Podcast
The Deep Track
The place for watch talk, from affordable watches to high end luxury watches and everything in between. The home for humble, honest watch enthusiasm.
Exploring watches and more through culture, adventure, and personalities. This is a discussion of how curiosity drives enthusiasm, pushing us to explore and even confront our own boundaries. Interests explored will cover a deep field, Hosted by watch industry veteran, Blake Buettner.
- Hobbies chart
- #130
- Episodes
- 119
- Releases
- Every two weeks
- Typical length
- 39 min
- On air since
- 2023
- Latest episode
- 5 days ago
Episodes
119 episodes, newest first
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23 min
The Deep Track, Ep. 115 - Zenith and the Mid Range Watch Crisis
Season 1, Episode 115
Show notes
This week we celebrate the Milwaukee Brewers' first ever world championship while pondering the Ming 37.09 II Uni as a diver, or as something else entirely. Stepping back, the news from Zenith has much broader implications, and presents a few possible routes ahead, which are explored in this episode.
Show Notes:
Review: Zenith Chronomaster Original Triple Calendar
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39 min
The Deep Track, Ep. 114 - New York Watch Week Preview, Lifestyle Tool Watches
Season 1, Episode 114
Show notes
This week, producer Josh joins the show to chat about New York Watch Week and some of the new releases that come with it. Additionally, we chat about the difference between a watch’s capabilities and its eventual reality on the wrist, and how brand messaging has evolved to account for this. They may not be necessary, but the hardcore functionality certainly lends something to the watch’s personality and character in how we experience it.
Show Notes:
Dazzle camouflage (created by British marine artist Norman Wilkinson)
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27 min
The Deep Track, Ep. 113 - New Gear/Old Gear Pick Ups, Inge 50th, Rolex Padellone
Season 1, Episode 113
Show notes
This week I spotlight some new gear that I've picked up (which includes some very old gear) and talk about some gear that's stood the test of time. This is not meant to be a consumer-centric discussion, but rather a thoughtful look at what gets used over the long haul, and making a conscious effort to ultimately have fewer, nicer things. Additionally, I offer thoughts on the IWC Ingenieur 50th anniversary limited editions, and the new Rolex Perpetual Padellone.
Show Notes:
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30 min
The Deep Track, Ep. 112 - Geneva Watch Days, Christopher Ward Drama, & Tudor Northflag
Season 1, Episode 112
Show notes
This week, I recap my time in Geneva with Collective Horology, and talk about a few of the standout releases from the show. Even Tudor got in on the action with the release of a new Northflag, a watch we've been waiting and hoping to see return. There's also hands-on thoughts on the new Zenith Chronomaster Solo Sport and Fears Brunswick 39 Perpetual Calendar. Finally, I wade into the Christopher Ward drama and ponder the role of media in calling out brands publicly.
Show Notes:
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25 min
The Deep Track, Ep. 111 - The Future of The Deep Track, Ming 57.05, & Straum Expedition
Season 1, Episode 111
Show notes
This week, I discuss some changes that will be taking place at The Deep Track, and what my new role at Collective Horology will mean moving ahead. In short, it will allow for a greater focus on the adventures and gear that inform my journey around watches. Also discussed are new watches from Ming in the 57.05 Comet, a new Speedy Reduced, and the Straum Expedition. All in all, a pretty exciting week in the world of watches.
Show Notes:
Collective Horology on Instagram
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22 min
The Deep Track, Ep. 110 - First Impressions of the Tudor Black Bay Chrono 39
Show notes
This week, the Tudor Black Bay Chrono 39 has finally arrived for a hands-on look, and while the full review is still in the works, I offer first impressions about all the small details that excite me about this watch. Okay, so the yellow still isn't hitting, but many of the other details are, and they open the door for a watch I've been asking for for a very, very long time. Also in this episode, a quick look at the Nikonos camera, and the Canon Sure Shot WP.
Show Notes:
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57 min
The Deep Track, Ep. 109 - Gear that Prioritizes Substance Over Style with Wesley Smith
Season 1, Episode 109
Show notes
This week, Wesley Smith returns to the podcast to chat about summer travel, the gear we’re using, and how some of us have taken a step back from social media and why. This episode contains insights on the how and why of the content and products we produce, and what motivates each of us. The gear oftentimes isn’t as important as the doing. There are still a few hats left for purchase - huge thanks to everyone that has picked one up, please tag The Deep Track if you’re showing off your fit on social.
