In this episode of In The Metal, Johnny and Dan are joined by a Dutch watchmaker who epitomises the spirit of independent watchmaking. Armed only with the experience of a couple of part time foundation courses in watch school, Machiel Hulsman decided to turn his back on a successful career in banking and IT and embark on a new life, with a single minded objective of creating his own watch.

This romantic idea soon turned into a voyage of discovery, but what he has achieved and continues to improve upon is nothing short of remarkable. His commitment to creating as much of his watch as is physically possible, in house and on his own, and including the daunting challenge of designing and manufacturing his own proprietary escapement, means he has already surpassed the point which would satisfy any connoisseur collector of independent haute horlogerie, and beyond too where most watchmakers would dare to venture.

To quantify the significance of this true artisan watchmaker, when no less an authority than Frank Geelen, founder of Monochrome, wrote about Machiel Hulsman, he compared him to the living legend Roger W Smith.

Compliments do not come higher than that, and we are delighted to bring another master of independent watchmaking into the spotlight for a conversation.

Each week In The Metal takes a look beyond the façade and into the lesser-seen corners of independent watchmaking, where the true heart of this centuries-old craft beats.

If you're not yet familiar, In The Metal is your inside scoop on the very best of independent watchmaking, which is brought to you by @irishwatchguy Johnny McElherron of TheWatchPress.com and the legend who is the former lead guitarist with thrash metal icons Anthrax, and now present day Master of Complications and the vanguard for US independent watchmaking, Mr Dan Spitz. is a video/audio stream/broadcast/podcast which takes an informal, behind the scenes look at the fascinating world of independent watchmaking.

If you appreciate an in-house, hand finished insight into the extraordinary world of independent watchmaking, then make sure you are signed up and subscribed to In The Metal, because we are the only backstage, access all areas, heavy metal watch show.

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https://www.inthemetalpodcast.com
https://www.danspitz.com
https://www.thewatchpress.com
https://www.hulsman-timepieces.com