Superlative

This week on the SUPERLATIVE Podcast, host and aBlogtoWatch Founder Ariel Adams is joined by Gabe Reilly, Co-Founder of Collective Horology. Ariel and Gabe discuss the growing appeal of independent watchmaking and why collectors are increasingly drawn to brands with a strong creative identity, personality, and sense of purpose. Gabe explains how Collective approaches independent watch retail, why community and in person experiences have become so important, and how the resurgence of analog culture is helping mechanical watches find new relevance with consumers.

The conversation also explores the challenges facing the traditional Swiss watch industry, from changing retail dynamics and consolidation to the difficulty some established brands have adapting to the American market. Gabe shares his perspective on what truly makes a watch brand independent, why collectors often view buying independent watches as a form of patronage, and how Collective has evolved from creating limited collaborations into a retailer dedicated to discovering and supporting independent watchmakers. Ariel and Gabe also discuss the changing media landscape and why watch brands need to become more comfortable with honest commentary, experimentation, and engaging directly with their communities. Tune in for a thoughtful look at why independent watchmaking continues to resonate with collectors and what its growing influence could mean for the future of the watch industry.

Learn more about Gabe and Collective Horology:

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

- Website - https://collectivehorology.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!

Key Chapters:
[0:36] Intro & Collective Horology Open House
[2:18] Independent Watches & The Analog Boom
[7:42] What Works In The U.S. Watch Market
[14:27] Swiss Watchmaking & Global Competition
[20:45] Retail Consolidation & Swiss Business Culture
[27:07] Doing Business With Swiss Brands
[34:23] Holding Companies Vs. Independent Watchmakers
[42:00] What Does “Independent” Really Mean?
[49:04] Watch Media, Transparency & Industry Commentary
[54:29] Why Luxury Brands Struggle With Modern Media
[1:00:46] The Evolution & Future Of Collective Horology
[1:06:10] Closing & Contact Info

How do independent watch brands compete in a market dominated by luxury giants? On this episode of SUPERLATIVE, aBlogtoWatch founder Ariel Adams is joined by Lior Arussy, founder and managing partner of Fund Time, to explore what it really takes to build a successful watch brand today. From investing in independent watchmakers to reshaping how brands connect with collectors, Lior shares why customer experience, authentic storytelling, and long term relationships matter far more than tradition alone.

Together, Ariel and Lior discuss the cultural differences between Swiss luxury brands and the American market, why emotional engagement is just as important as exceptional watchmaking, and how independent brands can thrive by putting collectors first. They also examine the future of luxury watches, the changing expectations of modern buyers, and why innovation in business can be just as important as innovation in watchmaking. Whether you are an avid collector, an independent watchmaker, or simply fascinated by the business behind luxury timepieces, this conversation offers a fresh perspective on where the industry is headed.

Learn more about Lior and Fund Time:

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

- Websites - https://teamfundtime.com/

- https://www.liorarussy.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!

Key Chapters:
00:36 Welcome & Fund Time Overview
01:56 How Fund Time Helps Independent Watch Brands
06:10 Distributor Relationships & Swiss vs American Business Culture
09:12 Why The Customer Always Comes First
14:26 Customer Experience & Lessons From Mercedes-Benz
17:46 Customer Co-Creation & The Future Of Luxury
21:27 Why Brands Lose Customers Over Time
27:06 Innovation, Failure, & Pricing Luxury Watches
33:57 Investing In Independent Watch Brands
38:02 The Biggest Mistakes Independent Watch Brands Make
45:02 Building Independent Brands In The U.S.
48:41 Emotional Connection vs Great Products
52:16 Lifetime Customer Value Over Transactions
54:38 The Future Of The U.S. Luxury Watch Market
58:57 Which Brands Should Avoid The U.S. Market
1:00:48 Why Brand Experience Matters
1:02:43 Where To Learn More About Lior Arussy

New day, same great conversations. Catch new episodes of SUPERLATIVE every Wednesday!

On this episode of Superlative, aBlogtoWatch founder Ariel Adams is joined by Riccardo Dana, founder and CEO of SWOP, to discuss how technology and AI are transforming the watch collecting experience. Riccardo explains the challenges collectors and dealers face when buying, selling, and trading watches online, and shares how SWOP is using AI powered tools to create a more transparent, secure, and efficient marketplace. Together, they explore trust, pricing, negotiations, and the role technology can play in simplifying every step of the collecting journey.

Their conversation also looks beyond the marketplace itself, touching on collector psychology, the influence of social media, and why independent watch brands deserve more attention alongside the industry's biggest names. Riccardo shares his vision for connecting collectors, dealers, and communities through a smarter platform while preserving the passion, craftsmanship, and enjoyment that make watch collecting such a rewarding hobby. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just getting started, this episode offers a fascinating look at how technology could shape the next generation of watch collecting.

Learn more about Riccardo Dana and SWOP:

- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/swop.trade/

- Website - https://www.swop.trade/

- LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/riccardodana/

This week's episode is sponsored by the Movado Heritage Kingmatic collection, learn more at the link below:

- https://www.movado.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!

