Hodinkee Radio – We're Back!

Hodinkee Podcasts
Date: February 7, 2024
Hosts: James Stacy, Tony Traina, Danny Milton

Episode Overview

The Hodinkee Radio podcast returns after a hiatus, with a new weekly format and a change in hosting duties. James Stacy hands over the reins to Tony Traina, promising more editor-driven, informal roundtable discussions about watches, industry trends, and collecting. This reboot episode introduces the new approach, dives into major 2024 watch news, debates key releases, and ends with a practical “Collecting Advice” segment tailored for engaged listeners and collectors.

Main Theme & Purpose

• “A new generation of Hodinkee Radio” – The team relaunches the show with a weekly cadence, rotating editors, and richer, more informal conversations about the watch world.
• Passing the baton – James Stacy transitions from host to producer/guest, with Tony Traina stepping up as main presenter (00:21).
• Broadening scope – Expect deeper, off-site dives, guest interviews, and community-driven segments.

Key Discussion Points

1. The New Hodinkee Radio Format & Team Introductions

[00:21–03:12]

• James announces a new era: Tony Traina takes over hosting duties, with James and Danny Milton as regular contributors.
• Podcast will now feature a rotating panel of editors, weekly episodes, and discussions that take a step back from daily coverage for more perspective.
• Guests (collectors, execs, industry figures) will join monthly.
• Hodinkee Radio is now also available in video, with episodes on YouTube.

  “There's also video. Whoa.” — James Stacy (03:23)

2. Desk Show-and-Tell: Revising the Wrist Check

[05:21–10:30]

A playful segment in which each host reveals the most interesting object within reach:

• Tony: Movado desk clock (“original fidget spinner”)
• Danny: Recently acquired Omega Seamaster Diver 300 Green dial, Bulova Apollo 15 themed desk clock, plus a giant Oris clock (“the size of a medium pizza!”)

  "The dial is loomed so when it gets dark, I can still see what time it is." — Danny (07:45)

• James: Alonefire SV38 UV flashlight, an affordable tool for checking watch lume

  “I'd just sit there and play with my lume...probably one of my favorite recommendations from last year.” — James (09:21)

3. News Roundup: Major 2024 Watch Releases & Stories

a. Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8 (2024 update)

[12:54–19:09]

• Updated hand-wound caliber 3869 with Master Chronometer certification
• Striking skeleton aluminum dial, laser-engraved moon motif, and a titanium Saturn V rocket seconds hand
• 44.25mm black ceramic case, MSRP $14,300 (up from ~$9,700 previously)
• Hosts discuss lingering appeal, place in the catalog, and its moon-nerd niche.

  “A little bit of an esoteric outlier in the Speedmaster world, even within the guise of the Dark Side of the Moon.” — James (12:54)

• Debates if the new model signals Omega's direction for the year

  “I think this is a watch that is probably going to be disconnected from whatever else we see this year.” — Danny (15:15)

b. Blancpain x Swatch “Ocean of Storms”

[19:09–30:54]

• Newest in the Bioceramic Scuba Fifty Fathoms Swatch collaborations, inspired by the moon's Oceanus Procellarum, with a black case and orange accents.
• Considered the most “wearable” and “everyday” of the collabs.

  “You're more likely to get someone to shell out $400 on a watch...that they could wear every day and nobody would think you're wearing a playful toy of a watch.” — Danny (21:40)

• Debates around higher price, accessibility issues (“why not sell these online?”), and Swatch’s long game of expanding brand awareness.

  “If it made sense for Omega, the exact same thing has to make sense for Blancpain. Just getting their name out there, I think, is the game.” — James (23:38)

• Discussion of potential future collabs—Stealth asks for a Swatch x Breitling Navitimer, debates over what big brand could work next.

c. Swatch Group x Universal Genève (UG) Revival

[34:50–47:02]

• Breitling’s acquisition of Universal Genève with plans for a slow, careful reboot, aiming for an upmarket revival rather than a “microbrand-by-Kickstarter” approach.

