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.

@Time_Mechanic needs very little to no introduction. Ahmed Rahman —widely known as Shary— is the epitome of a real and very savvy watch collector with the finest taste in clothes and cigars. A fine gentleman originally from Bangladesh who resides in London, he is not only one of the most stylish men in the watch-collecting world but he is also an Academy Member at the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève —GPHG— and a Juror for the coveted watch prize in 2021.

In addition to his responsibilities at the GPHG, he is also one of the most respected watch collectors and leading voices in the watch-collecting community worldwide and has been widely featured in Hodinkee, Revolution, and The Rake, just to name a few.

We formally and finally met Ahmed Rahman in 2021 in Geneva and the rest is just history. One of our favorite watch collectors, a true friend, and one of the most welcoming and candid individuals we’ve met in this hobby. A very well-rounded collector with whom we had the pleasure to visit the Musée Atelier Audemars Piguet in Le Brassus and who turned our ride into the Vallée de Joux simply memorable.

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?

Difficult to say when exactly I was bitten by the ‘collecting’ bug, but most likely my interest in watches started to grow during my early years at University…where I was studying engineering and had an appreciation for all things mechanical.

My ‘collecting’ journey was heavily influenced by ‘movies’ especially being a big James Bond fan. As a result, my first proper watch was the Omega Seamaster as worn by Pierce Brosnan in his first outing as James Bond in GoldenEye.

What are Your Favorite Brands?

Difficult to pinpoint favorite brands, since each brand and their watches have their very own DNA and always brings something different to the table.

Which of Your Watches Do You Consider Special and Why?

Again I like all my watches for their unique disposition and the fact that every one of them has a different story to tell.

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

Too many references and watches to mention but from the following brands: Patek Philippe, Rolex, Audemars Piguet, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Vacheron Constantin, Omega, Swatch, Breitling, Longines, De Bethune, MB&F, Universal Genève, Cartier, Piaget, IWC, Panerai, Breguet, Bulgari, and Baltic, just to name just a few but the list can go on.

Why Do You Buy Certain Brands and Watches?

I am not a big vintage watch collector and have focused mainly on more contemporary and modern-era watches. I generally avoid yellow metal watches and prefer white gold, platinum, or stainless steel.

I usually always have collected for 3 reasons:

1. The watch has a story to tell.

2. The design and the aesthetics of the watch speak to me.

3. The movement inside the watch and its complications fascinate me.

What is Your Favorite Watch Complication?

The Perpetual Calendar or the Perpetual Calendar Chronograph.

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

A minute repeater is currently missing from my collection. Hopefully, one day when I find the right one.

How Many Times Do You Switch Watches During the Day?

I like to try and wear a different watch every day. The watch I wear is usually dictated by the outfit I put together to wear on the day. I think it’s a lot of fun to be able to do that.

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?

Difficult question obviously, but most likely an integrated stainless steel bracelet watch with a perpetual calendar complication of some sort.

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

Again very difficult question to pinpoint but would be something like an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 16202ST, a Rolex Day-Date President 40 in 18K White Gold, a Patek Philippe 5970P or 5970G, and perhaps a Cartier Tank Cintree in Platinum as a bonus watch for ‘Black Tie’ occasions.

Image: Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar Chronograph ref. 5970P from Christie’s.