Collectability Podcast

Tania Edwards has been in the watch business for over 35 years, and she's seen more change in the past five than at any other time. In this episode she sits down with two of the most influential voices for women in watches, Georgia Benjamin and Courtney Bachrach, to talk about how they got into collecting, why design and storytelling matter, and where women's vintage watch collecting is heading next.Courtney Bachrach (@tinywristcheck) is a New York-based collector, consultant, and content creator who was introduced to watches by her collector father. With a background in strategic business development across luxury brands and a master's degree in art business, she champions what she calls "literate luxury": understanding not just the watch itself, but the cultural context that produced it. Georgia Benjamin (@georgiabenj) is the most followed female content creator in the watch space, a design leader at Adobe, who brings humor, joy, and a design-led eye to collecting through her platform, her Substack The Edit, and the GB Supper Club.Along the way, Tania traces Patek Philippe's advertising through the decades, from the Art Deco cocktail watches and concealed dials of the 1940s, to the jeweled suites of the disco-era 1970s, to the campaigns that changed everything: "Begin your own tradition," the famous "You never actually own a Patek Philippe, you merely take care of it for the next generation," and finally the steel Twenty~4, the watch priced and designed to encourage women to buy for themselves, with its tagline "Who will you be in the next 24 hours."And there's a surprise: an extraordinary collection of 1970s Patek Philippe ladies' jeweled watches, kindly lent by Justin Gruenberg of The Keystone (@the_keystone), including a museum-quality concealed dial and a complete jeweled set of a kind rarely seen outside the Patek Philippe Museum.Whether you're new to collecting or deep in the hunt, this is a conversation about passion, scholarship, and the joy of discovery.Follow our guests: Courtney Bachrach https://www.instagram.com/tinywristcheck/Georgia Benjamin https://www.instagram.com/georgiabenj/🛍️ Shop for your favorite watches at the Collectability shop: https://collectability.com/shop/Learn with Collectability: https://collectability.com/learn-with-collectability/Learn more about Collectability on our website: https://collectability.comSee what our clients say on Trustpilot: https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/collectability.comFor more information please email: team@collectability.comFollow us on Instagram for regular updates: https://www.instagram.com/collectabilityllc/Listen, like and subscribe to the podcast on your favorite platform: https://linktr.ee/Collectability

John Reardon sits down with Cameron Barr, founder and CEO of Craft + Tailored, to discuss their favorite, and not-so-favorite, watch placements in film and TV since 1964, when James Bond first notably looked at his Rolex Submariner in Goldfinger.The conversation works through some of the most memorable watch moments on screen, from the Patek Philippe pocket watch in The Thomas Crown Affair, to Steve McQueen's Heuer Monaco in Le Mans, to the trench watch scene in Pulp Fiction. They also revisit the fake Patek Philippe that took center stage in Drive, and the fake Patek Philippe watches used in Succession and Friends and Neighbors that were so obviously props they pulled viewers right out of the story.John and Cameron also highlight the moments Patek got the screen treatment it deserved, from the ref. 5037J that James Gandolfini's presented in The Sopranos, to the ref. 5270 at Wempe New York in Billions. They share their experiences working with prop masters and explain why the small details matter so much for believability.Cameron then takes us behind the scenes of Good Fortune, last year's comedy with Keanu Reeves, Aziz Ansari, and Seth Rogen, where he was cast to play himself. He explains how the role came about, how the watches in the film were carefully chosen to suit each character, and the story behind "Pretty Baby", the yellow gold Daytona that became a character of its own.🛍️ Shop for your favorite watches at the Collectability shop: https://collectability.com/shop/For more information please email: team@collectability.comLearn more about Collectability on our website: https://collectability.comFollow us on Instagram for regular updates: / collectabilityllc Listen, like and subscribe to the podcast on your favorite platform: https://linktr.ee/Collectability

