing approaches, customer engagement, emotional connection to watches, and the challenges and opportunities presented by disruptive newcomers such as Christopher Ward’s Loco model.The hosts debate the value proposition of microbrands that deliver high horology features at more accessible prices versus the heritage, brand power, and emotional resonance of legacy brands like Tudor and Rolex or haute independents like MB&F.The episode also highlights the importance of physical interaction with watches — holding and wearing them — as a critical factor in truly appreciating their value. It discusses how small brands build closer relationships with customers, often directly through social media or personal contact, compared to the more corporate, polished, but distant big brands.The hosts share their personal preferences, wrist checks, and emotional attachments to various watches, illustrating that buying a watch is as much about emotion and story as it is about specifications and price.The debate extends to the design language of new watches, with Ele, for example, craving originality and emotional impact rather than derivative designs.The episode ends reflecting on the evolving retail environment, the comeback of British watchmaking, and how smaller brands can innovate faster while big brands move more slowly but with greater stability and legacy. The conversation closes with reflections on the emotional power of watches and the privilege of being able to explore a wide variety of timepieces as members of the watch media industry.

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• What women really think of your watch | EP 05

  Thinking that Rolex will seal the deal on date night? Think again. For Episode 5, A Matter of Time hosts Kristian Haagen and Andrew McCutchen put their co-host, Eleonor Picciotto, in the hot seat to leverage her distinct perspective, and the discussion revealed some brutal truths about what women actually notice about the watch on your wrist.

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