This Watch Life
Join Lydia Winters and Vu Bui weekly for a podcast about all things watches, from watch releases and industry news to brands and watch culture. They discuss everything in-between, sharing their passion for the watch life.
Episodes
217: Watches and Wonders 2026 - Lydia's Journey!
Lydia went to Watches and Wonders this year, but Vu didn't! Here's our catch up on everythign she saw and liked and some of the coolest watches she got to try on and check out!
216: 2016 vs 2026, what changed in watches, our collections, and industry trends?
In this episode we compare our 2016 vs 2026 watch lives, and also hear the stories of our friends Derek Mon (@theminutemon), James Crichton (@gearetal), Ken Lam (@arkenwatchco), and Britt Pearce (@watch.gringa).
215: What brands will succeed and fail? Why don't we buy some watches that we love? Q&A episode.
In this episode we answer questions from a few of our amazing listeners! We discuss the future successes and failures of watch brands, what makes us pivot between brands over time, what watches we love but still won't buy, underrated watches and more!Thanks for the questions, @watch_girl_life, @nomoschino, @syktgrei.elgada, @thewatchshowfinland, @enjoy.your_time, @rabcho!
214: Tudor turns 100, what will they release???
In this episode we discuss Tudor's 100 year anniversary and what that might mean for their releases this year.
213: Watch collection changes in the past year
2025 marked some real changes for both of us in terms of our collections... with Lydia taking a more measured approach than previous years and Vu going wild. Perhaps for the household this is a good strategy, to take turns?We discuss which watches we bought and why, and what was different about 2025 and what that might mean for the future of our collections.
212: Our 2026 Predictions and Wishes
Believe it or not, 2026 is here! In this episode we go over some of our predictions for the year, talk about some things we are hoping to see, and speculate a bit about this year in watches.
211: Watch enthusiasm and bird watching, what do they have in common?
In this episode we dive into the wonderful world of bird watching as it relates to watch collecting. It turns out many hobbies and passions share so many similarities in the way people enjoy them, in the communities surrounding them, and even sometimes in the downsides to them.Feel free to watch this documentary:Listers: A Glimpse Into Extreme BirdwatchingFeel free to follow this bird photographin
210: Q&A Should "hand made" matter in watches, and more!
In this episode we talk about whether or not enthusiasts should be more involved in watch design, if "hand made" matters, what complications we want, whether or not to modify luxury watches, and name some of our favorite podcasts!Thanks so much for the amazing questions, @nesqydave, @naturalescapement, @watcherism, @watchmedicine, @christofferdidrichsen, @lovemedonuts, @notsimplybrent, a
209: Q&A - What if a Tudor was designed by Jiro Katayama, and other pressing questions!
It's been a long time since our last Q&A, and we got some great questions from you all! We discuss how a brand's watch photography can be misleading, what we'd do if we were put in charge at Rolex, a This Watch Life collab watch, who we will leave our watches to since we don't have kids, what to do with a wedding watch after divorce, and more!Thanks for the questions, @byterevi
208: Selling all but a 5 watch collection... what to keep?
In this episode we go through our choices for the five watches we would each keep from our existing collections if we had to just own 5, and couldn't buy any more, EVER. Essentially building our forever collections.This was inspired by the #fivewatchcollection Instagram community hashtag started by Nacho and Morgan.
207: Another NWA and a birthday visit to Glashütte and NOMOS
Yes, Vu has another NWA but this time it's totally not his fault. We also talk about his new camera, the Sigma bf, and our recent trip to Glashütte for the weekend and extra tour of the NOMOS manufacture.Mentioned in the episode:Blancpain Fifty Fathoms in 38mmSigma bfNOMOS Club Campus 36 Future OrangeThe Best recommendations for the week:The Naked GunWednesdayIf you have questions for our next
206: No more Rolex? Vu's new collecting philosophy.
Vu sold off his last Rolex! So in this episode he tries to articulate why he got rid of all his Rolex watches and what's changed about his entire collection. The Best Recommendations:Articles of Interest on SpotifyArticles of Interest on AppleBinoculars!
205: Two new watches! And one changed Vu's life forever.
In this episode we discuss our two new watches… both chronographs… and how at least Vu’s new watch has set him on a completely new path.Watches discussed in this episode:Tudor FXD Chronograph Cycling Edition Limited Edition PinkJaeger LeCoultre Master Control ChronographThe BEST recommendations:Project Hail MaryNintendo Switch 2
204: Watch Purchase Justifications, Zombies, and Rolex!
