Episode 14: A Conversation with Ariel Adams of aBlogtoWatch

Time 2 Calibrate

#Fashion and Beauty #Lifestyle #Arts #Hobbies #Time 2 Calibrate

1:14:43

Artificial intelligence is evolving at an unprecedented pace—what does that mean for the future of technology, venture capital, business, and even our understanding of ourselves? Award-winning journalist and writer Anil Ananthaswamy joins us for our latest episode to discuss his latest book Why Machines Learn: The Elegant Math Behind Modern AI . Anil helps us explore the journey and many breakthroughs that have propelled machine learning from simple perceptrons to the sophisticated algorithms shaping today’s AI revolution, powering GPT and other models. The discussion aims to demystify some of the underlying math that powers modern machine learning to help everyone grasp this technology impacting our lives, even if your last math class was in high school. Anil walks us through the power of scaling laws, the shift from training to inference optimization, and the debate among AI’s pioneers about the road to AGI—should we be concerned, or are we still missing key pieces of the puzzle? The conversation also delves into AI’s philosophical implications—could understanding how machines learn help us better understand ourselves? And what challenges remain before AI systems can truly operate with agency? If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform. Sign up for our newsletter at techsurgepodcast.com for exclusive insights and updates on upcoming TechSurge Live Summits. Links: Read Why Machines Learn, Anil’s latest book on the math behind AI https://www.amazon.com/Why-Machines-Learn-Elegant-Behind/dp/0593185749 Learn more about Anil Ananthaswamy’s work and writing https://anilananthaswamy.com/ Watch Anil Ananthaswamy’s TED Talk on AI and intelligence https://www.ted.com/speakers/anil_ananthaswamy Discover the MIT Knight Science Journalism Fellowship that shaped Anil’s AI research https://ksj.mit.edu/ Understand the Perceptron, the foundation of neural networks https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perceptron Read about the Perceptron Convergence Theorem and its significance https://www.nature.com/articles/323533a0…

hace un año 1:07:16

MP3•Episodio en casa

0:00 Intro

1:22 Wristchecks

5:10 LA fires raging in Ariel’s hometown

7:12 Firefighting watches

12:48 From aBlogtoRead to a aBlogtoWatch

16:22 Ariel’s early podcast days with John Biggs

22:53 The emergence and slow acceptance of new media

27:25 The luxury industry today

28:38 What makes an “interesting” watch

30:03 Appreciating the full spectrum of the watch world

34:42 Watches we keep vs watches we wear

36:52 The dark side of social media

40:55 “Friends don’t let friends buy above retail”

44:20 The role of watch media

47:56 Career advice

52:35 Sponsored content and advertising

57:15 Ariel’s favourite part of the watch space

58:54 The best and the worst of the watch industry—plus, some bold

predictions for the future

Show Notes:

aBlogtoWatch

Pet Straps

17 episodios

Time 2 Calibrate

Episode 14: A Conversation with Ariel Adams of aBlogtoWatch

Time 2 Calibrate

published hace un año

MP3•Episodio en casa

0:00 Intro

1:22 Wristchecks

5:10 LA fires raging in Ariel’s hometown

7:12 Firefighting watches

12:48 From aBlogtoRead to a aBlogtoWatch

16:22 Ariel’s early podcast days with John Biggs

22:53 The emergence and slow acceptance of new media

27:25 The luxury industry today

28:38 What makes an “interesting” watch

30:03 Appreciating the full spectrum of the watch world

34:42 Watches we keep vs watches we wear

36:52 The dark side of social media

40:55 “Friends don’t let friends buy above retail”

