If you’ve noticed that PoppingCrowns.Com has been lacking lately, I assure you it’s not because I’ve been slacking… rather, it’s because I’ve been writing quite a few articles for European Watch Company. AND NOW, I can let the cat out of the bag and let you all know that I’ve also been working on pieces for the launch of the new and improved RedBar Group Blog.

Kathleen McGivney (CEO of RedBar Group) tapped me a few months back to see if I’d be interested in becoming a contributing writer, and I couldn’t say “no.” First, because I love working with Kathleen. But I also jumped on this because I’d largely get to write the kinds of things I love writing, and whatever other crazy sh*t I can come up with!

Many of the articles will be behind a paywall, but the content will be worth the modest cost and will help pay us freelancers to do what we love.

Three of my articles went up at launch, two under the paywall (Beyond the Moonwatch: Charles Schulz and the Timelessness of Snoopy and the Peanuts Gang, AND The Future is Independent: Five Brands Ready for their Next Chapter). However, one article dropped for free:

Abinger: The Family Building a Watch Brand Together

The UK-based co-founders of the family-owned brand discusses the origins of the brand, and expands their offerings with their latest release, the Phantom.

My apologies; I know it’s been a while since I’ve sent an update, but for good reason: I’ve been quite busy writing articles for European Watch Company, Fratello, and WatchGecko! As a result, I’ve had less time to write for my own blog. However, I couldn’t let the ridiculousness of what happened with the AP x Swatch Royal Pop release go unremarked, as I saw too many influencers blaming folks in the crowd for inciting chaos and too few placing blame where it should go…AP and Swatch. Normally, I wouldn’t care so much about a release like this, but when companies intentionally put their consumers in harm’s way, I feel it should be strongly condemned by our friendly community of watch enthusiasts. (Full article link below).

Iman and I are also coming up on one year of our podcast: A Tale of Two Wristies! The podcast has grown so much in one year. As you may know, we release two episodes a month. In our first month last year, we had a little over 400 downloads. We are now at nearly 2000 downloads a month, pretty consistently!!! That may not be much in the grand scheme of things, but for two friends with no goal other than to have a reason to speak to each other a few times a month, I’m personally floored by the support. So, thank you so much if you’re a listener! ALSO, if you are a listener and haven’t left us a rating or review on the podcast, please do. It seriously helps with visibility and with the platforms recommending it to folks with similar listening material.

Until next time,

Chris

The Royal Pop Riot: Swatch Manufactured Chaos

Catch Up on the A Tale of Two Wristies Podcast

Today is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and like many of you, I’ve been thinking a lot about time, how we mark it, how we spend it, and how often we’re told to wait.

The essay I’m sharing today grew out of that reflection. It isn’t about watches in the literal sense, but about time as a moral force. Dr. King spoke often and forcefully about urgency. About how injustice is sustained not only by cruelty, but by delay. By polite patience. By the idea that progress will arrive on its own if we just give it enough room.

I wanted to sit with that tension. Between our love of precision, patience, and ritual, and King’s insistence that there are moments when waiting is not virtue, but failure. Moments when time itself asks something of us.

I hope this piece encourages reflection, conversation, and maybe a little discomfort. Not because discomfort is the goal, but because clarity often lives just beyond it.

Thank you, as always, for reading, for thinking deeply, and for spending a little of your time with me.

YOU CAN FIND A LINK TO THE FULL ESSAY ON POPPINGCROWNS.COM HERE.

With gratitude,
Chris

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season and an incredible New Year! I have many things I’m excited about for 2026, but I’ll share more about that in future posts. For now, I’m focused on reflecting on 2025 and holding myself accountable for 2026.

Here’s what’s new:

A Tale of Two Wristies - The Wristy Awards

Iman and I embark upon setting the standard for horological award shows with Episode 16: our first Wristy Awards! You can check it out HERE. The link will take you to a selection of platforms you can listen to us on! And please remember to leave us a rating or a review (it sincerely helps)!

The State of the Collection

This is a different take on the “State of the Collection” genre of articles and videos—more an analysis and evolution of habit through a closer look at two watches. Check out the article HERE.

Winding Forward: In 2026, I Hope to Say “Yes” More Often

In my first article of 2026, I offer an emotional self-examination sparked by poignant moments from the last day of 2025. Also, a new resolution! You can take a look at the article HERE.

It’s been a while since I’ve sent out a newsletter, but it’s been a busy couple of months, and I’ve been up to a lot. So, please excuse my tardiness.