In this episode we discuss the lengths we can sometimes go to in our efforts to justify a watch purchase, Vu gives an update on his Zombie Apocalypse Watch plans, and we touch on a recent Rolex event we attended and whether our thoughts have changed on any of the new releases.
203: Choosing ONE vacation watch for two weeks. Also double NWA!
We decide to go on a two week vacation to Portugal with just one watch each, and talk through how we chose what we chose, why they were the right watches for this trip, and how that ended up working out. Also, we have two new watches to discuss! Vu decides that one watch might be fine, but asks Delugs to help out with additional straps so he can keep changing the look.Habring2 Erwin PilotKurono 34
202: W&W and NWA and all the cool things!
In this episode we discuss our time at Watches and Wonders, some of our favorite things from and around the show, Vu's new watch, and some of the people we got to see in Geneva!
201: What have we been up to? And... THE FUTURE!
We're back! Again! This time for real? In this episode we talk about the big life and work changes that Lydia has gone through... discuss our Watches and Wonders plans... and talk about the future of this podcast and our plan for its triumphant return!
200: What we've learned making 200 podcast episodes
In this 200th episode of This Watch Life we talk about what we've learned, how our thoughts about watches and the industry changed, and what we've discovered about our listeners.
199: The most surprising watches we have ever bought.
In this episode we answer questions from @katshoulders and @alexmjryan about the most surprising watches in our collections as well as what types of watches we find most and least photogenic.
198: New Watch! - Otsuka Lotec No. 7.5 - why did Vu buy this watch?
In today's episode we discuss Vu's newest watch, the Otsuka Lotec No. 7.5. Coming right off the amazing success of the No. 6 winning the GPHG Challenge Prize, the arrival of the No. 7.5 couldn't have been better timed.
Although they share a design language, the No. 6 and No. 7.5 are very different watches. Vu explains what he loves about the design of the 7.5 which takes some inspiration from vin
197: Favorite dial colors, and would Lydia trade her OPs for the right pieces?
In this episode we answer questions from @casebackintime, @been63, @arkenwatchco, and @nesqydave.
196: The Genta-designed Seiko - The Credor Locomotive - Lydia's New Watch Alert!
In this episode we talk about Lydia's new watch, the Credor Locomotive. Her second Gerald Genta designed watch, but also a limited edition remake of a little known collaboration from one of the world's best known watch-designers and Japan's most well known brand, Seiko.
https://www.credor.com/en/special/locomotive/
195: What watch would you bring on a cruise vacation?
In this episode we discuss Lydia's family cruise and the watches she chose to bring on it, and why. The cruise has very specific and diverse needs, because of the variety of activities you partake in, all packed into a singe experience.
So what did she bring?
194: New Watch Alert - The Arken Alterum Year of the Dragon.
In today's episode we talk about Vu's new watch, the Arken Alterum limited edition Year of the Dragon, and why Vu thinks it's probably the coolest watch under $1000.
Check out Arken here: https://arken.uk
Here's my first photo of the watch: https://www.instagram.com/p/DCbsx0jI3Dq/
NOTE: Although Vu had intended to pay full price for this watch and tried to purchase it, founder Ken sneakily gave it
193: Rolex = watch enthusiasm? Also our most worn watches and best watch purchases of 2024.
Today we answer a question from @watchrolling about whether or not Rolex watches are necessary for watch enthusiasts, from @watch_girl_life and @nomoschino about our best/favorite watch purchases of the year, and a question from @jordonia about what we wish we knew when we got started in this wild hobby of watch collecting and enthusiasm.
192: Lydia changes watch straps and Delugs celebrates their 6th anniversary
In this episode we talk about Lydia finally discovering the joy of changing watch straps, and our experience with Delugs, our favorite watch strap company, which I've been buying straps from for 4 years, and they've been making straps and leather goods now for six!
NOTE: Delugs has provided us with watch straps for free but have not paid us and have no input into what we do with or say about the
191: How did we meet, stay together for 13 years, and choose 10th anniversary watches?
In today's episode we go back in time and answer a frequently asked question... how did we even meet? We also talk about how we chose our 10th anniversary watch gifts for each other, and the difficulty in making that seemingly simple task work.
190: Universal Geneve and the Pole Router for the Polar Route!
In today's episode Lydia tells us the story of the Pole Router, Universal Geneve's watch commemorating the Polar Route for SAS flights that significantly reduced the flight time for international flights.
See Masaharu's post here:
https://www.instagram.com/p/DCZMHZDN1I2/
189: Lydia at the GPHG Awards, and Otsuka Lotec wins!
