Hi there! This is David Newman, host of WatchSmarts, the podcast for anyone who loves watches and wants to get smarter about what's on their wrist. Whether you're just a beginner (like me!) or a seasoned watch enthusiast, each episode brings you a fun, fly-on-the-wall conversation with collectors, microbrand founders, dealers, your favorite watch podcasters and YouTubers, and other watch-world insiders, sharing stories, lessons, wins, and a few mistakes along the way. We also cover watch events and watches worth paying attention to at every price point. Whether you are brand new on the watch scene or have a vast collection, this is the watch podcast you've been looking for. Your ears and wrist will thank you!
WatchSmarts
Claim This Podcastby David Newman
12 episodes
Updated Daily
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Podcast Overview
Hi there! This is David Newman, host of WatchSmarts, the podcast for anyone who loves watches and wants to get smarter about what's on their wrist. Whether you're just a beginner (like me!) or a seasoned watch enthusiast, each episode brings you a fun, fly-on-the-wall conversation with collectors, microbrand founders, dealers, your favorite watch podcasters and YouTubers, and other watch-world insiders, sharing stories, lessons, wins, and a few mistakes along the way. We also cover watch events and watches worth paying attention to at every price point. Whether you are brand new on the watch scene or have a vast collection, this is the watch podcast you've been looking for. Your ears and wrist will thank you!
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🇺🇲
Publishing Since
5/5/2026
1 verified contact email on file for WatchSmarts
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Recent Episodes
June 23, 2026
012: Telling the Story of Time with John Cote
<p dir="ltr">Get the FREE <a href= "https://bonus.watchsmarts.com/beginner-guide/">WatchSmarts Beginner Buyer's Guide</a>. John Cote grew up eye-level with the display cases of New York pawn shops, learning the art of the deal from his mathematician father via pure osmosis. In this episode, he shares how a lifetime of "collecting people" through the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors shaped his philosophy that a true collection must tell a story rather than just be a pile of random objects. </p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p dir="ltr">John shares his unique "twins" collecting strategy, where he hunts for pairs consisting of a rugged tool watch and its high-end dressy counterpart, and explains why the current market makes it the perfect time to rediscover the overlooked world of pocket watches. From finding treasures in fraternity dumpsters to inheriting thousands of timepieces, this conversation is a masterclass in discerning the difference between being a hoarder and a true curator of horological history.</p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p dir="ltr">⏱️ Timestamps</p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p dir="ltr">01:31: Born into the Business</p> <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">John recounts his earliest days in the Two Bridges area of Manhattan where his father hunted for watches on Maiden Lane.</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">How observing negotiations in pawn shops at a young age provided a foundational education in watch buying.</p> </li> </ul> <p dir="ltr">03:16: Technology and the Human Mind</p> <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">The influence of his father's career as a mathematics professor on his fascination with mechanical devices.</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Exploring why the human mind devises mechanical means to track the passage of time.</p> </li> </ul> <p dir="ltr">07:47: The Hoarder versus The Collector</p> <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">A deep dive into why a collection needs to tell a cohesive story to be more than just a random assortment of items.</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">John shares how his father's massive collection taught him the value of discernment over sheer volume.</p> </li> </ul> <p dir="ltr">16:34: The Secret World of Pocket Watches</p> <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Why pocket watches are currently a high value entry point for collectors despite being viewed as old school.</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">The historical link showing how the wristwatch evolved directly from its pocket bound predecessors.</p> </li> </ul> <p dir="ltr">21:57: The Twin Collection Strategy</p> <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">John explains his fascination with pairs that feature both a rugged stainless steel tool watch and its luxury gold analog.</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Examples from brands like Breitling and Longines that successfully marketed to both professionals and wealthy enthusiasts.</p> </li> </ul> <p dir="ltr">32:19: Learning Through Osmosis</p> <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">The role of the NAWCC in providing mentors and a community for those looking to collect people alongside watches.</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Why firsthand knowledge and expert opinions are the only real substitutes for spending endless amounts of money.</p> </li> </ul> <p dir="ltr">39:01: Quality Over Quantity</p> <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Crucial advice on why it is better to save for one amazing example of a watch than to buy five mediocre versions.