Humble Beginnings to Horology: How a Story Led Me to Watches
Growing up in the city without much money, I was as far removed from horology as you could imagine. Moving from place to place, switching schools, and meeting people from all walks of life gave me an early appreciation for stories—the unique journeys that shape who we are. That same appreciation drove me to major in sociology, led me through a career in the military, and now inspires me as I embark on a new path as a watch collector, content creator, and storyteller.
My watch journey began far from where I grew up—in the bustling Souq Waqif in Doha, Qatar. If you’ve ever strolled through its winding alleys, you know its magic: the vibrant sounds of merchants haggling, the intoxicating scents of spices, and, of course, the endless vendors selling “the best real fake” watches. That was my first introduction to watch culture.
Walking through those stalls, I couldn’t help but wonder: What makes a watch? Why was this $200 “Rolex” less than 5% of the price of the real thing? That question ignited a curiosity that took me to jewelry stores, watch boutiques, and eventually, into the fascinating history of timepieces. While exploring Rolex, I stumbled upon Tudor—a brand with a shared heritage but a very different price point. For me, the difference came down to one thing: the story.
What I’ve learned about watches is this: a story is worth its weight in gold. If I was going to collect watches, I wanted ones that told my story—where I came from, who I am, and who I aspire to be.
For me, that meant finding an American brand. As a soldier and patriot, I’ve traveled the world and experienced incredible cultures, but I’ve never forgotten the country that made me. I also wanted a brand that reflected my beginnings. Some might call them humble; I call them helpful. Those early lessons in toughness, perseverance, and resilience shaped who I am today.
The brand I was searching for turned out to already be on my wrist.
My first analog watch was a Timex Expedition—not the Titanium North or the rugged Post Solar models I would later collect, but a simple one I picked up at the PX. Its reliability and simplicity were enough for me then, but as I dug deeper into Timex’s history, I realized how much the brand aligned with my values.
Founded in 1854, Timex revolutionized timekeeping by making reliable, affordable watches for the masses. They turned something once reserved for the wealthy into something anyone could own. Their mission hasn’t wavered: to make tough, dependable watches that “take a lickin’ and keep on tickin’.”
That’s exactly what I aspire to do in this life.
From that first Timex, I discovered an entire world: a world of horology, a world of stories, and a world of community. And just like the watches I admire, I haven’t stopped tickin’ since.