Ep #48: The Last Word on Watch Talk with Sam Kessler From Oracle Time

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Recorded at the tail end of 2024, the boys speak to none other than Sam Kessler, the editor of world-renowned watch magazine and online platform Oracle Time.

Coming from a family involved in watch journalism and vintage watches Sam has a fascinating take on the current state of the watch world both vintage and modern.
We talk car and watch collaborations, why are vintage watches better looking than modern ones (or are they?), and some serious chronograph talk.

Don’t miss Sam’s favourite dress, dive and chronograph last year triggered by the Oracle Time Magazine Readers Awards from 2024. Speaking of which Sam offered a discount on an annual subscription so listen out for the discount code on the show.
The talk goes back and forth and back again on this one, so buckle up and enjoy the ride in the very enjoyable episode.

Check out Oracle Time at:
https://oracleoftime.com (Web)
@oracletime (IG)

Check out Sam’s Instagram at:
@suchafancysam

First up are the wristwatch checks: Sam is wearing the Christopher Ward x Oracle Time C65 Dune Shoreline, followed by Parm with his Smith’s Commando by Timefactors. Finally, we wrap up the wristwatch checks with Andy and his Rolex 1625 two-tone Turn-O-Graph.

Pictured above: Biver Watches and their newest release, the Automatique, followed by the Haute-Rive Honoris I. Both brands are new to the industry, albeit with some serious legacy behind the creators of these brands. One thing is for certain—they are both making strides at the top end of the independent watchmaking scene.

Next, we take a look at the Omega Constellation Pie Pan in steel, which is currently on Sam’s wish list, followed by the 1955 Jaeger-LeCoultre Futurematic, the watch Sam’s wife proposed to him with.

We then revisit Biver Watches and compare them somewhat to Laurent Ferrier, with both brands tailored towards the most esteemed collectors and those in the know. Pictured, we have the Grand Sport Tourbillon Pursuit by Laurent Ferrier, followed by a closer look at the Biver Automatique.

Moving on to Singer Watches, a brand that had previously escaped Andy’s radar! Pictured are the Singer Watches Track1 and the DiveTrack, followed by the Fabergé Visionnaire. Jean-Marc Wiederrecht played an important role in the creation of the Track1 and the Fabergé Visionnaire.

Leica—do they belong in the watch industry, or should they stick with cameras?

Next, we take a quick look at Porsche Design and their first IWC collaboration featuring the Compass watch.

Would you like to see the fish-scale bracelet make a comeback? Could the Furlan Marri Disco Volante range be the ideal candidate for it?

We finish off with the guys’ top watches of 2024: the Biver Automatique, Czapek Goutte d’Eau, Omega Speedmaster Professional white dial, Hublot Big Bang Unico Orange Ceramic, Christopher Ward C60 Trident Lumière, Oris Diver LFP Limited Edition, and the TAG Heuer Aquaracer Professional 300 Date.

That's it for the show notes—thank you for listening! Be sure to share your thoughts on the topics in the comments below. Until then, we'll speak to you in the next one.