Today we dive into the annals of horological history, to discover a tale of watchmaking on the world stage in the nineteenth century, a time when America's star was rising, and the Swiss national industry was facing a host of challenges. Aaron Stark, author of Disrupting Time, tells how Jacques David and Theo Gribi, two Swiss spies, travelled to America, and actively worked to gather information on their American competition and develop a strategy to bring the Swiss industry into the 20th century. Before this high-stakes spy drama, there's the usual low-stakes shenanigans. This episode is sponsored by Artem Straps; check out the brand new Loop-Less Sailcloth strap in khaki green. Looking for hot drops and spicy goss? Join our Discord. Show Notes: https://www.otpodcast.com.au/show-notes/ Smartless trailer Grand Seiko’s GS9 Club Australia Rihanna wears Jacob & Co Andy falls for F. Ronzon timepieces Omega celebrates the 75th anniversary of the Seamaster Aaron Stark Books Disrupting Time by Aaron Stark on Amazon Destiny of the Republic: A Tale of Madness, Medicine and the Murder of a President by Candice Millard The Ghost Map by Steven Johnson How to follow us: Instagram: @ot.podcast Facebook: @OTPODCASTAU Follow hosts: @fkscholz + @andygreenlive on Instagram. Send us an email: [email protected] If you liked our podcast - please remember to like/share and subscribe.