Between The Lugs

Swatch x AP Royal Pop: Genius Move or Complete Disaster?

Swatch x Audemars Piguet Royal Pop is already one of the most controversial watch releases of 2026, and the watch community is split before the official May 16 announcement even happens. Is this the next MoonSwatch-level moment, a clever way to bring new collectors into watches, or a risky move that cheapens the Royal Oak and Audemars Piguet’s luxury credibility?In this emergency episode of Between the Lugs, we break down the Swatch x AP rumors, the Royal Pop name, the Royal Oak speculation, the possible pocket watch or modular concept, and why collectors are already arguing about whether this collaboration is genius or a disaster.We get into:• Why Swatch x AP feels different from the MoonSwatch• Whether a plastic Royal Oak would hurt Audemars Piguet• The rumored Royal Pop concept and mockups• Price speculation and secondary market chaos• Why this could bring new people into watches• Whether AP risks losing serious collectors• What we hope the collaboration actually turns out to beJOIN THE WATCH BROS COMMUNITY:💎 Win Watches & Get Exclusive Content → https://www.thewatchbros.com🎙️ Podcast for Deep Dives → www.youtube.com/@BetweenTheLugs📸 IG Photo + Video Content → www.instagram.com/thewatchbros_🔔 Subscribe to This Channel → www.youtube.com/@BetweenTheLugsNo paid promotion or sponsor was disclosed for this episode.TIMESTAMPS:0:00 Swatch x AP is breaking the watch internet0:51 Why a Plastic Royal Oak Feels So Wrong2:02 Could This Actually Hurt Audemars Piguet?3:52 The ONLY Way This Collaboration Could Work4:35 Predicting the Price + Reseller Chaos5:23 Why This Could Be Bigger Than MoonSwatch7:23 Are Luxury Brands Destroying Their Own Heritage?8:39 Could This Push Buyers Toward Patek & Vacheron?9:36 Final Thoughts on the AP x Swatch Rumors10:08 OutroWhat do you think? Is Swatch x AP Royal Pop a brilliant move, or is Audemars Piguet taking the Royal Oak too far? Drop your take in the comments.#AudemarsPiguet #Swatch #RoyalPop #RoyalOak #WatchCollecting

Are Microbrands a Ripoff? Watch Hot Takes Get Heated

The internet has some truly atrocious watch takes… and this episode gets into all of them.In this episode of Between the Lugs, we react to a few of the hottest collector debates floating around online, break down some major new watch releases, and answer member questions on luxury watches, quartz, lume, Rolex, Omega, and more.From claims that Longines is making the best watches in the world to the idea that Seiko has fallen off and Tissot is now the true value king, this episode turns into exactly what it should be: strong opinions, disagreement, and a few debates that collectors are definitely going to have thoughts on.We also dig into some of the biggest talking points in watches right now:• Are microbrands a ripoff or are collectors misunderstanding them?• Longines, Seiko, and Tissot value-watch debates• Breitling’s new Navitimer B01 Chronograph 43 Tribute to Concorde• Breitling’s latest perpetual calendar releases• Christopher Ward’s C63 Sealander True GMT and new CW-002 Calibre• TAG Heuer’s Carrera Astronomer and the brand’s space-watch history• Whether luxury watches are actually “better” than quartz• Whether lume belongs on a full dress watch• Rolex Daytona bezel rumors and collector confusion• OMEGA Planet Ocean GMT vs Rolex GMT-Master IIIf you’re into new releases, collector debates, and honest watch talk without the fluff, this one’s for you.Topics discussed in this episode:• Longines and the “best watches in the world” debate• Seiko vs Tissot value king debate• Microbrands and factory catalog criticism• Breitling Navitimer B01 Chronograph 43 Tribute to Concorde• Breitling Navitimer B19 Perpetual Calendar• Blancpain Villeret Perpetual• Christopher Ward C63 Sealander True GMT• Longines Spirit Zulu Time 39mm• TAG Heuer Carrera Astronomer• Luxury watches vs quartz watches• Lume on dress watches• Rolex Daytona bezel changes• OMEGA Planet Ocean GMT vs Rolex GMT-Master IIAfter Hours topics are available at thewatchbros.comTimestamps:0:00 IntroJOIN THE WATCH BROS COMMUNITY:💎 Win Watches & Get Exclusive Content → https://www.thewatchbros.com🎙️ Podcast for Deep Dives → www.youtube.com/@BetweenTheLugs📸 IG Photo + Video Content → www.instagram.com/thewatchbros_🔔 Subscribe to This Channel → www.youtube.com/@TheWatchBros#podcast #watches #watchcollecting #luxurywatches #microbrands #seiko #tissot #longines #breitling #tagheuer #christopherward #rolex #omega

