Since the launch of her watch photography-focused Instagram account in 2021, Lydia Winters has been inspiring collectors worldwide with her unique perspectives and creative eye. Concurrently, Winters leads brand direction and serves as the Chief Storyteller at Mojang Studios, guiding the usage of one of the most recognizable brands of today – Minecraft.

In Bezel's exclusive interview, we sit down with the collector, photographer, and digital storyteller to explore her introduction to the world of watches, the collision of her biggest hobbies, plus the most prized watches in her personal collection.

In Conversation with Lydia Winters

Bezel: How did you get into watches? 

LW: They were always around when I was growing up as both of my parents loved watches, though it never quite stuck until my wonderful partner bought me a watch of my own. That piece really made me fall in love with collecting, and also made me realize that I needed to add a Rolex Datejust to the collection for all of life’s adventures ahead. After that, I naively assumed that I now had a perfect and complete watch collection, but I just kept going deeper and deeper into the game. Now I want ALL the watches!

Bezel: What sort of adventures has your Datejust accompanied you on? 

LW: My Datejust has traveled with me all around the world! From the north of Sweden chasing the Northern Lights, all the way up to the mountains of Nepal, to being onstage in front of 15,000 people, to playing with my nephews in Florida, to exploring the Vietnam countryside – it's truly been my “go anywhere, do anything” watch.

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

LW: My first watch was my Cartier Tank Solo. My partner, @vubui.watches, took me to our local AD to pick out a watch as a Christmas present. Even though I knew I’d be receiving the watch, I still cried when I opened it – truly a magical moment. I never thought I’d own a Cartier and still today it’s the watch I wear when I want to feel the most loved. 

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

LW:  I have a tough time picking favorites, though I’d definitely say that each watch in my collection has its own unique appeal and reason why I love it. For example, my turquoise and yellow dial Rolex Oyster Perpetuals are my favorites to photograph, whereas my GMT-Master II “Root Beer” is the go-to piece for when I’m feeling badass. Lately my Tudor Black Bay 54 is seeing a lot of mountain biking use – the list goes on, and on, and on!

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‍Bezel: What inspired you to begin photographing watches?

JR: My partner, Vu, suggested I photograph my watches – originally I thought it was a weird idea, but I found it to be incredibly inspiring. I approach them as if they’re portraits and I’m trying to capture a particular mood and feeling with each watch. I’m always excited to shoot, and hopefully that shines through on my account.

Photographing watches combines two of my biggest hobbies, and gives me another unique way to interact with each of my watches. It’s been incredible to see people’s positive reactions to my watch photography, including being named a “Hasselblad Heroine” and being featured in the New York Times! 

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

LW:  Of course!

1. Rolex Explorer II “Polar” Ref. 16750, with the 3186 movement.

2. Cartier Santos Galbée Ref. 1566

3. Any Lange 1 reference – a true dream watch!

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Bezel: Why do you continue to enjoy collecting watches? 

LW: Although watches are ever evolving, they also retain so much heritage. I love seeing the new novelties which brands release every year, not only for the sheer fun of seeing what’s new, but also the shared experience of enjoying and discussing the latest releases within the watch collecting community. Creating a watch-focused Instagram has really helped me make like-minded friends around the world – everywhere I go, I can ask someone about the watch they’re wearing and immediately find common ground with them.

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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, Senior Editor

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