No doubt you will have read the title of this story. So let me clear up a few things before we get going:
- The term "influencer” really does need a rebrand. As the years have gone by, I have been referenced as one on the odd occasion, but when it comes to specialty subjects like watches, there is a depth of knowledge and passion required that is not often associated with the term. When you have somebody you can associate with and aspire to in some respects, sharing their thoughts and passions directly with you on a feed every day, you have a potent mix that often results in the spending of cash.
- When asked to develop this list, I was conflicted – mainly because I am fortunate enough to know a lot of these individuals personally. To balance this natural bias, I put the question out on Instagram Stories to ask those in my community who they tend to feel influenced by (I appreciate there is also an inherent bias because those who follow me will likely follow those similar to me – but it was the best I could do).
- To simplify the process, we aren’t talking about brands or media entities here – simply individuals (there are some dealers).
- This is by no means an exhaustive list. There are so many others that inevitably will have been missed, but one thing I will say is that it's an international line up with both men and women from around the world of different ages, some of whom work in the industry and some of whom do not. The goal of this story for me is to highlight some great people doing great work and the cherry on the cake will be if you come across somebody you didn’t know of already. Enjoy!
@horologyancienne
This anonymous father-and-son private collector account is a must-follow, particularly if you like Patek Philippe. You will see wild unique pieces made for them that you won’t have seen before.
@benclymer
Ben needs no Introduction. He took a few years out of the spotlight at HODINKEE to run the business but I know how much everyone appreciates seeing him back hosting ‘Talking Watches’ and posting on Instagram, among other things.
@sophies.watch.world
A relative newcomer to the scene, Sophie is a Brit living in Switzerland. The ex-actress is full of energy and you can feel her passion for watches through the screen.
@tge
London-based car and watch enthusiast Tom has an eye for the unusual. Check out his page for the lesser discussed makers like Ludovic Ballouard, Romain Gauthier and Chanel watches.
@alessandrosquarzi
Based in Italy, Alessando runs his own clothing brand Fortela. His watch game is generally vintage and always paired with a chambray shirt and black-rimmed specs.
@a.dose.of.time
Passionate collector Jac has a real eye for vintage Patek and Cartier. I think she may also appreciate a taupe strap as much as I do.
@tedgushue
Ted is a photographer and creative who has a penchant for Porsche. When it comes to watches, he also shares a genuine passion for great design in new releases and vintage alike.
@nadineghosnjewelry
Jewellery designer Nadine Ghosn is all about colour and fun. Her watch collection – heavily featuring the likes of Rolex, Audemars Piguet and Patek – really reflects that.
@iamcasa
Andrea is the quintessential Italian gent. Full to the brim with style and passion, he knows his independent watchmakers better than most.
@misterrolex
James is one of the most knowledgeable collectors and writers in the business. He knows the watch world inside-out and has a particular interest in the unusual thin LV watches and Rolex Quartz models.
@oldwatchlady
We know she is a lady and that she thinks she is old – but beyond that, we don’t know anything about this private collector other than the fact she brings joy to so many with her almost daily musings about her vintage watches from Piaget to Tudor and everything in between.
@dr.nut1
This private collector seamlessly flexes everything from Kari Voutilainen to Lange and often shares the journey to acquiring what many would consider grail-worthy watches.
@garyg_1
A veteran of the collector world, US-based Gary Getz commenced his journey at JLC and now shoots and writes about his love of everything from complicated indies to dress watches from Chopard.
@andrew_morgan_watches
Having taken over YouTube as the voice of Watchfinder, Andrew now spends his time shooting for his own channels with a unique take on watches from every corner of the industry.
@roni_m_29
Roni is the definitive collector of interestingly-shaped watches. Not afraid to share his thoughts, his driver is design and it’s hard to argue that he hasn’t assembled one of the most elegant collections in the world.
@morillo55
This Italian-American dealer is all about jazz, vintage Ralph Lauren and delicate stone dial Piaget. I promise you his office videos will inspire you.
@barkandjack
Adrian is the man when it comes to Rolex, Tudor and Omega on YouTube. Catch him at his home desk in his beautifully edited films sharing his honest thoughts on the industry and his watch journey.
@andrew_mcutchen
Time & Tide's founder Andrew McUtchen recently made the move from Australia to the UK. But his biggest step so far has been to give audiences what they want – an insight into his personal life as an entrepreneur and a fitness influencer!
@kristianhaagen
Will likely be in vintage Barbour and with a vintage Rolex on the wrist when you see him both online and in person. A prominent character in the watch world, he brings fun and experience in equal measure.
@misterenthusiast
Phil is a contrarian lover of all things ‘70s, be they cars, furniture or watches. Follow him for the unexpected and get a front row seat into the psyche of an obsessive.
@mikenouveau
The undisputed king of TikTok watch content, Mike has a real fair for off-the-cuff commentary, taking you on every step of the next watch purchase journey.
@watch.gringa
Based in the UK, Brit is a YouTube phenom with a passion for watches that she shares with her partner @watch.papi.
@masaharu.me
Masa is based in Japan and works for HODINKEE Japan. His photography is top notch but his eye for design is what sets him apart.
@goldberger
Auro is somewhat of a mythical figure in the watch world. Between his chambray shirts, perm, tan and deep vintage knowledge, he is also clearly passionate about food, travel and photography.
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