Time Well Spent

In this episode of the Time Well Spent podcast, Blake Buettner of The Deep Track and I sit down to deliver our wild watch predictions for the upcoming Watches and Wonders 2026 show. We each brought 5 picks, references photoshopped and rationals loosely written, ready to defend our wild ideas for what we might see in April. For the first part, be sure to tune into The Deep Track youtube channel or podcast before coming back to catch part 2! What prediction was your favorite? What do you hope to see at Watches and Wonders?

Catch part 1 here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Z7Q9uAxwqg

Find the article here: https://thedeeptrack.com/

Follow TheDeepTrack on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedeep_track/?hl=en
Blake on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blake_buettner/?hl=en
Devin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/devinpennypacker/?hl=en

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to Watches and Wonders Predictions
03:01 Insights from the Intersect Watch Show
06:04 IWC Ingenieur: Celebrating Heritage and Innovation
09:11 Exploring Seratanium and Unique Materials
11:56 Zenith's Evolution and Future Directions
14:53 Tudor's New Designs and Market Positioning
19:05 Revitalizing Tudor's Heritage
22:16 The Evolution of Tudor's Design Language
25:45 Bridging the Gap in Tudor's Collection
28:49 Exploring Tudor's Chronograph Legacy
32:44 The Future of Tudor: Predictions and Possibilities

Resources:

Watches and Wonders Official Site - https://www.watchesandwonders.com/
Intersect Watch Show NYC - https://intersectwatches.com/
Deep Track Podcast - https://deeptrack.com/
YouTube - https://youtube.com/deeptrack
Blake Buettner on Instagram - https://instagram.com/blakebuettner
Devin Pennypacker on YouTube - https://youtube.com/devinpennypacker

In this episode of the Time Well Spent podcast, Devin Pennypacker and Jacob Van Buren explore the importance of real-world testing in watch reviews, the romance of vintage diving gear, and the work that goes into crafting the stories behind the review. Let us know who won the debate between “Dive Style Watches” and “Overbuilt Field Watches”!

Jacob on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sea_vue/?hl=en
Devin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/devinpennypacker/?hl=en

Project Recover: https://www.projectrecover.org/
MKII Baku Edition: https://mkiiwatches.com/products/project-recover-baku-edition

Recommendations:
The Undersea World with Jacques Causteau: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL6J1OzLHamQ8TdX5j2w3L253mD-x0gZGi
Ben Lowrey SubStack, Why Do Divers Wear Red Beanies?: https://submersiblewrist.substack.com/p/why-do-divers-wear-red-beanies
How The Birth Of US Maritime SpecOps Inspired A Pioneering Dive Watch https://www.watchesofespionage.com/blogs/woe-dispatch/oss-maritime-unit-hamilton-buships-canteen?srsltid=AfmBOopDPuZKMyRhfCemnSToxrUf5Nf-IrOWyvsCQ-a92tyHN6t00GDZ

Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to the Time Well Spent Podcast
02:50 Diving into Watch Predictions and Resolutions
05:41 Wrist Check: Vintage Doxa and Personal Stories
08:26 The Importance of Real-World Testing in Watch Reviews
11:15 Diving into Vintage Gear: A Passion for History
13:50 The Romance of Vintage Diving Equipment
16:30 Crafting Stories Around Watches and Experiences
26:46 Preserving Vintage Dive Gear
28:10 The Ethos of Vintage Diving
29:51 Diving with Historical Equipment
33:04 The Baku Zine Project
38:09 Community and Collaboration in Watch Culture
39:46 This or That: Dive Watches vs. Field Watches
44:41 Recommendations and Closing Thoughts

In this episode of the Time Well Spent podcast, host Devin Pennypacker is joined by Miguel from SoCal Watch Reviews. They discuss a variety of topics including their experiences with watches, the challenges of content creation, behind the scenes of YouTube, and the importance of customer service in the watch industry. The conversation also touches on the divide between YouTubers and traditional media, as well as personal anecdotes about their favorite watches. Don’t forget to let us know who won the debate between Fixed Spring Bars v Integrated Bracelets below!

Relevant Links:

Miguel (SoCalWatchReviews) Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/socalwatchreviews/?hl=en
SoCalWatch Reviews on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@socalwatchreviews
Devin on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/devinpennypacker/?hl=en
Devin on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DevinPennypacker
Devin’s Most Worn Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rBjE0acjXro
Sheffield Watch Review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BV6Y6ozOEls

Final Recommendations:

The Grey Nato Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-grey-nato/id1080535798
Open Works Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/openwork-inside-the-watch-industry/id1725642176
Watch Studies on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/watchstudies/

