Beyond The Dial
165 episodes - English - Latest episode: 30 days ago - ★★★★★ - 38 ratingsA podcast about watches, how they work, and why they fascinate us.
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Episodes
Through The Looking Glass - On Watches & Philosophy (The Final Episode)
March 28, 2024 19:06 - 2 hours - 169 MBFarewell, and thank you all for listening. The Aesthetic Revolution Will Be Beautiful!
Conversations - E19 - Rikki from Scottish Watches
February 01, 2024 19:34 - 1 hour - 87.3 MBAllen and Rikki lament and celebrate the current world of watches in equal measure, covering the rise of fashion and red-carpet nonsense to the role of modern materials in high horlogy.
I Fell Into The Rolex Black Hole
November 28, 2023 20:12 - 48 minutes - 66.6 MBAllen could no longer resist the forces of gravity at the center of the horological universe, and now he is broadcasting from the within the Rolex Black Hole. He has sold off swaths of his collection and aquired two five-digit Rollies. An unexpected turn in Allen's journey, and perhaps one from which he can never return. Has he sold out or bought in?
SWATCH's BIOCERAMIC - THE UNVARNISH FACTS (AND OPINIONS)
September 07, 2023 15:52 - 32 minutes - 44.5 MBIs SWATCH's BIOCERAMIC anything more than a petroleum-based plastic? Find out in this episode as Allen shares his investigation into this divisive material, its history, its current context, its chemical makeup, and even an email about it from a SWATCH representative.
Insights E35 - How "In-House" Obscures The Quality of Movements (& Insults Our Intelligence)
March 01, 2023 14:57 - 20 minutes - 47 MBA watch movement made to exacting standards by a robot on Mars working for a third-party alien corporation might turn out beautiful, precise, complicated and fascinating. Barring production on a more distant planet, no movement could be further from "in-house." This hypothetical Martian movement would absolutely trounce, say, a cheap Seiko movement made "in-house" by actual Japanese robots. I'd take the third-party Martian movement any day, and I bet you would too.
Insights E34 - For Exhibition Only - Rolex Without Watches
February 08, 2023 16:08 - 24 minutes - 55.9 MBHas Rolex evolved into a brand that's For Exhibition Only" And what if Rolex no longer made physical watches? Could this be the future of global luxury brands in the centuries to come?
Field Reports E9 - Bremont's Authenticity Soars In An Old Plane
January 12, 2023 19:26 - 1 hour - 140 MBAllen went to the UK for the launch of Bremont's first serially produced watches with their in-house movement, but what Allen got was a ride in an old plane that showed him the unique authenticity at the center of the brand set on reviving British industrial watchmaking.
Conversations E18 - Walt Odets On His Five Favorite Watches
November 08, 2022 14:36 - 1 hour - 165 MBWalt has some very classy timepieces, all of a type: smaller, understated, and often highly complicated. Allen and Walt talk through five of Walt's most favorite watches, plus a sixth that came to Walt as a very pleasant surprise.
Insights E33- From Horological Silence Into The Noisy Watch Space - A Personal History of Watch Collecting (1990-2020)
October 05, 2022 15:47 - 36 minutes - 84.5 MBIn this essay-style episode, Allen drags the historical lens across the watch space from 1990-2020, showing how what was once a lonely nerd's hobby grew into a fashionable social activity.
Insights E32 - A Tentative Critique of the Post-Pandemic Watch Culture
September 22, 2022 19:06 - 19 minutes - 43.7 MBIn this insight essay, Allen admits to feeling a little disillusioned with the broader watch culture and tried to identify why it feels different to him since COVID pandemic lockdowns and the rapid expansion of interest in watches. Special interest is paid to the role of social media in hollowing out how we enthusiasts and collectors interact around watches.
Insights E31 - Iteration Inundation - The Endless Stream of New(s) Watches
September 07, 2022 14:12 - 35 minutes - 82.3 MBIt's gotten overwhelming, all the new releases. Allen talks about how the digital medial environment, including the socials, has put undue stress on watch brands to always be releasing something new. and he has some ideas for how to deal with it.
How Watches Work E6 - Understanding Complicated Chronographs
July 29, 2022 14:26 - 55 minutes - 128 MBDavid takes Allen deeper into the world of mechanical chronographs, covering all the major complications from early flybacks to the latest in mechanical chronograph technology.
How Watches Work E6 - Complicated Chronographs - Flybacks, Split-Seconds, Ultra-Fast, & More
July 29, 2022 14:26 - 55 minutes - 128 MBDavid takes Allen deeper into the world of mechanical chronographs, covering all the major complications from early flybacks to the latest in mechanical chronograph technology.
