Q: How did you get into watch collecting?
Many years ago, maybe 1988, I remember falling in love with watches. I specifically remember a Coca-Cola Swatch watch I no longer own that I really wish I still owned and also a Guess watch that I still own. After I graduated from high school in 1992, my focus shifted elsewhere and I didn't buy another watch until 2020 when I bought an Apple watch. Hated it. Had nothing but problems with it. I swore I'd never own another Apple watch. That was when I began looking into owning a classic "analog" watch again. I knew nothing of the watch world or the absolute explosion that had taken place. So, the last 3-4 years have been quite fascinating for me. I have learned a lot. I have learned I don't know very much. I have learned to completely embrace the illogical nature of enjoying owning a beautiful watch. I love to embrace that an ugly watch to 1 person is the absolute grail to another persona and I love that diversity of style and taste and reflection of human irrational individualism. So, here I am. Super focused on taking it one day at a time.
Q: What was the first watch you ever owned?
My first watch would have been a digital watch of some kind. I believe it was a Casio but it might have been a Timex. But, I'm pretty sure Casio. I've always been drawn to watches.
Q: Do you have a watch with a particularly interesting story behind it?
Every single watch I own is a story. Every single one.
Q: What is one piece of advice you have for someone just getting into watches?
Enjoy the ride! Under no circumstances should you go into debt for a watch. That is THE CARDINAL RULE #1. Absolutely no debt. Please, for the love, recognize that this is a journey of getting to know yourself. It has very, very, very, very little to do with the brilliantly engineered piece of metal on your wrist.
Q: What brands have been getting your attention lately?
Lately, I've fallen in love with Long Island Watches and their owner, Marc and his brand, Islander. Love it so much!
Q: What is your grail watch and why?
F.P. Journe Sonnerie Souveraine Calibre 1505. It's a work of love and of art and just a magical timepiece.
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