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Superlative Podcast: Alan Tsao of Tsao Baltimore on Building a Watch Brand

Ariel Adams speaks with Tsao Baltimore founder Alan Tsao about watch design, Kickstarter, community, and building a Baltimore-based micro-brand.
Estimate3–4 min Catalogued SpecialistWatchRanker Team
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In a September 2, 2024 episode of Superlative, host Ariel Adams talks with Tsao Baltimore founder Alan Tsao about turning an enthusiasm for watches into a micro-brand. The episode description highlights design, pre-launch marketing, Kickstarter, community-building, the brand’s Baltimore identity, and the challenges of developing a watch company. Apple Podcasts lists the episode at 1 hour, 4 minutes.

What the conversation covers

The published episode description frames the discussion around the decisions and obstacles involved in starting a watch brand. Its title is “BUILDING A STRONG COMMUNITY AS A MICRO-BRAND WITH ALAN TSAO OF TSAO BALTIMORE.” The description points to several connected themes:

  • Why Tsao started a watch company and how he approached watch design, including the balance between originality and familiarity.
  • Pre-launch marketing and using Kickstarter to fund a project.
  • The challenges of crowdfunding, customer demand, and building a community around a small brand.
  • The company’s connection to Baltimore, unexpected product hits, and the future of micro-brands.

The available episode listing is a synopsis, not a transcript. It does not provide verbatim remarks from Tsao or Adams, so the topics above describe the published outline rather than quoting the speakers. Apple Podcasts episode listing.

Tsao Baltimore’s company story

Tsao Baltimore says it was established in 2017 and that its timepieces are designed and built in Maryland. Those are the company’s own descriptions of its history and production, rather than independently verified claims. The brand’s Baltimore identity is also among the subjects identified in the podcast episode description. Tsao Baltimore’s story page.

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Kickstarter and the original watch

The historical Kickstarter campaign for Tsao Baltimore’s original watch reports $115,843 pledged by 355 backers. Those figures belong to that specific campaign; they do not establish broader crowdfunding or watch-industry performance. The campaign also names Maryland-based Clockwork Synergy as the collaborator for the original watch’s leather and NATO straps. That documents a historical product relationship, not a current partnership or endorsement. Original Tsao Baltimore Kickstarter campaign.

The campaign’s Limited Edition Rose Gold Black listing specifies a 42 mm case, a 20 mm strap, 100 m water resistance, Miyota automatic movement, and a two-year limited warranty. It also specifies quick-release pins for the strap. These are details for that particular model listing, not specifications for every watch in the brand’s range. Rose Gold Black campaign listing.

What current product listings can—and cannot—tell you

Tsao Baltimore’s current site lists collections including Torsk-Diver Pro, Balt-Pilot Worldtimer, Balt-Pilot Recon, Natty Boh Moon 34, and Watch Straps. The existence of different collections is a reminder to check each model’s own specifications rather than generalize from the original Kickstarter watch. Tsao Baltimore official homepage.

For example, the official Legacy Steel listing gives a 40 mm case, 20 mm lug width, 200 m water resistance, and a two-year limited international warranty. These figures describe the Legacy Steel listing, not the older 42 mm Rose Gold Black campaign model. The listings do not provide a like-for-like comparison of the two watches’ full specifications. Legacy Steel Midnight Grey product listing.

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At the time the cited pages were captured, the Legacy Steel Midnight Grey listing showed $899 and sold-out availability, while the homepage displayed models at $900. Prices and stock can change, so consult the live product page for current details.

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Choosing a 20 mm quick-release strap

The original Rose Gold Black campaign watch specifies a 20 mm strap and quick-release pins; the current Legacy Steel listing specifies a 20 mm lug width. Those details make a 20 mm quick-release strap a potentially relevant accessory category, not a guarantee that one strap fits every Tsao Baltimore model.

  • Confirm the exact watch’s lug width in its product specifications.
  • Check whether it accepts quick-release pins or requires a different attachment.
  • Choose a material and clasp or buckle arrangement suited to the watch and how you intend to wear it.

Do not assume that strap width alone establishes compatibility. The older campaign names Clockwork Synergy as the strap collaborator for that original watch, but the campaign does not establish a current partnership. Original campaign strap details.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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