These Popular Watches Don’t Deserve the Hype

In this episode of Between The Lugs, we go head-to-head on some of the most polarizing watches in modern collecting — including the Tissot PRX, MoonSwatch, and Cartier Santos — and we don’t try to resolve the debate.This isn’t a review.This is a disagreement.Jason explains why certain hyped watches feel disposable, over-memed, or fundamentally misunderstood.Felix fires back with historical context, value arguments, and why collectors might be missing the point entirely.If you own a PRX, MoonSwatch, or Santos — this episode might hit close to home.And if you’re tired of pretending every popular watch deserves universal praise, you’re in the right place.We also break down January 2026 industry news, react to new releases from TAG Heuer, Mido, Hublot, Oris, and Serica, and answer member questions on buying new vs pre-owned, pawn shop strategies, and how to properly research a watch before pulling the trigger.⏱️ TIMESTAMPS00:00 – Hot Open: The Watches We Disagree On01:45 - Welcome Back! 02:30 Wrist Check: Patek & Vintage Seiko03:12 – MoonSwatch: Gateway Drug or Disposable Cash Grab?08:34 – Tissot PRX: Overhyped Starter Watch or Best Value Under $1,000?17:02 – Cartier Santos: Did Size Ruin the Icon?25:40 – Industry News: January 2026 Releases That Matter26:15 – Mido Multifort 8 One Crown29:04 – TAG Heuer Carrera & Seafarer Returns30:55 – Oris & Serica New Releases44:10 – Member Q&A: New vs Pre-Owned Watches48:32 – Pawn Shop Buying Strategy54:20 – How to Research a Watch Without Paralysis1:00:12 – After Hours (Members Only): Hublot vs AP, Quartz Hot Takes🔥 WATCHES DISCUSSEDTissot PRX Powermatic 80Omega x Swatch MoonSwatchCartier Santos (Medium vs Large)TAG Heuer Carrera & SeafarerMido Multifort 8Serica 6190 TXDOris Big Crown Pointer Date💬 JOIN THE DEBATEIs the PRX actually overrated — or just over-talked about?Is the MoonSwatch good for the hobby… or bad for watch culture?Did Cartier miss the mark by upsizing the Santos?Pick a side in the comments 👇🎙️ ABOUT BETWEEN THE LUGSBetween The Lugs is the long-form podcast from @TheWatchBros, focused on real collector conversations, disagreement, industry context, and zero forced consensus.👉 Subscribe for unfiltered watch debates, collector insight, and industry commentary🔔 New episodes weekly🎧 More from usMain Channel → https://www.youtube.com/@TheWatchBrosMemberships → https://www.thewatchbros.comInstagram → https://www.instagram.com/TheWatchBros#tissotprx #watchpodcast #watchdebate #luxurywatches #betweenTheLugs #watchcollecting #tissot #cartiersantos #moonswatch

The Most Overrated Watch Brands (And Why Everyone Hates Hublot)

