Episodes

  • The Quartz Crises: The Battle That Redefined Luxury Timekeeping

    The Quartz Crises: The Battle That Redefined Luxury Timekeeping
    Feb 3 2026
    In this episode of The Luxury Dispatch, we explore the Quartz Crisis, a moment in the 1970s when the Swiss watch industry, long seen as an immovable pillar of luxury, came close to collapse. As quartz technology promised greater accuracy and lower costs, centuries of mechanical watchmaking were suddenly thrown into question. Tom Chamberlain is joined by writer and historian Nick Foulkes to examine how this technological shock unfolded, why it caused such deep anxiety in Switzerland, and how brands like Rolex and Patek Philippe chose not to compete on precision alone, but to redefine what a luxury watch could be. From Seiko’s pioneering innovations to the rise of Swatch and the revival of mechanical craftsmanship, this episode looks at how crisis reshaped the industry, and why Swiss watchmaking ultimately survived by changing the rules of the game. The Luxury Dispatch is produced by Listen, a Platform Media label. Follow us on socials: https://linktr.ee/theluxurydispatch Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    40 mins
  • Gentleman's Clubs: From Coffee Houses to Corridors of Power

    Gentleman's Clubs: From Coffee Houses to Corridors of Power
    Jan 27 2026
    In this episode of The Luxury Dispatch, we take a look behind the most imposing yet secretive buildings in all of London, the Gentlemen's Clubs of St James's. How they emerged, what they represent and who joins. Tom’s guests, Geordie Willis and Peter Howarth, discuss how these institutions have lasted up to now and why would you want to be a member. Available on Spotify, YouTube & Apple. The Luxury Dispatch is produced by Listen, a Platform Media label. Follow us on socials: https://linktr.ee/theluxurydispatch Learn more about your ad choices at podcastchoices.com/adchoices London Clubland: A Companion For The Curious - https://amzn.eu/d/d7Vj4mp Palaces of Power: The Birth and Evolution of London's Clubland - https://amzn.eu/d/8HzpR0G The London Club: Architecture, Interiors, Art - https://amzn.eu/d/dNXjRPj Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    46 mins
  • Tattoos: Mo Coppoletta On The History Of Ink

    Tattoos: Mo Coppoletta On The History Of Ink
    Jan 20 2026
    How did an ancient practice of "back alley symbols" become the ultimate playground for European royalty? In the latest episode of The Luxury Dispatch, Tom Chamberlin sits down with Mo Coppoletta, the world-renowned artist who transformed ink into a high-society decorative art. Together, they explore the "refined and rare" history of tattoos, from the skin of King George V to the master craftsmanship of Clerkenwell. The Luxury Dispatch is produced by Listen, a Platform Media label. Follow us on socials: https://linktr.ee/theluxurydispatch Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    55 mins
  • The Off-Roader: Workhorse Turned Status Symbol

    The Off-Roader: Workhorse Turned Status Symbol
    Jan 13 2026
    The off-roader was never meant to be perfect, polished or precious. So how did it become one of the most desirable luxury objects of the modern age? In Episode 7 of The Luxury Dispatch, Tom Chamberlin and Simon de Burton dig into the history, myths and contradictions. The Luxury Dispatch is produced by Listen, a Platform Media label. Follow us on socials: https://linktr.ee/theluxurydispatchLearn more about your ad choices at podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    51 mins
  • Cohiba: A history of Communism and Culture

    Cohiba: A history of Communism and Culture
    Jan 6 2026
    How does a socialist revolution accidentally create one of the world’s most recognisable luxury brands? In Episode 6 of The Luxury Dispatch, Nick Foulkes joins Tom to discuss the perfect cigar, scarcity and assassination attempts. The Luxury Dispatch is produced by Listen, a Platform Media label. Follow us on socials: https://linktr.ee/theluxurydispatch Learn more about your ad choices at podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    45 mins
  • Rafe Spall: Locking Eyes with Spielberg & What Makes Cricket So Great

    Rafe Spall: Locking Eyes with Spielberg & What Makes Cricket So Great
    Dec 30 2025
    In this episode of The Luxury Dispatch, Tom Chamberlin is joined by actor and lifelong cricket obsessive Rafe Spall for a deeply personal conversation about the game that shapes time, memory and character. Rafe also draws striking parallels between elite sport and acting, recounting the moment he stepped on stage opposite Rachel Weisz & Daniel Craig, locking eyes with Steven Spielberg. The Luxury Dispatch is produced by Listen, a Platform Media label. Follow us on socials: https://linktr.ee/theluxurydispatch Learn more about your ad choices at podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    44 mins
  • Mike Tindall & James Haskell: The Ultimate Luxury Guide To Gift Giving at Christmas

    Mike Tindall & James Haskell: The Ultimate Luxury Guide To Gift Giving at Christmas
    Dec 23 2025
    In this festive special of The Luxury Dispatch, Tom Chamberlin is joined by Mike Tindall and James Haskell for a spirited Christmas gift guide unlike any other. From accessories and aftershave to cigars, golf gadgets, wine, whisky and the psychology of luxury pricing, the trio explore how to buy brilliantly, and thoughtfully, for the most important people in your life. Expect honest opinions, sharp humour and plenty of festive chaos as The Good, The Bad & The Rugby Podcast duo bring their trademark energy to the world of luxury. The Luxury Dispatch is produced by Listen, a Platform Media label. Follow us on socials: https://linktr.ee/theluxurydispatch Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    41 mins
  • How the Rolex Submariner Became a Legend: History, Myths & Mastery

    How the Rolex Submariner Became a Legend: History, Myths & Mastery
    Dec 16 2025
    The Rolex Submariner isn’t just a watch – it’s the blueprint for the modern dive watch and one of the most recognisable objects in luxury. In this episode of The Luxury Dispatch, Tom Chamberlin is joined by watch historian and author Nick Foulkes to explore how a tool built for divers, scientists and the military became a global cultural symbol worn by explorers, movie heroes and collectors alike. From Hans Wilsdorf’s obsession with precision to the Oyster case, the rise of underwater exploration, the James Bond effect, military testing, early prototypes, the Deep Sea Special, and why today’s Submariner still looks like the one you saw in childhood advertising – this is the full story of an icon. Nick also breaks down the myths, the folklore, the collector frenzy, the military lore, the engineering breakthroughs and the psychological appeal that makes the Submariner a watch that “never fails to proceed.” Buy Nick's book, The definitive history of the Oyster Perpetual Datejust, here - https://www.wallpaper.com/store The Luxury Dispatch is produced by Listen, a Platform Media label. Chapters 00:00 What Makes the Submariner Unique for Everyone 00:38 The Rolex Deep Dive Begins 01:22 The Origins of Rolex & Hans Wilsdorf 04:00 The Oyster Case: Precision Above All 09:00 The Three Ages of the Submariner 15:02 Underwater Exploration Changes Everything 20:52 Rolex Conquers the Mariana Trench 27:40 Bond, Pop Culture & the Icon Era Follow us on socials: https://linktr.ee/theluxurydispatch Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    42 mins