The current landscape of luxury watch collecting is one of intricate artistry, rich history, and passionate enthusiasm. One such devotee is the renowned DJ and entrepreneur Steve Aoki, who we’re proud to call a friend of Bezel.

Embracing watch collecting with enthusiasm and fervor after years of admiring his father’s collection, Aoki has developed an ever-evolving appreciation for highly complicated watches that fit into his active, jet-set lifestyle.

In our exclusive interview, we sit down with Grammy-nominated DJ and Producer Steve Aoki to explore his introduction to collecting, what’s currently on his Bezel want list, plus his favorite watch in his collection. 

In Conversation with Steve Aoki:

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B: How did you get into watches? 

‍SA: My father was a big watch collector – I always admired his watches and later started to appreciate them more and more, eventually starting a collection of my own.

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

SA: My first watch was a Rolex Oyster Perpetual that my father gave me after I graduated high school back in 1996. It’s definitely a permanent collection piece.

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

‍SA: It’s gotta be my Patek Philippe Nautilus Ref. 5712 in steel. It’s such a timeless and iconic model which really never gets old. It’s sporty, it’s elegant, and it’s got just enough complication to it. I really appreciate how its sportiness gives me the chance to wear it daily, as I'm a very active person.

B: Can you share three watches in your Wants on Bezel right now?

SA: Absolutely – in no particular order:

1. F.P. Journe Tourbillon Souverain Platinum 1403
2. Patek Philippe World Time Minute Repeater Ref. 5531R-012
3. Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Perpetual Calendar in blue ceramic

B: Why do you continue to enjoy collecting watches? 

‍SA: I love the latest releases and the hunt, but I really find my joy in the artistry of complicated watchmaking. Astronomical complications are particularly mind blowing – a miniature automatic mechanism that indicates the time, date, year and leap year and also the alignment of the stars on any given day. Who wouldn’t be fascinated by that?

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- Isaac Wingold, Senior Editor

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