In Bezel's exclusive interview, we sit down with the creator and watch world personality to discuss his introduction to the world of watches, his love for independents, plus the most prized watches in his personal collection.
Better known amongst the watch-collecting masses as "Watch Chris," Chris Salih's passion for collecting and all things horological is infectious. Exploring the craft and culture surrounding it via his blog and YouTube channel, Salih's unique tastes and perspectives speak for themselves.
In Bezel's exclusive interview, we sit down with the creator and watch world personality to discuss his introduction to the world of watches, his love for independents, plus the most prized watches in his personal collection.
Bezel: How did you get into watches?
CS: My father was a bartender and the hardest-working person I’ve ever known. He loved watches and cars, and although he really couldn't afford either, he did have a few Timex watches that he swore by. He was my hero, and I wanted to be just like him when I grew up. So, I guess I took on his interests and today, I'm all about family, watches, and cars.
Bezel: What was your first watch, and what’s the story behind it?
CS: On my 5th birthday, my grandmother took me to Queens Center Mall for a gift. Of course, I chose a watch, and not just any watch, but a Superman watch. The experience of purchasing it with her was extremely special. I immediately cherished it and kept it in excellent condition. I still own that watch today, and it still works.
Bezel: Where did your collection go from there?
CS: From there, my first “serious” watch purchase was a Baume & Mercier Formula S Chrono—a really funky black PVD-coated version with minty green markers. I ended up trading it for a later purchase and have never seen another since.
Bezel: What’s your favorite watch in your collection and why?
CS: My favorite watch I’ve purchased is my Urwerk 103.03. However, when my father retired, he wanted to buy a special watch. By this time, I was fully immersed in watch collecting, so we went watch shopping together. We settled on a Zenith Elite in rose gold. Its thin profile and Art Deco dial were perfect. He was extremely proud of the watch; unfortunately, he passed away only four years later. It will never leave my collection.
Bezel: That’s a truly special, full-circle sort of moment. Any plans to pass the watch on to the next generation one day?
CS: I hope to pass on my father's watch and a few other very sentimental watches to my children when the time comes. I now have 3 kids, so I hope they like watches!
Bezel: Can you share a few must-have watches listed on Bezel right now?
CS: These caught my eye:
Bezel: What is it about independents that’s captivated your interest as of late?
CS: I’ve been collecting for almost 30 years, and the avant-garde style and “no limits” feeling you get from independent designs speak to me. I still love traditional watchmakers; however, independents offer something that they can't currently, in my opinion.
Bezel: Why do you continue to enjoy collecting watches?
CS: I honestly think it's a healthy addiction. I’ve always been a collector, not just of watches. The watch-collecting community is filled with great people. And what's not to like about a watch?
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- Isaac Wingold
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