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Time Well Spent Podcast
02:49 Weather and Location Differences
05:35 Transitioning Roles in Podcasting
08:24 Wrist Check: Watch Discussions
11:14 Customer Service Experiences with Watch Brands
19:10 Watch Repair and Customer Service Experiences
21:02 Positive Brand Interactions and Customer Loyalty
23:47 Building Community and Brand Loyalty
25:49 The Importance of Customer Service in the Watch Industry
28:32 Content Creation Insights and Challenges
33:15 Navigating Social Media Challenges and Community Support
38:51 The Growth of a YouTube Channel
43:16 Navigating the Stigma of YouTubers vs. Editors
51:40 The Future of Content Creation and AI
52:00 Fixed Springbars V Integrated Bracelets
56:09 Cultural Recommendations and Wrap-Up

In this episode of the Time Well Spent Podcast, Devin Pennypacker is joined by Brock Stevens (Deepsea.EDC on instagram). A US Navy Diver, talented photographer, marketing manager for watch brands including MKII and Tornek-Rayville, and lover of gear, Brock takes on the hot topic of risque advertising in the watch industry before chatting about his upcoming adventures in overlanding and diving. he conversation begins with a wrist check, showcasing unique watches, and transitions into a discussion about the impact of advertising in the watch industry, particularly regarding the use of liquor and cigarettes. Brock shares his excitement about the upcoming Defender Trophy adventure, emphasizing the importance of conservationism in the event. The episode also highlights Brock's involvement with Project Recover, a nonprofit organization dedicated to repatriating the remains of missing soldiers. Throughout the conversation, Brock reflects on his busy life, future projects, and the passion that drives him to create meaningful connections through his work. New episodes launch Monday mornings at 7am EST on all podcast platforms with full video episodes dropping the following morning, Tuesday at 10 am EST. Don’t forget to leave your feedback below, potential future guests you would love to hear from, and of course, who you thought won the game!

Brock on Instagram
Devin on Instagram
DIY Watch Club Pro Watchmaker Tools
De Rijke & Co. Capris
Defender Trophy Competition
Project Recover
Tornek-Rayville
MKII Baku Edition
Jacob Van Buren ‘Sea_Vue’
Project Recover ‘To What Remains’
The Man in the Sea Museum
Building a Cheap, Fun Off-Roader in 48 Hours

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Launch
00:31 Wrist Check and Watch Design Discussion
10:09 Photography and Risque Advertising in the Watch Industry
23:57 Defender Trophy Adventure and Its History
27:19 Embracing Change and New Challenges
29:21 The Excitement of the Defender Trophy Competition
33:38 Conservationism and Adventure
36:17 Project Recover: A Mission of Remembrance
43:56 Balancing Passion Projects and Personal Life
47:32 THE GAME
51:00 Final Recommendations

In the very first (VERY LONG) episode of the Time Well Spent Podcast, Devin Pennypacker is joined by guest Griffin Bartsch. A fellow watch editor and content creator, Griffin brings his background in the watch industry to discuss everything looking back on 2025 and forward into 2026. We chat 2025 market trends, enthusiast sentiment, favorite releases, and favorite content pieces before transitioning into a look ahead. 2026 feels a bit uncertain but that didn't stop us from throwing out our industry predictions, brands specific predictions, and things we are excited about. Don’t forget to let us know what you think of the podcast so we can make it better going forward and most importantly who won, Skeleton Dials or Stone Dials?
Griffin Bartsch Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cgriffinbartsch/?hl=en
Considered Goods (substack): https://consideredgoods.substack.com/?utm_campaign=profile_chips
Devin Pennypacker Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/devinpennypacker/?hl=en
Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest
02:27 Wrist Check: What Are We Wearing?
07:29 Market Trends and Reflections on 2025
14:32 Looking Back: Favorite Content from Last Year
27:12 Shouting Out Contemporaries in the Watch Community
38:42 Looking Ahead: Predictions for 2026
01:01:00 Exploring Material Trends in Watchmaking
01:02:24 Color Trends and Predictions for 2026
01:04:55 The Future of Complications in Watches
01:11:01 Anniversaries and Their Impact on Watch Brands
01:24:52 Personal Resolutions in Watch Collecting
01:40:59 This or That: Stone Dials vs. Skeleton Dials
Article Recommendations:
Owner’s Review: the Vertex M60 Aqualion ND
Gears and Gaskets: Spotting Mechanical Icons on Wrist and Road at the Lime Rock Historic Festival 43
In-DepthThe Engineering Behind Apple's 3D-Printed Watch Cases
Photo Report: Tudor Nazaré Big Wave Challenge 2025
Final Recommendations:
Huckberry Homes Inside this Author’s Upstate New York Escape Built for Cooking, Hosting and Living Well: https://youtu.be/2txqGuekpVQ?si=B2gbuE32J4e2bR6W
Curious Clocks and Watches through time with Oliver Cooke | Curator's Corner S8 E1: https://youtu.be/ywD5kngMuYM?si=rAysowJlxdduPFiV
Huckberry Dirt Is Maine the Culinary Capital of New England Food? | DIRT Maine:https://youtu.be/WRNViQhucGY?si=__5587M4PFTMB932