44:20 The role of watch media

47:56 Career advice

52:35 Sponsored content and advertising

57:15 Ariel’s favourite part of the watch space

58:54 The best and the worst of the watch industry—plus, some bold

predictions for the future

Show Notes:

aBlogtoWatch

Pet Straps

17 episodios

#Fashion and Beauty #Lifestyle #Arts #Hobbies #Time 2 Calibrate

Todos los episodios

1
Episode 17: Personal projects, pet peeves, and hot takes for 2025 1:01:30

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This week the guys share podcasting duties with guest host Jason Hutton of ZENEA Watches and the Timepiece Show Series. They talk about upcoming projects, pet peeves, and hot takes for 2025. 0:00 Intro 0:36 Wristchecks 4:00 State of the podcast 7:25 A trip to British Watchmakers 8:26 The first print version of The Calibrated Wrist 13:00 SeL and the Tremecs Project 20:45 Vancouver Timepiece Show, Toronto on the horizon and a new horological awards program 32:00 Pet peeves and hot takes 59:45 Future guests, thanks, and outro Vancouver Timepiece Show…

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Episode 16: A Conversation with RJ Broer of Fratello 55:38

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This week the guys meet with RJ Broer of Fratello Watches. They talk about the Speedmaster and Speedy Tuesday, the MoonSwatch, and how there is no such thing as watch journalism. 0:00 Intro 1:20 Wristchecks 2:35 RJ’s early watches 4:30 RJ’s first OMEGA Speedmaster 10:00 Timezone.com 16:00 Watchuseek 17:00 Speedy Tuesday 23:00 The MoonSwatch 35:45 The birth of Fratello 40:30 No such thing as watch journalism 45:00 RJ becomes a writer as a result of watch collecting 47:00 RJ’s next watch 49:00 Questions from the audience: Trust and the ST3 54:45 Thanks and Outro Show Notes: Fratello Watches…

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Episode 15: A Conversation with William Massena 45:10

hace 29 días45:10

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This week the guys sit down with William Massena of Massena LAB. They talk about the early days of Timezone, why watches are tools, the origins of Massena LAB, and what Massena would do with Rolex. 0:00 Intro 0:55 Wristchecks 3:05 Massena’s early days on Timezone and the IWC conspiracy 10:40 Ashford, WatchNet, Antiquorum, and the rebirth of Timezone 15:00 Massena’s foray into watch journalism 16:15 How Massena’s taste in watches has changed over time 19:30 How Massena began collecting at the age of seven 21:30 Watches are tools 22:45 The impulse to start Massena LAB 28:15 Massena’s favourite collaborations 31:00 Collaborations by others that impress Massena 34:10 The importance of GPHG and other awards 35:10 The Massena LAB brand 38:10 Why Massena remains excited about watches and what he’s looking for this year 40:45 Studio Underd0g, Fears, and travelling with Richard Benc 42:15 What Massena would do with a Rolex Show Notes: Massena LAB Timezone…

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Episode 14: A Conversation with Ariel Adams of aBlogtoWatch 1:07:16

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Marc and Brent welcome Ariel Adams of aBlogtoWatch while Bob relaxes on the beaches of Cartegena. The three discuss personal collecting, the watch industry, and the role of new media. Ariel also makes bold predictions for the future. 0:00 Intro 1:22 Wristchecks 5:10 LA fires raging in Ariel’s hometown 7:12 Firefighting watches 12:48 From aBlogtoRead to a aBlogtoWatch 16:22 Ariel’s early podcast days with John Biggs 22:53 The emergence and slow acceptance of new media 27:25 The luxury industry today 28:38 What makes an “interesting” watch 30:03 Appreciating the full spectrum of the watch world 34:42 Watches we keep vs watches we wear 36:52 The dark side of social media 40:55 “Friends don’t let friends buy above retail” 44:20 The role of watch media 47:56 Career advice 52:35 Sponsored content and advertising 57:15 Ariel’s favourite part of the watch space 58:54 The best and the worst of the watch industry—plus, some bold predictions for the future Show Notes: aBlogtoWatch Pet Straps…

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Episode 13: Watch talk with Chris Salih from @WatchChris YouTube fame 45:37

