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Q: How did you get into watch collecting?
My family started a watch/clock business in the 1920’s. I’ve spent a lot of time around the family clock shop helping, cleaning and doing minor disassembling/repairs. I suppose my passion for watches, specifically vintage, started here.
Q: What was the first watch you ever owned?
It was probably my gold plated Advance Quartz LC digital watch given to me at age 12. During this time I was exposed to more grandfather clocks, mantels & wall clocks helping out at the family business.
Q: Do you have a watch with a particularly interesting story behind it?
I certainly have emotional attachments to many of my timepieces specifically those handed down from my father and grandfather. That said, my most exciting story of “vintage watch prospecting” was the unlikely acquisition of a 1967 AOPA Breitling Navitimer. For a period of about 4 years, I was relentlessly pursuing estate sales, antique shops and various dealers hunting for rare and unique vintage pieces. At one of many estate sales, I was touring an old farmhouse looking for jewelry and such when I discovered a large wooden box labeled “watch parts, $1000” so i feverishly rummaged through it looking for my diamond in the rough. Initially what I found was many loose watch parts, broken metal bracelets, some small mantel clock mechanisms and a handful of old Seikos and Helbros wristwatches from the 70s & 80s. I estimated I could resurrect a few of these pieces and possibly justify about a $500 cost so i prepared myself for the negotiating shakedown that would invariably ensue before something happened… …I felt down into the very bottom of the wooden box amidst the broken watch clasps and felt something substantial, the weight and feel of a chronograph. My heart was racing with excitement as I pulled this vintage beauty out and marveled at the slide rule bezel and patina on the stick indices and specifically the prominent “12” arabic numeral and the word “Navitimer.” This vintage beauty was caked in dust and the acrylic crystal badly cracked. At this point I knew very little about vintage Breitlings and so was unaware of the significance of the AOPA wings insignia on the dial but as I studied the rest of this well preserved gem, I could see the signed crown and the words “Breitling 806 stainless steel” stamped on the case back. I was overjoyed at the prospect of owning, repairing and one day wearing this unique piece of horological history. So excitedly I ballparked the value in my head and knew I would leave with this wooden box of “watch parts” at full price if need be. However I was still determined to negotiate the price down if possible. So I buried the Breitling in the box and proceeded to negotiate this “insignificant box of watch parts” down from $1000 to $750 to $500 cash. Sold! When I returned to my car to study my new treasure, I was pulsing with adrenaline from my discovery. All my obsessive hunting and learning paid off that day with this incredible vintage beauty. Fast forward to a full overhaul and replaced acrylic crystal and my ‘67 AOPA 806 Breitling Navitimer is still the crown jewel of my vintage collection. I’m also thrilled at the prospect of building a watch repair/restoration hobby setup around my Grandpa’s old watchmaker’s bench which was handed down to me.
Q: What is one piece of advice you have for someone just getting into watches?
A watch like music, art, food & clothes is a matter of personal preference. Watch enthusiasts, hobbyists and collectors (in my humble opinion) should be all about the joy. If watches bring you joy, find your style and enjoy. Learn and explore the history of horology if you like. I personally love mechanical hand-winding vintage treasures because I revel in the quality craftsmanship and ingenuity of it all. I believe it should never be about the money or status of said timepieces. I cherish many watches of varying styles and values based on my own life experiences. Don’t ever let anyone tell you what to think - that goes for all things in life (including your personal taste in watches).
Q: What brands have been getting your attention lately?
This is always hard to answer but I’ll try based on recent articles, watch forum commentary and my own research. Tudor, Omega, IWC, Glashutte, Sinn, Nomos, Longines, Grand Seiko, Seiko, Hamilton, Douglas and some vintage gems…Gallet, Buren, Mido.
Q: What is your grail watch and why?
At this time in my life journey and watch prospecting evolution, my grail watch is probably either: 1) Omega Speedmaster Professional 40th Anniversary edition Or 2) Rare 1950’s or earlier Gallet chronograph on beads of rice bracelet
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