Recorded in Geneva, this episode of the Collectability Podcast brings together John Reardon and Tania Edwards for a revealing discussion about Alan Banbery, one of the most influential figures in the modern history of Patek Philippe.Alan Banbery spent 36 years at Patek Philippe and shaped the brand in ways that people may not know. From after sales service and exhibition design to watch aesthetics, historical scholarship, and the foundation of the Patek Philippe Museum, his influence extended far beyond his official role as an executive in the company.This podcast draws on Tania Edwards’ three part editorial series, The Banbery Chronicles, which documents Alan’s life and legacy in unprecedented detail. Together, John and Tania explore findings from each chapter of the series and explain why Banbery’s story matters today.Topics include Alan’s early life in wartime London and his training as a watchmaker in Geneva, his unexpected transition into high level watch and jewelry sales, and the ideas he introduced that would quietly reshape Patek Philippe’s identity. These include the blue dial Ellipse, the naming of the Nautilus, the inclusion of museum pieces in exhibitions, and the true story behind his legendary, modified ref. 3448.The episode also covers the rarely told origins of the Patek Philippe Museum, beginning with Alan’s personal collecting efforts long before the project became an institutional priority. Along the way, listeners gain insight into pivotal auctions, unrealized acquisitions, and the personal discipline that defined Alan's career. If you are interested in Patek Philippe's modern history, this conversation is essential viewing.📖 Read The Banbery Chronicles articles: https://collectability.com/?s=THE+BAN...🛍️ Shop for your favorite watches at the Collectability Shop: https://collectability.com/shop/ For more information please email: team@collectability.comLearn more about Collectability on our website: https://collectability.com Follow us on Instagram for regular updates: / collectabilityllc Listen, like and subscribe to the podcast on your favorite platform: https://linktr.ee/Collectability

Join John Reardon for an entertaining ride with Ken Jacobs,founder of Wanna Buy A Watch? Ken describes his fascinating journey from becoming a clinical psychologist to founding one of the most beloved vintage watch stores in the USA, located on Melrose Avenue in West Hollywood. A pioneering dealerof vintage watches for over 40 years, Ken shares stories of how he introduced generations of new watch collectors. He even shares highlights from his ‘list’ of celebrities that he has helped over the decades find vintage watches that they love. His store has become something of an institution and a must-visit for collectors of all levels looking for something different. His energy and passion for vintage watches are infectious, and we invite you to sit back and enjoy this lively podcast.If you would like to learn more about Wanna Buy A Watch visit wannabuyawatch.comTo learn more about Ken's son Benny Isaac Jacobs-Schwartz's guided bird tours go to: https://birdsbybijs.com/Shop for your favorite watches at the Collectability Shop: https://collectability.com/shop/ Learn more about Collectability on our website: https://collectability.com Follow us on Instagram for regular updates: https://www.instagram.com/collectabilityllc/ Listen, like and subscribe to the podcast on your favorite platform: https://linktr.ee/Collectability

Mike Nouveau is a social media phenomenon in the world of watches. Relatively new to the world of watch dealing - up until 2022 Mike was a still a DJ with a background in fashion -- he has quickly established himself as TikTok’s preeminent voice on watches with almost half a million subscribers, and over 260,000 followers on Instagram. With New York City as a background and a community of intriguing watch people, Mike both educates and entertains. He has brought a new generation of people to the world of vintage watches with his obsession and contagious enthusiasm. In this fun and candid podcast, Mike explains to John Reardon how he transferred from DJ’ing to exploding on TikTok as a watch expert and how a custom strap video garnered a staggering almost 15 million views. The first serious watch deal that Mike ever made was a Patek Philippe yellow gold Nautilus ref. 3700J - a big watch for his first deal - and his passion for the brand began. John and Mike openly discuss sensitive subjects such as polishing and restoration which many listeners will find enlightening - especially Mike’s refreshing and honest opinion.You can listen to the great story about the “Cartier Curse" which Mike and John discuss here: https://themoth.org/storytellers/carole-radziwillShop for your favorite watches at the Collectability Shop: https://collectability.com/shop/ Learn more about Collectability on our website: https://collectability.com Follow us on Instagram for regular updates: https://www.instagram.com/collectabilityllc/ Listen, like and subscribe to the podcast on your favorite platform: https://linktr.ee/Collectability

