Superlative

In this episode of Superlative, aBlogtoWatch founder and our host Ariel Adams sits down with Cornelius Ye of CIGA Design to explore how a modern watch brand can stand out in a crowded global market. Cornelius explains his role as a “go to market manager”, acting as the bridge between design, production, and sales, while helping bring each watch from concept to launch. He shares how CIGA Design grew from a small team focused on crowdfunding into an internationally recognized brand, driven by a commitment to original design and accessible pricing.

The conversation dives into the brand’s core philosophy, from skeletonized watches and story driven collections to award winning designs like the Blue Planet. Cornelius breaks down how narrative, aesthetics, and emotional connection matter more than traditional timekeeping in today’s market, and why CIGA Design focuses on creating distinctive pieces rather than competing with legacy Swiss brands. From Everest inspired tourbillons to evolving global distribution, this episode offers insight into how a new generation of watchmakers is redefining value, creativity, and what consumers truly want from a watch.

Check out CIGA Design:

- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/cigadesign.global/

- Website - https://cigadesign.com/

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- YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@ablogtowatch

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- Shop ABTW - https://store.ablogtowatch.com/

To keep updated with everything Superlative, aBlogtoWatch Weekly, and aBlogtoWatch, check us out on:

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- Twitter/X - https://twitter.com/ABLOGTOWATCH

- Website - https://www.ablogtowatch.com/

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In this episode of Superlative, our host and aBlogtoWatch founder Ariel Adams sits down with Marine Lemonnier-Brennan, founder and managing director of 289 Consulting, to explore the often unseen forces that drive the watch industry forward. Marine shares how her career evolved from the entertainment world into watchmaking, and how her experience helped shape a more strategic and globally connected approach to PR. Together, they unpack the critical role of relationships in an industry where success depends not just on great products, but on the people behind them and the stories that bring them to life.

The conversation dives into Marine’s time working with major brands like Vacheron Constantin and Hublot, her experience alongside Jean-Claude Biver, and the decision to build her own firm focused on supporting independent watchmakers. She explains how 289 Consulting bridges the gap for smaller brands that need global visibility but lack the resources of large groups, while also emphasizing the importance of maintaining a healthy ecosystem between brands, media, and retailers. Along the way, Ariel and Marine reflect on how the industry has evolved, why connection remains at its core, and what it takes for brands to stay relevant in a rapidly changing landscape.

Check out 289 Consulting and Follow Marine:

- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/289consulting/

- https://www.instagram.com/marinelemonnier/

- Website - https://289consulting.com/

SUPERLATIVE IS NOW ON YOUTUBE!
To check out Superlative on Youtube as well as other ABTW content:

- YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@ablogtowatch
To check out the ABTW Shop where you can see our products inspired by our love of Horology:
- Shop ABTW - https://store.ablogtowatch.com/

To keep updated with everything Superlative, aBlogtoWatch Weekly, and aBlogtoWatch, check us out on:

- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ablogtowatch/

- Twitter/X - https://twitter.com/ABLOGTOWATCH

- Website - https://www.ablogtowatch.com/

If you enjoy the show please Subscribe, Rate, and Review!

In this episode of Superlative, Ariel Adams sits down with Alex Rosenfield, CEO of Urban Jürgensen, to explore the revival of one of watchmaking’s most historic yet often overlooked brands. Alex shares the story behind his family’s acquisition of Urban Jürgensen and the philosophy guiding its modern relaunch, from preserving centuries of design and engineering legacy to working alongside master watchmaker Kari Voutilainen to shape a new generation of timepieces.

  Alex dives into what it really means to run a high end watch brand today, including long term thinking, resisting industry pressure for constant releases, and focusing on emotional connection through design and craftsmanship. He also outlines a refreshingly transparent approach to collectors, emphasizing fairness, accessibility, and respect over traditional luxury sales tactics. Along the way, Alex reflects on what makes a watch truly meaningful, from the human story behind its creation to the importance of making something that feels beautiful and lasting on the wrist. Alex and Ariel’s conversation is truly a thoughtful look at how heritage, artistry, and modern leadership can come together to redefine what independent watchmaking looks like going forward.

