We’ve said it before, watch collectors come in all sizes and types. From all sorts of personalities, styles, and tastes. While it is cool to see what celebrities and athletes own when it comes to watches, there is nothing more rewarding than to see the actual watch collection of a normal guy or gal that we can relate to as mere mortals.
Our friend @GregWatchman is a unique watch collector whom we first need to thank for his service as a Federal Agent. When it comes to his watches and firearms, he is one of the finest collectors in the Midwest. A humble, friendly, and straight shooter —in all the sense of the word. With a soft spot for sporty and rugged watches that accompany him in the line of duty and his everyday affairs, this collector is one that we truly appreciate.
Now, you’ll hear straight from him all that he wants to share about this fantastic watch-collecting hobby that brought us together in the first place.
When Did you Start Collecting Watches?
I have been seriously collecting since the year 2000. I really believe my watch collecting journey started when my late wife surprised me with an engagement watch when we had very little money. It was a Citizen Blue Angels Navihawk that I still own and love.
What are your Favorite Brands?
I have several brands that I love. Breitling, Panerai, Rolex, Omega, IWC, Vacheron Constantin, Fortis, Seiko, Citizen, Luminox, Astor & Banks, Matter of Time, and Haim Watches. These are ones I own, but I would love to get into A. Lange & Söhne, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, MB&F, Parmigiani, and F.P. Journe.
Which of Your Watches Do You Consider Special and Why?
My Panerai Luminor 1950 3 Days PAM00372 as it was gifted to me by the Paneristi community after my wife was tragically murdered in front of me and my children. It’s a hell of a story, but this gesture shows such love, respect, and support from a community that I was welcomed into.
Can You List the Brands and Watches You’ve Owned In your Watch Collecting Journey?
Breitling, Panerai, Rolex, Omega, IWC, Vacheron Constantin, Fortis, Seiko, Citizen, Luminox, Astor & Banks, Matter of Time, and Haim Watches.
Why Do You Buy Certain Brands and Watches?
Some brands just speak to me more and fit my lifestyle. I am more of a rugged sports type of watch collector. However, I absolutely love complicated and elegant dress watches.
What is your favorite watch complication?
My favorite complication would probably be a perpetual calendar or a grand complication, that includes a minute repeater. There is something so beautiful about a minute repeater and the chiming of the time. However, a perpetual calendar with a chronograph and a second time zone would be amazing.
Which is Your Grail Watch You Wish to Own One Day?
That’s really tough. I’d say a Patek Philippe reference 5208P like the one Mr. Thierry Stern the president of Patek Philippe wears or a A. Lange & Söhne Double Split or a A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 Time Zone.
How Many Times Do You Switch Watches During The Day?
I may switch between two watches in a day. However, every day I wear a different watch.
If You Had to Keep and Wear Only One Watch From Your Current Collection to Wear for the Rest of Your Life, Which One Would That Be?
It would be the Citizen Blue Angels Navihawk my late wife gifted me.
If you had to have a three-watch collection what would it look like?
That’s very difficult to answer. Whoever came up with the three-watch only rule is all wrong. lol.
If it is out of my current collection it would be my Citizen Blue Angels Navihawk my late wife gifted me, the Panerai Luminor 1950 3 Days PAM00372 from the Paneristi, and the Vacheron Constantin Overseas Dual Time ref. 47450 that my dad used to wear and gifted to me.
Out of watches, I do not own it would have to be a Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar with Minute Repeater, a A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 Time Zone, and an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Chronograph.