In September, I attended the Toronto Timepiece Show and participated in the inaugural Timepiece World Awards, serving as both a committee member and an award presenter. I presented the first award of the evening alongside Canadian watchmaker, Bradley Taylor. We gave out the award for “Best Time Only” to Isotope for their Mercury Shadow. (You can read more about this in the article below).

In October, I attended Windup Watch Fair NYC and The Hype (a new watch show at The Draper Hotel in NYC).

Finally, Iman and I collaborated with Worn & Wound. We had Devin Pennypacker on as a guest for Episode 10 to talk watches, and he announced a giveaway for a $350 gift card to the Windup Watch Shop. On November 2nd, he chose our winner, whom we later announced the next day on our Instagram account, @ataleoftwowristies.

The Watch I Didn’t Buy: A Better Use of Time

I paused before buying another watch and decided instead to use that money to help feed families affected by SNAP cuts, a moment that made me reflect on the meaning of luxury, necessity, and what it truly means to value time. Read about it HERE.

Windup Watch Fair NYC: And The Hype Around the Corner

A recap for WatchGecko of my time in NYC for two watch shows, lots of friends, and even more watches! Read the article HERE.

From Poutine to Prestige: My First Toronto Timepiece Show & Timepiece World Awards

A recap of my first time ever in Toronto, the watch show, and the first Timepiece World Awards. Read the full article HERE.

And as always, catch up with Iman and me over at A Tale of Two Wristies!

Been a month since I last reached out, and a lot’s going on. My first article for Fratello is set to drop soon, and I’ll send an update when it's available. Iman and I recently released episode 7 of our podcast, A Tale of Two Wristies, and recorded episode 8 yesterday. We are also working on our first collaboration with a sponsor; more details to come soon! If you listen to the podcast, please take a moment to give us a rating and review on the platform where you listen to it. That kind of stuff goes a long way. We are almost at 2500 downloads in just three months. I have no idea if that’s good or not, but I can’t believe we’ve been listened to that many times.

Anywho…let’s jump in!

150 Years of Bold: The Iconic Watches of Bulova

I was ecstatic when I was able to write an article for WatchGecko to help celebrate the 150-year milestone for a brand founded in New York City, my hometown! I chose a few icons still in production to touch on, and two that I would love to see Bulova revive. Read the article HERE.

Omega CK 859: Proof that Simple Still Slaps

A few months ago, I traded my Grand Seiko SBGA413 for an Omega I had been lusting after since its release. The CK 859 is not the typical release we’re used to from Omega. I wanted to give it a proper review to explain what I love about this watch, and also touch on a couple of potential shortcomings. Read the full review HERE.

Forget the Waitlist: Sartory Billard is What Luxury Should Feel Like

I was very fortunate to spend a couple of weeks with two lovely pieces from Armand Billard. Instead of writing a review, it made me want to examine how we, as enthusiasts, choose to spend our money. Why would we drop a boatload of moolah on a watch that thousands of people already own, when we can get something much more special? Read the article HERE.

A lot’s been going on, on my end. First of all, I hope you’ve been keeping up with my co-host, Iman Qureshi, and me on our podcast, A Tale of Two Wristies. You can listen to us wherever you get your podcasts HERE. This Thursday (7/24) we welcome our first guest, Mike Pearson, the North American Brand Director for Christopher Ward.

I’ve also been writing more for WatchGecko.com

Here’s some of the new content from PoppingCrowns and WatchGecko:

Christopher Ward’s US Mission: Time for a British Invasion

I recently spent some time inside the CW showroom in Dallas with North American Brand Director Mike Pearson and the powerhouse team of Trey and Jacob — and let me tell you, what Christopher Ward is building in the U.S. feels personal, scalable, and maybe even a little bit revolutionary.

What CW is doing in the United States feels personal, scalable, and a little bit revolutionary. Honestly? We may be witnessing the future of modern watch retail unfold right before our eyes. Check out the full article HERE.

Isotope Chronograph Moonshot: Mission Log (a review)

I was fortunate enough to be the first person to write an in-depth, hands-on review of this incredible watch, my favorite release of 2024. And how did I choose to do it? As a set of sci-fi mission logs. Read the full review HERE.

Filling Gaps and Lighting Paths the Vario Way: 1945 A-11S Solar Quartz Review

My review of the Vario 1945 Solar Quartz is here—and it’s proof that you can have vintage charm, modern reliability, and a sub-$200 price tag without compromising a gosh darn thing. Read the full review HERE.

