Q: How did you get into watch collecting?
My brother got me a Timex Weekender for my birthday, but at the time I was really only wearing my "smart"watch, so I put the weekender in the back of a drawer to try and muffle the crazy loud ticking. One day I wanted to wear it so I pulled it out and immediately dropped it on the floor and broke the crown. I felt so bad having spoiled the gift without truly experiencing it that I shopped to replace it. When I was on the website though, I saw two watches on sale....a black Marlin and a nifty green Solar Expedition. I figured since the one he had originally given me had been so loud, I'd try something different. Being outdoorsy and active I used the field watch daily and the Marlin on the weekends. From there I got an old seiko five SNK805 and fell in love finding watches to express my style and taste as an individual.
Q: What was the first watch you ever owned?
First ever was a timex when I was about 6 years old. Bright neon blue and green with a velcro strap and had indiglo. I remember the pure joy of seeing the colors on my wrist and marveling at the glow in the dark capabilities. As an adult, in my early 20's I had bought an cheap Oceannaut from somewhere and a buddy at the time got me a nice looking Michale Khors watch. We all start somewhere. I still have both of them even though they are completely broken. I'd happily trade them both for the one from my childhood.
Q: Do you have a watch with a particularly interesting story behind it?
Not really.....there was one watch a friend got me for Christmas (Citizen Super Titanium Armor) because I had mentioned it, but they accidentally got a different model.....I had been eyeballing the chronograph the whole time, but after going to a store and comparing the two, I actually did like the one I got way better, I adored the simplicity of the design while being interesting and different. It was truly a happy accident.
Q: What is one piece of advice you have for someone just getting into watches?
Get what YOU like and don't worry about what others will think of it. Life's about enjoyng yourself and learning along the way, but try and take your time choosing which watch to purchase. There are watches you will lust over when you first see it, but after a time, you'll look back and wonder why you wanted it at all. Even taking your time though we all get a watch or two we thought we would love, but after we get it, there's just something that doesn't connect connect with you. That's okay, it's all part of the journey, and you can always resell it so don't stress out to much about it.
Q: What brands have been getting your attention lately?
Nothing new really.......Still holding out for a Marathon diver though.
Q: What is your grail watch and why?
Grand Seiko Lake Suwa. It's beautiful, subdued, and offers beauty in the details the more you experience it.