Libsyn Directory

Our Favorite Watches Under $1000 in Every Category - Divers, Skeleton Dials, Chronographs, and More!

Release Date: 11/10/2024

ORIS CEO Unveils New Stone Dial Watch | Oris Aquis New York Harbor II Hands-On

Wrist Enthusiast Radio

Craig, Derek, and Ben sit down with VJ Geronimo, Oris' CEO of the Americas, to talk about the brand’s latest release, the Aquis New York Harbor II, and Oris’s unexpected ties to baseball and country music. We cover the story behind Oris’s sustainability projects, play a round of “This or That” with VJ, and dig into what makes the brand different as an independent watchmaker. Make sure to check out the sponsor of our podcast, Delugs! Delugs is a great place to get all your watch straps and accessories. Definitely check them out! Delugs website: Follow us on Social...

The Most Overrated and Underrated Watches According to 3 Experts

Wrist Enthusiast Radio

In this episode of Wrist Enthusiast Radio, Craig, Ben, and Derek share their picks for the most overrated and underrated watches across every major category, including divers, chronographs, GMTs, skeleton watches, and more. They debate popular models like the Pelagos 39, the Submariner, and the Tissot PRX, and highlight overlooked favorites from brands like Zenith, Doxa, Longines, Cartier, and JLC. Plus, updates on new pickups like the Wren Diver 38 Seafoam and the Zenith Lapis Chronomaster. Make sure to check out the sponsor of our podcast, Delugs! Delugs is a great place to get all...

The Best Microbrand Watches in Every Category – Divers, GMTs, Chronos, Dress Watches & More!

Wrist Enthusiast Radio

In this episode of Wrist Enthusiast Radio, Craig, Derek, and Ben dive deep into the world of microbrands, bringing their personal picks and strong opinions across a range of watch categories. From affordable GMTs and creative chronographs to asymmetrical art pieces and full-blown complications, the crew covers it all—highlighting both fan favorites and obscure gems. Expect shoutouts to Wren, Studio Underdog, Serica, Furlan Marri, Atelier Wen, and many more, all while discussing what really defines a microbrand in today’s ever-evolving watch world. It's the ultimate enthusiast's guide to...

Watches That Tell the Story: From Interstellar to The Last of Us

Wrist Enthusiast Radio

In this episode of Wrist Enthusiast Radio, Craig, Ben and Derek dive into the world of watches that aren’t just props, they’re part of the plot. From the Hamilton Murph’s role in Interstellar to the cracked-dial watch in The Last of Us, we explore the timepieces that drive emotion, character, and story on screen. We also look at Patrick Bateman’s Seiko in American Psycho and how Richard Mille and Patek Philippe show up in unexpected places like Your Friends & Neighbors. These watches don’t just tell time, they tell stories. Watch this episode on YouTube: For...

The Best Rubber Strap Watches - Over 20 Watches Mentioned

Wrist Enthusiast Radio

In this episode of Wrist Enthusiast Radio, Derek, Ben, and Craig break down their favorite watches that come on rubber straps and the ones they wish did. From classics like the Rolex Yacht-Master and Patek Philippe Aquanaut to underrated picks like the IWC Mark XV and Zenith Defy Skyline, the crew shares what works, what doesn’t, and what could look even better with the right rubber strap. They also spotlight Delugs and their lineup of cut-to-size and mosaic-pattern straps, including firsthand experiences fitting them to watches like the Omega Speedmaster, Cartier Santos, and Wren...

Building MEC Watches: From Collector to Creator with Carlos Ramirez

Wrist Enthusiast Radio

In this episode of Wrist Enthusiast Radio, Craig, Ben and Derek are joined by Carlos Ramirez, founder of MEC Watches, for a deep dive into his collecting journey, design philosophy, and the launch of his in-house jump hour masterpiece, the MEC 1. Carlos shares how his love for watches evolved from Fossil and Panerai to F.P. Journe, eventually inspiring him to create his own brand from scratch. From the architectural influence behind MEC’s unique aesthetic to the challenge of hand-delivering the first 50 timepieces, this episode is packed with insights on independent watchmaking and...

