Scottish Watches Podcast #682: The International Crew Episode
Date: June 12, 2025
Host: Scottish Watches
Guests: Miz (Mizziel), Philologus (“Philo”)
Episode Overview
This lively and candid episode unites Scottish Watches' international team for a roundtable on watches, community, and their behind-the-scenes work. Host Ricky (A) welcomes Miz from the US—show notes maestro and Instagram manager—and Philologus from Singapore—website editor and tastemaker. The trio (with Dave absent) discuss their journeys into watch journalism, the global Scottish Watches community, working with microbrands and boutique independents, and their picks for the most interesting watch releases of the past year.
Meet the International Team
Quick Introductions
- Philo (B):
- Hails from Singapore, supports Scottish Watches’ website, edits reviews, and helps on Instagram.
- Miz (C):
- Based in the US, handles show notes, Instagram, writer coordination, does community concierge work for Orage, Isotope, and others.
Notable Quote (02:07):
Miz: “You know, I think we complement each other because I can spell, you guys can barely speak. So I think we're the best of both worlds.”
(03:09):
Host A (Ricky): “So you were 15 when you got in touch with us?”
Miz: Describes cleverly hiding his age at 15 to get involved, being first discovered through high-quality show notes.
Notable Moment (04:39):
Host A: “Yeah, this isn't Epstein Island.”
(A reminder of the podcast’s playful, irreverent tone.)
The Global Scottish Watches Community
- The show’s backbone has become its international team and growing community of contributors.
- Opportunity for listeners to join: “You don't have to be a skilled writer... just get in touch.” – (A, 05:44)
- The team discusses coordinating globally and supporting one another through life changes and global events (moving house, marriages, etc.).
Wrist Checks & Limited Edition Highlights
(06:27 onwards):
Miz:
- Wearing the Orage Ozark Tourbillon Micro Rotor—detailed breakdown of the movement, platinum rotor, grade 5 titanium, and comfort improvements.
- Also, Isotope Hydrum Alba limited edition—admiration for the enamel dial and blue lacquer hands.
Notable Moment (08:37):
Host A genuinely delights in seeing Miz’s growth from a shy teen to an industry insider, noting how community connections built through Scottish Watches have led to unique opportunities.
Philologus:
- Rocks the A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 in yellow gold.
- Shares story of moving from a disappointing grey dealer encounter to exemplary boutique service in Singapore’s Ion Orchard.
- Highlights the value of “hospitality and education” even for modest buyers (10:58).
(14:40):
Host A praises both for now being fully part of watch culture, urging for more frequent international team episodes.
Host A:
- Wears the Scottish Watches x Christopher Ward “Highlander” LE—a nod to the podcast’s anniversary project, highlighting playful bespoke details (dial patterns, themed caseback).
The “Concierge” Life & Growing Microbrands
(17:19–28:59):
Miz’s Evolving Role
- Works part-time for brands like Orage, Isotope, Formex as a community liaison and event rep in New York.
- Describes:
- Building connections through Windup, Intersect, and other shows;
- Emphasizing impartiality: “The fun is...talking about everything, not just concentrating on one specific thing.” (19:31)
- Recognizes the rare openness of brands like Orage and Isotope for allowing team to remain critics and real enthusiasts.
Notable Quote (20:00):
Host A: “So you’re Morgan Freeman in Shawshank Redemption. You’re a man who can get things.”
- Miz describes the joys and challenges of matching enthusiasts with hands-on experiences in a primarily online sales market.
Importance of Storytelling
- Miz shares memorable microbrand stories from shows; e.g., Bernard Watch Co.’s moonphase disc showing the night sky above the owner’s child’s hospital at birth.
- Takeaway: “Always ask for the backstory...sometimes just as impressive as the watch itself.” (25:48)
Expanding Watch Culture in Asia
Philo’s Singapore Perspective (31:24–36:58)
- Singapore’s dense collector community enables frequent brand events and easy access to both established brands and rising indies.