Are these legendary watch brands truly iconic... or just overhyped hype machines?In this episode of Between the Lugs, Felix and Jason play a brutally honest game: rating popular watch brands from Rolex to Richard Mille on a scale from understated legends to full-blown meme status. It’s not just about marketing. We’re breaking down design stagnation, pricing insanity, status-chasing, and community backlash.Plus, we field spicy questions from our Patreon supporters and showcase our funky wrist check choices, featuring Pauline, Nectere, and Studio Underdog.Strap in. This one’s gonna ruffle some bezels.⌚︎ WRIST CHECKJason: Nectere Watches https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/jameswong324/nectere-shaped-watch-inspired-by-butterfly-effectFelix: Pauline Watches https://www.paulinwatches.com/collections/watches/products/neo-b-1👉 Subscribe for unfiltered watch takes, ranking games, and collector insights that don’t pull punches. 🔔👇 SUBSCRIBE TO OUR PODCAST WATCH COMMUNITY:https://www.youtube.com/@BetweenTheLugs🔔 Subscribe for more honest watch stories and reviews:https://www.youtube.com/@TheWatchBros📸 Follow us on Instagram for daily content:https://www.instagram.com/TheWatchBros_💎 Join The Inner Circle on Patreon for exclusive content + Free Giveaways:https://www.patreon.com/TheWatchBros🕒 TIMESTAMPS:00:00 – Intro & Rolex Hype Talk00:45 – Welcome to Between the Lugs01:17 – Wrist Check: Pauline & Nectard02:22 – Patreon Q&A: Selling, Microbrands & Watch Fatigue08:27 – How We Grade "Overhyped"09:04 – Panerai Breakdown16:16 – Cartier Breakdown21:23 – Hublot Breakdown26:58 – Richard Mille Breakdown32:06 – Rolex Breakdown37:04 – Grand Seiko Breakdown43:02 – Final Verdicts44:02 – Street Reactions Idea45:01 – Outro🎯 DID WE RANK THEM RIGHT?Was Panerai judged too harshly? Does Grand Seiko deserve more love? Or are we the ones overhyping it all?Drop your own scores in the comments – 1 to 25 per brand – and tell us who got done dirty.Let’s settle this in the comments 👇#Rolex #OverhypedWatches #GrandSeiko#WatchCollectors #LuxuryWatches #BetweenTheLugs

How a Female PILOT SHOCKED the Watch Industry with Her Bold Designs | Abingdon’s Story

In this exclusive interview, we sit down with *Abingdon Mullin,* a real-life pilot and the visionary founder of *The Abingdon Co,* www.abingdonco.com, the first watch brand built by and for adventurous women. From the cockpit to the boardroom, Abingdon shares how she shocked the watch industry with bold, functional, and fearless designs tailored to aviators, divers, and explorers.Whether you're a *watch enthusiast,* a startup founder, or a woman breaking barriers in a male-dominated industry, this conversation delivers deep insights into *entrepreneurship, design innovation,* and building a purpose-driven brand that challenges the status quo.📌 *Topics Covered:*- Why traditional watch brands overlook women- The founding story of The Abingdon Co.- Watch design for female pilots, divers & professionals- Building a lifestyle brand for women who don’t play it safe- What’s next for women in the watch industry📺 *Timestamps:*00:00 – Intro: The Christmas Dinner That Sparked a Watch Brand01:08 – Welcome to the Show: Meet Abingdon Mullin01:25 – Founding Abingdon Co. as a Flight Student02:27 – How She Got Into Flying (Hint: Free Food)04:03 – Early Aviation Career & Flying Across the Pacific05:23 – Commemorating Flight Training with a Pilot’s Watch06:00 – What She Needed in a Pilot’s Watch07:12 – Lack of Options: Everything Was Too Big08:07 – Flight Functions She Wanted: GMT, Stopwatch, Slide Rule09:00 – Teaching Others How to Use Flight Functions09:39 – Struggling to Find a Watch, Then Reaching Out to Brands10:17 – The Christmas Dinner That Changed Everything11:09 – Deciding to Build the Brand from Scratch11:47 – Googling Her Way into Watch Manufacturing13:13 – The First Watch: “The Jackie” Prototype14:07 – Quick-Release Straps & User-Centered Design15:24 – Why She Designed the Chevron Strap15:56 – Early Reception & First Aviation Conference Booth17:12 – Going on Shark Tank18:03 – Shark Tank Reactions: Cuban, O'Leary, and More20:32 – Entering the Dive Watch Market21:28 – The Marina & Nadia Dive Watches22:22 – Expanding into Tactical, Automotive, and Equine23:55 – Does She Follow Other Watch Brands?24:44 – Listening to Her Customers, Not Other Brands25:30 – The Watch as a Symbol of Strength26:37 – Abingdon Watches During Chemotherapy27:18 – The Watch That Survived a Helicopter Crash29:04 – Retirement at the Summit of Kilimanjaro30:54 – How Watches Create Deep Human Connections31:09 – Where to Buy Abingdon Watches32:24 – Downtown Vegas Showroom Launch & Limited Edition Piece33:11 – Thank You & Wrap-Up---🔗 *Connect with Abingdon Co.:*🌐 Website: https://www.abingdonco.com📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theabingdonco/▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AbingdonCo🎵 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@abingdonco📘 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/abingdonco📌 Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/abingdonco---🔔 *Subscribe for more interviews with creators, founders, and disruptors in the watch world and beyond.*Subscribe & Follow Us:🔔 Subscribe for more honest watch stories, reviews, & deep dives:https://www.youtube.com/@TheWatchBros🎙️ Subscribe to our Podcast Watch Community:https://www.youtube.com/@BetweenTheLugs📸 Follow us on Instagram for daily watch content:https://www.instagram.com/TheWatchBros_💎 Join our Patreon for exclusive content + giveaways:https://www.patreon.com/TheWatchBros#WomenInWatches #WatchIndustry #PilotWatches #AbingdonCo #WatchCollectors #FemaleFounders #AviationWatches #Entrepreneurship #WatchDesign

