The Great GQ Watch Survey

Welcome to the inaugural version of the GQ watch survey. I began pulling this collectively due to the great modifications the watch world has gone by way of over the previous couple of years. Most of these might be traced again to a single level: “Tens of millions extra individuals care about watches now,” stated Eric Wind, Wind Classic proprietor. That new mass of collectors made costs explode momentarily earlier than they got here barely again to earth. Extra forms of individuals—as in, not simply rich white guys—are lastly getting extra concerned. Style is altering, too: collectors are embracing coloration, funk, and impressive design greater than ever earlier than. To cowl the large quantity of shifting floor, I ask nearly 20 of probably the most high-powered people within the watch universe—sellers, watch-club founders, model creators, auction-house specialists, podcast hosts, and mega-collectors—to assist us perceive the state of the watch world in 2022.

Title probably the most influential watchmaker on the planet proper now.

Jeremy Kirkland, host of the Blamo! podcast: Tudor. They set the tone for the brand new collectors, they’ve the stock, they’re approachable, aspirational, and extremely regarded.

Cara Barrett, founding father of Parchie Pal: It is a robust one. My preliminary response—and most blatant— is Rolex, as a result of they’re the trade leaders in nearly each side. They make watches which are wearable, well-designed, and so they work very well. In addition they have one of the best title and model recognition. Everybody needs to have the identical status as Rolex (even when they could deny it). And earlier than somebody says they’re boring—there’s a purpose Philippe DuFour wears one as his every day.

Wes Lang, artist and collector: Rexhep Rexhepi.

Jason Gong, founder and CEO of Complecto: Rolex, hands-down. They set the tendencies everybody else follows, yearly. The trade goes as Rolex goes.

John Reardon, founding father of Collectability: Patek Philippe.

Tim Bender, founding father of Fog Metropolis Classic: Rolex will all the time be probably the most influential for my part. They’re arguably one of the best marketer on the planet. That stated, if there may be any model that is actually taken off among the many gathering group I might should say it is F.P. Journe.

Rhuigi Villaseñor, founding father of Rhude and collector: Richard Mille for the innovation. He and the model do an excellent job at encapsulating what modern-day luxurious is. I feel younger individuals are excited concerning the watches. Don’t get me unsuitable, I’m Patek Philippe to the core, however I really like what pushes the world ahead.

Zoe Abelson, founding father of Graal Restricted: F.P. Journe.

Adam Craniotes, co-founder of RedBar Group: On the model facet, it is nonetheless Rolex by advantage of quantity, recognition, and high quality.

Geoff Hess, senior worldwide specialist at Phillips: It could be onerous to problem the spectacular affect that Rolex nonetheless instructions within the watch group immediately.

What do you see as probably the most “in style” watch on the planet proper now?

Jacek Kozubek, founding father of Tropical Watch: For me it is nonetheless the Daytona.

Yoni Ben-Yehuda, Materials Good’s head of watches: I’d say a Rolex Daytona or an AP Royal Oak.