In this episode we talk about Lydia's trip to Geneva for the GPHG Awards show and gala. Also Vu finally let her borrow a watch, and it's his current favorite one!
188: Lydia visits IWC and becomes a watchmaker?
In this episode Lydia talks about her trip to Schaffhausen to visit the IWC manufacture with Nymans Ur, and the coolest Ingenieur she’s seen yet!
187: Why Vu wants a 47ZERO watch.
We finally got hands on with 47ZERO Watches! In this episode we talk about why these watches really drew us in and the powerful story of overcoming adversity and turning a traumatic event into the beautiful and thoughtful designs behind them.See them at 47zero.com Note: We were lent these watches by 47Zero, and had to send them back. We didn’t get paid or compensated in any way, and 47Zero didn’t
186: Movement decoration, why it exists, and should it?
Lydia takes us on a deep dive into movement decoration, some of the history, the techniques, and we discuss yet again whether casebacks should be closed!
185: Where have we been? Where are we going? And is it Cubituses or Cubitii?
We have been gone for 6 weeks, but we are back this week! We discuss a bit about what has happened, what is coming, and our plans to finish out the year with this podcast.
184: Watch events, free Seikos, and enabling friends to spend money!
We're back! We had an unplanned break and missed two episodes, but we're back and in this episode we talk about an amazing watch event Lydia attended, and a new Glashütte Original that our friend bought!
183: Perpetual calendars vs annual calendars!
In this episode Lydia takes us through a bit of history and information about both perpetual and annual calendars, and we talk about which watches we are most interested in.
182: The watches of The 2024 Emmys
In this episode we discuss some of the awesome watches we saw on the red carpet and on the winners of The Emmys.
181: Lydia is in Bentley magazine? And AI thinks we know watches?
In this episode we talk about Lydia's quote in Bentley Magazine and find out that asking AI about yourself can actually be quite nice.
180: The 5 worst recent watches - according to Britt Pearce
In today's episode we talk about Britt Pearce's video about the worst watches to come out in the past 3 years. And we have opinions about her opinions!
Britt's Video
179: What kind of dog would your watch be?
In this episode we answer a question by our dear friend Owen, that he came up with in the midst of international travel airport boredom, that we couldn't help but answer. What dog would your favorite watch be? The answers we got from some of you are surprisingly insightful!
178: Chrono24 releases survey results about first-time watch buyers.
In this episode we discuss a recently released post by Chrono24 detailing the results of a survey they had conducted about first time luxury watch buyers.
https://about.chrono24.com/en/press-release/first-time-buyer-report-part-1-luxury-watch-survey-what-makes-first-time-buyers-tick/
177: Watch news roundup - what we found interesting this week in watches!
In this episode we talk about some of the watch news we have found interesting in the last week. Watches from Moser/Studio Underdog, Longines, Sarpaneva, Laurent Ferrier, and King Seiko.
176: Countdown timing with watches, and Apple coming for watchmaking?
In this episode we answer a questioner from Jordi about how we actually time things with mechanical watches. Except for a very select and expensive few watches, there aren't many options in mechanical watches for minute-level accuracy timers which actually notify you. So, what are we to do?
We also talk a little about the new Apple Watches and some of the very watch industry terminology they
175: Entry-lever Biver watches and MoonSwatches available online?
In today's episode we discuss the recently released Biver Automatique, and the fact that the MoonSwatch is now FINALLY available online! Well, sort of.
174: 6 watches to gift your partner under $10,000. According to AI.
In this episode Vu asked an AI to recommend 6 watches for his stylish but adventurous partner that were between $3000 and $10000. Then he asked her to react to them.
173: What's the best season for watch collecting and wearing?
In this episode we answer a question from @time2_myself about the best season to buy watches, and from @watch.hightower about collecting other things that pair with watches.
172: What Holy Trinity Watch would you choose?
In this episode we answer a question from @watchmedicine about what dress watch we would choose from the Holy Trinity, and a question from @time.the.destroyer about whether or not we'd consider moving to Switzerland.
171: Is the dial or the movement more important?
In this episode we answer a question from @see_me_watch about what's more important in watch buying decisions, the dial, or the movement?
We use a couple of Grand Seikos that Vu is extremely interested in as examples:
Grand Seiko SLGW003
Grand Seiko SLGW005
170: Reactions to Geneva Watch Days novelties!
In this episode Lydia shares with Vu some of the watches that have been announced at Geneva Watch Days and Shanghai Watches and Wonders.
169: Lydia spends a week on the beach with the Oris Aquis Date
In this episode we talk about the watch Lydia borrowed from Oris for a week while she was visiting Florida last month. We talk about her thoughts on the watch and on Oris's new 2024 Sustainability Report.
