Finding Time: A Collector's Journey Through Watches and Memories
The journey into watch collecting is often sparked by nostalgia, personal milestones, or a fascination with the art of timekeeping. For Jason Lister, better known on Instagram as watch4jay, this journey is steeped in stories, shared experiences, and a deep appreciation for the connections watches can create. Hailing from Montreal, Canada, Jason’s passion for watches began early and has grown into a meaningful part of his life. In this interview, I had the pleasure of sitting down with Jason to learn more about his collection, his story, and the lessons he’s learned along the way.
A Spark Lit by Time: The Beginning of a Passion
Jason’s love for watches traces back to childhood, inspired by cultural icons like Dick Tracy, Knight Rider, and Back to the Future. “Watches were always cool to me,” Jason explained. “Growing up, I felt like I was the only kid wearing a watch at school.” Early Timex gifts from his mother, including a 1993 Timex Ironman, solidified his connection to timepieces, marking the start of a lifelong passion.
Jay’s Original Timex
“My mom bought me some Timex watches throughout my youth and I still have a 1993 Timex Ironman I used to wear. I remember feeling like I was the only kid with a watch on at school.”
When I first met Jason on Instagram in 2023, we instantly bonded over our shared admiration for Timex. From that point on, our friendship grew as we shared each other’s posts, influenced each other’s watch purchases, and even swapped music recommendations—another area where Jason’s taste shines.
The First Watch: A Timex Ironman
Jason’s first watch was a Timex 30-lap Ironman in black and orange. “It was practical but also a statement piece for me,” he shared. This watch became his trusted companion through milestones, fostering a deep connection to the Timex brand. Over time, his collection expanded to include pieces like a Swiss Military analogue in 1997 and Citizen Eco-Drive models, further reflecting his evolving tastes.
A Collector’s Evolution: From Casio to Timex
The pandemic reignited Jason’s collecting journey, with affordable and accessible Casio watches serving as an entry point. “I started buying Casios because they were easy to get, but my soft spot has always been Timex,” Jason admitted. Today, his collection leans toward pilot and field watches, with a recent interest in chronographs adding even more variety.
A Memorable Acquisition: The Bulova Lunar Pilot
One of Jason’s most cherished pieces is the Bulova Lunar Pilot, a watch he won in a giveaway. Its connection to the Apollo 15 mission, where astronaut Dave Scott famously wore it, adds historical significance. “I’m a bit of a space nerd, so having this watch tracks with me,” Jason explained, highlighting how his personal interests intertwine with his horological passion.
Watches with Sentiment and Legacy
Among the most meaningful pieces in Jason’s collection is a Swiss Army “Original” that belonged to his late father. “My dad wasn’t a collector, but he always wore a watch,” Jason shared. This watch is a tangible link to his father’s memory. Similarly, Jason’s own Swiss Military watch from 1997 holds sentimental value, with plans to pass it along to his young son someday. “These watches represent family and legacy to me,” he reflected.
A Watch with Meaning
“The Swiss Army watch was simply his latest one [my father] wore daily for several years before passing away in 2016… [it] is one I hope to pass along to my son, someday”
The Lessons of Watch Collecting
Collecting watches comes with its share of learning moments. Jason recounted an unfortunate mishap involving his Citizen perpetual calendar minute repeater: “I accidentally placed the screw in the wrong hole during a repair and wrecked a gear,” he admitted. But even this experience became a lesson in patience and precision, adding depth to his collector’s journey.
The Future of the Collection
Jason’s collecting goals are shifting toward intentionality. “I need to stop wanting every watch I see and just appreciate learning about them,” he said, emphasizing quality over quantity. As a father, Jason also hopes to pass his passion on to his 8-year-old son, who’s already showing interest in watches. “All hope is not lost!” he joked.
A Community Built on Time
For Jason, watch collecting is more than a hobby—it’s a way to connect with others.
“I think it gave me a sense of community when I really needed it during the pandemic,” he said. Through Instagram and watch photography, Jason has built lasting relationships with fellow enthusiasts, including myself.
As our friendship has grown, I’ve come to admire not only Jason’s collection but also his enthusiasm for the stories behind each watch. Whether we’re debating the merits of a new Timex or sharing playlists, Jason’s passion is contagious.
Closing Thoughts
Jason Lister’s journey through watches is a testament to the power of timepieces to bring people together. From childhood memories to meaningful heirlooms, his collection reflects a life well-lived and connections well-made. It’s a reminder that watches are more than tools for telling time—they’re vessels for stories, community, and legacy.
Jason’s story inspires me, and I hope it inspires you, too. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just starting out, there’s always more to discover—and more stories to share—through the art of watch collecting.
"Have a Watch Story to Share?
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