David Shuck’s relationship with material goods is a testament to his ethos of buying fewer, better items with the potential to last a lifetime. Whether it’s repairing raw denim jeans dozens of times or extending the lifespan of a decades-old timepiece, David’s dedication to longevity is an everlasting guiding principle. With a refreshingly straightforward stable of watches anchored by sentiment and practicality, his collection is a reflection of his belief that a great watch should not only evoke an undeniable sense of delight but also tell a story.

In Bezel’s exclusive interview, we sit down with the Heddels partner and proponent of all things built to last to discuss his introduction to the world of watches, the allure of heirlooms, plus the most prized watches in his personal collection.

In Conversation with David Shuck

Isaac Wingold: How did you get into watches? 

David Shuck: I’ve always had a compulsion to know what time it is, going back to when I was about six years old. I saved up my allowance and chore money to buy a Timex Ironman from Target. I was fascinated with its myriad of modes, so much so that my parents regularly threatened to take it away if I didn't stop beeping through the menu at dinner. Instead, I’d just turn the "Indiglo" on and off. Unsurprisingly, the battery didn’t last long.

A few years later, I became enamored with a titanium Bulova chronograph at a local jeweler. This was at the age when I thought everything could be distilled into credit card terminology—silver good, gold better, platinum best! I couldn’t get enough of those spinny little sub-dials. I didn’t have the money to buy it from the store, but I did have access to the internet and soon found it for a fraction of the cost on eBay. I spent three achingly long weeks checking the mail before it finally arrived from Korea.

That Bulova was on my wrist for the next eight years, including a brief period in seventh grade when I kept a Fossil pocket watch clipped on a chain to my jeans. I didn’t really use it to tell time; I mostly just twirled it around like some sort of cartoon gangster from the 1930s until it smacked into a lunch table and exploded across the cafeteria.

Isaac Wingold: What was your first watch and what's the story behind it? 

David Shuck: My first watch was a Timex Ironman, which I bought when I was six. It introduced me to the concept of owning something with multiple functions and the thrill of a gadget on my wrist. I was glued to it—so much so that the battery didn’t stand a chance. It was my gateway into watches and sparked an early fascination that hasn’t quite left me yet.

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Isaac Wingold: What do you look for in a watch? 

David Shuck: I look for versatility—something that can fit seamlessly into various settings and adapt to different levels of formality. For me, that usually means an understated stainless steel sports watch, like a classic Rolex. It has to be repairable, too. One of the things I love about mechanical watches is that they can be serviced and brought back to life indefinitely. My dad switched to a Citizen Eco-Drive after his Rolex became too costly to maintain, but those watches can’t be repaired the same way, and he’s already gone through a few of them.

Above all, I need a watch that has some emotional heft. There’ll always be something newer and shinier, but if a watch tells a story or holds some deeper meaning–that’s what makes it irreplaceable. That’s what makes it worth keeping.

Isaac Wingold: What's your favorite watch in your collection and why? 

David Shuck: My favorite watch is my dad’s 1977 Rolex Oyster Date Ref. 1500. When I was in college, I started looking into "serious" watches. The angular style of my Bulova started to feel a bit garish, so I explored everything from vintage Omegas and Tudors to Nomos and Hamiltons, trying to fit my $500-ish budget.

My dad has always been a function-over-form guy and bought his Rolex while on leave in Hong Kong from working in Papua New Guinea. He needed something waterproof, and Rolex’s screw-down crown patent made it the best choice at the time. He wore it for decades, but when Rolex stopped servicing his model, and the cost of an independent cleaning became higher than what he originally paid, he switched to a Citizen Eco-Drive and put the Rolex in a drawer.

When I called him about my interest in buying a Sinn 556, he asked if I wanted the Rolex instead. I did. I’ve worn it for the last 15 years. It’s not as waterproof as it once was, and it tends to overwind if I exercise with it, so I use a Casio F91W for that. But this watch stopped my desire to collect dead in its tracks—there will never be a watch I want to wear more than his.

Isaac Wingold: Why do you continue to enjoy collecting watches? 

David Shuck: I’m not much of a collector. I only like having things I actively use, and between my high and low of the Rolex and the Casio, all my needs are met. This could change if I took up scuba diving or needed a watch with specific capabilities, but for now, these two watches cover it. They’re the perfect pair.

Isaac Wingold: Can you share three watches in your Wants on Bezel? 

David Shuck: Absolutely!

Rolex Air King "Domino's Challenge" Ref. 126000‍

This is a grail watch for me. I’ve wanted one ever since I learned it existed. I love the idea of a watch as a corporate reward—it tells a story you can’t get by simply buying it. You have to earn it by selling a ton of pizzas. While there’s one listed on Bezel right now that’s very tempting, I’m not sure I could ever bring myself to purchase it. Maybe one day, I’ll take on the challenge myself as a Domino’s manager.

Panerai Luminor Submersible 42 3 Days Ref. PAM00973‍

I’m drawn to this hulking beast of a watch, even though it will never work for me because of my tiny wrists. It looks like something that could deflect a bullet and would probably outlast life on this planet.

Patek Philippe Calatrava Ref. 5196R-001‍

When my grandfather passed away, my uncle got his Patek Philippe Calatrava. In some alternate timeline, I’m wearing that instead of the Rolex, but I’m happy with this one.

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- Isaac Wingold

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