Wrist Check Pod: Redefining the World of Watch Collecting

Unless you’re investigating a cold case, finding a following in the world of podcasting can be demanding. But the Wrist Check Pod seemed to enter the world fully formed when it launched in 2021, quickly redefining what watch podcasting, and watch collecting, could look like. In an industry that can feel very pale, male and stale, it was fronted by two black men, Rashawn Smith and Perri Dash, who brought a refreshing lack of elitism. Through the podcast they have broken down the difference between mechanical, quartz, and hybrid movements. had Fred Savage from The Wonder Years on to talk about double wristing a Blancpain Fifty Fathoms and a modern Studio Underd0g; and discussed whether, in the event of a zombie apocalypse, Dash will be leaving his Rolexes and Pateks behind and slapping on a Citizen instead.

If it involves watches, it’s up for discussion. And to think we wouldn’t be enjoying listening to these two friends from New York City’s outer boroughs if it wasn’t for Pharrell Williams. “We met almost 15 years ago while working in the fashion industry”, says Smith. “At the time, I was at J.Crew and Perri was transitioning into the jewellery business after his stint at Billionaire Boys Club [BBC] & Ice Cream [the American fashion label founded by Pharrell Williams and Nigo in 2003].

It was actually a chance meeting inside J.Crew – I noticed a hat Perri was wearing that was only given to friends and family of BBC, which immediately sparked a conversation. From there, we realised we shared a mutual friend who worked closely with Pharrell. After that first interaction, we stayed in touch and eventually worked together across several different companies over the years.”

The podcast itself, like many things that have made their mark on the recent cultural landscape, was dreamt up during Covid based around the hashtag #wristcheck that Dash and Smith utilize on Instagram to share their watch choices. “During Covid, we were consuming a ton of watch content and DM’ing watches back and forth on Instagram nonstop,” says Smith. “Once lockdown lifted, Perri called me to meet at our usual spot, Finelli’s Café. That’s where he made his pitch: ‘Rashawn, I have an idea so crazy it can only work: let’s start a watch podcast.’ My response was basically, ‘Say no more, I’m down.’ And the rest is history.”

It worked. There is an effortlessness to their style of podcasting. You could listen to it as a complete novice and never feel overwhelmed but you can come to it as a watch collector and discover factual nuggets you didn’t know before. ‘We both had an early interest in watches,” says Smith. “Growing up, the men in our lives influenced us in a lot of ways, and watches were part of that. Seeing them own multiple watches for different occasions planted a small seed. Over time, that seed grew into a deeper passion, one we now get to share on a global scale.”

He isn’t exaggerating. Thanks to the way the Wrist Check Podcast (WCP) has been embraced by the watch world, Smith and Dash are now part of the establishment, using their influence to challenge the narrative about the industry being monocultural. Recent high-profile collaborations include Ulysse Nardin, Official CPTime and Blancpain, while the pair have also signed a deal with Revolt to produce the first-ever watch-based show on US cable TV.

So has success come easy for them? “Podcasting takes real work,” says Smith. “Most people aren’t built for the long run. We are. We’re here to stay, to grow, and to scale. Our voice is authentic, and our perspective is different, not just due to the fact that of how we look, but because of our lived experiences, and exposure. That gives us a unique lens.” Social media has also helped open up spaces that, for so long, were gatekept. “Before, watch collecting and watch media felt one-dimensional because access was limited to a single stream of information,” he says. “Now, diverse cultures and voices are louder and more visible than ever. And honestly, we’re realising that even the so-called ‘pale and stale’ aim for to get in on the fun too. We don’t focus on those narratives – we let our work ethic speak for itself. If another publication puts out a great story, we’re inspired to come back with something just as compelling, if not better.”

Things are certainly looking good for the pair. Their YouTube channel now has over 60,000 subscribers, with another 10,000 following them on Instagram. So, what’s next? “We’d like to get Kevin Hart on the show, he would be the grail guest,” says Smith. “His story is incredible, following his origins from the comedy scene in Philadelphia to becoming a premier Hollywood actor and entrepreneur with a pretty amazing watch collection. He’s a former Audemars Piguet ambassador with a love for vintage and a sharp eye for fine watchmaking.”

Given they spend a lot of time talking watches and buying watches – current “to buys” include the Lange 1815 Up/Down Datograph from the 2010s for Smith and the Patek Philippe 6196P for Dash – what is their one bit of advice they would provide someone getting into watch collecting? “Buy what you like. Forget what someone tells you to buy or what you’re ‘supposed’ to own to be considered a collector. You’ll produce mistakes, your taste will evolve, and that’s part of the journey. If you’re collecting out of genuine interest, there’s no wrong choice. Find credible sources, buy the seller if you’re shopping the secondary market. And, of course, listen to the Wrist Check Pod. We won’t steer you wrong.”

How Wrist Check Pod is Shaping Watch Culture in Brooklyn

The ripple effects of Wrist Check Pod’s success are being felt strongly in Brooklyn, where the podcast’s hosts first connected over a shared love for horology rooted in their experiences growing up in the borough’s diverse communities. From the tree-lined streets of Prospect Heights to the vibrant storefronts along Flatbush Avenue, the podcast’s emphasis on accessibility and authenticity has resonated with a new generation of watch enthusiasts who see collecting not as an exclusive club but as a personal journey. This shift aligns with broader trends in New York City’s cultural landscape, where institutions like the Brooklyn Museum have increasingly highlighted design and craftsmanship through exhibitions that celebrate global influences on timekeeping, from African-inspired aesthetics to innovations emerging from local maker spaces in Bushwick and Williamsburg.