Show Notes:
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30 min
The Deep Track, Ep. 108 - Film Photography, and Misunderstanding Nostalgia
Episode 108
Show notes
This week’s episode is a solo discussion about why we find nostalgia so compelling, and why that might ultimately be holding us back. Sometimes, capturing the look of the past doesn’t quite cut it, and taking the time to find period-correct pieces can reveal the full intent and experience. Film cameras offer a nice analogy for this discussion.
Show Notes:
Longines Hydroconquest Review by Devin Pennypacker
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1 hr 3 min
The Deep Track, Ep. 107 - Watches Built for Space Exploration with Barrelhand's Karel Bachand
Season 1, Episode 107
Show notes
This week, Karel Bachand of Barrelhand joins the podcast to discuss all things space watches, and the brand’s Monolith, a modern take on the genre. We tackle the history of developing watches for space, and the challenges that come with it, as well as how that history was wielded in the development of the Monolith. Additionally, we ponder the modern identity of the tool watch, and why concerted efforts in this space are few and far between these days. The Monolith represents a new frontier in many ways, and one that may not yet be fully understood (we barely scratch the surface in this episode), let alone appreciated.
Show Notes:
Barrelhand Monolith Introduction on Hodinkee
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33 min
The Deep Track, Ep. 106 - Analog Lifestyle and Hot Takes from Reddit
Season 1, Episode 106
Show notes
Reddit is full of hot takes, and while most will elicit a dangerously deep eye roll, some of them hide some nuggets of wisdom, and it is here that we explore in this week's episode. Also discussed is a shift back to analog photography, and how that influences an appreciation for mechanical watches. But first, a look back at the Autodromo Group B Chronograph.
Show Notes:
You don’t need a well rounded collection
At some point, you’re destined to end up with a Speedmaster
Vintage Rolex are the same build quality as modern Seiko 5
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32 min
The Deep Track, Ep. 105 - Watches Sold, But Not Forgotten, Plus Grand Seiko & Parmigiani
Season 1, Episode 105
Show notes
Sometimes, you let a watch go, and you quickly realize you may come to regret the decision. In this episode, four watches are highlighted that fall into that category. Let's not call it regret, but these are certainly watches that linger for one reason or another. Additionally, new watches from Grand Seiko are explored, and hands-on impressions of new Parmigiani watches are offered.
Show Notes:
Grand Seiko Evolution 9 Watches
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56 min
The Deep Track, Ep. 104 - Daytona, Le Mans, F1, & Getting Old with Wesley Smith
Season 1, Episode 104
Show notes
This week, Wesley Smith returns to the podcast to chat F1, Le Mans, and of course, a few watches. We also look at modern and neo vintage Daytona references and reveal how they’ve come and gone from our own collections. Additionally, we confront the pitfalls of getting old and struggling to take care of ourselves post fatherhood. Yes, we cover a lot of ground in this episode.
Show Notes:
Review: Vacheron Constantin Overseas Dual Time Cardinal Points
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1 hr 6 min
The Deep Track, Ep. 103 - Tudor Black Bay Chrono 39, Vacheron Dual Time Cardinal Points, Barrelhand Monolith & More
Season 1, Episode 103
Show notes
This week, Devin Pennypacker returns to the podcast to dig into all the somewhat controversial releases of the past week. We chat about the Barrelhand Monolith, the Vacheron Constantin Dual Time Cardinal Points, the Tudor Chrono 39, and more. Did Tudor finally find the right formula for their chronograph? Turns out, it’s complicated. We also touch on the 007: First Light video game, and how the newest Omega chronograph is handled in the game.
Show Notes:
Josh’s Castelbajac Sport Quartz Chronograph (In Post)
Vacheron Constantin Dual Time Cardinal Points
Barrelhand Monolith on Hodinkee
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56 min
The Deep Track, Ep. 102 - Hidden Gems, Rough Royal Pop Rollout, & More ft. Producer Josh
Season 1, Episode 102
Show notes
This week producer Josh joins the show to tackle the fallout from the AP x Swatch Royal Pop release, and assess what the pocketwatch says about the broader enthusiast space. We also chat about the influence of “luxury” in how watches are presented to us, and how our experiences in the independent and micro brand scene tell the real story of the industry. Finally, we ponder the effect of influencers and social media on collecting from a personal perspective.
