Q: How did you get into watch collecting?
I’ve loved watches ever since I was young. My first automatic was from Walmart, but I still loved that watch. I was really hooked after that.
Q: What was the first watch you ever owned?
Probably a Timex or Casio from Walmart. My first higher en watch was a Citizen Eco Drive.
Q: Do you have a watch with a particularly interesting story behind it?
About 2 years ago, I ordered a Hamilton Khaki Navy Scuba 43mm on a bracelet from a seller on Amazon for about $800. The watch was marked as shipped the same day I placed the order but its status on USPS was waiting for acceptance for several days after. I contacted the seller through Amazon and the seller said that it must have been lost and he would send me another watch asap with a 50% discount. Needless to say, this made me very happy but skeptical. Several days past with no updates or tracking number, so I contacted him again and asked for a tracking number. He eventually answered me and said that he was sorry but he didn’t have the watch on a bracelet. He then told me that he would overnight me the same watch but on rubber for free! I of course said that would be awesome and thank you! At this point I figured that I’d never receive the watch and I would just get a refund from Amazon. The next day, to my surprise, the watch was delivered to me. The watch appeared to be authentic, so I opened the case to check the movement and everything is definitely authentic! It keeps great time, it only gains about 2 seconds a day and some times 1. I’m very happy with my free watch. I messaged the seller to thank him again and tell him that he made my entire year and he told me that I was welcome and to wear the watch in health! This is the first time in my 40 years that something like this has ever happened to me. I’m very grateful.
Q: What is one piece of advice you have for someone just getting into watches?
I would say to buy what you like and don’t worry about what others might think. You will eventually realize that the majority of people won’t even notice your fancy new watch.
Q: What brands have been getting your attention lately?
Seiko and Vaer
Q: What is your grail watch and why?
It used to be the SPB143, but now it’s the SPB297. I’ve only seen pictures and videos of the watch, but I think the knurling on the bezel is perfect, the bezel insert with minute markers is also perfect for me, the blue dial is beautiful and the shape of the case is exactly what I want. I really like everything about the watch.