Oris Aquis Date 36.5 Mother of Pearl
Oris Sustainability Report 2024
168: Are vintage watch prices affected by service history?
In this episode we answer a question from @spillingcoffeeoncars about vintage watches and whether or not service history is factored into the pricing.
For the first time we have a guest expert on the podcast, because @windsmeup recorded a detailed answer for this question!
167: Best Tudor one-watch collection? Best watch for kids?
In this episode we answer three questions from our awesome listeners, and discuss what we think about pocket watches (@ten10fiftynine), what the best water resistant kids watch is (Arthur), and which Tudor we'd pick for a one-watch collection (@yakubsaveli).
Kid's watch recommendations:
Casio LRW200H
Casio G-Shock BGD-5650
Flik Flak
Komono Rizzo
166: Is customizing watches a good idea?
In today's episode we answer questions by @anne_gmann and @lazybones_206. Firstly, we discuss whether we make our watch buying decisions with our hearts or our heads. Then we talk about whether or not customizing watches is a good idea. And Vu rants about how the good old days were better because people made stuff, or something.
165: Secret watch clubs? New robot-watches? And someone bought 25% of MB&F?
In this episode we talk about the recent Chanel partial acquisition of MB&F, a new Tissot PRX with a glow in the dark robot on it, and a secret watch club with only 58 members that isn't so secret anymore.
The Montblanc Minerva M58 Club story is based on this article from Watchonista:
https://www.watchonista.com/articles/depth/exclusive-montblanc-club-m58-membership-definitely-has-its-priv
164: part 2 of Mark Cho's 12 Principles of Watch Collecting
Mark Cho, founder of The Armoury, posted a list of his 12 principles of watch collecting that he's put together after many years of collecting and learning. And in this episode we talk about the second 6.
See his post here:
https://www.instagram.com/p/C-5QIeGzYFD/
163: Mark Cho's 12 Principles of Watch Collecting (part 1)
Mark Cho, founder of The Armoury, posted a list of his 12 principles of watch collecting that he's put together after many years of collecting and learning. And in this episode we talk about the first 6.
See his post here:
https://www.instagram.com/p/C-5QIeGzYFD/
162: Can you wear a dress watch on adventures? And why are dive watches good for everything?
In this episode we discuss the fact that most people, ourselves included, seem to follow the general practice to wear certain watches for certain things dictated only by their style, not their capabilities or specs. Should this change?
161: Rolex + Mistake = Money?
In today's episode we discuss some of the so-called error dials in the world of watches, and their perceived higher value in some cases. What makes some of them worth more?
160: Is Vu a watch savant? And does he even want to be?
In today's episode Lydia makes Vu take a quiz about watches from WatchTime Magazine.
Here are the answers to the quiz:
https://www.watchtime.com/watch-quiz-how-much-of-a-watch-savant-are-you/
159: New watches from Longines, Oris, NOMOS, Omega and KUDOKE
In today's episode we talk about some of the latest watch releases that have caught our attention!
Longines Spirit Zulu Time 39 Titanium
Oris Divers Sixty-Five Forest Green
NOMOS Ahoi 38 Date Atlantic
Omega Aqua Terra 150m
KUDOKE Infinity
Omega Specialties Paris 2024 Bronze Gold Edition
158: Is Lydia a TRUE watch enthusiast? AI tries to help us figure this out.
In this episode we let AI take over and assess the level of Lydia's watch enthusiasm. How does she do?
157: Can buying luxury watches make the world a better place?
In today's episode we discuss the Rolex Perpetual Planet Initiative because they dropped a new video about the initiative on the Rolex YouTube channel:
https://youtu.be/M3MhwWbHsdM?si=fdhtRPf-k9DMlRNw
156: Elvis's Rolex Oyster Perpetual Sold at auction for $240,000!
In this episode we discuss the Elvis watch that Lydia photographed for Alexander Bitar, who donated it to be sold at the Saint-Tropez Gala One charity auction to raise money for One Drop Foundation.
155: The Most Iconic Watches, can we all agree?
In today's episode we reference a recent video by Britt Pearce where she listed the most iconic watches from a bunch of different brands. We discuss these icons... and disagree with at least one of her takes!
Britt's video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWztKLNo0XI
154: Our Relationships With Brands
In this episode we talk about a new page on our website where we attempt to create more transparency about our own relationships with watch brands, based on what we'd love to see from others. Let us know what you think!
https://www.thiswatchlife.com/transparency
153: Winning Gold Medals with Watches On?
