Forward Momentum

When Richard Mille arrived at Baselworld in 2001, THE watch trade show from 1917 until 2019, the watch world was ill-prepared for the future that Richard Mille envisioned. He saw a future in which sports watches, using innovative materials that were both durable and lightweight, and watches with rubber straps and fabric straps would be a normal part of everyday dress. He brought a new design language, new materials, and a new approach to watchmaking that would breathe new life into traditional watchmaking.

In short, Richard Mille changed the game.

In this Episode of Forward Momentum, we will learn about Richard Mille, the brand’s rise to prominence, and how Richard’s interest in cars led his brand to be one of the most recognizable forces in motorsport today.

There are few things more iconic than the picture of the King of Cool, Mr. Steve McQueen, in his white racing suit with the bright Heuer logo on his right shoulder, with a blue dial Heuer Monaco on his right wrist. This iconic scene from Le Mans forever associated Heuer, Porsche, and McQueen together, and it would forever solidify the place of the Heuer Monaco in motorsport and the minds of watch collectors and racing afficionados. Sadly, the story isn’t to be, the watch was simply a prop.

This week on Forward Momentum we dive into Heuer, McQueen, and Porsche. I am joined once again by Paul Boutros of Phillips to talk about Steve McQueen and the Heuer Monaco.

For more on the story of the filming of Le Mans, please check out the excellent Quill & Pad interview with Don Nunley, the Prop Manager for Le Mans.

https://quillandpad.com/2018/06/26/the-real-story-behind-steve-mcqueens-heuer-monaco-exclusive-interview-with-le-mans-property-master-don-nunley/

Join me next week for a deep dive into Richard Mille. Until then, keep moving forward.

Forward Momentum is back with Episode 4! Following Episode 3, which explored the Paul Newman Rolex Daytona and its sale for a record setting $17.8 million dollars in 2017, it seemed appropriate to take a deeper look at Rolex and understand what the brand means for motorsport and for the watch industry. The importance of Rolex cannot be understated. The brand's presence in global motorsport should be understood in a historical and modern context of Rolex. There are many facets to the business that demonstrate why Rolex is such a powerhouse. I was also able to ask Josh Srolovitz, Director of Trading at WatchBox Hong Kong why Rolex is so important to the watch industry, listen for his poetic take on a beautiful brand.

Join me for a deep dive into Rolex and please let me know if you like this format and want more of these brand deep dives!

On the 26th of October, 2017, a watch auction took place in New York City. Watch auctions happen quarterly around the globe, focusing Primarily on Hong Kong, Geneva, Switzerland, and New York City. This watch auction was different. It featured a very special watch, a watch owned by Paul Newman - Yes, that Paul Newman - movie star, race car driver, and creator of the wall of salad dressings at your local supermarket. Inscribed on the case back was “Drive Carefully Me” - a love note of sorts from his wife Joanne Woodward. There was nothing special about this watch - it was a standard Rolex production model.

This watch was different because Paul Newman was a record shattering Icon. The Rolex Daytona in questions happened to be featured in Paul Newman’s movie “Winning,” which would set off his love affair with racing. But what was unknown at the time was just how big of an impact this watch would have on watches and watch collecting as a hobby.

The watch would go on to sell for $17.8 million dollars on a rainy October evening in 2017 in New York City.

$17.8 million dollars for a watch that had a massive impact on watch collecting and on Rolex’s connection to motorsport.

This week on Forward Momentum we are back with a discussing with Paul Boutros, Head of Watches – Americas for Phillips, to talk about a very special Rolex Daytona owned by Paul Newman and sold by Phillips in Associations with Bacs & Russo.

I am also joined by my friend Josh Srolovitz, the Head of Trading at WatchBox Hong Kong to talk about the importance of the Paul Newman Daytona.

I was out of town for a few weeks recently, I was at Geneva Watch Days and debuted my new film, Seeking Perfect there. You can find the film at seekingperfectfilm.com. I am looking forward to getting back on a regular production schedule and will look forward to seeing you back for Episode 4: Rolex.

Welcome back to Forward Momentum! In this episode, we dive deep on  the drivers as the style icons and as aspirational characters, the world of Formula 1, and its parallels in the luxury world. And just how that curated aura of Formula 1 can parallel the watch market. Please note that in the intro I reference the McLaren signing of Oscar Piastri and getting back to racing at Spa. The Belgian Grand Prix did occur last weekend and I thought I would get this episode out before the race weekend, I was unable to, but I am certain there is more new to come on this front, so stay tuned!

On this Episode of Forward Momentum we take a look at my history with watches, the watch market, and Netflix. It's impossible to understate the importance of Drive to Survive on Liberty Media's (they own F1) strategy to get new viewership. This is a deep cut on my history and how watches were saved following the quartz crisis. Welcome to Forward Momentum! 

An introduction to the world of Forward Momentum. This first series will focus on watches and motorsport, with updates on the 2022 Formula 1 World Championship, detours to speak with watchmakers, watch industry insiders, collectors, and friends. I have been obsessed with watches since I was six years old, and I've been obsessed with Formula 1 for as long. I was always surprised to see watch brands involved in Formula 1, so I wanted to find out why they are there. I'm here to answer that question and more. Welcome to Forward Momentum.