This week on SUPERLATIVE, aBlogtoWatch founder Ariel Adams is joined by Jason Gallop, founder of Roldorf & Co., a unique watch retailer and service center in Vancouver, Canada. Jason shares his journey from growing up in a family of goldsmiths in London to training as a watchmaker, working with Rolex, and eventually building a business that brings watchmaking and retail together under one roof. Unlike traditional watch boutiques, Roldorf & Co. features an open workshop where customers can see watchmakers at work, creating a more transparent and engaging experience that connects collectors directly with the craftsmanship behind their timepieces. Together, Ariel and Jason explore the importance of this hands-on approach, building a community of watch enthusiasts, and creating a retail experience centered around trust, education, and a shared passion for watches.
Ariel and Jason also dive into the evolving challenges of watch retail, including relationships between brands and retailers, changing distribution strategies, and the importance of supporting independent businesses. They discuss Roldorf's unique approach to assembling watches for brands like Paulin and anOrdain, the benefits of offering pre-owned watches backed by in-house servicing, and the growing presence of Canadian watch brands such as Marathon and Halios. Throughout the conversation, Jason offers an inside look at the realities of running an independent watch business and how craftsmanship, innovation, and community are helping shape the future of watch retail.
Check Out Rodolf & Co.:
Website - https://roldorf.co/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/roldorf
Listen to Ariel on the Rodorf & Co. Podcast - https://youtu.be/QPIg2tiCmx4?si=FKiR977BBbt89qFs
SUPERLATIVE IS NOW ON YOUTUBE!
To check out Superlative on Youtube as well as other ABTW content:
- YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@ablogtowatch
To check out the ABTW Shop where you can see our products inspired by our love of Horology:
- Shop ABTW - https://store.ablogtowatch.com/
To keep updated with everything Superlative, aBlogtoWatch Weekly, and aBlogtoWatch, check us out on:
- Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/ablogtowatch/
- Twitter/X - https://twitter.com/ABLOGTOWATCH
- Website - https://www.ablogtowatch.com/
If you enjoy the show please Subscribe, Rate, and Review!
Key Chapters:
[00:00] Introduction to Jason Gallop and Roldorf & Co.
[02:45] The Many Roles of a Modern Watchmaker
[04:44] Jason's Journey Into Watchmaking
[09:00] Working With Rolex and Moving to Canada
[11:55] Inside Roldorf's Unique Watch Retail Experience
[14:40] Building an Independent Watch Business
[17:45] The Challenges of Independent Watch Retail
[19:20] Watch Brands and Their Relationships With Retailers
[29:35] Seiko's Distribution Changes in Canada
[37:20] The Impact on Watch Retailers and Customers
[43:55] Inventory Risks and the Challenges of Selling Watches
[47:30] Assembling Watches for Paulin and anOrdain
[53:14] Roldorf's Approach to Pre-Owned Watches
[57:00] Supporting Canadian Watch Brands
[59:30] Watch Collaborations and Creative Partnerships
[01:01:44] Closing Thoughts and Where to Find Roldorf
