The Materials

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 Signum, which focuses on tool watches, but uses materials and minerals for their dials that makes each watch unique.

In this episode we continue the Fine Watches mission of discovering more about independent brands, and most importantly, the people behind them.

Send us an email! podcast@finewatches.com.au

We're now on YouTube!: https://www.youtube.com/@Thefinewatchespodcast/

Check out Ben's Instagram here: @finewatchesau
Straton's Instagram is here: @stratonwatchco
And Signum's is here: @signumwatches

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" Bathurst, and why Jim Richards may have been justifiably put out by the crowd on the day.

Send us an email! podcast@finewatches.com.au

We're now on YouTube!: https://www.youtube.com/@Thefinewatchespodcast/

Check out Ben's Instagram here: @finewatchesau

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 amazing!!)

Starting as two friends meeting at the RedBar, the group has grown into a global organisation that allows enthusiasts to gather, learn, and enjoy each others timepieces, and which also boasts a foundation which gives to a large number of charities local to each chapter.

In this episode, Ben speaks with Adam Craniotes and Kathleen McGivney about the Group, its culture of "don't be a dick" and appreciation of all watches no matter brand or cost, through getting started with watches, RedBar marriages, consumer and watch group influence over the watch industry.......and Steven. (Check him out in the video version.)

Watch the youtube version to see some of the watches we discuss and of course Steven!! https://www.youtube.com/@Thefinewatchespodcast/

Follow Ben on Instagram; @finewatchesau
Youtube Cover image kindly supplied by Atom Moore (@atommoore on insta.) Check out his amazing watch photographs!!

Send us an email with any thoughts, comments or suggestions about what you'd like to hear! hello@finewatches.com.au

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 to truly satisfying, sustainable success.

In a time when profits dictate production more and more, MB&F continues to succeed by sticking to its core why; "To inspire people to think differently." We discuss how MB&F maintains a balance between its avant-garde creative history and meeting market demand, what inspires Max and his team to continue to push boundaries, and the importance of values when measuring personal success.


Send us an email! podcast@finewatches.com.au

We're now on YouTube!: https://www.youtube.com/@Thefinewatchespodcast/

Check out Ben's Instagram here: @finewatchesau

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@finewatches.com.au

We're now on YouTube!: https://www.youtube.com/@Thefinewatchespodcast/

Check out Lewis' Instagram here: @gcwatchguy
And Ben's is here: @finewatchesau

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 in a category that spans all price points.

Send us an email! podcast@finewatches.com.au

We're now on YouTube!: https://www.youtube.com/@Thefinewatchespodcast/

Check out Lewis' Instagram here: @gcwatchguy
And Ben's is here: @finewatchesau

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 idea.

Send us an email! podcast@finewatches.com.au

We're now on YouTube!: https://www.youtube.com/@Thefinewatchespodcast/

Check out Lewis' Instagram here: @gcwatchguy
And Ben's is here: @finewatchesau

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 discuss the state of the market for this highly sought after piece, and consider alternatives. Some, like the versions from sister company Tudor, offer great value as an alternative, and others achieve much that the Submariner does, albeit in different price segments.

 Send us an email! podcast@finewatches.com.au

We're now on YouTube!: https://www.youtube.com/@Thefinewatchespodcast/

Check out Lewis' Instagram here: @gcwatchguy
And Ben's is here: @finewatchesau

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 large range of price points, that should help sooth the itch for a Royal Oak if you cant happen to own one.

Send us an email! podcast@finewatches.com.au

We're now on YouTube!: https://www.youtube.com/@Thefinewatchespodcast/

Check out Lewis' Instagram here: @gcwatchguy
And Ben's is here: @finewatchesau

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.

Send us an email! podcast@finewatches.com.au

We're now on YouTube!: https://www.youtube.com/@Thefinewatchespodcast/

Check out Lewis' Instagram here: @gcwatchguy
And Ben's is here: @finewatchesau