How Watches Work E5 - Understanding Mechanical Chronographs
June 17, 2022 19:54 - 1 hour - 148 MBDavid takes Allen inside the fascinating world of mechanical chronographs, and Allen finally "gets it." Vertical vs. horizontal clutches, column wheel vs. cam actuators, reset functions, and much more are covered here, leaving the listener with a foundational understanding of mechanical stop watches.
Insights E30 - "In-House" - How An Overused Term Lost Its Meaning & How To Fix It
May 24, 2022 15:21 - 43 minutes - 100 MBAllen expands on his written essay on this always confusing and sometimes contentious topic. "In-House" refers to a movement built....Where exactly? By whom? It's hard to know anymore because brands have use the term in marketing so loosely that no precise definition exists. Allen suggests new terms to help clarify the many modes of movement manufacturing.
Beyond "In-House Movements" - How An Overused Term Lost Its Meaning & How To Fix It
May 24, 2022 15:21 - 43 minutes - 100 MBAllen expands on his written essay on this always confusing and sometimes contentious topic. "In-House" refers to a movement built....Where exactly? By whom? It's hard to know anymore because brands have use the term in marketing so loosely that no precise definition exists. Allen suggests new terms to help clarify the many modes of movement manufacturing.
The Watch Collector / Enthusiast Dichotomy & Its Discontents
May 02, 2022 17:58 - 43 minutes - 101 MBAllen upends our current way of diving up the watch community into collectors, enthusiasts and consumers and suggests that we'd be far better off describing different levels of horological experience. Not to be missed for the die-hards, in this episode Allen's "phenomenology of watches" finally pays some dividends.
Insights E29 - The Watch Collector / Enthusiast Dichotomy & Its Discontents
May 02, 2022 17:58 - 43 minutes - 101 MBAllen upends our current way of diving up the watch community into collectors, enthusiasts and consumers and suggests that we'd be far better off describing different levels of horological experience. Not to be missed for the die-hards, in this episode Allen's "phenomenology of watches" finally pays some dividends.
Bulova's 20th Century Mechanical Prowess - Feat. Michael Benavente of Bulova and Colin de Tonnac of Semper & Adhuc
April 11, 2022 14:54 - 1 hour - 141 MBAllen speaks with Michael Benavente of Bulova and Colin de Tonnac of Semper & Adhuc about the history of Bulova as a mechanical watchmaker. There's a lot to learn here. For example, did you know that Bulova once employed more Swiss mechanical watchmakers than any other brand, including the Swiss ones? Michael provides historical perspective and Colin provides mechanical insight. Good stuff.
Conversations E17 - Bulova's 20th Century Mechanical Prowess (w Michael Benavente and Colin de Tonnac)
April 11, 2022 14:54 - 1 hour - 141 MBAllen speaks with Michael Benavente of Bulova and Colin de Tonnac of Semper & Adhuc about the history of Bulova as a mechanical watchmaker. There's a lot to learn here. For example, did you know that Bulova once employed more Swiss mechanical watchmakers than any other brand, including the Swiss ones? Michael provides historical perspective and Colin provides mechanical insight. Good stuff.
How Watches Work 4 - Servicing Mechanical Movements
February 22, 2022 20:26 - 56 minutes - 130 MBDavid and Allen walk through the sometimes dubious topic of having your mechanical watch serviced. David explains how it all has to happen as Allen warns of scammers and how to beat them. You'll learn about timegrapher results, especially amplitude, as well as old and modern lubrications, why parts wear out, and even when service should be avoided.
How Watches Work E4 - Servicing Mechanical Movements
February 22, 2022 20:26 - 56 minutes - 130 MBDavid and Allen walk through the sometimes dubious topic of having your mechanical watch serviced. David explains how it all has to happen as Allen warns of scammers and how to beat them. You'll learn about timegrapher results, especially amplitude, as well as old and modern lubrications, why parts wear out, and even when service should be avoided.
How They Work 4 - Servicing Mechanical Movements
February 22, 2022 20:26 - 56 minutes - 130 MBDavid and Allen walk through the sometimes dubious topic of having your mechanical watch serviced. David explains how it all has to happen as Allen warns of scammers and how to beat them. You'll learn about timegrapher results, especially amplitude, as well as old and modern lubrications, why parts wear out, and even when service should be avoided.
How They Work 3 - Torque
February 02, 2022 19:51 - 1 hour - 162 MBDavid Flett schools Allen about what torque is and how it operates and is managed within a watch movement. Philosophical ponderance eventually finds its way, of course, but applied physics to horology remains the main story here.