- Discovers Anoma Watches—impressed by dial artistry and innovation after meeting the founder in person.
- Surprised by the quality and seriousness of Louis Vuitton’s high-end horology (particularly Tambour and Spin Time collections), praising LVMH’s investment in real watchmaking.
Host A echoes the sentiment:
- Contrasts Vuitton’s approach to “fashion watches” with more superficial efforts by brands like Gucci.
- LVMH’s open-door policy and willingness to support young independents are highlighted.
Standout Releases and Trends from the Past Year
What’s Impressed the Team?
Philologus:
- A. Lange & Söhne Handwerkskunst: “Entirely yellow gold; everything from minute track to indices is positive relief carved out of a solid piece of gold...the first watch that made me gutted I could never own it.” (39:02)
- Industry shift towards smaller watches—even IWC now offers more 35–41mm options.
- Grand Seiko SLGW005/004: “A high-beat movement in a classic, vintage-inspired design...no nature/fancy dial gimmicks, just pure Grand Seiko quality.”
Miz:
- Agenhor x Andersen Genève “AgenZorro” (implied, not overt in transcript)—integrated bracelet, made almost entirely of tungsten and tantalum, understated, a technically fascinating “anti-social” watch (hard to read for anyone but the wearer).
- Strong connection to Zorro movies from childhood—shows how nostalgia and storytelling shape enthusiasm.
Podcast Philosophy & Community
- Reiterated: The team’s impartiality and openness, even when working in industry, sets the tone and trust within the Scottish Watches community.
- Encourages microbrands (and listeners!) to reach out, submit stories, get involved: “Everybody’s invited. You just have to reach out and we’ll look after you as well.” (25:48)
Recommendations from the Back Catalog
(47:20–48:26):
- Miz: Episode with Pietro (of The Limited Edition), commending his tireless support for independents and admirable perseverance through hardships.
- Philo: Episode with Hind Seddiqi on Dubai Watch Week—“essential listening” for visitors; inspired him to consider surprising his wife with a birthday trip to the event.
Key Quotes & Moments
- (02:07) Miz: “I can spell, you guys can barely speak. So I think we're the best of both worlds.”
- (10:58) Philo: “The manager took, talked to me for about one and a half hours, even though he knew I was there to buy probably the most entry-level [watch]...very enthusiastic.”
- (19:31) Miz: “Talking about everything is really where the fun is, not just concentrating on, on one specific thing—and that’s what I like.”
- (25:48) Miz: “Always ask the people who are behind the booth, not just about the watches themselves, but the history, because that's usually something that's really interesting to know.”
- (39:02) Philo: “The Handwerkskunst is the first watch that made me feel gutted that it's something I would never be able to own.”
- (42:13) Miz: “A watch that Zorro would wear...the dial is so discreet you can only see the time if you tilt it towards you. So much effort to make an anti-social watch—it’s brilliant!”
Timestamps for Important Segments
- 00:00–05:44: Introductions and community “elevator pitches”
- 06:09–12:20: Wrist checks (Orage, Isotope, Lange 1, Christopher Ward Highlander)
- 17:19–29:00: Miz’s concierge work, microbrand stories, event highlights
- 31:24–36:58: Philologus on Singapore’s watch scene, indie discoveries, LV’s horological credibility
- 39:02–45:23: Best releases of the year (Handwerkskunst, Grand Seiko, AgenZorro)
- 47:20–48:26: Recommended Scottish Watches episodes from the archives
Closing Thoughts
- The episode’s easy banter and deep dives into personal experiences reinforce Scottish Watches’ position as a community-driven, welcoming, and knowledgeable voice in enthusiast horology.
- Listeners are once again encouraged to check show notes for all references and links.
(49:34): Final sign-off:
C: “Goodbye.”
B: “Bye.”
A: “Bye.”