HODINKEE Radio: Episode 97: Jon Bues

July 20, 2020

Subscribe to the show: (Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify, TuneIn). Already heard it once or twice? Please leave a short review, and tell us which guests we should have on! This week, it's all about Mr. Jon Bues. Sure, you probably already know that Jon's been serving as our senior editor since 2017 and that he's a serious expert on the Rolex GMT-Master, but there's a lot more to him than just that. Jon's someone that I've known since my earliest days covering the watch industry C?we literally met at multiple events my very first week at HODINKEE C and our careers have crossed paths at quite a few points over the years. He's been a part of the watch and media worlds for more than a decade and a half, and he's seen quite a bit change over that time. Don't worry, we'll get into all of that and a whole lot more. Our conversation starts with the basics, from Jon's childhood in Connecticut to how he first stepped into the watch world as a copy editor at iW magazine (where he first saw names like Jack Forster, for example). We cover his various posts at magazines like Wristwatch and Watch Journal, how he eventually joined the HODINKEE team, and what has happened in the watch world as digital media exploded in a very print-centric culture. We, of course, talk about our first Baselworld experiences and how Jon's personal watch collection has evolved throughout his career. We also get into his love of good beer, good food, and a great trip. Despite sitting across from Jon at HODINKEE HQ, I learned a bunch of new things about him during our chat, and I'm sure you will too. Want more HODINKEE editor goodness? You're in luck. I've previously sat down and interviewed Joe Thompson, Jack Forster, Cara Barrett, James Stacey, and, of course, Ben Clymer, our founder and fearless leader. If you know which HODINKEE editor you want to hear from next (or again), let us know in the comments. I'm all ears. We hope you enjoy Episode 97 of HODINKEE Radio. Check out the show notes below, and let us know what you think in the comments. Wrist Check This has been Jon's go-to watch over the last few months while he's been working from home. It's the most recent addition to his collection and a watch that he knew he wanted from the moment he first saw it just after Baselworld 2019. Eventually, he was able to get his hands on one (remember, the Rolex GMT-Master II isn't something you can just walk into a boutique and buy), and it did not disappoint one bit. It reminds him of his love of travel and how excited he'll be to hit the road again once everything is safe and clear. Show Notes 2:44 Alien Church IPA2:51 Addended Curricula8:00 International Watch Magazine10:50 HODINKEE Radio Episode 54: Jack Forster13:35 HODINKEE Radio Bonus Episode: Philippe Dufour27:06 @watchesbylogan37:30 Talking Watches With Mario Andretti38:40 Talking Watches With Pras, Part 238:45 Talking Watches With Greg Norman40:00 Talking Watches With John Mayer, Part 241:45 Reference Points: Understanding The Rolex GMT-Master42:14 Reference Points: Understanding The Rolex Submariner50:00 Jon's SGBM22156:30 Rice Cooker Hainanese Chicken Rice57:60 Tanoshi58:30 Troon Brewing