How Watches Work E3 - Movements As Torque Managers
February 02, 2022 19:51 - 1 hour - 162 MBDavid Flett schools Allen about what torque is and how it operates and is managed within a watch movement. Philosophical ponderance eventually finds its way, of course, but applied physics to horology remains the main story here.
How Watches Work 3 - Mechanical Movements & Torque
February 02, 2022 19:51 - 1 hour - 162 MBDavid Flett schools Allen about what torque is and how it operates and is managed within a watch movement. Philosophical ponderance eventually finds its way, of course, but applied physics to horology remains the main story here.
How They Work 2 - The Going Train
December 09, 2021 15:52 - 1 hour - 145 MBIn this second installment of the How They Work series, David Flett joins Allen and leads him through the gears that make your mechanical watches work, generally known as "the going train." By the end they've imagined complications that track time on Mercury, Jupiter and Mars.
How Watches Work 2 - The Going Train
December 09, 2021 15:52 - 1 hour - 145 MBIn this second installment of the How They Work series, David Flett joins Allen and leads him through the gears that make your mechanical watches work, generally known as "the going train." By the end they've imagined complications that track time on Mercury, Jupiter and Mars.
How Watches Work E2 - Gears & The Going Train
December 09, 2021 15:52 - 1 hour - 145 MBIn this second installment of the How They Work series, David Flett joins Allen and leads him through the gears that make your mechanical watches work, generally known as "the going train." By the end they've imagined complications that track time on Mercury, Jupiter and Mars.
Insights E28 - Quantum Leaps in Collecting Watches
November 30, 2021 10:47 - 43 minutes - 98.5 MBAllen explores his new directions for his own budding collection of Vacheron Constantin watches, centering on a near disaster of a purchase due to his unbridled impetuousness. Two friends saved him from repeating past mistakes.
Collecting Concepts - Quantum Leaps Require Dead Reckoning
November 30, 2021 10:47 - 43 minutes - 98.5 MBAllen explores his new directions for his own budding collection of Vacheron Constantin watches, centering on a near disaster of a purchase due to his unbridled impetuousness. Two friends saved him from repeating past mistakes.
Vacheron Constantin - Marrying My High School Sweetheart
November 10, 2021 12:52 - 53 minutes - 122 MBAllen sold his 50th Birthday Grand Seiko, and now he's run out and bought a sweet 33mm platinum 1984 Vacheron Constantin Historique and a Unimatic U4, which he feels embodies Milanese Brutalism. Find out why he's in The Horological Flow State.
Insights E28 - Falling Back In Love With Vacheron Constantin
November 10, 2021 12:52 - 53 minutes - 122 MBAllen sold his 50th Birthday Grand Seiko, and now he's run out and bought a sweet 33mm platinum 1984 Vacheron Constantin Historique and a Unimatic U4, which he feels embodies Milanese Brutalism. Find out why he's in The Horological Flow State.
Why I Sold My 50th Birthday Grand Seiko At Age 51
October 18, 2021 20:22 - 1 hour - 144 MBAllen explores his decision to sell his BIG 50th BIRTHDAY WATCH just one year later. This one is all about aligning one's true passion with one's budget, or lack thereof. And Allen explores how modern watch marketing can come between an owner and his watch.
Insights E27 - Why I Sold My 50th Birthday Grand Seiko At Age 51
October 18, 2021 20:22 - 1 hour - 144 MBAllen explores his decision to sell his BIG 50th BIRTHDAY WATCH just one year later. This one is all about aligning one's true passion with one's budget, or lack thereof. And Allen explores how modern watch marketing can come between an owner and his watch.
9000 Miles, 21 States, 5 Weeks, 1 Motorcycle & 1 Watch
October 06, 2021 17:24 - 47 minutes - 108 MBAllen return from an epic cross-country motorcycle trip with reservations about his Grand Seiko birthday watch and a head full of American Weirdness.
Our First Watch - The Alsta x BTD Motoscaphe 120
August 03, 2021 07:00 - 1 hour - 145 MBAllen goes into the ideas behind the Alsta Motoscaphe 120, one of a very few purpose built motorcycling watches. Not branded to match this or that bike, nor just a clever facelift, the Motoscaphe 120 is the culmination of Allen spending the last 30 years or so riding motorcycles with mechanical watches.
Field Reports E8 - The Alsta x BTD Motoscaphe 120
August 03, 2021 07:00 - 1 hour - 145 MBAllen goes into the ideas behind the Alsta Motoscaphe 120, one of a very few purpose built motorcycling watches. Not branded to match this or that bike, nor just a clever facelift, the Motoscaphe 120 is the culmination of Allen spending the last 30 years or so riding motorcycles with mechanical watches.
