Known as Edgy Albert on TikTok and Instagram, Albert Muzquiz is a Los Angeles-based menswear authority with a love for style and sustainability. Sometimes referred to as the "Jean Daddy" of the internet, Muzquiz comments on the wild world of wares with an accessible, tongue-in-cheek flair, making his musings a must-see for anyone with a passion for everyday fashion.

In Bezel’s exclusive interview, we sit down with the content creator and stylist to discuss his introduction to the world of watches, his affinity for all things Tudor, plus the most prized watches in his personal collection.

In Conversation with Albert Muzquiz

Bezel: How did you get into watches?

AM: My mom bought me a Swatch in sixth grade, and later a Swiss Army watch when I went off to college. Despite normally wearing one, I didn't think much of watches, but that all changed after my mom got me a Nomos Club Campus for my college graduation. It was my first mechanical watch and the beginning of my obsession. I later worked for a few years in a high-end Japanese denim store, and many of our customers wore crazy watches. I slowly learned to identify them, and later, once I had some money of my own, started buying them.

Bezel: That’s quite the savvy pick on her part. How did she come to hear about Nomos?

AM: She learned about the brand from an article in the New Yorker written by Gary Shteyngart. I didn't totally understand its significance at the time, or anything about mechanical watches for that matter, but as I wore it and got compliments – from people wearing much more expensive pieces – I gradually began to understand just how cool it was.

Bezel: How did your collection evolve from there?

AM: After the Nomos on its leather strap, I really wanted a steel sports watch, and quickly became really attracted to the Tudor brand ethos and positioning as a more accessible Rolex. I was also really into workwear and truly obsessed with Rolex’s reference 1016 Explorer, though I couldn’t exactly afford one at the time, naturally leading me to the Tudor Black Bay 36.

Bezel: What’s your favorite watch in your collection and why?

AM: My Tudor Black Bay 58 definitely sees the most wear. It's my favorite for so many reasons, but it’s mainly the size and the gilt-style detailing that do it for me. It has all these gorgeous vintage-inspired details that most of the major watch brands have abandoned. Plus, it’s both tough and elegant—I like knowing I can bang it up and not worry about it.

Bezel: You really can’t beat the BB58. Do you have dress watch aspirations, or do you tend to favor sportier designs?

AM: I recently bought a two-tone Rolex Datejust from 1971, which is certainly dressier than anything I’ve had so far, but I like to dress it down with jeans and boots. I also found a vintage Omega Tank-style watch that runs nicely, and is my go-to watch for special occasions. I have truly no idea what model it is, but it’s a great budget-friendly alternative to a Cartier.

Bezel: Can you share 3 must-have watches listed on Bezel right now?

AM: Definitely!

TAG Heuer Carrera Classic 1964 Re-Edition Ref. CS3111.BC0725

I’m so charmed by early Carreras—the size is perfection. I imagine being some cool Italian race-car driver in the '60s wearing a suit and tie but having this on, which at the time was cutting-edge technology. This model is a very accurate reproduction of those early '60s models, but it was made in the '90s. Since first writing this, I actually bought one!

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Ref. 126500LN-0001

I’m kind of a snob about modern Rolex. I think lots of them are pretty bloated and ostentatious, at least when you look at the reference material. BUT - I cannot help but be charmed by Daytonas (basic of me, I know). I think the ceramic bezel really puts this one over the edge, and despite all the bells and whistles, it sits very nicely on the wrist. Some day it will be mine.

Rolex Explorer Ref. 1016

What a special piece. There’s a real grace to these watches, yet they were made to be hard-wearing tool watches. It’s a little subtler than other noteworthy Rolexes fitted with colored or fluted bezels, but I think the Explorer is about as good as it gets. Another I hope to one day own.

Bezel: Why do you continue to enjoy collecting watches? 

AM: I enjoy collecting watches because I delude myself into thinking that the next one will dramatically alter my life and make me cooler and more handsome than I currently am. So far it hasn’t worked, but maybe the next one will change things.

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- Isaac Wingold

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