  “I'd rather see Breitling...not to be a retro, revival-inspired brand, nor would I like it to be some strange futurist version...only maintaining the name.” — Danny (37:54)

• The importance of respecting the existing enthusiast community and “nerd culture” around UG:

  “They have to start at least by making watches that UG nerds want to buy...figuring out what that means in 2026.” — James (41:42)

• Universal Genève’s distinct heritage (polerouters, micro-rotors, chronographs) and hope that Breitling uses its technical and cultural resources wisely.
• Rumors of an “advisory council” involving key collectors and vintage experts.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the new hosting:

  "I'm handing over those reins to my good friend, Tony...and now he's going to take over the reins for the show, moving forward with Hodinkee Radio into what I guess we could call like the third generation of the show." — James Stacy (00:21)

• On Scuba Fifty Fathoms Swatch:

  "This is a watch, period. It's a watch with amazing design DNA...and it fits the system 51 case." — Danny Milton (21:40)

• On Universal Genève’s importance:

  "Their customers already exist and it's the absolute mindshare of this brand online. They can't own that, they just have to respect it." — James Stacy (41:42)

• On pricing changes in watch collecting:

  “The idea that these are $400 is kind of like $170 in watches 10 years ago, or $140 or whatever number you want to attribute to the first Seiko you bought that isn't an SNK.” — James (30:54)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• [00:21] — New host Tony introduced, rotating panel concept explained
• [03:23] — Announcement of video podcast, YouTube streams
• [05:21] — Innovative “wrist check” — most exciting desk object
• [12:54] — Omega Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon Apollo 8 deep-dive
• [19:09] — Blancpain x Swatch Ocean of Storms: the everyday entry-level luxury debate
• [34:50] — Discussion of Breitling’s Universal Genève revival—challenges and community aspirations

Collecting Advice Segment: “Three-Hander for Graduation”

[48:53–58:58]

• Listener ("Michel," engineering student) asks: What’s a great small-lug, everyday three-hander to add for graduation? Shortlist: Grand Seiko SBGX261, Longines Spirit 37, Tudor Black Bay 36.

• Panel’s recommendations:

  • James: Suggests considering a hand-wound Grand Seiko (SBGW series) for a more dressy, unique option; mentions Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical for affordability; recommends exploring Seiko Dolce JDM line for fine quartz alternatives; highlights quartz Cartiers (Tank or Panther) for perennial, versatile style.

    “Look into quartz Cartier...Cartier is enjoying a really solid moment in the last couple years and I think that's going to continue.” — James (53:43)

  • Danny: Champions the updated Tudor Black Bay 36, especially with the new blue dial (“one of the most compelling dials”), improved bracelet, and T-fit clasp. Calls it a “forever watch.”

    “It's the kind of watch where there's never a bad scenario for it... it will be with you forever in a way that will make the watch that much more special.” — Danny (55:29)

  • Tony: Endorses Black Bay 36 as well, but also mentions Nomos for those seeking something dressy yet modern.

    “Nomos continues to be a great entry point...if you only want to spend $1,500–2,000 you can get a Tangente, you can get a Club Sport...a great option for everyday post-graduation watches.” — Tony (56:27)

Closing Remarks

• The hosts celebrate Hodinkee Radio's return, highlight the new collaborative approach, and encourage more listener collecting questions for future advice segments.
• Promises weekly episodes, continued community interaction, and deeper explorations into watches and watch culture.

  “Let us know in the comments...or with collecting advice. We’d love to make that a regular thing towards the end of the podcast here...staying involved with the Hodinkee community...” — Tony (57:46)

Tone:
Conversational, warm, and gently irreverent, true to Hodinkee’s house style; banter between editors creates an informal, welcoming environment for seasoned collectors and curious listeners alike.

Summary Takeaways

• New era, new host, new format: Expect greater depth and variety, with Tony Traina as MC and James, Danny, and others as rotating contributors.
• Key 2024 watch news dissected: Omega’s Speedmaster Apollo 8, Blancpain x Swatch “Ocean of Storms,” and Whale-sized implications of a Universal Genève revival under Breitling.
• Practical advice for collectors: Lively, expert-backed suggestions for building a well-rounded collection.
• Community and openness: Listeners are invited to shape future discussions—submit your collecting dilemmas and watch world questions!

Ideal Entry Point:
If you’re new to Hodinkee podcasts or collecting, start here for a primer on modern watch discussion, industry trends, and practical advice from some of the field’s most engaged editors.