Insights E26 - Eccentricity, Ostentation, Wealth & Watches
July 30, 2021 15:42 - 42 minutes - 97.2 MBWhy do the rich get away with all kinds of bizarre quirky behavior while the rest of us are made to look silly when we express our little kinks? The answer is complicated, and when we bring watches into the picture, it only gets more complicated.
Eccentricity, Ostentation, Wealth & Watches
July 30, 2021 15:42 - 42 minutes - 97.2 MBWhy do the rich get away with all kinds of bizarre quirky behavior while the rest of us are made to look silly when we express our little kinks? The answer is complicated, and when we bring watches into the picture, it only gets more complicated.
Walt Odets - Going Beyond The Dial With The Original Watch Blogger
July 20, 2021 13:09 - 1 hour - 242 MBWalt Odets is, by most accounts, the first person to blog about watches, thus creating a template for how watch journalism evolved over the past 20 years. His work, however, never resembled modern watch journalism; his was critical, mechanically minded, and decidedly unconcerned with fashion and trends. Allen and Walt discuss his journey in watches and much more.
Conversations E16 - Walt Odets, The Original Watch Blogger
July 20, 2021 13:09 - 1 hour - 242 MBWalt Odets is, by most accounts, the first person to blog about watches, thus creating a template for how watch journalism evolved over the past 20 years. His work, however, never resembled modern watch journalism; his was critical, mechanically minded, and decidedly unconcerned with fashion and trends. Allen and Walt discuss his journey in watches and much more.
Satanic Ramblings
June 15, 2021 13:27 - 1 hour - 139 MBAllen grabs the mic and speaks for an hour with zero edits on topics ranging from his dream of playing with The Grateful Dead (#letallenplay) to OEM straps to how mechanical ignorance leads to silly horological obsessions, and more...
Insights E25 - Horological Hedonism & The Aesthetic Revolution
May 12, 2021 15:03 - 43 minutes - 99.5 MBHorology Inc. provides us with a vast array of dial colors able to splash dopamine onto our opiate receptors. We often dismiss new colors as a superficial trend lacking horological innovation, but Allen argues that - because splashy dials spontaneously inspire joy, beauty, and emotions that, science has shown, replicate our experience of Love - great dials may be closer to the center of The Aesthetic Revolution than we ever imagined.
Divine Dials, Horological Hedonism & The Aesthetic Revolution
May 12, 2021 15:03 - 43 minutes - 99.5 MBHorology Inc. provides us with a vast array of dial colors able to splash dopamine onto our opiate receptors. We often dismiss new colors as a superficial trend lacking horological innovation, but Allen argues that - because splashy dials spontaneously inspire joy, beauty, and emotions that, science has shown, replicate our experience of Love - great dials may be closer to the center of The Aesthetic Revolution than we ever imagined.
Insights E24 - Large Watches - A Case Study Featuring the Moser Pioneer Centre Seconds Limited Edition in Mad Red
April 30, 2021 20:16 - 32 minutes - 75 MBAllen breaks form on his approach to the hands-on review while exploring how Moser creates what is, in his opinion, one of the most beautiful watches currently being produced.
Overlooking The Glory of Large Watches - A Case Study Featuring the Moser Pioneer Centre Seconds Limited Edition in Mad Red
April 30, 2021 20:16 - 32 minutes - 75 MBAllen breaks form on his approach to the hands-on review while exploring how Moser creates what is, in his opinion, one of the most beautiful watches currently being produced.
Rolex vs. Gen X
April 23, 2021 10:59 - 44 minutes - 102 MBCan irony reconcile the cynical Gen X world view with a luxury hobby? Does the Swiss watch industry sell us "Vintage Nationalism" along with our watches? Did Jean-Claude Biver leverage anti-establishment tendencies with his anti-electronic rhetoric of the 1980s and 1990s? Allen takes a stab at these topics and more in this essay episode.
Insights E23 - Rolex vs. Gen X
April 23, 2021 10:59 - 44 minutes - 102 MBCan irony reconcile the cynical Gen X world view with a luxury hobby? Does the Swiss watch industry sell us "Vintage Nationalism" along with our watches? Did Jean-Claude Biver leverage anti-establishment tendencies with his anti-electronic rhetoric of the 1980s and 1990s? Allen takes a stab at these topics and more in this essay episode.
It Glows In The Dark!
April 16, 2021 12:51 - 1 hour - 146 MBIn this essay-style episode, Allen takes a journey through the history of glow-in-the-dark materials, drawing a personal narrative spanning five decades alongside a technological and psycho-evolutionary analysis of luminescence.