In Part 2 of Collectability’s podcast with Hank Edelman, former President of Patek Philippe USA, we continue an extraordinary journey through six decades of watchmaking history, advertising, and brand storytelling.If you missed Part 1, be sure to watch or listen first (see link below) — it’s a treasure trove of Patek Philippe history and fascinating personal stories that set the stage for this conversation.No one is better placed to share how marketing Patek Philippe in America has evolved since the 1960s than Hank Edelman. In the Mad Men era, Hank Edelman had a front-row seat with the creative geniuses of the time. He recalls how brilliant advertising lines were crafted by legendary ad man Seth Tobias, who worked closely with Patek Philippe USA President Einar Buhl.During the 1980s, Patek Philippe launched its first international campaign, starring the Calatrava ref. 3919. Hank Edelman explains how this model was created and why it became a symbol of elegance and timeless design.He also shares the origins of one of the most recognisable and longest-running watch campaigns ever:"You never actually own a Patek Philippe. You merely take care of it for the next generation." Discover how the Generations campaign came to life and how it became an essential part of the brand’s identity.Today, Patek Philippe exhibitions are famous around the world, but many collectors may not realise these events started in the United States in the late 1960s. Hank Edelman recounts how these exhibitions introduced American audiences to exceptional timepieces and demonstrated what set Patek Philippe apart from every other watch brand. Even Warren Buffett became part of this rich history. In 1995, he held a white gold Calibre ’89, captured in a photograph with the caption: "The six billion dollar man holds the six million dollar watch," which was featured in newspapers across the country.In this episode, Hank Edelman and John Reardon look back at some of the most memorable ads and moments from Hank Edelman’s remarkable 60-plus-year career with Patek Philippe.Sit back and enjoy this rare glimpse behind the scenes of how Patek Philippe became one of the most respected names in fine watchmaking.Listen to Part 1:https://open.spotify.com/episode/4M3EWmgOAQY55PxFs3DTgq?si=yDCducfoSrqlbmkIPt-VzwShop for your favorite watches at the Collectability Shop: https://collectability.com/shop/Learn more about Collectability on our website: https://collectability.com Follow us on Instagram for regular updates: https://www.instagram.com/collectabilityllc/Listen, like and subscribe to the podcast on your favorite platform: https://linktr.ee/Collectability

For the first time, Collectability has produced a limited edition collaboration watch. In this podcast John Reardon and Stephane Cheikh, director of Dennison Watch, discuss the inside story of what inspired this special timepiece and how the shape and dial design reflect both the past and present. Available to purchase online until May 11 please see the Dennison website to learn more: https://dennisonwatch.com/products/collectability

As prices begin to surge and scholarship deepens, John Reardon and Tony Traina discuss why the Patek Philippe ref. 3970 is becoming so important as a bridge between vintage and modern for collectors. Collectability is honored that Tony Traina is now a contributor to our website and his first long-form article, A Collector’s Guide to the Patek Philippe Ref. 3970 has already made waves in the watch community. In this lively and informative podcast, John and Tony dive deep into the ref. 3970 article, explaining nuances and sharing new information about this intriguing perpetual calendar chronograph.Tony Traina has written some of the most insightful and interesting articles about the watch industry for leading platforms such as Hodinkee, GQ, Sotheby’s, Revolution and A Collected Man. Tony Traina has recently launched his own newsletter, Unpolished which we highly recommend subscribing to as it contains must-read content that the watch world is not yet looking closely at.To read Collectability’s Collector’s Guide to the Patek Philippe Ref. 3790 by Tony Traina please follow this link: https://collectability.com/learn/a-collectors-guide-to-the-patek-philippe-ref-3970-perpetual-calendar-chronograph/.To subscribe to Tony Traina’s newsletter Unpolished please follow this link: https://www.unpolishedwatches.com/Shop for your favorite watches at the Collectability Shop: https://collectability.com/shop/Learn more about Collectability on our website: https://collectability.com Follow us on Instagram for regular updates: https://www.instagram.com/collectabilityllc/Listen, like and subscribe to the podcast on your favorite platform: https://linktr.ee/Collectability

