Over the last decade, Bellamy Hunt has made a name for himself as the go-to source for rare camera equipment of yesteryear. Based out of Tokyo, Hunt has built his business Japan Camera Hunter upon his unparalleled access to quality examples of the world's most sought-after 35 mm and medium format film cameras, supplying enthusiasts and professionals alike with the tools to unleash the potential of their creative minds.  

In Bezel's exclusive interview, we sit down with the photographer, curator of rare cameras, and online authority to explore his introduction to the world of mechanical watches, the parallels of watch and camera collecting, plus the most prized watch in his personal collection.

In Conversation with Bellamy Hunt

Bezel: How did you get into watches? 

BH: That's an interesting one, really. I was always fascinated by watches when I was young. My grandfather had a pocket watch that I really enjoyed looking at. My father had a couple of pieces, but nothing remarkable. But I got a watch as soon as I could afford one from my part-time job as a teenager. It was an Adidas watch, and was terrible. I then got another watch in the mid-nineties, which was also terrible. After that, I wore a G-shock for a number of years whilst I traveled the world. It wasn't until I started JCH that I could actually afford a "proper" watch, and that's when the problems started.

Bezel: Why do you think so many young people are almost innately motivated to acquire and wear a “proper” watch?

‍BH: Nowadays, I think it has a lot to do with social media and the image of being successful. When I was a teenager I had no thoughts about a Rolex or anything of that stature. There has certainly been a shift towards a younger audience.

Bezel: What was your first watch, and what’s the story behind it? 

BH: My first serious watch was one that I purchased myself. I had been looking for a watch for a while. My friend Ming Thein suggested a few watches when we were out one day in Tokyo. I tried on a few different pieces, but the reference 16610 Submariner was calling out to me. I nearly got a “Kermit,” but ended up with a reference 16610 with the “Swiss Made” dial. I still have that watch, and it’s been through a lot with me, including a couple of serious cycling accidents – but it’s still solid and beautiful.

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Bezel: Has your knowledge of mechanical cameras guided your interest in mechanical watches? 

‍BH: Absolutely, yes. I feel there is a definite connection. Which is shared by many camera collectors, who also happen to be watch collectors. I have always been fascinated by mechanical objects. I also love classic bicycles, the fully mechanical kind.

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

‍BH: That is a hard one. My favorite is probably my Rolex GMT Master Ref. 16700 Pepsi "Swiss only". It is so clean, and people immediately know what’s going on when they see it. I love the Submariner, but the GMT is a watch I aspired to own for a long time.

Bezel: What’s the closest analog to Rolex’s professional range within the world of collectible cameras? Leica’s M series? Nikon’s F series? 

‍BH: I think I would say the Leica cameras, which is probably closest to the truth, as they’re now mass-produced, whereas they were hand-assembled in the past. They’ve always been viewed by many as the “rich man’s” camera, but there are higher-end cameras, which would match Pateks – the Alpa cameras. They were all handmade in Switzerland by a company that had been making parts for the watch industry and decided to branch out into extremely special cameras.

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

BH:   I can.

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1. Rolex Day-Date 36 "Onyx Dial" Ref. 18038

The onyx dial is just stunning. 

2. Audemars Piguet Royal Oak "Jumbo" Extra-Thin Ref. 15202ST.OO.1240ST.01

I have always wanted an AP – Gerald Genta changed everything with this watch.

3. Grand Seiko Elegance "Ryūsendō" Limited Edition Ref. SBGK015

And as I am in Japan, I should have a Grand Seiko – they are so beautifully made.

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Bezel: Why do you continue to enjoy collecting watches? 

BH: I was, for a while, really into the latest innovations, but it became boring to an extent. Always just variations of the same thing. I started looking to older watches for inspiration and found a love for classic pieces. I have kids now, so collecting the watches I want isn't a priority for me, but I still keep my eyes open for special watches. I am into Lemania, Nivada, and racing watches at the moment.

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- Isaac Wingold