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The guys welcome Chris Salih from the YouTube channel @WatchChris to discuss favourite releases of 2024, creativity, workflow, and a special upcoming collaboration! 0:00 Intro 1:35 Wristchecks 5:15 Watch highlights from 2024 7:40 Chris discusses his day job in finance and the genesis of his watch habit 10:45 How high finance influences Chris’ YouTube channel 13:25 Teddy Baldassarre and other influences 15:30 Chris talks workflow 18:20 Creativity, inspiration, audience, and YouTube strategy 23:40 What constitutes a “good” watch for Chris 27:00 The future of @WatchChris 30:15 Watch collaborations and the Gotham Watch Club 33:05 Imposter syndrome, passion, and self belief 36:15 Favourite videos and surprise hits 39:30 Thoughts on watches in 2025 44:45 Final thoughts and thanks Show Notes: WatchChris…

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Episode 12: Best of 2024, gift ideas, & recommendations 53:27

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This week, the guys review their watch purchases from 2024 and discuss their favourite releases. They also offer up recommendations for the holidays, including watch-related gifts, good podcasts, worthy reads, and entertaining TV shows & documentaries. ____________________________________________________________ 0:00 Intro 1:05 Wristchecks 4:50 Watches that have come and gone in your collections 18:15 Favourite watch releases of 2024 23:20 Watch related gift ideas 29:35 Recomendations for holiday viewing 34:00 Recommendations for holiday listening 40:00 Recommendations for holiday reading 43:30 Pursuits and projects for 2025 48:15 Watch prospects for 2025 Favourite watch releases: FOiS from OMEGA Bel Canto from Christopher Ward Micromilspec Milgraph Gift ideas: Coton Carrier G2 Slout Sling Harness Bergeon Watch Tools Wolf Watch Winder Holiday viewing: Dark TV Series The Watchmaker’s Apprentice Maestro in Blue Holiday listening: Anthropocene Reviewed Tales from the Tribe The Moth Podcast Holiday reading: Mainspring Watch Hands of Time: A Watchmaker’s History Never, by Ken Follet…

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Episode 11: Dan Mann, The Twelve Days of Dansome, and an audience Q & A 1:26:09

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The guys sit down with guest host, Dan Mann from @thedansome on Instagram, to discuss The Twelve Days of Dansome, his salon quality hair, and whether he is wearing pants…or not. The four tackle audience questions in their first ever Q & A session. Thanks to all those who submitted! 0:00 Intro 0:55 Would the real Dan Mann, please stand up? 2:00 Wristchecks 3:45 Q1: Is there a watch that got away? 7:35 Q2: If you could only wear one style of watch, what would it be? 11:15 The Twelve Days of Dansome 18:35 Q3: What’s the best meal you ever ate, and wear did you eat it? 23:15 Q4: Bel Canto Original or Classic? 24:05 Q5: How many licks to the centre of a tootsie pop? 24:45 Q6: LumiNova or Tritium tubes? 32:05 Q7: What keeps you going in the watch hobby? 38:40 Q8: Where will the watch market be in twenty years? 46:30 Q9: If you could time travel, where would you go, and what would your watch need to do? 50:28 Q10: What does your favourite watch say about you? 53:15 Q11: Will big watches ever be back in style? 58:10 Q12: Is there a brand that could use a makeover, and what would you like to see as a Swatch collab? 1:08:05 Q13: What is the watch you own with the most historical significance? 1:13:35 Q14: What watch do you propose as an entry level EDC piece? 1:19:18 Q15: What’s the biggest shock/surprise you’ve had since starting the podcast? 1:23:40 Outro Show Notes: @thedansome Just the Watch: Which is brighter? Tritium vs. Superluminova…

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Episode 10: Zach Weiss of Worn & Wound 1:08:55

