@i_read_grantland

How did you first get into watch collecting?

My dad got me into collecting - he bought me an quartz Invicta Lupah in blue. It was a Franck Muller homage when Franck Muller watches were popular.

What movie, series, book and or podcast would you recommend?

Lots. My favorite Podcast right now is probably Plain English by Derek Thompson. Watch related - I recommend subscribing to Tony Traina's substack Unpolished Watches. My favorite movie of the last few years is probably Banshees of Irishmen.

How many watches are in your collection?

5-10

If you could only keep one watch from your collection, which would it be? What makes that particular piece so special to you?

My Patek 5296G. When I first started collecting - this was my "grail" - it was the first watch that made me want to spent more than a few thousand on a watch. I saved up a while for it - and wore it on my wedding. Beyond that - sector dials are my favorite style of watch - and this one is versatile enough to wear at any occasion (except for sports).

Do you ever sit down to pee just so you can look at your watch?

No

What’s the most recent watch you added to your collection? What drew you to it?

I recently acquired a Naoya Hida Type 1D. To one is is a perfect dress watch - its asif a reference 96 was upsized perfectly proportionally. There is a ton of handcraft in the watch - hand engraved numerals are incredible. Because they use hand engraved numerals - the dial is actually thicker than most - which allows the stepped sub dial to be even deeper than normal. This combined with the engravings and the scupled hands make a very 3-D dial on a traditional dress watch. Finally - I love the oversized crown and how it "cracks" just like a vintage watch. It is a true homage to 3 hand dress watches of old.

Which watch is currently at the top of your wish list? What draws you to it?

Too many to pick. If I had to pick one - its probably the Patek 5066 Japan edition. I've been looking to add a higher end sports watch to my collection - and I love the sizing of the 5066. Furthermore - the Japan edition is this perfect shade of blue (another thing missing from my collection, a blue dial). The rarity of the blue dial and the overall style of the 5066 make it a pretty awesome watch I think. I still haven't seen one in the metal!

What are your favorite daily habits? Sleep, productivity, training etc

I try and walk 1.5 to 2 hours a day (and do most days!). I spend most of this time either listening to podcasts / books, or music. I have a fairly high stress job - I need to decompress everyday otherwise I'm not sure I could do it.

Do you choose your watch or your outfit first?

Watch

What advice would you give to someone just starting their watch collecting journey?

Watch collecting is not a race. There will always be more watches to buy. Buy the watches you want, slowly. The watch you want thats released this year will probably be around next year, even if you have to go to the secondary market.