Besides Seiko, have you purchased anything recently that you really enjoy?
I picked up a Steve McQueen (D.) Rolex Submariner Ref. 5512). I’ve really come to love that piece because it’s not a run-of-the-mill sub and there really isn’t a Rolex like it in production today. It gives me a sense of history, it gives me a sense of place, but there’s a uniqueness to it that appeals to me.
Are you collecting mostly vintage or modern?
I probably do more vintage than modern, but if I see something new in a collection that makes me say “wow”, I’ll seek out that piece too. One piece that I could not find and that I would love to have is the Rolex “Le Mans” Daytona.
Absolutely.
Yes, that piece really fascinates me, because it has a uniqueness that sets it apart from all other Daytonas. I am looking for similar thing.
Courtesy of Rowing Blazers
Come on, Rolex! I’m in a group watch group chat, and I saw someone post a post today, “Want to buy: ‘Le Mans’ Daytona.” And I said, “Dude, you and everyone else.”
When they first came out, I called my AD and my friends in the business. I think if you tell this story in pieces, the point is, “Hey, it’s not as easy as you think.”
A lot of people will be consoled by this, because obviously you are not only a famous actor, but also someone who has shown a real passion for watches, and I think Rolex would appreciate that.
It’s sad but true.
What’s in your Seiko collection these days?
I have a mix of Seikos and Grand Seikos from all different eras. One of my favorite Grand Seikos is the SBGJ005, which was a limited edition like 25 years ago. This was actually the first dark green dial GMT they released, and I like it a lot. It inspires me. It’s kind of the inspiration for all my other Grand Seiko purchases. I think Grand Seiko’s craftsmanship is truly outstanding in the case of watches that cost three or four times its price. And I like the fact that if you know, you know about Grand Seiko. It’s not like, if you’re at a cocktail party, people will run up to you and start a conversation if you don’t know their watches. The bottom line is that if it’s special to me, it doesn’t matter who else thinks it’s special.