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The guys sit down with Zach Weiss, cofounder of Worn & Wound, the Wind Up Shop, and the Wind Up Series of Watch Fairs (New York, Chicago, San Francisco). They discuss Zach’s journey as a creator and a businessman, as well as the rapid growth of Worn & Wound as a media giant in the watch space. 0:00 Intro 0:50 Wristchecks 1:51 Zach’s early journey in watches (Tourneau’s Time Machine, Kenjo, and more) 6:10 What Zach looks for in a watch…now and then 9:22 Zach almost becomes a watch designer for MZ Berger 11:25 Creative synergy and choosing the right team (accidentally?) for Worn & Wound 14:32 Worn & Wound moves from niche to market giant 16:55 A crowded house: Zach’s take on standout releases for 2024 19:40 Affordable watchmakers raising the bar 20:50 Calibre vs aesthetics 24:15 Worn & Wound, YouTube, and emerging social media platforms 29:50 Building walls: separating editorial from commercial content 37:40 Critiquing vs criticizing 40:30 Collaborations and exclusive launches 45:20 The Brooklyn offices of Worn & Wound and a day in the life 49:50 Zach’s journey in photography 54:30 The Worn & Wound podcast schedule 1:05:20 Authenticity, joy, and…burnout Show Notes: Worn & Wound…

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Episode 9: Jody Musgrove and the Mysterious Mr. P 1:03:23

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Bob loses his voice, Robi gets stuck in the soul-sucking traffic of Toronto, and Marc holds down the fort with the Mysterious Mr. P (Steven Parker) and Jody Musgrove of Erebus Watches and the popular YouTube Channel Just One More Watch . 0:00 Intro 1:00 Wristchecks 2:45 How Jody and Mr. P got into watches 6:05 The genesis of ‘Just One More Watch’ 7:25 Mr P and Jody meet for the first time 9:15 Is it Dr. Jody Musgrove? 12:15 When watches became a career for Jody 14:35 The Sydney Opera House 16:15 YouTube pulls the plug on Jody 22:30 Jody and Mr P dive into Erebus Watches 27:50 Would the real Steven Parker please stand up 30:00 How experience informed design at Erebus 33:18 The pros and cons of an Aussie base 35:30 Conflict of interest??? 36:40 Devil’s in the details at Erebus 39:40 Prototyping 41:15 Working with a designer 42:10 The future of Erebus 47:50 Size matters 51:30 Erebus and Wind Up New York 54:40 When are you coming to Canada??? 58:35 Words of WISdom Show Notes: Erebus Watches Just One More Watch Wristwatch Revival…

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Episode 8: Andrew McLean, tool watches, and SeL Instruments 1:09:01

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The guys take a deep dive into craftsmanship, innovation, and bombproof watches with Andrew McLean of SeL Instruments. Show Notes: (0:00) - Intro (00:40) – Wristcheck (02:00) – Andrew’s Canadian roots (02:50) – Andrew’s past work in military contracting /w McLean Underwood & Co. (05:30) – Personal experience vs research & development (08:40) – SeL’s timepiece testing process (11:40) – SeL’s integrated and vertical manufacturing processes (17:15) – The importance of “American Made” (20:55) – Andrew’s journey into engineering (23:35) – SeL’s new facilities in Tucson, Arizona (25:50) – Tempus Ghost, skunkworks, and passion projects (28:35) – Listening to consumer criticism & feedback while maintaining the SeL philosophy (34:40) – SeL Omnidiver Xos 42 and Labyrinth Flux (42:40) – The SeL ball bearing bezel piston indexing system (47:48) – Release date for the Omnidiver Xos 42 & the Minutes and Hours Watch Show in Austin, Texas (55:00) – Andrew’s customized Lamborghini Gallardo (56:30) – Authenticity and truth in advertising (1:01:05) – The SeL Revere (1:03:30) – Future plans and watches for SeL (chronographs, development projects, and insane divers) Links: SeL Instrument SeL Instrument YouTube…

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Episode 7: Highlights from the Toronto Timepiece Show 47:51

