From Wrist Check Pod to Super Niche: Building a Watch Media Empire with Rashawn Smith

Lonely Wrist: All Things Watches & Horology

What happens when watch passion evolves from personal obsession to global media movement? Rashawn Smith, half of the creative force behind Super Niche Studios and co-host of Wrist Check Pod, reveals the extraordinary journey that transformed casual watch conversations into a multimedia platform reshaping how enthusiasts engage with horology.
In this deeply personal conversation, Rashawn shares how his grandfather's military precision about punctuality and his father's pride in wearing a Rolex Datejust shaped his early fascination with timepieces. These formative experiences created a foundation for his unique collecting philosophy that prioritizes conversation-starting pieces over trophy watches. Rather than chasing independent watchmaking's most exclusive creations, Rashawn gravitates toward watches that make people ask, "What is that?"
The magic of Super Niche Studios lies in its organic evolution. What began as pandemic-era watch photo exchanges with longtime friend Perri Dash blossomed into "Wrist Check Wednesdays" on social media before launching their groundbreaking podcast. Their authenticity resonated immediately—even when production quality wasn't perfect, the conversations captured audiences searching for genuine horological discourse. This foundation propelled their expansion into art, wine, travel content, and unforgettable community events like their legendary Geneva gathering.
Beyond watches themselves, Rashawn articulates a powerful vision for the future of watch media and brand engagement. By prioritizing community building over traditional marketing metrics, he demonstrates how trust and authenticity create deeper connections than any advertisement. His experiences meeting legends like Jean-Claude Biver affirm his belief that contributing genuinely to watch culture creates opportunities previously unimaginable.
Whether you're a seasoned collector or newly passionate about watches, this conversation offers profound insights into how shared enthusiasm transforms into meaningful human connections. Join us for this remarkable exploration of creativity, community, and the continuous journey of horological discovery.
What watch would you wear if you never repeated one? Let us know in the comments, and don't forget to subscribe for more conversations with the most fascinating minds in watches.

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Chapters

1. Introduction to Rashaun Smith (00:00:00)

2. Early Watch Influences and Family Connections (00:08:15)

3. Birth of Risk Check Pod and Super Niche (00:16:14)

4. Evolution from Industry Professional to Creator (00:30:18)

5. Philosophy on Watch Collecting (00:47:23)

6. Community Trust and Watch Sharing (01:02:16)

7. Changing Perspectives on Brands (01:14:30)

8. Creating Great Podcast Content (01:28:12)

9. Rolex Phenomenon and Brand Growth (01:34:50)