Superlative: Chris Wiegand of LÜM-TEC on Engineering Watches, Not Just Marketing Them

This week on Superlative, Ariel Adams sits down with Chris Wiegand, president of LÜM-TEC and founder of Wiegand Custom Watch, to explore the reality behind building watches from the ground up. From hand applying lume to early Omega and Panerai dials to running manufacturing and design for over one hundred brands, Chris shares how a self taught approach and obsession with improvement shaped his path in the industry. He breaks down the science behind lume application, why thickness does not always equal brightness, and how small technical decisions can dramatically change performance. The conversation moves through the evolution of microbrands, the rise of Kickstarter, and the growing divide between engineering and marketing in modern watchmaking. Chris offers an honest look at what it takes to turn ideas into real products, including working with impossible AI driven designs, navigating manufacturing limits, and helping new founders avoid costly mistakes. Along the way, they discuss American watchmaking challenges, why some brands choose to stay small, and how changing consumer behavior is shaping the future of design. Follow Chris and check out Lüm-Tec & Wiegand Custom Watch: - Websites - https://lum-tec.com/ - https://www.wiegandwatches.net/ - Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/lumtecwatches/ Stream Superlative: - https://linktr.ee/SuperlativePodcastABTW To check out the ABTW Shop where you can see our products inspired by our love of Horology: - Shop ABTW