The Waiting List Podcast

#63 “It is your personality on your wrist”– Melissa Kong, Managing Editor of Crown Watch Blog

Like many journalists we have interviewed, the world of watch journalism chose Melissa, but her intention to write well about the subject led her to genuinely become passionate about watches. In this episode we talk about journalism, it’s past, what is it today and its future. 

#62 “It can be a trophy that I can wear” – Masaharu Wada (@masaharu.me), Editor of Hodinkee Japan (Part 2)

In this episode, Masaharu talks about his favorite watches from his collection. We discuss what is luxury and what is purely an expensive price tag, the craze of limited editions in Japan and the “Daytona marathon”.

#61 “As a kid I bought into this model minority thing” – James Ren (@watchmedtime), Watch Collector and Co-Founder of @beyond.the.dial (Part 1)

In this episode, James shares his experience of growing up and being a minority in the U.S.. We talk about his path to becoming a doctor and what that means to fit the Asian stereotype. With Asian hate crime rates on the rise in the West, this episode could not have been released at a better time.

#60 “Watches…it exercises my engineering mind” – Carson Chan (@watchprofessor), Watch Collector (Part 1)

Better known under his nickname “watch professor” Carson has turned his passion for watches into his career. His love for all things mechanical is evident in the knowledge he has on cars, motorcycles, and of course watches. In this episode we discuss his time with Richard Mille and what he feels are the next upcoming watch brands to look out for including Grand Seiko and Moser.

#59 “You need to have a bit of fear always at the back of your mind” – Sean F (@buat_masa), Watch Collector (Part 1)

Sean is best recognized on IG for his tattooed forearm and collection of Seikos and G Shocks. In this episode we talk about his move to China from Malaysia, the dynamics of family businesses and the importance of prioritizing time for family. 

#58 Giving birth to a family of watch lovers - Watch Collector @Watchmadmac (Part 2)

In our second part of our interview with “Mac” we dive into parenting and how his love for watches sequentially influenced his wife and son to become watch enthusiasts too. We talk about watch factory tours, and the importance of staying curious, getting educated, and having an appreciation for each watch brand’s history. Lastly, we put Mac on the spot with our own edition of “Cool Wall” where he puts watches into the keepers/for a night/no way categories. This is a light-hearted episode filled with laughter but nonetheless wise advice from Mac. 

#57 “Is another brand jumping on the hype train?” – Joe (@Biaoist), Watch Collector and Founder of Redbar Taiwan (Part 1)

In this episode, we talk about the importance of leadership. Joe is a shining example of one, a financier by trade, he has led in both his work life and Taiwan’s watch community.  Since becoming active on the IG watch space, he started Redbar Taiwan and his own podcast on watches. The motivation, as we all understand too well, “the watch collecting journey is so lonely…”. 

#56“If I had been wearing a gold Rolex, my arm would have been chopped off” – Kelvin Sa, Watch Collector and Co-founder of the ShanghaiWatchGang (Part 2)

In the second part of our interview with Kelvin, we focus on his watch collection. He shares many of his stories of how he acquired his most beloved pieces, one of which he managed to get for “free”.  We also discuss the future of the Chinese watch collecting scene. This is another episode filled with stories and facts that will blow your mind.

#55 “Many times the most sophisticated restoration that is undisclosed happens to watches that go through auction…” – Eric Wind (@ericmwind), Founder of Wind Vintage

Eric is known for his expertise in vintage watches. Having been a contributor for Hodinkee and then moving on to become the Vice President and Senior Specialist at Christies, there is not much in the industry that he has not seen. In this episode we talk about why he started Wind Vintage, how collecting should be and stories from his auction house days. 

#54 “I’m now a Chrono24 scroller” – Lydia Winters (@enjoythewatches) , Watch Collector

Lydia’s story is one of serendipity. Having been one of the first women to create Minecraft content, she is now one of the core members of the Mojin team in Sweden. Her creativity shows up in all areas of her life from her hair choices, her work, and more recently, her watch photography.