Scottish Watches Podcast #759: International Women In Watches Day And Much More
Date: March 9, 2026
Host: Scottish Watches
Guest: Barbara Bulmer

Episode Overview

This lively episode celebrates International Women In Watches Day, showcases major events in the global watch calendar, and highlights the work, travels, and stories of prominent industry voice Barbara Bulmer. Discussion ranges from the significance of women in watchmaking and coverage of major European trade shows (Vicenza Oro and Inhorgenta), to insights about brands big and small, and the evolving state of the watch community worldwide, with the signature humor and banter of Scottish Watches.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Introduction & Listener Appreciation

Timestamps: 00:00–01:28

• Barbara opens with gratitude for the podcast’s international audience and recounts being recognized by listeners worldwide.
• Ricky jokes about Barbara's nonstop travel: "She is the international woman of mystery. She is all over the globe." (A, 00:14)
• Barbara’s travel recap: Attended Vicenza Oro (Italy, January), a Rado event at the Dallas Open tennis tournament, and just returned from Munich’s Inhorgenta jewelry and watch fair—all in the past weeks.

2. Wrist & Finger Watch Check

Timestamps: 01:28–09:25

Barbara:

• On-wrist: Limited edition Matetiso Multicolor (No. 3 of 999) — bright, 80s-inspired quartz, reminiscent of Duran Duran album covers, “super Funky, it’s so 80s, so MTV.” (B, 02:35)
• On-finger: Fossil watch ring, newly acquired at Inhorgenta; “super adorable... I haven't taken off this Fossil watch ring. It's so cool.” (B, 08:21)
• Story of matching watches with journalist friend Miguel Sciabra and memories of their adventures.
• Commentary on the resurgence of ring watches—especially popular in the 80s/90s—citing Kathleen from RedBar.
• Fossil’s future teased: “You're going to be surprised at what is coming up… can't talk about it because it's under embargo.” (B, 10:14)

Ricky:

• Wears a quirky, duct-tape-inspired watch from defunct US company Ducty (early-2000s skater/Avril Lavigne era), found intact in his watch box.

Notable Quote:

• Barbara (on Fossil): “I think the Fossil brand itself is continuing to move forward… they're doing things with regard to automatic watches.” (B, 10:36)

3. Vicenza Oro & Italian Heritage

Timestamps: 11:06–17:46

• Barbara’s pride in Italian-American descent, recounted through family history and food.
• Vicenza Oro (Vicenza, Italy): Long-running jewelry and watch trade show.
  • VO Vintage: The vintage section is open to public (B2C); Barbara attends each year and shares acquisition stories (Longines, Bulgari, Omega, nearly Hermes this year).
  • Behind-the-scenes on the new exhibition hall opening this September: “When this new, state-of-the-art hall opens... it's going to change the European jewelry and watch community.” (B, 14:24)
  • Discussion of the potential for European shows (Vicenza, Inhorgenta) to fill the space left by Baselworld’s demise.

Notable Quote:

• “I hate myself for not taking advantage of [the hot springs] sooner because it was an extraordinary experience... It's something that's incredibly uplifting and peaceful and beautiful.” (B, 13:04)

4. Dallas Open & Rado

Timestamps: 17:46–26:02

• Dallas Open: Major ATP tennis event; Barbara was there with RADO, who sponsors the tournament.
• RADO’s approach to media shown: “They show us their novelties for the year... very planned out.” (B, 21:10)
• Reflection on a decade of “What’s On Her Wrist,” her pioneering blog, launched on International Women’s Day: “I fought through it and I continue to fight through it. And it's exhausting to me to continue to fight for a place...” (B, 22:30)
• Personal note: How sports rivalries mirror watch rivalries, with her being an Eagles fan in the Dallas Cowboys' stadium.

Notable Quote:

• “I see so many more female voices... than I've ever seen in this industry, especially coming out of America.” (B, 23:51)

5. Inhorgenta Munich

Timestamps: 26:02–40:25

• Barbara’s first visit; “Utterly gorgeous... the organization at Inhorgenta was beyond—just the Germans are organized, man.” (B, 27:21)
• Structure: Distinct jewelry and watch sides, reminiscent of Baselworld in booth grandeur (Oris, Piaget, Citizen, Casio, etc.)
• Community: Mid-level and indie brands shine—Alexander Shorokov (with his daughter), MeisterSinger, Maurice Lacroix, Timex, Fossil, D1 Milano (“the stuff they're doing... is freaking spectacular for their price point”), Yema, Philippe Plein (notable F1 simulator booth), Bauhaus, more.
• Interview with Stephanie (Head of Inhorgenta): B2B only for now, but public access being considered, contingent on security.
• Importance of Inhorgenta: “I think this show in February in Europe is going to continue to become... a major show.” (B, 38:22)
• Reflection on nurturing women’s leadership: Stephanie cited as a powerhouse, compared with others like Hind Seddiqi (Dubai Watch Week).

Notable Moments:

• “Their awards ceremony was freaking fantastic. Best award ceremony I've ever been to.” (B, 39:44)
• Expressing hope that German or Swiss-German brands like Nomos and Zeitwinkel will soon join the fair.

6. Upcoming Travel and Events

Timestamps: 40:25–42:38

• Forthcoming: Another Dallas trip with Longines, then New York for Gem Awards & 24 Karat Association, Citizen Eco-Drive anniversary at Guggenheim, Watches & Wonders Geneva, JCK Las Vegas, and more.
• Hosting a watch talk at JCK with RedBar’s Kathleen; “There are other things that are special coming out of that show… not announced yet.” (B, 42:27)

Selected Memorable Quotes

• On women’s progress:
  “Ten years ago, on International Women's Day, I launched my blog, and I feel really proud about what's been accomplished… I see so many more female voices.” (B, 22:43)

• On the industry’s future: “With Baselworld gone... Innergetta [Inhorgenta] being one, obviously, Vicenza Oro being another. Italy and Germany, I think they're going to step in where Baselworld doesn't exist at this point.” (B, 15:45)

• On innovation and fun in watches: “They had this super cool... you could sit in an F1 car and... it was a virtual... That was so fun. The stuff that they're doing is so fun.” (B, 33:47)

Section Timestamps at a Glance

• 00:00–01:28 – Episode opening, guest intro, wrist/finger check prompt
• 01:28–09:25 – Watch & accessory talk, Fossil embargo tease
• 11:06–17:46 – Italian roots, Vicenza Oro, vintage collecting, new show hall
• 17:46–26:02 – Rado at Dallas Open, women in watches, personal reflections
• 26:02–40:25 – Inhorgenta deep dive: show format, brand sightings, female leadership, European watch fair future
• 40:25–42:38 – Upcoming events & travel plans
• 43:25–44:32 – Where to follow Barbara and key media mentions

Final Notes and Recommendations

• Barbara’s Projects to Support:
  • Read the forthcoming issue of Vanity Fair On Time (her Hermes article)
  • Visit WhatsOnHerWrist.com (10-year anniversary)
• Future Watch Events of Interest:
  • Inhorgenta Munich (19–22 Feb 2027), Vicenza Oro (September’s new hall), JCK Las Vegas, Watches & Wonders Geneva

Barbara's infectious enthusiasm, global perspective, and advocacy for women in watches make this an important and inspiring listen for anyone passionate about the world of horology.