Justin Hast sees watch collecting as a deeply personal pursuit driven by storytelling, emotion, and meaningful connections. Known for his engaging presence as a photographer, writer, presenter, and co-creator of the newsletter and podcast The Enthusiasts with Stephen Pulvirent, Justin brings a genuine enthusiasm and thoughtful insight to the watch community.

In our conversation, we explore how Justin’s passion for watches began and evolved, the influences that shaped his approach to collecting, and why watches continue to resonate with him on a deeply personal level.

In Conversation with Justin Hast

Isaac Wingold: Tell me about how your passion for watches began.

Justin Hast: It started on family holidays in Turkey, wandering through bustling markets. I’d always find myself drawn to stands filled with vintage items, but ultimately picking up perhaps illegitimate Adidas or G-Shock watches. I cherished them deeply despite how quickly they’d break, often within the same holiday. A pivotal memory was when a Japanese school friend gifted me my first genuine G-Shock watch, which left a lasting impression, even though I somehow managed to break that one as well.

IW: When did watches start becoming more significant for you personally?

JH: The turning point was receiving my grandfather’s Omega Constellation from my dad on my 21st birthday. My family had moved from South Africa to the UK when I was very young, so this watch became a meaningful connection to my grandparents, whom I’d never met. It sparked my deep dive into online watch forums, especially the vibrant IWC community, which significantly fueled my passion.

IW: What drew you specifically to IWC?

JH: I was particularly influenced by an uncle figure in my life—an incredibly creative man who was an interior designer, photographer, and property developer in London. I spent my holidays working with him, driving him around London in his vintage Rolls Royce for client visits, assisting him with design consultations, and moving valuable artworks. He wore an elegant IWC Portuguese Chronograph, which stood out as refined and tasteful and made a profound impression on me. His watch, combined with the passionate online IWC community, definitely played a role in shaping my early collecting preferences.

IW:What were the first watches you bought that felt truly significant to you?

JH: Early on, I bought a Panerai Luminor Marina PAM00111, followed shortly by a white-dial IWC Aquatimer. Both were pre-owned and somewhat unconventional choices for me at the time. I enjoyed how unique these watches felt, and today, I still have a nostalgic attachment to that Panerai—so much so that I’ve been considering adding another one back into my collection.

IW: How did you transition from a passionate collector to working professionally in the watch industry?

JH: It evolved organically. After receiving my grandfather’s Omega, I started my own blog called ‘Kangkono,’ named after a Zulu word meaning ‘to be better.’ The blog wasn’t just about watches—it covered craftsmanship and quality products broadly, including shoes, suits, and other thoughtfully made products. Eventually, my writing and passion caught the attention of Revolution magazine. I’ll never forget my first meeting with Wei Koh, who rigorously tested my knowledge of watches and calibers. After passing his memorable test, I became Revolution’s online editor, an experience that opened doors to further freelance opportunities with prominent watch platforms like Hodinkee and SJX.

IW: Given your unique perspective as both a collector and an industry insider, how did that influence your decision to launch The Enthusiasts?

JH: Stephen and I met through the watch community and quickly realized we shared similar interests beyond just watches—including photography, design, and personal style. We wanted to create something that went beyond traditional watch news coverage, aiming for deeper and more personal conversations about collecting culture. The podcast allows us to explore the emotional side of collecting in a way that resonates more broadly with enthusiasts.

IW: What watches in your collection hold a special place today?

JH: Two watches stand out most significantly for me. The first is the Vacheron Constantin Historiques 1921 in yellow gold, which I wore when my daughter was born—this gives it profound sentimental value that makes it irreplaceable. The second watch, somewhat surprisingly, is the Laurent Ferrier Sport Auto in titanium. Initially, I borrowed it from the brand without high expectations. Still, I quickly fell in love with its exceptional comfort and versatility, and now it’s easily my most frequently worn watch.

IW: Would you say your approach to collecting watches has evolved over the years?

JH: Definitely, I’ve become much less sentimental about most watches, focusing instead on those few pieces with genuine emotional significance, like the Vacheron. My approach has become more fluid—I frequently buy, sell, and experiment, embracing the idea of watches coming and going as part of my collecting journey. Collecting has become an automatic, integral part of my daily routine, continuously engaging my curiosity and passion.

IW: Considering the ups and downs, what keeps your passion for collecting watches so alive?

JH: It’s genuinely automatic for me now—almost second nature. There’s always something new to learn, a conversation to be had, or a trade to explore. Even when it’s challenging financially or emotionally, the excitement of discovery, combined with the meaningful relationships built within the collecting community, continues to fuel my passion and makes the entire experience endlessly rewarding.

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- Isaac Wingold

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