I would equate finding the Two Broke Watch Snobs Podcast to flipping around on late night TV and getting surprised by a wacky show that you never knew about. Before you know it, dawn has broken and you just stayed up watching something that you did not think you would. It’s gonna be hell to stay awake at work now! Why did I keep listening?!
The Two Broke Watch Snobs is not your typical podcast about horology with heart-attack serious discussions on calibers, movements and whether your Speedmaster has been refinished or not. While you can be surprised by the amount of real watch knowledge that comes through the show’s non-scripted banter, that is not necessarily what will keep you tuning in. The hilarious stories and “mature audiences only” descriptions of various watch adventures with salty language will appeal to maybe more people than you might expect…. not just sailors on leave.
There is a slight problem with this though, and that is the show may make you look silly. For instance, while listening to the podcast, I might laugh to myself as I walk the dogs, and that might scare people on the streets. They tend to cross to the other side. Whatever… it’s worth it. I cannot remember many times when I have actually laughed at anything watch-related. We are an overly serious bunch of nerds who will go to war over a minor infraction. The Two Broke Watch Snobs don’t care too much about anybody thinks and they just spit out whatever is on their minds. The opinions can be strong, but I appreciate that. We don’t all have to like or dislike the same things in this watch collecting hobby.
What would Samuel L. Jackson say about TBWS? Photo: Getty
The surprising thing about this podcast is how much I think we all have in common with these 2 regular guys. Who has not felt underdressed walking into a watch boutique or felt like other watch nerds will not accept us and discover that we are not as well versed in horology as we think we are. Who has not been excited to chase a grail watch or share a funny story about something they read or saw. They keep it real…no matter what.
So who are these Watch Snobs? A little undercover investigation revealed that these are just some regular dudes who happen to love watches enough to record some of their conversations on watch collecting. Both Mike Penate and Kaz Mirza have a background in marketing, but I bet they don’t get to use their cussing skills at work. I mean these guys have elevated the 4-letter-word to the level of a modern Shakespeare. They may not be on the level of Samuel L. Jackson stringing profanity and expletives togther…yet, but they still have time to improve. Keep up the practice guys!
Don’t expect a real structured show either. They could veer wildly off course with crazy stories or tangential flourishes. That is okay because listeners are just showing up to be entertained… and the tangents are still usually watch related so it’s all good. It feels real because it is… live shows can be so much fun. Many of the shows pass the 1-1.5 hour mark, but the time flies. I never get bored.
What else can you expect? Besides some Bon Jovi cowboy guitar riffs in the intro, well, almost anything including watch reviews, interviews, and reports on watch events… all in their own colorful flavor of journalism. If you are easily offended or have no sense of humor, then maybe this podcast is not for you. However, if you like hearing the opinions of energetic watch geeks who don’t filter, then this might be a great way to spend some time. I know that I am enjoying it in my spare time, and look forward to each new episode.
There is a companion Two Broke Snobs website with written watch reviews and Instagram feed that you can follow as well. The latest episodes are available on all the regular media options including their wrist watch podcast website page, Soundcloud, and iTunes.
UPDATE October 15, 2015:
There might be some confusion about The Two Broke Watch Snobs with another historical horological duo with a similar name. It seems that the annals of time have almost forgotten the “Two Baroque Watch Snobs” who were some dandies from the 17th century known for their lively essays on pocket watches. Most of their letters have been lost, but a rare illustration has recently come to light. I wonder if they are related in any way?
Two Baroque Watch Snobs? Who would have known?
