Some people collect cars. Others collect watches. Chris DiJorio does both—but not in the way you might expect. As the founder of Rally Point East, a members-only automotive club in New York, DiJorio has built a space where collectors aren’t just accumulating prized possessions but also forging relationships. His passion for craftsmanship and design extends from the garage to the wrist, where he values timepieces not just for their history but for their usability.

For DiJorio, collecting has never been about scarcity or status—it’s about the experience. As someone who believes that cars are meant to be driven and watches are meant to be worn, his approach to both is refreshingly grounded, favoring mechanical excellence over market trends. In our conversation, we explore his lifelong love of cars, the deep-rooted connection between car and watch collecting, and how Rally Point East became more than just a garage.

In Conversation with Chris DiJorio

IW: Chris, I appreciate you taking the time to speak with me. I've been looking forward to diving into your journey through cars, watches, and building a community around both. Where did your love for cars begin? 

CD: I don’t even know exactly when it started, but it was young. I had the typical posters of Ferraris and Porsches on my wall. Growing up on Long Island, I didn’t see exotic cars often, which made them all the more aspirational for me. I think it was always about having something to chase—cars represented a goal, something I could work towards.

‍

IW: So as you got older and started collecting, I'm guessing you found yourself looking for more than just the usual car meets?

CD: Exactly. I love cars, but after attending a few parking lot meetups, I started thinking, "Is this really the best we can do?" There was no infrastructure, no deeper engagement—it just felt repetitive. I wanted a space where car enthusiasts could connect in a meaningful way. I started thinking about what would happen if we built something that wasn’t just a gathering but an actual hub for people who share this passion. That’s what led to Rally Point East.

IW: And now it’s grown into something much bigger than just a place to store and admire cars, right?

CD: Absolutely. The heart of Rally Point East is the community. Cars bring people in, but it’s the relationships they form that keep them engaged. We’re using cars as a conduit to something bigger—networking, friendship, and shared experience. Whether it's swapping knowledge, collaborating on projects, or just having a place to enjoy our passion together, it's so much more than just the cars themselves.

‍

IW: Shifting to watches, do you see any similarities between collecting cars and watches?

CD: 100%. Both are about craftsmanship, history, and personal expression. I think it’s the mechanical nature of both that draws people in. There's a fascination with the precision of how they work, how they're engineered, and how they evolve over time. And, like with cars, I don’t collect watches just to keep them pristine—I wear them. They’re meant to be used, just like a car is meant to be driven.

IW: What’s in your collection right now?

CD: My main watches are a Tudor Black Bay 58, a Tudor Black Bay P01, and an Eterna Porsche Design Chronograph I recently picked up. The P01 is a funny watch because, from what I understand, nobody really bought it, which makes me like it even more. Beyond that, I’ve always admired the Omega Speedmaster and Rolex Explorer—classic, functional, and timeless.

‍

IW: That sounds similar to your philosophy with cars—you want things that are usable, not just collectibles.

CD: Exactly. I’ve owned rare cars with ultra-low mileage, and I found myself feeling guilty driving them. That’s not for me. If I own something, I want to use it. That’s why I gravitate toward watches that are built to last. I don’t want to baby them—I want to wear them in my day-to-day life without worrying.

IW: Tell me about your current cars.

CD: I have a 1990 Porsche 964 C2 rebuilt by RWB. It’s finished in Miami Blue and was completely stripped down to the chassis for a full rotisserie restoration. Every nut, bolt, wire, and interior detail was redone before Akira Nakai put his signature RWB widebody touch on it. It’s my forever car—the one I’ll never sell.

I also own a 2024 GT3 RS in Alberta Blue with red accents. To my knowledge, it's the only one in this spec in the U.S., with just one other existing in Switzerland. It’s an absolute weapon on the track—Porsche’s engineering at its finest. The aerodynamics, the downforce, the way it handles—it’s just an incredible machine to drive.

Beyond those, I have a 2007 E63 M6 with a manual transmission, which is pretty rare. It has that incredible V10 engine, and it’s one of the most fun cars I own to drive. And then there’s my 997 GT3 Cup, which I race regularly. It’s raw, aggressive, and truly meant for the track.

‍

IW: That’s an incredible lineup. What about your daily driver?

CD: It’s not exciting at all—a Tesla Model 3. I do over 200 miles a day for work, so an EV just makes sense. Do I love it? Not really. But it’s practical.

IW: Rally Point East has done a few watch-related events. What’s the connection been like between the watch and car communities?

CD: The overlap is huge. We’ve worked with brands like TAG Heuer and Tudor, and the events always draw a big crowd. There’s a natural synergy between the two worlds because both attract people who appreciate craftsmanship, engineering, and timeless design.

It’s not just about the object itself—it’s about the journey. Whether it’s hunting down the right car spec or the perfect vintage watch, the process is half the thrill. Collectors love the chase, the research, and the history behind each piece. And at the end of the day, these hobbies are about connecting with like-minded people who share that passion. That’s why our watch events at Rally Point East have been so well received—it’s the same mindset, just with a different medium.

‍

IW: Any advice for collectors, whether it’s watches or cars?

CD: Start by looking at everything—cast a wide net. Over time, you’ll refine your taste and figure out what really speaks to you. And once you find that piece, whether it’s a car or a watch, set a goal and figure out how to get it. Also, don’t be afraid to use what you collect. A watch isn’t meant to live in a safe, and a car isn’t meant to sit in a garage. The joy is in the experience, not just in the ownership.

IW: Your approach to collecting—whether it's cars or watches—feels so rooted in passion and purpose rather than just acquisition. It’s refreshing to hear.

‍

Have someone in mind that you'd like to see featured?  Interested in submitting a story of your own?

Reach out to us at editorial@getbezel.com.

- Isaac Wingold