Why NOW Is The Time To Buy Watches...

In this episode of Between the Lugs, Mike and Felix go deep on why now is actually the best time ever to be a watch collector. From flippers finally leaving the hobby to brands downsizing their flagship models, it’s clear: watch culture in 2025 is evolving — fast.They talk everything from Apple Watch fatigue to microbrand love, the end of 48mm flexing, overpriced Rolex boutiques, and the surprising shift toward small vintage-inspired pieces. Whether you’re Gen Z, a seasoned collector, or just got your first Seiko, this one’s for you.👀 In this episode:🔹 Cartier Santos Debate: Small vs XL🔹 Microbrands Are Winning Gen Z Over🔹 Why Rolex ADs Are the Worst🔹 Death of the Fashion Watch🔹 Why No One’s Setting Their Watches Anymore🔹 The Case Against Hype Models🔹 Timex Is Doing WHAT for $2K?!🔹 Why Every Watch Guy Has Beef with Boston🔹 “I Hate 90% of Your Collection” — Felix Gets Roasted🔹 What Even Is the Value of a Watch Today?⚠️ The flippers are gone. The screen fatigue is real. And the future is small (watches).Timstamps-00:00 – Felix Hates Mike’s Entire Collection 00:35 – "Half My Watches Aren’t Even Set Right" 01:15 – Big Watch Fatigue Is Real 02:00 – Younger Collectors Want Meaning, Not Hype 03:10 – Cartier Santos: Small Gold vs Large Steel Debate 04:45 – The Fashion Shift Toward Vintage Aesthetics 06:20 – Why Microbrands Are Winning in 2025 08:00 – Apple's Out, Analog’s In – And So Are Flip Phones?! 10:10 – The Culture is Shrinking Watch Sizes 12:00 – What Big Brands Are Doing to Keep Up 14:30 – IWC’s Big Problem: Still Too Big 16:00 – Timex's Giorgio Galli S2 – Seriously Underrated 17:45 – The Problem with Rolex ADs (Especially in Boston) 20:00 – The End of the Luxury-Only Collector 21:30 – The Case for Buying What You Love, Not What You Can Flip 23:00 – Is the Secondary Market Finally Normal Again? 24:30 – Final Thoughts: The Watch World Has Never Been Better 26:15 – Patreon Watch Giveaway Announcement💬 Comment PromptWhat’s the most overrated watch trend in 2025? Big flex? Microbrands? Tell us your hot take.⸻📌 Subscribe & Follow Us🔔 Subscribe to Between the Lugs:https://www.youtube.com/@BetweenTheLugs📸 Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/BetweenTheLugs💎 Patreon – Join to Win a Watch:https://www.patreon.com/BetweenTheLugs⸻🧵 Hashtags#WatchTalk #MicrobrandWatches #LuxuryWatches #WatchCulture2025 #VintageWatches #WatchRoast #BetweenTheLugs #RolexHype #CartierSantos #WatchCollecting

I Was Dead Wrong About Watch Tariffs — Is This the Breaking Point?

