Interview with Jimmy from Feldmar Watch Company

Getting to share your collection with this community is really special. The more you share the more you realize how much we all share in common. Whether it's sharing how you started your journey with a Timex you bought on a whim, or saved up enough to get something really nice to commemorate a special mile stone in your life. We each have our own stories and is a wonderful thing to continue to share them. You never know where this hobby might lead! Your watches can be passed down to the next generation or you might realize you love them so much you want to turn it into your job and work in the industry! 

How it All Began

Jimmy here! I live in Los Angeles, and I’m the marketing director at Feldmar Watch Company. I manage our online sales, social media channels, and all digital marketing efforts. For college, I went to UCLA and I graduated with a BA in Political Science and a minor in Film. 

I consider myself someone that’s always been into “things.” As a kid, I was into collecting basketball cards, CD’s, knives, all sorts of things. One of my first obsessions as a kid was pocket watches - I don’t necessarily know exactly what it is about them that fascinated me. I just think there are few things more beautiful than a well-designed watch face. It’s one of those things that if you get it, you get it. 

My dad was also very into mechanical watches - he would boast about how they didn’t work with a battery. Rather, the rotor powered a small spring inside the watch that released power in little increments. Rolex and Seiko were his favorite brands, and they’re mine too. 

When my dad passed, I acquired some of his old watches, including a bunch of Seiko 5’s and a Seiko Bell-matic from 1967 that he wore when he was sworn into the pentagon. During that time I spent a lot of time with his watches, and I think it was a way that I connected with him. That’s how I started to get back into watches in a big way. 

Collection

I do remember my first “NWA” was a Casio Baby G with a transparent grey resin case and a synthetic NATO-style strap. I got it when I was about eight. Man, I was obsessed with that thing. I still have it today. 

As far as what is in my watch box at the moment, I absolutely love what I’m working with right now - I finally feel like I’m at a stopping point in my collection (famous last words). The main pieces in my stable are a Rolex Explorer 114270, a Speedmaster Ultraman ST2, a Grand Seiko SBGM221, and a Seiko “62Mas” SLA017. I also own quite a few less expensive pieces. These include a Mr. Peanut Jump Hour watch from the 1970’s, a Casio Calculator Watch, a Seiko “Willard” SPB153, a grey “Casioak,” and my dad’s old Seiko Bellmatic from the 60’s.

While I love all my watches for different reasons, my favorite has gotta be the Explorer. Working at a retailer and service center, I see a lot of watches on a day to day basis. What makes the Explorer truly special in my opinion is the amount of staying power it has. No matter how many times I wear it, I always get a thrill out of putting it on my wrist. It’s such a simple, yet interesting design. It’s everything you need, and nothing you don’t. I’ll have it forever.

Under Appreciated Brands

There's a few, but one that sticks out in m y mind as an under appreciated brand is Zodiac. That’s not to say that Zodiac watches aren’t popular, because they are. However, I think they should be even more so. Their design language is fantastic. I particularly dig their use of color and their bakelite-inspired bezels. In short, they’re fun, thoughtfully-designed pieces at an approachable price point. 

To me, the one that sticks out the most is their flagship watch - the Super Sea Wolf. It’s a capable modern sports watch that wears like a vintage diver. It’s available in a variety of fun colorways. 

Quartz vs. Automatic and Stigma in the Community

I have always loved an automatic. That said, I wouldn’t describe myself as a quartz hater; there are some great quartz watches out there. However, I appreciate the art and engineering behind a mechanical movement, and I think a watch’s mechanics are an important ingredient in its overall experience. 

Having been in this community for a while now, I think we need more objectivity! I think as collectors (myself included), it can be easy to become enamored by popular or “hype” watches, and more obscure pieces can garner a bit less attention. While it’s great to own and experience classic watches, I also encourage collectors to think objectively and figure out the kinds of pieces that really speak to them. 

Working in Watches

Sometimes it is difficult to balance working in a fast-paced retail environment while also concentrating on tasks that require deep focus, such as writing and creating thoughtful content. But I’m getting better at it! 


I think finding creative ways to promote brands and new releases is my favorite part of the job. I have also enjoyed watching Feldmar’s social media community grow over the past couple of years. It’s been amazing to connect with collectors from all over the world.

From a sales standpoint, I love working with collectors and helping them craft their collections. There’s nothing better than helping to get an incredible watch onto the wrist of a collector who will wear and enjoy it. Sometimes, I think it might even be better than getting a new watch onto my own wrist.

What's Next

It might be hard to believe, but my new year’s resolution for 2022 is NO NEW WATCHES for the entire year. That means no buying, and no trading. It’s been tough, but I’ve held strong so far :)

My goal is to keep and enjoy everything that I currently have in my collection. 

Thank you for taking the time to read this interview! If you enjoyed, please leave a comment below! And if you had anyone in mind to be interviewed next, please leave a comment below!

Have a great one watch fam!