Europe vs USA: Who Has Better Taste in Watch Collecting?

The most fun you can have arguing about watches without flipping a table.
My friend and fellow WatchGecko guest author, Anna Kubasik, and I join forces and dig into the cultural quirks of watch collecting in the US (‘Murica) and Europe, and poured it all out for our editor at WatchGecko! Check out the epic battle HERE.

Just a heads-up—things are a bit more serious this week. With everything happening in the United States right now, I’ve found it harder to keep my passions separate from the rest of my life. But honestly, I’m okay with that. It’s something I’ve come to really value about myself. And if leaning into that helps me spread a little more compassion, then I’m exactly where I need to be.

As always, I appreciate you all and love this community!

-Chris

We Measure Time but Refuse to Learn from It

In the wake of No Kings Day and the horrors of military deployment in Los Angeles and fascist parades, we need to pay more attention than ever to how we spend our time. Read about it HERE.

Episode 2 - When You Know You Know! Or Do You?

On a lighter note! Episode 2 of my podcast, A Tale of Two Wristies, dropped this week. Listen to it on a platform of your choosing HERE.

Why Gender isn’t the Point, but Recognition Is

I’ve made my way back to where things all started—Time and Tide. This article is about a friend and why they have felt unsafe in the community. You can read more about this HERE.

It’s been a wild week—in the best way possible. My debut article for WatchGecko just dropped, episode one of my new podcast A Tale of Two Wristies is live, and I published a fresh piece on PoppingCrowns.com all about the resurrection of Monceau Watches. A trifecta of watch-related chaos, and I’m loving every second of it. Check it all out below!

-Chris

A Tale of Two Wristies - Episode 1

Join my co-host Iman and me for our very first episode! We talk about how we teamed up, what inspired us to start this podcast, and share a bit about our watch-collecting backgrounds. Plus, we dive into some serious Wrist Candy we’ve been eyeing lately. Give it a listen wherever you get your podcasts!

From Watermelons to War Dials: My British Watch Brand Obsession

In my first article for WatchGecko I took a Scrooge McDuck-style leap into my obsession with British watches and what makes the culture across the pond so special. Check it out HERE.

Monceau Watches Erupt from the Sands of Time: An Interview with Simon Ryan

Simon Ryan—aka Escapement24 on Instagram and YouTube—has officially brought Monceau Watches back from the dead, and the Kickstarter for his debut Model 01 just launched today! Early bird pricing is live for the next 48 hours, so don’t sleep on it. And while you’re at it, check out my full article on the brand right here.

If you take a peek at the website, you’ll notice a few updates. First up: business as usual on the homepage. I’ve added a few new picks from my current watch obsessions, and we’ve got a brand-new Enthusiast of the Month—the brilliant Iman Qureshi!

But wait, what’s that shiny new tab labeled “Podcast”? Yep… it’s happening. Iman and I have teamed up to launch A Tale of Two Wristies—a podcast featuring two writers, two dogs, two time zones, and too many watches.

We’re figuring it all out as we go, and having an absolute blast in the process. The trailer just dropped today, and we’re aiming to launch Episode 1 on May 29th. Tune in for the chaos, stay for the watches.

As always, I appreciate all of the support from you all and the community.

-Chris

Want to take a gander at my crisis of character?! Meander on over to the site for a surprise article drop. See what I think about the title, “Watch Journalist,” in a piece that ends with a fun new endeavor!

I’m Not a Watch Journalist, I Just Write Loudly

I’ve had the privilege of helping Christopher Ward launch their most ambitious watch yet, The C12 Loco! It’s been on my wrist for the last three weeks. Read about the new watch and Christopher Ward’s growing Supply Chain:

Christopher Ward’s Gone Complete Loco!

Warmest,

Chris

I am Sir Quacks A lot, and I’ve commandeered PoppingCrowns.com!

In 2022, Chris Antzoulis found me, homeless and without purpose, under the table of his local coffee shop. My flock had abandoned me because of my extreme propensities for violence and aggression. However, once I found a home with Chris, I saw he could repurpose my rage for good.

But now, the talented Matt Smith-Johnson of Sentient Creative has brought me to life on the interwebs. I’m able to cause more trouble than ever before.

Give Watches & Wonders a break; my overhaul is not for the squeamish.

Mwuahahahaha.