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The guys discuss their favourite moments and watches from the Toronto Timepiece Show. Show Notes: (0:00) - Intro (00:50) – Wristcheck (05:45) – Robi’s favourite moments (09:45) – Marc’s favourite moments (14:25) – Bob’s favourite moments (16:30) – Robi’s top picks for watches (Beauregard Ulysse, Fears, Sphaera, Elliot Brown, Vortic, Christopher Ward, Marathon, Oris) (19:45) – Marc’s top picks for watches (Atelier Wen, Minase, Fears, Selten, March LA.B, Loci, Isotope) (24:15) – Bob’s top picks for watches (Isotope, Marathon, Micromilspec) (28:00) – RZE x The Calibrated Wrist Meetup (31:35) – Jason Hutton and the work behind the scenes (35:25) – Feeling rejuvenated as creators (38:25) – TGN x Marathon Meetup (39:40) – Stories about the “watchfam” community (42:45) – Special guests (Julie Kraulis, Dan Tanenbaum, Sinziana Iordache, etc.) (45:30) – The Vancouver Timepiece Show and Toronto 2025 Links: Beauregard SA Fears Sphaera Elliot Brown Vortic Watches Christopher Ward Marathon Oris Atelier Wen Minase March LA.B Loci Isotope Micromilspec RZE Julie Kraulis Dan Tanenebaum Sinziana Iordache Jamie: @madrock_watches_adventure Don Rogan…

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Episode 6: Rikki from Scottish Watches 1:10:01

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The guys welcome Rikki from Scottish Watches to the show to discuss the world’s most popular watch podcast, collaborating with watch brands, and his philosophy on watch journalism. Show Notes: (0:00) - Intro (01:25) – Wristcheck (06:19) – Rikki describes Scottish Watches (09:45) – Rikki’s background in journalism before Scottish Watches (18:10) – Why “Rick” left the show (30:20) – How Rikki decides upon collaborations (41:30) – Rikki defines watch journalism (51:00) – Rikki explains how his past experience contributed to the success of Scottish Watches (57:25) – Rikki talks about attending watch trade shows and dealing with crowds (01:03:00) – Rikki offers some parting advice Links: Scottish Watches…

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Episode 5: Interview with Jason Hutton from the Toronto Timepiece Show 33:53

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The guys welcome Jason Hutton, founder of ZENEA Watches and organizer of the Toronto Timepiece Show, for a sneak peek at all the show has to offer, and a glance behind the scenes at everything that went into the planning and organization. Show Notes: (0:00) - Intro (00:30) – Welcoming Marc back after his trip to Greece (01:05) – Introducing Jason Hutton (03:00) – The first time Jason told Brent about his plans for the TTPS (05:25) - Wristcheck (08:30) – Genesis of the Toronto Timepiece Show (10:30) – Organizing the TTPS vs building a watch brand (13:00) – Crowd management and the challenges of organizing a show of this scale (18:10) – What goes on behind the scenes of a successful event (20:28) – Camaraderie, meet ups, and events popping up around the show (23:55) – Watchmakers hoping to join in the future and a last-minute brand announcement (27:10) – Beyond watches: special guests and non-timepiece exhibitors (31:12) – Jason’s plans once the show is over The event: The Toronto Timepiece Show ZENEA Watches…

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Episode 4: Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series & a chat about MIDO 33:11

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The guys lament the loss of Marc this week, but soldier on to discuss the MIDO x Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series in Montreal and their impressions of the MIDO brand. Show Notes: (0:00) - Intro (02:20) - Bob's brush with Kevin O'Leary (03:45) - Late summer, cottage country, and microbrand beer (05:00) - Wristcheck (06:35) - MIDO x Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series in Montreal (15:30) - MIDO Ocean Star 39 (16:30) - MIDO history & impressions (20:25) - MIDO Multifort TV Big Date (23:00) - 80th Anniversary of the Ocean Star Collection (24:10) - MIDO reputation in North America & ambassadorships (26:45) - MIDO Ocean Star GMT Special Edition (27:25) - Final thoughts on MIDO and Red Bull Cliff Diving The Watches: Robi's review of the MIDO Ocean Star 39 Bob's YouTube review of the MIDO Multifort TV Big Date Tyler Frederick's review of the MIDO Multifort TV Big Date Robi's review of the MIDO Ocean Star GMT Special Edition The event: MIDO x Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series in Montreal…

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Episode 3: Interview /w Mike Pearson of Christopher Ward, the Toronto Timepiece Show, and Helping Marc Choose His Travel Watch 1:08:23

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