Inside Watches & Wonders 2025 – Recapping the Best New Watches of the Show

Wrist Enthusiast Radio

In this very special episode of Wrist Enthusiast Radio, join Craig, Derek, and Ben LIVE from the Ulysse Nardin booth at Watches & Wonders Geneva as they dive into the most exciting releases, hot takes, and behind-the-scenes moments from the watch industry’s biggest event of the year. From hands-on impressions of the new Rolex Land-Dweller and Cartier's small Santos to the groundbreaking Grand Seiko UFA and IWC's Ingenieur Perpetual Calendar, it’s a jam-packed episode full of favorite pieces, surprises, creator shout-outs (Teddy Baldassarre, anyone?), and even a toast or two...

Watch Photography Secrets & The Birth of Fleming Watches – James Kong (@Waitlisted)

Wrist Enthusiast Radio

From lawyer to watch photographer to co-founder of an independent watch brand—James Kong (@waitlisted) has done it all. In this episode, we talk about his journey into watches, the art of watch photography, and his role as COO of Fleming Watches. Plus, we get into the challenges of working with tantalum, his thoughts on watch design, and some spicy takes on watch photography. Make sure to check out the sponsor of our podcast, Delugs! Delugs is a great place to get all your watch straps and accessories. Definitely check them out! Delugs website: Watch Wrist Enthusiast...

Watch Trends & Predictions for 2025 – What’s Next for the Industry?

Wrist Enthusiast Radio

The watch industry is evolving, but where is it headed in 2025? In this episode of Wrist Enthusiast Radio, we break down the biggest trends we expect to see—from the rise (and fall) of integrated bracelet watches to the comeback of stone dials, microbrand innovations, and the growing shift in watch sizing. Will brands finally embrace future-forward designs, or will they keep looking to the past? What will be released during Watches & Wonders 2025? We also discuss the impact of potential tariffs on watch manufacturing, the growing trend of “boyfriend watches,” and whether watch...

He Makes Coffee Tables That Look Like Rolexes?! 🤯 | Pedro Costa Interview

Wrist Enthusiast Radio

Pedro Costa and his company, Costa Design, are redefining watch artistry in a way no one else in the industry is. He’s not just crafting timepieces—he’s bringing them to life as jaw-dropping, larger-than-life sculptures. What started as handcrafted coffee tables shaped like oversized (and often fully functional) Rolex, Audemars Piguet, and Patek Philippe watches has now expanded into stunning lamps and even more incredible designs. In this episode, Pedro shares the journey behind his one-of-a-kind creations, the intricate process of building these sculptures, and what exciting...

More Episodes

Can you get a quality watch at under $1,000 USD? Turns out you can! Craig, Ben and Derek take a look at their favorite affordable watches in many different categories, including dive watches, skeleton watches, chronographs, field watches, and pilot watches.

And introducing the new sponsor of our podcast, Delugs! Delugs is a great place to get all your watch straps and accessories. Definitely check them out!

Delugs website: https://delugs.com/

Watch the Podcast on YouTube: https://youtu.be/A_1Y3RJu1Zo

For Watch News, Reviews and Buying guides: https://www.wristenthusiast.com/

The Watches:

Best Divers Under $1,000:

Seiko SPB143: https://www.seikowatches.com/us-en/products/prospex/spb143j1

Wren Diver One Snow: https://www.wristenthusiast.com/shop/wren-diver-one-snow

Christopher Ward C60 Sapphire

Baltic Aquascaphe: https://baltic-watches.com/en/products/aquascaphe-blue-gilt

Seiko SKX: https://www.seikowatches.com/us-en/products/5sports/lineup

Best Integrated Bracelet Watches Under $1,000:

Maen Manhattan 37: https://www.maenwatches.com/en-us/collections/manhattan-37