Welcome back to the Weiss Watch Company workshop! We’re here with another exciting Q&A session, and I’m thrilled to answer the great questions you’ve sent in. Let’s dive right in.

How Do You Feel About Secondhand Prices for Weiss Watches?

I used to think more about secondhand prices, but honestly, I don’t spend much time checking them these days. Occasionally, I’ll get an email from someone asking about a particular watch they’re looking to buy used, and I’ve seen some pretty incredible prices—sometimes three, four, or even five times the original cost. That definitely makes me feel good, but it’s not something I focus on. The prices can vary widely; some watches sell for half of their original price, while rare models might go for much more. Ultimately, I think it’s important to have multiple ways to buy a watch, whether new or secondhand.

Have You Ever Made a Special Edition for a Watch Club?

I haven’t made a special edition specifically for a watch club, but I have created small runs of special editions for other groups. It’s something I’m open to in the future, though, so who knows? We might see something like that down the line.

Unique Challenges in Finding Employees or Apprentices

Finding qualified and passionate individuals to join Weiss Watch Company is one of the biggest challenges we face. There are so few watchmakers in the U.S., and those who are in the industry are usually already happily employed. The number of new graduates from watchmaking schools is incredibly small—often fewer than eight students every two years. So, the pool of qualified candidates is very limited, which makes it tough to find the right people for our team.

What Would Your Last Meal Be?

This one made me laugh a bit! If I were on death row, my last meal would definitely have to be tacos. Simple, but there’s nothing better.

Do You Miss Anything About Southern California?

Not really! The one thing I thought I would miss was the ocean, but I’ve replaced that with cycling. Instead of surfing and diving, I’m now out on my bike a lot, exploring farmlands and woods here in Tennessee. It’s a different kind of outdoor fun that I’ve grown to love.

Have You Ever Done a Piece Unique, or Will You?

Yes, I’ve created a few unique pieces over the years. I keep a serial number log of every watch I’ve ever made, and there’s a special section for these unique pieces. So far, there are about eight unique pieces that have been crafted over the last decade.

What’s Next for Weiss Watches?

We have a lot in the works, particularly with new machines that allow us to make more parts in the U.S. Our focus is on enhancing what we can produce in-house. While you might not see massive changes in our product offerings, there will be significant updates within the watches themselves—kind of behind-the-scenes improvements that elevate the overall quality and craftsmanship.

Will We Ever See a Tide Complication from Weiss?

Given my background in surfing, there’s definitely a chance we’ll see a tide complication in the future. Growing up, I had a watch with a tide complication, and it was one of my favorites. I still have it today, and it’s always been in the back of my mind to recreate that watch, but with a mechanical movement. It would be a dream project for me.

Is There a Formula for Weight or Size Restrictions When Choosing Hands for a Watch?

There’s a bit of engineering involved in deciding the design of watch hands, particularly with second hands and chronograph hands. For second hands, balance is crucial, often requiring a counterbalance to ensure proper function. Chronograph hands, in particular, need to be lightweight and well-balanced because the action of jumping back to zero can be intense and tough on the watch. There’s no specific formula, but it’s important to keep these factors in mind when designing.

Would You Consider Offering Another Dial Color as Standard?

It’s possible—never say never—but I’m pretty happy with the standard options we have now. It’s not something I’m actively thinking about at the moment.

Finishing Techniques: Reasons for Movement or Case Finishes

The finishing of a watch movement or case is both functional and aesthetic. For example, brushed surfaces might give a watch a more rugged, tool-like appearance, while polished facets can add a touch of elegance. For movements, many traditional decorations like guilloché or perlage serve practical purposes, such as trapping dust particles to prevent them from interfering with the movement. Blued screws, which are oxidized to resist rust, are another example of a functional yet decorative finish. These finishes not only enhance the appearance but also contribute to the longevity and reliability of the watch.

What Watch Did You Wear When You Got Married to Whitney?

I wore one of the first Standard Issue Field Watches when we got married, and I’d choose the same watch if I were to marry her again today. I might opt for the newer version, but it would definitely be the same model.

What Brand Do You Consider the Best, and Why?

I don’t think there’s a single “best” brand, but I personally have a deep respect for Vacheron Constantin. I admire their history, their commitment to high-level watchmaking, and their balance between tradition and modern innovation. When I trained at Vacheron, I learned to appreciate the smallest details, which has had a lasting impact on how I approach watchmaking at Weiss.

What Are Some of Your Favorite Heritage Brands in the Clothing World?

In the clothing world, I’m a fan of heritage brands like Filson, Danner, and Patagonia. I wear these brands and appreciate their history and quality.

Thanks for following along with our first year of the Watchmaker Workshop. We have a lot of exciting things planned for the coming year, so stay tuned, subscribe, and spread the word!