Q: How did you get into watch collecting?
A friend of mine shared his experience about how decision makers (he was in sales) always made a point of sizing him up by looking at the watch on his wrist. I didn't believe him, but as time went on the thought struck with me. Eventually one day, I was walking in the mall, came across a watch store and stopped in. there I found a watch to my liking and made the purchase. The next day at a lunch meeting, a gentleman approached and complimented the watch and a conversation began. So began this crazy hobby...
Q: What was the first watch you ever owned?
Wenger 100m Diver SAK Design (quartz). The watch was a high school graduation present that I wore every day for 12 years. I thankfully still own the piece, but it gets much less wrist time these days.
Q: Do you have a watch with a particularly interesting story behind it?
I own a birth year Rolex GMT master "rootbeer" with the nipple hour markers. This reference was famously worn by Clint Eastwood in the Dirty Harry films (among others). The interesting thing to me is that Eastwood and I both share a first name.
Q: What is one piece of advice you have for someone just getting into watches?
Focus on the classic pieces (or approximations of them). Do not feel the need to buy everything - what is right for someone else, may not be right for you. Over time, you'll grow your own taste and style.
Q: What brands have been getting your attention lately?
Tudor, Grand Seiko, Cartier, Sinn and Longines
Q: What is your grail watch and why?
I recently acquired a long term grail of mine, the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Tribute to 1931 Rouge. From the moment I first saw the watch in a picture, I knew I had to have it in my collection.
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