Q: How did you get into watch collecting?
Thought battery-less tech was cool. Got a gift from my wife, then met a collector and it was off to the races!
Q: What was the first watch you ever owned?
First watch I can remember was a Casio CA-53W calculator watch. Got a Swatch a few years later then had a series of fossil watches before I got my first mechanical; a Seiko Presage Cocktail Time.
Q: Do you have a watch with a particularly interesting story behind it?
I’m a Biochemist and I did some work on the Covid Vaccine. After completing the project I bought a Ball Engineer III Marvelight Caring Edition for the following reasons: Ball was founded in the USA as a safety instrument. This reminds me to be safe in my laboratory. It is made of 904L steel, which is more corrosion resistant to chemicals than 316L. The 100 M water resistance comes with a screw down crown which should help to keep harmful fumes out of the movement. It’s anti-magnetic to 1000 gauss which protects it from the instruments with which I work. It’s anti-shock, making it suitable for an everyday wear, and the tritium tubes are gray for a chemist nerd. Finally, I went with the caring edition because it was released in response to the Covid pandemic and added a little color and hope to our life when things were dark and uncertain. This is a true tool watch that will always remind me of one of the pinnacle achievements of my career!
Q: What is one piece of advice you have for someone just getting into watches?
Decide if you are going to be an enthusiast, a collector, a hoarder, or a curator. Buy accordingly.
Q: What brands have been getting your attention lately?
Omega, Breitling, Tudor for mainstream. Farer, Reef, and Christopher Ward for micros.
Q: What is your grail watch and why?
Vacheron Constantin Historiques American 1921 in yellow gold. This watch is currently unattainable based on price if I am in the world of good conscience. It might offer a one time opportunity to move into high horology, as if I had the funds for this Watch, it would take a significant amount of time. It offers a watch from the holy trinity in precious metal that is sporty and dressy and has a great backstory. Love the quirky off center approach and the breguet hands and numerals!
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