</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">The hidden costs of restoration and why buying a fixer upper is often a collector's most expensive mistake.</p> </li> </ul> <p dir="ltr">Your collection is more than a set of tools; it is the story of your life told through the ticking of gears.</p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p dir="ltr">==========</p> <p dir="ltr">FREE GUIDE: Buy Your First Great Watch Without Getting Burned</p> <p dir="ltr"><a href= "https://bonus.watchsmarts.com/beginner-guide/">Download the WatchSmarts Beginner Buyer's Guide »</a></p> <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Know exactly what matters (and what doesn't) before you spend a dollar</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Avoid the 10 common mistakes that cost beginners thousands</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Find a great watch that fits your life, your style, and your budget</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Skip the jargon, the snobbery, and the "collector nonsense"</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Get a simple decision framework that makes buying easy and obvious</p> </li> </ul> <p> </p>
June 16, 2026
011: Forbidden Fruit and Extreme Watches with Dave Kauffman
<p dir="ltr">Get the FREE <a href= "https://bonus.watchsmarts.com/beginner-guide/">WatchSmarts Beginner Buyer's Guide</a>. What happens when you grow up in a community where wearing a wristwatch is strictly forbidden? In this episode, David sits down with Dave Kauffman, a professional speaker and DISC personality expert, to explore a collection born out of early childhood deprivation. Dave shares the fascinating story of his Mennonite upbringing where watches had to be modified into pocket watches, leading to a lifelong obsession with "loud" timepieces that make a bold statement. </p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p dir="ltr">From the serendipity of finding a mud-caked Invicta on the side of a Florida road to using his expertise as a master trainer to categorize watch styles by behavior types, Dave explains why the watch you wear is a direct reflection of your internal DNA. Whether you are a dominant "D" who loves an indestructible G-Shock or a cautious "C" who prefers a sterile, minimalistic look, this conversation proves that a watch is far more than just a tool for telling the time.</p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p dir="ltr">⏱️ Timestamps</p> <p><strong> </strong></p> <p dir="ltr">00:52: The Forbidden Watch</p> <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Dave discusses his Mennonite and Amish upbringing where wristwatches were not allowed.</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">How removing wristbands to create pocket watches fueled a secret love for horology.</p> </li> </ul> <p dir="ltr">03:20: The First Purchase</p> <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">The transition into the digital age with a strictly black Casio watch.</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Why the restriction on silver and gold colors shaped his early collecting habits.</p> </li> </ul> <p dir="ltr">08:00: Treasures in the Mud</p> <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">The wild story of finding an Invicta Pro Diver Elite abandoned in a Florida gutter.</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">How a simple cleaning turned a mud-caked piece into a permanent part of his rotation.</p> </li> </ul> <p dir="ltr">12:48: Style and Personality</p> <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Why Dave looks at a person's total style before he ever looks at their wrist .</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">The importance of collecting for your total social life rather than just a single brand .</p> </li> </ul> <p dir="ltr">15:15: Investments vs Fun</p> <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">A retrospective look at why high-end pieces can be better long-term assets .</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">The realization that buying what you love is more important than pure financial gain .</p> </li> </ul> <p dir="ltr">18:11: The DISC Watch Guide</p> <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">A breakdown of why dominant "D" personalities gravitate toward bold and indestructible G-Shocks .</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">How high-influence "I" types use colorful graffiti watches to start new conversations .</p> </li> </ul> <p dir="ltr">21:28: The Supportive and Cautious Styles</p> <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Why steady "S" personalities prefer muted blue tones and comfortable leather straps .</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">The minimalistic and fact-based approach of "C" types who favor practical, square faces .</p> </li> </ul> <p dir="ltr">25:12: Rules of the Hobby</p> <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Dave's number one rule for new collectors is to just start and have fun .</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Why sharing your collection with others is the best way to stay involved in the community .</p> </li> </ul> <p dir="ltr">Your watch doesn't just tell the time; it tells the world exactly who you are.</p> <p dir="ltr">==========</p> <p dir="ltr">FREE GUIDE: Buy Your First Great Watch Without Getting Burned</p> <p dir="ltr"><a href= "https://bonus.watchsmarts.com/beginner-guide/">Download the WatchSmarts Beginner Buyer's Guide »</a></p> <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Know exactly what matters (and what doesn't) before you spend a dollar</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Avoid the 10 common mistakes that cost beginners thousands</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Find a great watch that fits your life, your style, and your budget</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Skip the jargon, the snobbery, and the "collector nonsense"</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Get a simple decision framework that makes buying easy and obvious</p> </li> </ul> <p> </p>