In today's episode we discuss some of the gold medals won at the Olympics recently where the athletes were wearing watches during the competitions.
We reference this article by Katherine Arteche:
These Female Track Athletes All Won Gold Wearing This Omega Aqua Terra
And these are the watches that these gold medalists all wore:
THE SEAMASTER AQUA TERRA "ULTRA LIGHT"
152: What if you could bring back a vintage watch to current production?
In today's episode we answer a question from @realwatchbrothers about what watch from the past we would want brought back into modern production.
151: What does it mean to be the official timekeeper of the Olympics?
In this episode we are talking about Omega being the official timekeeper of the Olympics. What does that even mean? And we also talk a bit about two of their novelties:
Omega Seamaster Heritage Olympics Models
Specialties Paris 2024 Bronze Gold Edition
150: We are Taking a Break! (but not for long)
In this episode we discuss a bunch of topics, like the fact that it seems that children don't love our podcast as much as their parents seem to... and the fact that yet another fireman has come forward as someone who uses dumpster fires as topics of conversation.
We also announce that we are taking next week off, and will be back on August 5th!
On Saturday, July 7th, a podcast episode will dr
149: Four American Watch Brands To Watch!
In this episode we answer a question from Stephen Fox, asking what American micro-brands we are interested in. We took a loosey goosey approach to "micro-brands", but talk about some really cool watchmakers and brands.
Lorca Model No. 1 GMT
Shinola The Mechanic 39mm
Weiss 38mm Automatic Standard Issue Field Watch
RGM model 151-G “Pilot”
RGM 801-COE "Corps of Engineers"
148: 2024 GPHG Competing Watches
In today's episode we discuss the recently announced competing watches for the 2024 GPHG Awards. Some favorites of ours are in the running, but also some watches and brands we have never even heard of!
147: Watch security and storage - how do you keep your watches safe?
NOTE: This episode is full of advice based on our own experiences, and we are sharing it in the spirit of our own best practices and things to consider. It's not at all meant to be a comprehensive guide to fool-proof security, and doesn't even cover all of our thoughts or practices on the matter. Do what you think is best!
In this episode we answer a question by @adriantpt about security f
146: Should TAG Heuer drop TAG from their name?
In this episode we answer questions from @syktgrei, Wayne, and @onceuponatimetherewerewatches about a few subjects, like whether TAG Heuer should go back to just being Heuer, and whether we have had watches that had bad associations with them that made us not love them (spoiler, yes we have).
145: Is it possible to like your watches too much?
In today's episode we kind of answer a question from Saul MacNeil about receiving watches as gifts, though we really focused more on watches as gifts in general. Also we answer another question about liking your own collection too much in a way that makes it heard to know what to wear.
144: Watch brand boutiques and mono-brand stores, is this the future?
In today's episode we talk about the rise of mono-brand boutiques in watches. Is this the future of watch purchases? And is this even a new phenomenon?
143: Summer watch straps - is rubber the best?
In today's episode we talk about summer watch strap options and why you would choose some over others. We also dive into Delugs CTS rubber straps!
NOTE: Delugs gave us some straps, including the rubber ones we talk about in today's episode, and we get to keep them. No money exchanged hands and they did not get any approval or input into the content.
142: 2024 Sales are down for Richemont and Swatch Group watches
In this episode we discuss two of the reports that were just published from Swatch Group and Richemont. Although some brands and some models of watches may be doing better than ever, there are definitely others that are suffering.
141: If you could choose just one category of watch, what would it be?
In today's episode we were inspired by a question from @officially_uncertified about which category of watch we would choose if we could only wear one for the rest of our lives. The problem, however, is how these categories are even defined!
140: NWA! The Elusive Otsuka Lotec No. 6
It's new watch day! Vu finally was able to purchase an Otsuka Lotec No. 6. This has been years in the making, and so far it seems that it was worth the wait. We talk all about this amazing watch and its maker, Jiro Katayama who created Otsuka Lotec.
You can see photos of the watch at @thiswatchlifepodcast.
139: Alternate universe watch collections - what if we made different choices?
In today's episode we answer a question from @anotherwristshot about what watches we would choose INSTEAD of the watches we own. What if we were in an alternate reality where we made slightly different choices in watches, but for the same purposes.
Watches mentioned in this episode:
Tudor Black Bay 58 GMT
Tudor Black Bay 58 Bronze
Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe
Tag Heuer Carrera Chronogra
138: Should you trust watch media? What makes a perfect watch?
In this episode we answer questions from @watch_girl_life and Mike S, about whether or not we can trust watch media and also about what it means for a watch to be perfect.
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