The Most Uninteresting, Interesting Man in the World.
When it comes to unfiltered humor, people fall in favor of Jeremy Clarkson.
If it’s bombastic energy you’re after, Richard Hammond takes the spotlight.
But it takes a sharp eye to see that underneath the explosions, witty remarks, and squealing tires, James May is the go-to man with taste.
Growing up watching the iconic BBC series, I’ve always identified him as the patient intellectual disguised as an unfortunate punching bag.
But it wasn’t until I entered the watch world that I began to notice the presence on his wrist(s).
While Hammond is inseparable from his shiny Rolexes - or ‘Rolexii’ - and Clarkson with humongous Omegas, Captain Slow dawns such a variety of timepieces that it just screams sophistication.
Whether it’s a vibrant Pan-Europ Day Date or a vintage Memovox, his love for engineering and history is always reflected by his choice of wristwear.
“Even the most basic mechanical watch is a marvel of miniaturized classical engineering, with its springs, levers, and gears. An electronic watch is a work of pure and largely microscopic witchcraft and one that might be able to offer up an altimeter or your heart rate as well.” - James May 2012.
He's a man of his word, as shown by his appreciation even for the more affordable Seiko 5 line.
I think his attitude and approach to timekeeping is one we should all strive for; an equal appreciation for the micro-engineering and historical significance, no matter the origin.
Hell, that’s one of the reasons why I love WatchCrunch so much. This place is damn near close to achieving that dream.
As a personal note, my recent purchase of a Quartz Diastar Ceramica creates an even stronger admiration for the man. Even though he rocks a version ten times the cost, it’s a rare sight to see a famous figure with different brands. Let alone one with such profound knowledge.
It might be a man’s biggest mistake to ask him about anything at all, for he’ll drone on for centuries. But then again, that’s his charm. That’s what makes him the most uninteresting, interesting man in the world.
So, to the ladies and gentlemen of WatchCrunch, whether you’re a fan of the show or not, what do you think?
All watch photos are sourced from: https://www.instagram.com/grandtourwatches/?hl=en
Casio fanboy. Noob horologist. Sometimes I write articles about watches famous people wear.
Didn’t realize Captain Slow was a watch enthusiast. Good stuff.
Didn’t realize Captain Slow was a watch enthusiast. Good stuff.
You should check out his collection. Its more varying than world diseases.
You should check out his collection. Its more varying than world diseases.
He’s got more money than what he knows what to do with. I’m sure his collection is epic.
I’d actually be very interested in his collection.
Famous people often don’t know anything about their watches, they just bought something that cost the right amount. I saw an interview with Robert Downey Jr. He seemed to know almost nothing about the watches except where he’d gotten them and that they were expensive. I’m not knocking the guy, not everybody gives a crap about watches. But for me, I only think a rich person’s collection is interesting if they think it’s interesting. If they’ve got something to say about their watches and why they chose them. Otherwise they’re just showing off, and I don’t have time for it.
My assumption was
Clarkson - Hublot
Hammond - Rolex
May - Grand Seiko
Live and learn.
He’s got more money than what he knows what to do with. I’m sure his collection is epic.
But he doesn't spend them blindly on big brand names - he seems to be choosy with what he buys. And it shows.
My assumption was
Clarkson - Hublot
Hammond - Rolex
May - Grand Seiko
Live and learn.
You're quite close actually, I've read plenty of Clarkson's books (and binging a lot of the trio's shows) so its more to this:
Clarkson - anything that's big & easy to read. He said himself in his "How Hard Can It Be?" book. I've seen him wear G-Shocks, Railmasters, and even Bell & Ross pieces.
Hammond - Yep. Rolex. But in the old-OLD Top Gear, I've spotted some Tag Heuer's on him.
And as for May, well, you can just scroll up hahahaha.
I’d actually be very interested in his collection.
Famous people often don’t know anything about their watches, they just bought something that cost the right amount. I saw an interview with Robert Downey Jr. He seemed to know almost nothing about the watches except where he’d gotten them and that they were expensive. I’m not knocking the guy, not everybody gives a crap about watches. But for me, I only think a rich person’s collection is interesting if they think it’s interesting. If they’ve got something to say about their watches and why they chose them. Otherwise they’re just showing off, and I don’t have time for it.
Well said, brother.
He worna Oris on one episode of his Amazon cooking show.
I hate to give it to you, but yeah your 💯% spot on there.
He worna Oris on one episode of his Amazon cooking show.
This one? I didn't know it was an Oris. Thanks!
I hate to give it to you, but yeah your 💯% spot on there.
Is he bling?!
I have to agree totally about May, he has a great watch collection, really diverse, and is himself incredibly interesting if not rather detailed! But one comment on Hammond, while he does seem to favor Rolex, they are not the obvious flashy ones; after burning his Sea Dweller, he can be seen sporting a very nice pre-ceramic Pepsi. I am sure he could a) afford and b) get a shinny new one if he asked.
I have to agree totally about May, he has a great watch collection, really diverse, and is himself incredibly interesting if not rather detailed! But one comment on Hammond, while he does seem to favor Rolex, they are not the obvious flashy ones; after burning his Sea Dweller, he can be seen sporting a very nice pre-ceramic Pepsi. I am sure he could a) afford and b) get a shinny new one if he asked.
Great point, I've also seen him with a Speedmaster, T-Touch Tissot, and an amazing Heuer Monaco. We just see him wear his Rolex so often that it's now a part of him 😂
I reckon he knows everything about every watch he owns, he is a super geek about anything mechanical from the era when things were done properly
I relate man. Believe it or not, I learned English by watching Top Gear - and a bunch of their uncensored clips online.
So I knew what wanker meant before I knew what an adjective was
As a youngster, I thought that "cock" was just some sort of nickname for Jeremy Clarkson.
I remember often wondering when "cock" would be on TV again. Top Gear was such an amazing program.
I love those guys and that show. Thanks for this great post! 👍
As a youngster, I thought that "cock" was just some sort of nickname for Jeremy Clarkson.
I remember often wondering when "cock" would be on TV again. Top Gear was such an amazing program.
😂😂😂
I love those guys and that show. Thanks for this great post! 👍
Thanks! I’ll be covering the other two soon!
You forgot his 116400! My favourite of his🥰
You forgot his 116400! My favourite of his🥰
The iconic May Milgauss 👍
Mr. Slowly needs someone to interview him about his collection
James May is one of the reasons I’d like to do presenting! He is not captivating nor interesting!;)
Check out his article from the Daily Telegraph on the 14/3/2008 about the Omega Railmaster XXL.James May is a very interesting person for starters he studied music at the Royal college of music.
Mr. Slowly needs someone to interview him about his collection
Who do you think would be the perfect interviewer?
James May is one of the reasons I’d like to do presenting! He is not captivating nor interesting!;)
But his charm does work. Also, I’m a subscriber. So I’m a bit thrown off when I saw your comment 😂
Check out his article from the Daily Telegraph on the 14/3/2008 about the Omega Railmaster XXL.James May is a very interesting person for starters he studied music at the Royal college of music.
Link please!
Who do you think would be the perfect interviewer?
Bro from Swiss Watch Gang. Teddy's too straight laced, Nico's too wild. That guy (can't remember his name) is perfect.
Thank you.
I made another one for Richard Hammond. You can read it here https://www.watchcrunch.com/dt1202/posts/size-doesn-t-matter-literally-219212
Lovely #rado he's got