June 9, 2026
010: The Secret Language of Watches with Johnny Francis
<p dir="ltr">Get the FREE <a href= "https://bonus.watchsmarts.com/beginner-guide/">WatchSmarts Beginner Buyer's Guide</a>. Johnny Francis joins David to discuss a collection built on memories, milestones, and "signals". From $10 Soviet-era relics found in 1990s Moscow flea markets to a 50th-anniversary Rolex Kermit, Johnny explores how timepieces communicate personal style, achievement, and even power plays. </p> <p dir="ltr">He shares the touching story of his father's gold Rolex Presidential, a milestone trophy that effectively ended his father's search for any other watch, and explains why a watch is the ultimate legacy gift. </p> <p dir="ltr">With refreshing advice for beginners and serious collectors, Johnny reminds us that a watch is more than hardware; it's a work of art and science that captures the defining moments of a lifetime.</p> <h4 dir="ltr">⏱️ Timestamps</h4> <p dir="ltr">00:02 – The Wide-Range Collector<br /> • Johnny Francis shares his philosophy on a collection that is part inherited, part fun, and part "weird".<br /> • He views watches as essential "signals" used to communicate intentions and personal style.</p> <p dir="ltr">00:49 – The Seiko Graduation Gift<br /> • Johnny recounts the Seiko high school graduation gift that sparked his lifelong interest.<br /> • The "lost, found, and lost again" saga of a durable white-faced analog watch.</p> <p dir="ltr">03:18 – A Geneva Spark<br /> • A family trip to Switzerland in the 1970s revealed the sheer variety of the watch world to a young Johnny.<br /> • Witnessing his brother and father purchase their first serious timepieces in the heart of Geneva.</p> <p dir="ltr">04:36 – Watches vs. Cars and Boats<br /> • Why collecting watches is more convenient than maintaining high-maintenance boats or cars.<br /> • The unique advantage of being able to "wear more than one a day" compared to driving multiple vehicles.</p> <p dir="ltr">06:46 – The Gold Rolex "Trophy"<br /> • The emotional story of the surprise gold Rolex Presidential his mother bought for his father's 50th birthday.<br /> • Why his father considered this watch a symbol of "arrival" and never wore another piece again.</p> <p dir="ltr">11:44 – Reading the Signal<br /> • Using watches to signal casual, formal, or subtle "if you know, you know" intentions.<br /> • How the understated elegance of a Patek Philippe speaks to a different audience than a flashy Rolex.</p> <p dir="ltr">15:11 – Soviet-Era Flea Markets<br /> • Johnny's time in 1990s Moscow and the $10 Navy watches found at local flea markets.<br /> • Discovering "works of art and science" among antique Russian timepieces during an economic shift.</p> <p dir="ltr">18:12 – The NYC Negotiation<br /> • Selecting a square Baume & Mercier dress watch at Tourneau for his 10th wedding anniversary.<br /> • How a savvy negotiation allowed for a "bonus" Seiko Sportura purchase.</p> <p dir="ltr">23:17 – The Kermit Submariner<br /> • Johnny's "Desert Island" pick: The 50th Anniversary Rolex Submariner with the green bezel.<br /> • Why durability and personal history make it his ultimate daily go-to watch.</p> <p dir="ltr">24:18 – Beginner's 101: Ignore the Cost<br /> • Why new collectors should stop focusing on resale value and start focusing on what they'll actually wear.<br /> • Avoiding the "Trailer Queen" trap of owning luxury items that never leave their display cases.</p> <p dir="ltr">35:52 – The Gift of Legacy<br /> • How his mother gave away his father's 30+ watches to close friends and family as meaningful tokens.<br /> • Why a watch is the most personal and enduring legacy gift one can leave behind.</p> <p dir="ltr">A great watch doesn't just track the hours; it captures the moments that define who you are.</p> <p dir="ltr">==========</p> <p dir="ltr">FREE GUIDE: Buy Your First Great Watch Without Getting Burned</p> <p dir="ltr"><a href= "https://bonus.watchsmarts.com/beginner-guide/">Download the WatchSmarts Beginner Buyer's Guide »</a></p> <ul> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Know exactly what matters (and what doesn't) before you spend a dollar</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Avoid the 10 common mistakes that cost beginners thousands</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Find a great watch that fits your life, your style, and your budget</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Skip the jargon, the snobbery, and the "collector nonsense"</p> </li> <li dir="ltr" aria-level="1"> <p dir="ltr" role="presentation">Get a simple decision framework that makes buying easy and obvious</p> </li> </ul> <p> </p>
12 total episodes available
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