Telling Time: Gavin
Telling Time is a series that features the watch stories of our TKKR community members.
At TKKR we value the voice of our community. We want to show how we are all connected through our watch stories. This is Telling Time with Gavin.
Q: Who are you? Where are you from? Where do you live? What do you do for a living?
A: My name is Gavin, and I’m a college student from Texas. I do freelance programming when I can, but I don’t have a steady job.
Q: How did you first get into watches? What interests you about watches?
A: I’ve always been interested in knowing how things work/function. That is part of what got me into programming. I did not understand how computers worked, and that pushed me to learn. In a similar fashion, watches caught my interest partly because I didn’t understand them. I hope to one day have a collection, but at the moment I am trying to put most of the money I receive towards watchmaking tools and equipment.
Q: Do you collect? If you could make a collection what are 3 must-haves at any price point?
A: Personally, although I am partial to them, I think if I could only have three watches, an Orient would be one of them. Though it’s hard to say which one. As for the second, it would either be Don Corson’s Dresdener Regulator, or a Lange 1. Lastly, if money was nothing, I would buy George Daniels Grand Complication in a heartbeat. To some, it might seem weird to put cheap watches next to a Lange/Daniels watch, but honestly, I think it’s not always about the physical quality of the watch, but rather the process and the people who created it. For me, this especially holds true for anyone attempting to begin making their own watch. While others may be physically better, I have an appreciation for the people who put their hearts into watchmaking.
Q: If you had to sell all of your watches and just keep one, which one is it and why?
A: Orient Bambino Small Seconds. It was my first watch and a gift from my parents… I’d still keep the Buren too… and maybe the Gruen Veri-Thin pocketwatch my grandpa bought me… Ok, I like them all too much to sell them :)
Q: What is a watch you would love to see in real life? (real or imaginary)
A: I would like to see George Daniels Grand Complication in person. As far as seeing a watch be made, it would be cool if someone made a new modern budget jump hour watch (digital, like how dates are displayed). For example ESA 9159, and Lange Zeitwerk. One that uses the ESA 9159 & looks quite nice I believe was the Gruen Electronic Jump Hour. Although the article does say “The Gruen utilizes a common ESA9157/58 movement modified into a 9159 caliber by applying a jump hour module.” (edited)
Q: When you are looking at watches, what is one thing that stands out about a watch?
A: Well, of course, it has to be the dial. I mainly like a minimalist look, and I do generally prefer small seconds. I am quite open to exploring original designs though.
Q: Watch Stories — How did you get it? Why is it special? What memories are tied to it?
A: I was recently at a decently sized estate sale, and I happened to come across a fairly worn watch sitting in a box under a table mixed with other stuff. It was an automatic 25 jewel day/date Buren. It did not have a price tag, so I was a bit wary, but I proceeded to the checkout. When asked what the owner wanted for it, she said she would throw it in for free, which I was of course excited about. She then went on to tell me about how it was her father’s watch, and he had worn it every single day. It seemed very odd, as I assumed it would be sentimental. However, she went on to explain that she wanted it to be given to someone who would appreciate it / use it. Which did change my views. So, while I never knew the owner of this watch, it is in some way important to me. I will continue to wear it & enjoy it. In honor of the owner, I guess you could say. And yes, the watch still works. While the straps were extremely worn, I can tell the watch was well taken care of.
Q: What is the best piece of advice you have ever received? What is one piece of advice you would give someone?
A: The best piece of advice I can give is to wear what you like. Don’t buy a watch you don’t like just because it’s popular. If you like a watch that others don’t or are “cheap”, it’s ok. As long as you enjoy wearing & looking at it. Be yourself! :)