- Sir Quacks A Lot

Last week, I returned from my trip to London. I attended British Watchmaker’s Day and stayed a week longer to explore as a tourist. I’m happy to report that many brands showed interest in collaborating with me, so I have some exciting content on the way.

In the meantime, I’ve released my first set of articles surrounding British Watchmaker’s Day, my time in London, and a review of the new Golby Coastal.

Don’t forget to leave comments on the site!

-Chris :-)

British Watchmaker’s Day 2025: An Alliance, a Community, and Loads of Colour

British Watchmaker’s Day was a convention unlike any I’ve ever attended. Check out my thoughts here!

The Golby Coastal: Good Things Come in Small, Vibrant, and Handily Water-Resistant Packages

Golby Watches was the first brand to contact me weeks before the event to collaborate and arrange to lend me a watch for review. The husband-and-wife brand is fun and colorful, but what more is on offer here?

Away From Desk - Reflecting on London and My Time in Watches

During my visit to England, I had one of those unforgettable moments as a bystander that will always stay with me. It made me reflect on life and my time in watches. Check it out here!

There may be a small gap in article releases for the next couple of weeks, as I will be traveling to London for British Watchmaker’s Day! I’m quite excited, as this will be my first prolonged experience of London since I’ll be there for the entire week after the watch convention.

If you’ll be in London for British Watchmaker’s Day, please feel free to reach out as I’d love to meet you! My Instagram handle is @PoppingCrowns, or you can email me through the PoppingCrowns contact page.

In the meantime, please enjoy my recent review of the Erebus Ascent!

The Erebus Ascent: The Crown Jewel of Affordable Everyday Watches… or is it?

There have already been so many new watch releases in 2025. I can hardly believe the barrage. You’ll find a new selection of my three favorite new watches on the home page of PoppingCrowns.com.

Also, on the home page, you’ll see a new Enthusiast of the Month: Meg Tocci! Meg is one of my favorite watch writers and a dear friend.

Now, if you’ve been craving some new articles, my two newest are doozies!

Stop Buying Watches as Gifts… for the Most Part: And My Top Five Watch Gifting Ideas for Valentine’s Day

An article is out today that examines our behavior as enthusiasts and how we sometimes try to cram watches into the lives of those we love. And a thought…maybe we shouldn’t.

Watch Collecting and ADHD: The Ballad of the Cocaine Squirrel and the Shiny Things

Neurodivergence and the watch collecting community are near and dear to me, so imagine my surprise when I first talked about my ADHD in an article for Time + Tide, and so many of you reached out to share that you have also been diagnosed with it. This piece examines why there might be so many of us in the watch collecting hobby and why we stick around instead of “hobby bouncing” like usual.

Finally, the website will soon undergo some aesthetic and fun changes, and my subscribers will be the first to know. Stay tuned, and thank you for your support!

-Chris :-)

Away From Desk - Part 3 - Italy and the Tudor Black Bay 58 Bronze

Today, I published the final entry of my three-part travel log about my trip to Europe last September/October. You can read Part 1 HERE and Part 2 HERE. The final leg of my Eurotrip took place in Florence, where I rediscovered myself, explored a city I love, and spent time with people who mean the world to me—all with my Black Bay 58 Bronze on wrist. You can read this final installment HERE, and as always, please leave a comment on the site to share your thoughts!

From Tudor to Tag Heuer: My Top 5 Brands to Keep an Eye on in 2025

In this piece you can read some of my surprising and not-so-surprising choices for brands to pay attention to in 2025.

The Lōcī PCH Big Sur: Tearin’ Up the Streets while Protecting the Planet

Check out my review of the Lōcī PCH, a piece within the first collection from a charitable brand.

In 2025, I want to challenge myself to explore different types of content and articles. I’ve already received some fantastic suggestions from many of you, but I encourage anyone to send me a message and share what kind of content you’d like to see. What topics would you be interested in reading about in the watch world? Send me an email through my contact page HERE.

Happy holidays, New Year, and all the days in between and after!

Warmest,

Chris

AWAY FROM DESK Part 1 and 2

Finally, I want to leave you with some joyful reading before the holidays and the New Year. Yesterday, I published part 2 of my recent Eurotrip, titled "Away from Desk." This segment takes place in Berlin and Dresden. This new segment is about the #WatchFam and how much I enjoy participating in this community.

AWAY FROM DESK - Part 2 - Germany and the NOMOS Club Campus/Tetra

And if you missed PART 1, you can find it HERE.