Show Notes:
Audemars Piguet x Swatch Royal Pop
Urwerk x Ulysse Nardin Ur-Freak
Seamaster 120 Plongeur de Luxe
Ep. 39 with Jesse Marchant of Lorca
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27 min
The Deep Track, Ep. 101 - Audemars Piguet x Swatch Royal Pop, CWC Ti300 Diver, & More
Season 1, Episode 101
Show notes
This episode takes a look back at an eventful week that included the surprise release of the Audemars Piguet x Swatch Royal Pop. I offer my views on the collaboration and what it says about the broader enthusiast space and conjecture around watches. Additionally, the CWC Ti 300 Dive watch gets a closer look, especially as it relates to the Tudor FXD. Through this lens, I also tackle the question of tool watches over the $500 price point. Finally, a few thoughts on the Ulysse Nardin Super Freak.
Show Notes:
Retro Review: Omega Seamaster 120 Plongeur de Luxe ‘Jacques Mayol’
Audemars Piguet x Swatch Royal Pop
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1 hr 19 min
The Deep Track, Ep. 100 - Midwest Mindset, IWC, & F1 with Wesley Smith
Season 1, Episode 100
Show notes
In episode 100 of the podcast Wesley Smith of Standard H returns to chat about all manner of life, watch, and automotive culture. Wesley also shares his experience of attending Watches & Wonders in Geneva for the first time, and we pick a few watches that left impressions on us. Additionally, we talk about pricing strategy from IWC, and what makes a perpetual calendar so compelling. Finally, we react to the news of V8 engines possibly returning to Formula 1.
Show Notes:
The Deep Track Watches & Wonders 2026 Coverage
Retro Review: Omega Seamaster 120 Plongeur de Luxe
Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Chronometer
Thoughts on the Tudor Releases
A Lange & Sohne Saxonia Annual Calendar
Patek Philippe 50th Anniversary Nautilus
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42 min
The Deep Track, Ep. 99 - Watches & Wonders 2026 First Impressions Ft. Tudor, Rolex, & More
Season 1, Episode 99
Show notes
This week's discussion offers a first reaction to new releases from Watches & Wonders 2026, from 50 years of the Nautilus, to whatever Tudor is thinking for their 100th anniversary. There are loads of new watches to go over, and while initial reactions are drab, I think there's plenty worth celebrating. Here, I offer my first thoughts on Tudor, Rolex, and more, including what we didn't see, and how we should be dealing with expectations leading into this event.
Show Notes:
Patek Philippe Nautilus 50th Anniversary
Vacheron Constantin Overseas Dual Time
IWC Pilot’s Venturer Vertical Drive
IWC Ingenieurs Released at Watches & Wonders
Jaeger LeCoultre Master Control Chronometre
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32 min
The Deep Track, Ep. 98 - Watches & Wonders Update, Universal Genève Returns, & More
Season 1, Episode 98
Show notes
This week, I provide an update about Watches & Wonders coverage coming next week, and having to pull out of attending the show due to an unforeseen health issue. You can still expect coverage through the week, though it will not be live. Additionally, the launch of Universal Genève is discussed, including the breadth of watches released, and their pricing structure. Bonus chat about the new Hodinkee x Timex collaboration.
Show Notes:
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29 min
The Deep Track, Ep. 97 - Accuracy, Originality, and More ft. Longines, Omega, and Citizen
Season 1, Episode 97
Show notes
This week's episode explores accuracy and its impact on value through the lens of the new Omega Constellation Observatory, as well as the devolution of watch design with the Longines Hydroconquest. New releases this week have inspired some existential reflection, which is explored here. Additionally, there's a brief reaction to the new Citizen Photon, and the CWC Ti300.
Show notes:
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1 hr 3 min
The Deep Track, Ep. 96 - Strange & Unexpected Complications with Justin Couture
Show notes
This week, Justin Couture, aka The Wristorian returns to the podcast to discuss odd, unusual, or otherwise niche complications and features. The review of the TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Seafarer, and its tide indication sub dial inspired us to think about some other outside-of-the-box complications and features, from the often discussed HEV, to more obscure ideas, like a hand-cranking Seiko, or a Sicura with a pocket knife hiding in the case. We explore the world of weird complications new and old, and talk a little bit about what we’d like to see from Tudor at Watches & Wonders.
Show Notes:
TAG Heuer Carrera Chronograph Seafarer Review
Jaeger-LeCoultre Tribute to Deep Sea Alarm
The Certina Chronograph and a professional hot air balloonist
Jaeger-LeCoultre Amvox Aston Martin Watches
IWC x Porsche Design Titan Chronograph
Ductor Northline Compass Watch
Blancpain Fifty-Fathoms Tech Gombessa
Sicura watch with pocket knife
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