Key Timestamps:
00:34 Riccardo Dana Intro and What Is SWOP?
02:36 Why The Watch Market Needed SWOP
06:32 From In Person Buying To Online Watch Trading
10:21 Fixing Watch Marketplaces
14:29 Market Prices, Auctions, & Watch Values
23:02 Who Is SWOP Really Built For?
31:17 Dealer Fees & Global Watch Markets
35:39 Why SWOP Focuses On Modern Watches
42:17 Rolex, Hype, & Independent Watch Brands
46:10 Social Media & The Future Of Watch Collecting
54:50 How SWOP Uses AI
1:02:11 Will AI Agents Buy Your Next Watch?
1:05:53 Where To Find SWOP

New day, same great conversations. Catch new episodes of SUPERLATIVE every Wednesday!

In this episode of SUPERLATIVE, aBlogtoWatch founder and host Ariel Adams sits down with Mike Margolis, President of Czapek Americas, to explore what it takes to build an independent watch brand in today's competitive market. Drawing on decades of experience across luxury watch retail, distribution, and brand development, Mike shares how Czapek has grown its presence in North America while staying true to its identity. Along the way, he reflects on lessons learned from industry icons such as Jean-Claude Biver, the importance of creating meaningful collector relationships, and why authentic storytelling remains one of the most valuable tools in modern watch marketing.

Their conversation also dives into the realities of selling independent watches, the changing role of retailers and events, the impact of tariffs and global business challenges, and why collecting should always be driven by passion rather than investment. Whether you are fascinated by the business behind luxury watches or simply appreciate great horology, this episode offers thoughtful insight into what helps brands and collectors thrive together.

Learn more about Mike Margolis:

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

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

- Czapek Watches - https://www.czapek.com/

This week's episode is sponsored by the Movado Heritage Kingmatic collection, learn more at the link below:

- https://www.movado.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!

Key Timestamps:
00:35 Introduction

01:34 Mike's Career & Czapek

05:34 Tariffs & Importing Watches

10:32 Why Americans Should Buy Local

14:06 The Hublot Years

15:32 Working With Jean-Claude Biver

24:37 Lessons in Watch Marketing

30:09 Finding Modern Collectors

35:56 Becoming a Watch Collector

39:49 How Watch Collecting Has Changed

42:14 Events, Retail & Direct Sales

48:23 Can You Trust Online Reviews?

55:03 Buying Watches Online

56:58 Why Watches Should Bring Joy

1:01:48 Selling & Trading Watches

1:02:39 Buy With Your Heart

1:06:31 Rolex, CPO & Speculation

1:08:31 Final Thoughts

New day, same great conversations. Catch new episodes of SUPERLATIVE every Wednesday!

In this episode of SUPERLATIVE, aBlogtoWatch founder and our host Ariel Adams sits down with Frederic Gasser, President of B.R.M North America, to discuss the unconventional story of bringing the French motorsport inspired watch brand to the United States. Frederic shares how a phone call, a handful of watches, and an unexpected first sale helped launch B.R.M in America, eventually leading to early opportunities with Neiman Marcus and retailers across the country. He also explains how B.R.M translates the colors, materials, mechanics, and energy of the racetrack into its watches, why the brand has remained committed to its distinctive racing identity, and how customization has helped build a passionate collector base.

The conversation also explores the changing realities of the American watch market, from the growing influence of major brands over retailers to the challenges independent companies face in traditional wholesale. Frederic discusses B.R.M’s shift toward direct relationships with collectors, bespoke watches, and creative collaborations, while sharing why smaller brands need to stay focused rather than chase every market opportunity. Ariel and Frederic also examine the challenges European watch companies face when entering the United States, the importance of having a genuine local presence, and why finding your own niche may be more valuable than just pursuing volume.

Learn more about B.R.M:

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

- Website - https://brm-chronographes.com/

This week's episode is sponsored by the Movado Heritage Kingmatic collection, learn more at the link below:

- https://www.movado.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!

Key Timestamps:
[0:35] Intro & B.R.M Origins
[3:58] Frederic Brings B.R.M to America
[9:26] Early U.S. Growth & Retail Expansion
[11:08] How B.R.M Manufactures Its Watches
[13:19] B.R.M’s Racing Inspired Design
[19:54] Richard Mille Comparisons & Staying Focused
[23:47] Doing Fewer Things Well
[24:31] The Power of Human Connection
[26:00] Polarizing Design & Passionate Collectors
[30:47] Technical Innovation & Lightweight Watches
[35:08] Pricing & Customization
[36:32] The Shift to Direct & Bespoke
[39:12] Retailers & Big Brand Pressure
[45:30] U.S. vs. European Discounting
[47:23] Why the U.S. Market Is So Difficult
[56:26] The Importance of the U.S. Market
[58:10] Why Brands Need a Local Presence
[1:00:47] Watches and Wonders & B.R.M’s Future
[1:04:23] Closing