The Trump Tariff Meltdown: How 90 Days Will Transform Swiss Watch Collecting ForeverBREAKING: Trump’s 31% Swiss watch tariffs and 125% Chinese watch tariffs are set to completely reshape the luxury watch market. In this comprehensive analysis, we examine how these unprecedented tariffs will impact Rolex, Omega, Patek Philippe, Tag Heuer, and the entire watch industry—potentially changing watch collecting forever.------------------------------------Subscribe to The Watch Bros: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp8ufgFx6QiTg-bPw22GzUgFollow us on Instagram: instagram.com/thewatchbros_ Unlock Exclusive Perks on Patreon:www.patreon.com/thewatchbros#Watches #NewWatches #UsedWatchess #WristCheck #WatchHunting #WatchCollecting #TheWatchBros

My Watches Vanished in Miami – Did I Just Get Robbed?

It was supposed to be a chill Miami trip… until we thought $150,000 in watches were stolen.In this wild new episode of Between the Lugs, we take you through our full Miami experience - from buying a car for a teenager to hanging out with Adam from Menta Watches, spotting Salt Bae’s Nautilus in person, and filming with the legendary Lex Borrero (0260 Lifestyle).But things took a turn when one of us realized the entire watch roll might have gone missing…Watch as we relive the chaos, the watches, and the moment we almost called the cops over a “robbery” that wasn’t.In This Episode:Visiting Miami’s watch boutiques (VC, IWC, Cartier, Rolex)Trying on the new Rolex Land-DwellerDinner at Salt Bae’s restaurant… and a weird interactionMeeting Lex Borrero & touring his studioThe “stolen” $150K watch scare (and how it ended)Advice for collectors, travelers & anyone carrying grails on vacationWhether you're a seasoned collector or just here for the watch chaos, this one’s a ride.⏱️ Timestamps:00:00 – Salt Bae, Watches & Chaos: Welcome to Miami!01:10 – Announcing the New Podcast Channel02:35 – Miami Expectations vs Reality04:15 – Buying a Car in Miami for a 16-Year-Old06:04 – Hanging Out with Adam from Menta Watches08:03 – Dinner at Salt Bae’s Restaurant… and a Nautilus Sighting11:18 – Design District Watch Hopping (VC, IWC, Cartier, Rolex)15:04 – Trying on the Land Dweller & Pistachio OP16:13 – Interviewing Lex Borrero (0260) in His Studio18:07 – The Morning of the Watch Panic22:07 – Calling the Police Over 'Stolen' Watches23:36 – Lessons Learned: Don’t Be This Guy in Miami24:00 – Outro + After Hours Tease for Patreon🔗 Follow & Support:🎙️ Subscribe to our podcast channel:https://www.youtube.com/@BetweenTheLugs📸 Follow us on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/TheWatchBros_💎 Join our Patreon for exclusive After Hours content:https://www.patreon.com/TheWatchBros#Rolex #PatekPhilippe #IWC #CartierSantos #VacheronConstantin #LandDweller #WatchTheft #LuxuryWatches #WatchPodcast #BetweenTheLugs #TheWatchBros #WatchCollectors

Why Are Young People Wearing More Watches?

Are mechanical watches making a comeback with Gen Z and Millennials? In this episode of Between the Lugs, we talk about the youth-driven mechanical renaissance, surprising real-world encounters with nice watches in public, and our reactions to Apple TV’s shockingly detailed watch coverage in a brand-new show. Plus, we answer two great questions from our Patreon members!📌 Topics in This Episode:Are mechanical watches becoming popular again with younger people?What watches looked amazing online but disappointed in person?Affordable entry-level precious metal watch recommendationsReaction to a bizarre Apple TV show packed with real watch specsDo people still wear nice watches in public? We discuss what we’re actually seeingSubscribe & Follow Us:'Subscribe to The Watch Bros: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCp8ufgFx6QiTg-bPw22GzUgFollow us on Instagram: instagram.com/thewatchbros_ Unlock Exclusive Perks on Patreon:www.patreon.com/thewatchbros#Watches #NewWatches #UsedWatchess #WristCheck #WatchHunting #WatchCollecting #TheWatchBros