There are many great podcasts dedicated to the world of watches, and WatchSmarts has quickly become one of the most engaging for enthusiasts of every level.

Hosted by David Newman — best known as the founder of Do It! Marketing, bestselling author, keynote speaker, and business strategist — WatchSmarts was born from David’s own passion for timepieces.

His mission is simple: create conversations that educate, inspire, and help people become smarter about what’s on their wrist, whether they’re buying their first watch or have been collecting for decades.

I recently had the pleasure of joining David for a conversation that went far beyond watches. We explored my journey from France to Canada, my 12 years with Hamilton Watches and the Swatch Group, and how those experiences eventually led me to found Northern Watch Services and WatchDNA.

Why I Created WatchDNA

One of the main topics we discussed was the story behind WatchDNA.

While completing my MBA during COVID, I took a step back to study the watch industry and realized there was an opportunity to build something different.

Rather than becoming another e-commerce platform, I wanted to create a place where anyone — from a first-time buyer to a seasoned collector — could discover brands, learn about watchmaking, explore stories, and connect with authorized retailers without the pressure of making a purchase.

Today, WatchDNA features hundreds of brands and contributors from around the world, all sharing one common passion: watches.

Watches Are More Than Objects

One of my favorite moments during our conversation was discussing why watches matter.

"For me, a watch isn’t simply an object that tells time. It represents a memory."

It can celebrate a graduation, a wedding, the birth of a child, or remind us of someone we love.

I shared the story of the watch I bought when my son was born — a watch I rarely wear because one day I hope to give it to him. Those are the moments that make this hobby so meaningful.

As we often say at WatchDNA: Where Time Connects Us All.

Smartwatches and Traditional Watches Can Coexist

David also asked one of today’s biggest questions: are smartwatches helping or hurting traditional watchmaking?

Interestingly, I believe they can actually help.

A smartwatch introduces people to wearing something on their wrist every day. Then, when an important milestone arrives — a promotion, a wedding, becoming a parent — they’re often ready to invest in a traditional watch that carries emotional meaning.

Education Is the Future

Another topic we explored was making the watch world more accessible.

Whether someone is buying their first watch or comparing independent brands, education should never feel intimidating.

That’s exactly why WatchDNA continues to develop beginner guides, educational content, articles, interviews, and tools that help people discover the incredible diversity of our industry.

Because no matter where you are in your collecting journey, there’s always something new to learn.

Final Thoughts

David wrapped up the interview with a fun lightning round before asking if I had one final message for listeners.

The quote that has guided me throughout my entrepreneurial journey is one from Mahatma Gandhi:

That philosophy perfectly reflects why I created WatchDNA.

My goal has never been to build another watch website.

It is to build a global community where brands, retailers, journalists, collectors, and enthusiasts can learn from one another and celebrate the passion we all share.

A sincere thank you to David Newman for the invitation and for such an enjoyable conversation.

If you enjoy watches, entrepreneurship, or simply hearing the stories behind the people shaping our industry, I hope you’ll enjoy the episode.