The podcast’s collaboration with Revolt, a media company deeply embedded in urban culture, further amplifies its impact within the borough. Revolt’s headquarters in Miami may be its public face, but its New York-based production teams frequently partner with Brooklyn-based creatives, ensuring that narratives emerging from shows like Wrist Check Pod reflect the borough’s unique blend of Caribbean, African American, and immigrant influences. This synergy is evident in how the podcast discusses watches not just as luxury objects but as cultural artifacts—pieces that tell stories about migration, identity, and self-expression, much like the exhibits one might find at the Brooklyn Historical Society, which regularly explores how everyday objects reflect the lives of the borough’s residents.

the hosts’ emphasis on buying what you love rather than adhering to traditional gatekeeping norms has found fertile ground in Brooklyn’s independent retail scene. Shops like Brooklyn Watch Company in DUMBO and Crown Heights Watch & Jewelry on Franklin Avenue embody this ethos, offering curated selections that prioritize personal connection over pedigree. These local businesses often host informal gatherings where enthusiasts share stories over coffee, mirroring the podcast’s own origin story at Finelli’s Café—a real spot in Bay Ridge where Smith and Dash first plotted their venture over espresso and pastry. Such spaces are becoming vital nodes in a growing ecosystem that values education and community as much as the timepieces themselves.

The Secondary Market Shift: Trust and Transparency in Brooklyn’s Watch Trade

As Wrist Check Pod continues to advocate for buying from credible sources and understanding the seller—especially in the secondary market—Brooklyn’s watch collectors are increasingly turning to trusted local experts who prioritize transparency. This trend reflects a broader movement within the horology community toward ethical collecting, where provenance and condition matter as much as brand prestige. In neighborhoods like Park Slope and Bedford-Stuyvesant, independent appraisers and restoration specialists are seeing increased demand from clients who want to ensure their investments are sound, whether they’re acquiring a vintage Rolex Explorer or a contemporary piece from an emerging independent brand.

This shift has also prompted conversations about preservation and care, with local horologists emphasizing the importance of regular maintenance not just for longevity but for honoring the craftsmanship behind each piece. Workshops hosted by community centers in Red Hook and Sunset Park have begun offering introductory sessions on basic watch care, teaching residents how to recognize signs of wear, understand water resistance ratings, and know when to seek professional servicing. These initiatives echo the podcast’s mission to demystify horology and make it accessible to all, regardless of prior experience or budget.

the podcast’s discussions about diversity in watch collecting have inspired local events that celebrate underrepresented voices in the industry. Pop-up exhibitions hosted by organizations such as the Brooklyn Arts Council have featured collections from Black, Latino, and Asian American collectors, highlighting how timepieces can serve as meaningful cultural heirlooms. These events often include talks by historians and designers who explore the intersections of watchmaking with art, music, and social movements—topics that Wrist Check Pod regularly brings to its audience through candid conversations with guests ranging from musicians to entrepreneurs.

Given my background in Cultural Analysis, if this trend impacts you in Brooklyn, here are the three types of local professionals you require…

When seeking guidance on building a meaningful watch collection rooted in personal passion rather than external pressure, look for independent horologists or boutique retailers who prioritize education over sales pressure. The best professionals in this space will take time to understand your lifestyle, aesthetic preferences, and budget before making recommendations—they’ll discuss everything from movement types to strap materials without pushing specific brands. Seek out those who host regular community events or workshops, as this indicates a commitment to fostering knowledge sharing rather than just transactions. Verify their expertise through affiliations with respected organizations like the American Watchmakers-Clockmakers Institute (AWCI) or through consistent positive feedback from local collectors who appreciate their transparent, no-nonsense approach.

For those interested in the secondary market, prioritize independent appraisers and restoration specialists who offer clear, itemized assessments and stand behind their work with warranties on repairs. Key criteria include transparency about a watch’s history—any reputable expert should willingly discuss provenance, service records, and any replacements made—and the use of proper tools and techniques that preserve originality. Avoid those who rush assessments or refuse to explain their pricing structure; instead, choose professionals who treat each timepiece as a unique object worthy of careful consideration, much like the specialists you might find through the Jewelry Board of Trade or who regularly collaborate with institutions like the Metropolitan Museum of Art on conservation projects.

Finally, consider engaging with cultural programmers or event curators who specialize in designing experiences that connect horology to broader themes of identity, history, and creativity. These professionals—often found working with community boards, local arts nonprofits, or educational institutions—should demonstrate a track record of creating inclusive spaces where diverse voices are centered. Look for evidence of past collaborations with cultural historians, makers, or community leaders, and ensure their programming emphasizes accessibility, whether through free admission, multilingual materials, or partnerships with organizations like the Brooklyn Public Library to reach wider audiences. The most effective curators will treat watch collecting not as an isolated hobby but as a lens through which to explore shared human experiences.

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