In this podcast, Collectability founders John Reardon and Tania Edwards start a new tradition beginning the year with a conversation about all things Patek Philippe. They talk about their recent experience at the Original Miami Beach Antique Show, what they learned there from collectors old and new, and what these trends mean for vintage watch enthusiasts. They discuss the current Patek Philippe market and share their predictions for collecting in 2025. In addition, they share some secrets from their own careers working with Patek Philippe watches and what the year ahead holds for Collectability. Shop for your favorite watches at the Collectability Shop: https://collectability.com/shop/ Learn more about Collectability on our website: https://collectability.com Follow us on Instagram for regular updates: https://www.instagram.com/collectabilityllc/ Listen, like and subscribe to the podcast on your favorite platform: https://linktr.ee/Collectability

In part one of this two-part podcast, John Reardon and Marc Berliner dive deep into a discussion about how the watch community creates and consumes content -- notably around all things Patek Philippe. Marc Berliner's insight as a watch collector and professional from the world of entertainment is both unique and insightful. Marc is a veteran collector, buyer and seller of fine vintage timepieces, as well as a freelance writer for the watch and jewelry industry. Over the past 25 years, Marc estimates that he has brought and sold around 250 Patek Philippe wrist and pocket watches. His career in the entertainment industry spans over 30 years, beginning at the United Talent Agency in 1991. Today, he is an independent film and TV producer working on a slate of feature films and TV projects, while maintaining his passion for Patek Philippe vintage timepieces.

In this candid interview, veteran watch dealer Matthew Bain discusses how the watch industry and collecting has changed over the past 40 years. Matt shares many fascinating stories including the entrepreneurial way in which he started his career while at college in the 1980s, when he would enlist his friends to buy Swatch watches (purchases of which were limited per person at the time), that he would then sell to the Italians. Also inspired by his father who was a collector, Matt continued his passion buying and selling watches after college until one day someone offered him a Patek Philippe World Time ref. 2523 which he and his father purchased and the next day he left his job at a bank — and the rest is a fascinating history! Over the decades, Matt has brought and sold many important Patek Philippe watches, several of which can now be seen in the Patek Philippe Museum. Find out which vintage Patek Philippe watches Matt believes are undervalued and worth searching for by listening to this wide-ranging discussion with John Reardon. Follow Collectability: Learn more about Collectability on our website: https://collectability.com Follow us on Instagram for regular updates: https://www.instagram.com/collectabilityllc Listen, like and subscribe to the podcast on your favorite platform: https://linktr.ee/Collectability

Buckle up for an exciting ride as John Reardon and James Lamdin, founder of Analog:Shift discuss vintage watches, the future of auction houses and the watch industry. In Part 1, James shares how he started his horological journey and launched Analog:Shift in 2012. His goal was to change the way vintage watches were sold and his success led to Watches of Switzerland purchasing the company in 2020 leading to 25 in-store locations. Fearless in sharing his opinion, it’s always fun to listen to James Lamdin talk about the industry he loves. Follow Collectability: Learn more about Collectability on our website: https://collectability.com Follow us on Instagram for regular updates: https://www.instagram.com/collectabilityllc Listen, like and subscribe to the podcast on your favorite platform: https://linktr.ee/Collectability

In part two of this incredible conversation, Dr. Peter Friess shares some secrets of the Patek Philippe Museum in Geneva and explains why it represents such an important part of the company's DNA. Plus, we learn more about the strict criteria which must be met if a new piece is to be acquired for the museum. As someone who regularly studies and attends watch auctions, Dr. Friess reveals his vision for the ideal watch auction catalog. He also explains his view on the value proposition of pocket watches. Follow Collectability: Learn more about Collectability on our website: https://collectability.com Follow us on Instagram for regular updates: https://www.instagram.com/collectabilityllc Listen, like and subscribe to the podcast on your favorite platform: https://linktr.ee/Collectability