HODINKEE's "Talking Watches" series has become a hallmark for watch enthusiasts and personally one of the cornerstones to my initial interest in watches. The intimate conversations with notable guests provide a unique insight into their personal connections with watches and their collections. Below I have listed our top 5 favorite episodes.
- Daniel Dae Kim
Daniel Dae Kim, known for his roles in hit TV series like "Lost" and "Hawaii Five-0," added a touch of Hollywood charm to "Talking Watches." Kim's episode showcased a collection reflecting his diverse taste and cultural influences. The actor's stories of acquiring and connecting with his watches provided a glimpse into his appreciation for craftsmanship and design, making it a standout episode in the series.
Favorite watches of the episode have to be either the affordable Seiko 5 Sports Speed-Timer (always great to see accessible watches on Talking Watches) or the steeped in mystery Rolex GMT master “Blueberry”.
- Brad Farmerie
Potentially the first surprise of the list, Chef Brad Farmerie's episode brought a delectable twist to "Talking Watches." Known for his culinary expertise, Farmerie shared his diverse collection and the stories behind each watch. The episode highlighted how watches can be a personal expression of one's style, transcending professional boundaries.
Farmerie's episode stands out for its authenticity and relatability, throughout the episode you clearly see a collector only concerned with his own taste and not necessarily concerned with the stature of the brands he collects. Within this collection everything from a Root beer rolex to the innovative but inexpensive Swatch Sistem 51.
- Morgan King
Morgan King, a respected figure in the watch industry, graced Talking Watches with his insights and collection. The majority of Morgan's collection consists of vintage chronographs from Rolex, Heuer and Breitling. His dedication to the Heuer Monaco range is relentless and his collection is to die for. His energy for watch collecting is infectious making for a thoroughly enjoyable watch.
- John Mayer
John Mayer's inaugural appearance on Talking Watches remains a benchmark for the series. The Grammy-winning musician and avid watch collector took viewers on a journey through his extensive collection, showcasing rare and iconic timepieces. Mayer's deep knowledge and passion for horology were palpable, making this episode a compelling watch for enthusiasts and novices alike. John Mayer appears on two further episodes of talking watches, one alongside Ed Sheeran and is (potentially) the celebrity most associated with his love of watches.
- Fred Savage
In our opinion hands down the best episode of Hodinkee’s talking watches and one we could watch over and over and over again is none other than The Wonder Years' Fred Savage. Fred Savage's episode brought a nostalgic touch to "Talking Watches." The accomplished actor and director shared his personal journey through the world of watches, intertwining memories of significant watch purchases with career and life milestones. The purchase of the Bell and Ross that led to a Rolex Explorer down the line stands out.
All this unfortunately pales in comparison to the heart warming end of the episode when Fred talks through his childrens watch collections, who had been keen to have their collections included as part of the episode.
In conclusion, HODINKEE's Talking Watches series has become a treasure trove of horological anecdotes. Each episode offers a distinct perspective on the intersection of personal style, professional pursuits, and the timeless charm of watches.