For the Love of Time: A Father, a Daughter, and the Stories Watches Tell
Time Well Spent: Blake’s Journey Through Watches and Life
Blake isn’t just a watch collector—he’s a storyteller. A proud salesman from Louisiana and, above all, a devoted father, Blake finds meaning in the connections his watches create. When we first met in the watch community, it was our shared love of Timex that brought us together, but it was our mutual devotion to our daughters that truly cemented our friendship.
Blake has been one of my closest friends in the watch family, someone I exchange ideas and even watches with regularly. Though there’s a bit of an age gap between us, we share similar goals: building a life centered around passion, resilience, and legacy.
Here’s a glimpse into Blake’s world and the stories behind his remarkable collection.
The Spark That Lit the Fuse
For Blake, watches aren’t just accessories—they’re vessels of history and personal growth. His love for timepieces began with a simple Timex from his father. That watch, humble yet meaningful, ignited a lifelong admiration for the brand and its ethos: creating timepieces for everyone.
“I see my own story in Timex’s history,” Blake shares. “Simple beginnings, surviving challenges, and proving enduring value.”
Watch That Brought a Song to Life
One of Blake’s most treasured pieces is his Bulova Fly Me to the Moon, a watch with a story as heartwarming as its name.
Blake’s daughter, Finley, fell in love with Frank Sinatra’s classic tune when she was just three years old. She declared it “our song,” and it became a special bond between father and daughter. Years later, when Bulova released a Sinatra-inspired collection, Blake and Finley knew they had to get the Fly Me to the Moon model.
Bulova Fly Me to the Moon
“We picked it out together, and I let her unbox it when it arrived. She called it ‘so beautiful’ and still refers to it as ‘our watch.’ It’s not just a timepiece; it’s a memory captured forever.”
“We picked it out together, and I let her unbox it when it arrived. She called it ‘so beautiful’ and still refers to it as ‘our watch.’ It’s not just a timepiece; it’s a memory captured forever.”
Finding History on His Wrist
Blake’s collection also includes a 1918 Elgin trench watch, a piece with profound historical significance. Issued to U.S. soldiers during World War I, this watch once served in the European theater.
The Department of War had mandated black-painted cases to reduce light reflection—a detail still visible inside the case back. “I don’t know if it was worn at Belleau Wood or in a mess tent feeding soldiers, but either way, it’s a treasure and a piece of history I hold dear.”
A Collector’s Evolution
Blake’s journey through watch collecting has had its ups and downs. Initially, he explored a variety of brands, from affordable staples like Orient and Citizen to luxury pieces like Omega and Grand Seiko.
At one point, social media influence led him astray. “I realized I was buying watches for likes and engagement, not because I truly loved them,” Blake admits.
This epiphany brought him back to his roots. He sold his high-end pieces and refocused on Timex and Bulova—brands that embody the heritage and accessibility he values. “It was liberating. I now collect for myself, and that’s where I find the most joy.”
Watches That Hold the Heart
For Blake, watch collecting is as much about people as it is about timepieces. His love of Timex reflects the everyman spirit, while his Bulova Fly Me to the Moon connects him to his daughter. The trench watch on his wrist ties him to a soldier from over a century ago, reminding him of resilience and sacrifice.
Blake’s story isn’t about amassing the most expensive collection. It’s about creating a collection that speaks to his values, his memories, and his enduring spirit. Watches, for Blake, are much more than tools—they’re symbols of connection, resilience, and love.
"Have a Watch Story to Share?
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