Pod was great! Engaging to listen to. In particular the commentary on people understanding what their tastes are, as opposed to following trends is a hill I’ll die on.
Brandon is an excellent guest; knowledgeable and interesting. His articles for SKX are first rate.
Pursuant to the discussion about finissage as the focus of a watch, potentially in replacement of creativity, where do you see Fleming fitting in this discussion? After some initial fanfare, little has been said about them.
fleming is an interesting one, I also don’t believe they’ve released anything since that first watch in early ‘24. Obviously, they bring together some of the best suppliers in Switzerland (Chronode, Comblémine, Efetor, etc.).
But my personal opinion is that this idea of “bringing together some of the best Swiss suppliers” seems to be the entire ethos of the brand, and thus doesn’t quite deliver on having an element of creative expression. As another commenter said elsewhere, I think LF and Berneron are very clear examples of using finishing, suppliers, and so on as a means to express their vision of watchmaking, and not ends on their own. I didn’t think Fleming was there, at least not yet. But it’s their first watch, so perhaps this will become more clear with future releases. Of course, you might also disagree w/ my opinion!
I agree completely. I find the Fleming design derivative and very much a marketing exercise, rather than an example of creative horology. It is following a trend without adding anything new. Of course, many makers new and old have done the same thing in this and other category (JCB in this category, innumerable makers in the integrated bracelet and dive watch categories), so perhaps I shouldn’t judge Fleming too harshly. That said, others at prices low and high are stepping into segments of the hobby with fresh ideas. Toledano & Chan and Berneron are but two examples of makers creating trends instead of following them.
We did read your Hodinkee articles, no worries. You had unique writing style and then you took it to podcast format. That’s my first comment, just started listening to this interview. Cheers!
Starting the pod with Plain Jane was 🔥
Pod was great! Engaging to listen to. In particular the commentary on people understanding what their tastes are, as opposed to following trends is a hill I’ll die on.
Lange 34 is something I think about daily 🙃
saaaaame
Brandon is an excellent guest; knowledgeable and interesting. His articles for SKX are first rate.
Pursuant to the discussion about finissage as the focus of a watch, potentially in replacement of creativity, where do you see Fleming fitting in this discussion? After some initial fanfare, little has been said about them.
fleming is an interesting one, I also don’t believe they’ve released anything since that first watch in early ‘24. Obviously, they bring together some of the best suppliers in Switzerland (Chronode, Comblémine, Efetor, etc.).
But my personal opinion is that this idea of “bringing together some of the best Swiss suppliers” seems to be the entire ethos of the brand, and thus doesn’t quite deliver on having an element of creative expression. As another commenter said elsewhere, I think LF and Berneron are very clear examples of using finishing, suppliers, and so on as a means to express their vision of watchmaking, and not ends on their own. I didn’t think Fleming was there, at least not yet. But it’s their first watch, so perhaps this will become more clear with future releases. Of course, you might also disagree w/ my opinion!
I agree completely. I find the Fleming design derivative and very much a marketing exercise, rather than an example of creative horology. It is following a trend without adding anything new. Of course, many makers new and old have done the same thing in this and other category (JCB in this category, innumerable makers in the integrated bracelet and dive watch categories), so perhaps I shouldn’t judge Fleming too harshly. That said, others at prices low and high are stepping into segments of the hobby with fresh ideas. Toledano & Chan and Berneron are but two examples of makers creating trends instead of following them.
We did read your Hodinkee articles, no worries. You had unique writing style and then you took it to podcast format. That’s my first comment, just started listening to this interview. Cheers!
haha! only teasing :)
I'm halfway through the ep. Good format, good guest. Maybe some audio issues? Either way, I'm a fan.
yep, some mic issues, hope to iron out next time :)
Really love this chat. I'll be the lone person who loves the traditional breguet lugs / cases - just in smaller sizes (32 - 36mm)
not bad in smaller sizes, some modern cases are borderline unwearable for me.
Mmm more of this please
love the plain jane intro!
great choices on the two-watch collection from both.
#1 land-dweller fanboy!