Watch collectors come in all sizes and types. All sorts of personalities, styles, and particular tastes. While it is cool to see what celebrities 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.

@TheTexasWatchCollector is one of our favorite watch collectors in the Lone Star State whom we met through Instagram. While his Instagram account is not one of those with thousands of followers, we enjoy his posts with a true Texan charm and a down-to-earth attitude. With an impressive collection heavy on the Audemars Piguet side of things, his comradery and positivity come through his posts on the gram.

Now, you’ll hear directly from him about this fantastic watch-collecting hobby that brought us together.

When Did You Start Collecting Watches? What Made You Start Collecting? What was Your First Luxury Watch?

I have been collecting for almost 30 years now. Since I was a child, I enjoyed going into department stores such as Dillard’s and staring at the watch cases —featuring brands such as TAG Heuer and Movado— in the jewelry section for hours. Then, when I was 8 years old, my Aunt Santos finally took me up to the counter to allow me to try on watches, and I fell in love with a Fossil chronograph boasting a yellow dial. She saw the want in my eyes and couldn’t say no. From that moment on, it was out with the character, and kiddie watches and in with a new obsession.

Where I come from that watch was a huge flex, full metal bracelet, my very first. It may as well have been a Patek Philippe and no one would have known the difference, especially in the 2nd Grade, not even myself at the time. 

As far as luxury watches, I have been collecting for around 10 years since like 2014, and I can thank my local watch lady, Ms. Paula for selling me the first Rolex that I earned myself. However, the first luxury watch that I’ve owned was gifted to me by my Grandfather. It was a solid 14K Gold Omega Quartz watch —time only— brand new in the box that he had received for 40 years of service at Brown & Root Industrial Services, with the B&R company logo stamped on the dial.

What are Your Favorite Brands?

My favorite brands currently are of course Audemars Piguet, then Richard Mille, Tudor, Panerai, MB&F, Urwerk, Patek Philippe, Swatch, Omega, H. Moser & Cie., and Zenith.

Which of Your Watches Do You Consider Special and Why?

The most special watch in my collection right now is my Richard Mille RM30 Titanium. That watch is a culmination of years of relationships, trust building, and every watch that I purchased, collected, and not flipped before it. This specific model was a personal goal of mine to get by age 30, which was at the height of the RM market.  Being able to add that to my collection for the milestone birthday from some of the best people in the industry is just icing on the cake. The Richard Mille RM 30 in Titanium reminds me of the people, journey, trust, lifestyle, and patience it takes to be in this hobby for a lifetime. 

Can You List the Brands and Watches You’ve Owned in Your Watch Collecting Journey?

Yes, there are too many to list individually. My collection has included everything from Swatch, Citizen, Rolex, Audemars Piguet, Panerai, Richard Mille, Zenith and everything in between. I am the type of person who appreciates the aesthetics of the piece more than I do the name on the dial. When you can marry fine mechanics with beautiful craftsmanship from the hands of these artisan watchmakers, I just can’t resist. I am also the guilty user of an Apple Watch Ultra, which I am unashamed to say I don’t hate and utilize as a tool watch. 

Why Do You Buy Certain Brands and Watches?

The people behind the brands and the points of sale are first and foremost. Without these people and points of sale in the watch world, I wouldn’t have had the experiences I have had thus far; for that, I will forever be grateful. I appreciate the Owners and sales associates who truly problem-solve for your specific needs. These people care about their clients and typically have me spending more than the stuffy suit-wearing types do when it’s all said and done. Most just seek me out for what my AmEx can swipe, budget, etc.

It’s with those rare, honest individuals that I do business with that become good friends, all from such different walks of life. That’s what I love about watches, they bring people together, I am from the middle of nowhere in Texas and I now have friends from all over the world and experiences I could have never imagined. 

What is Your Favorite Watch Complication?

That would be an Equation of Time with a Perpetual Calendar. 

Which is Your Grail Watch You Wish to Own One Day?

A piece unique and the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Equation of Time Perpetual Calendar. It would be incredible if it were to be open-worked with some sort of Texas flair.

How Many Times Do You Switch Watches During the Day?

I’d say two to three times a day. One during office hours, another one at the ranch, and if there is a special occasion or if I am going out I’ll switch one more time.

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?  

My Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Double Balanced Wheel Open-Worked ref. 15407ST.OO.1220ST.01. To me it’s one of the most aesthetically pleasing, clean, versatile, fun to wear watches in my collection. It also keeps better time with its complication than any of my other watches, so that’s also a factor in my consideration. 

If You Had to Have a Three-watch Collection What Would It Look Like?

A Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Everose Rainbow ref. 116595RBOW, an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Extra-Thin Jumbo in Stainless Steel, and an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Minute Repeater Supersonnerie ref. 26591TI.OO.1252TI.02 with a Salmon Dial in a limited edition of 35 pieces.