Check out Urban Jürgensen:

- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/urbanjurgensen/

- Website - https://urbanjurgensen.com/

SUPERLATIVE IS NOW ON YOUTUBE!
To check out Superlative on Youtube as well as other ABTW content:

- YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@ablogtowatch

To check out the ABTW Shop where you can see our products inspired by our love of Horology:

- Shop ABTW - https://store.ablogtowatch.com/

To keep updated with everything Superlative, aBlogtoWatch Weekly, and aBlogtoWatch, check us out on:

- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ablogtowatch/

- Twitter - https://twitter.com/ABLOGTOWATCH

- Website - https://www.ablogtowatch.com/

If you enjoy the show please Subscribe, Rate, and Review!

In this episode of Superlative, aBlogtoWatch founder Ariel Adams speaks with Kuruvilla “Diny” Markose, CEO of Titan Watches, about leading one of the most dominant watch brands in the Indian market and guiding it into a new era of global relevance. Diny shares how Titan built its success through design, manufacturing scale, and quartz innovation, while now shifting focus toward premiumization and mechanical watchmaking. He explains why India’s rapidly evolving consumer market is creating new opportunities in the $300 and above segment, and how Titan is investing in in house movements, complications, and finishing to meet that demand.

Their conversation explores the balance between preserving a strong mass market foundation and expanding into higher end watchmaking, as well as Titan’s ambition to create compelling daily driver watches that deliver exceptional value. Diny also discusses the growing appeal of analog watches in a world of digital fatigue, the importance of design identity in crowded categories like dive watches, and the long term goal of producing world class timepieces that can compete on a global stage while remaining accessible to a broader audience.

Check out Titan Watches:

- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/titanwatchesindia/

- https://www.instagram.com/dinykm/

- Website - Titan Watches India

SUPERLATIVE IS NOW ON YOUTUBE!
To check out Superlative on Youtube as well as other ABTW content:

- YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@ablogtowatch

To check out the ABTW Shop where you can see our products inspired by our love of Horology:

- Shop ABTW - https://store.ablogtowatch.com/

To keep updated with everything Superlative, aBlogtoWatch Weekly, and aBlogtoWatch, check us out on:

- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ablogtowatch/

- Twitter - https://twitter.com/ABLOGTOWATCH

- Website - https://www.ablogtowatch.com/

If you enjoy the show please Subscribe, Rate, and Review!

This week on Superlative, Ariel Adams sits down with Chris Wiegand, president of LÜM-TEC and founder of Wiegand Custom Watch, to explore the reality behind building watches from the ground up. From hand applying lume to early Omega and Panerai dials to running manufacturing and design for over one hundred brands, Chris shares how a self taught approach and obsession with improvement shaped his path in the industry. He breaks down the science behind lume application, why thickness does not always equal brightness, and how small technical decisions can dramatically change performance.
The conversation moves through the evolution of microbrands, the rise of Kickstarter, and the growing divide between engineering and marketing in modern watchmaking. Chris offers an honest look at what it takes to turn ideas into real products, including working with impossible AI driven designs, navigating manufacturing limits, and helping new founders avoid costly mistakes. Along the way, they discuss American watchmaking challenges, why some brands choose to stay small, and how changing consumer behavior is shaping the future of design.

Follow Chris and check out Lüm-Tec & Wiegand Custom Watch:

- Websites - https://lum-tec.com/

- https://www.wiegandwatches.net/

- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lumtecwatches/

SUPERLATIVE IS NOW ON YOUTUBE!
To check out Superlative on Youtube as well as other ABTW content:

- YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@ablogtowatch

To check out the ABTW Shop where you can see our products inspired by our love of Horology:

- Shop ABTW - https://store.ablogtowatch.com/

To keep updated with everything Superlative, aBlogtoWatch Weekly, and aBlogtoWatch, check us out on:

- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ablogtowatch/

- Twitter - https://twitter.com/ABLOGTOWATCH

- Website - https://www.ablogtowatch.com/

If you enjoy the show please Subscribe, Rate, and Review!