For today’s ‘Halloween Edition’ of Retailer Stories, we spoke to Jacek Kozubek of Tropical Watch. A very successful watch dealer with a particular focus on vintage Rolex. Jacek shared with us how he got started in the watch industry.
Jacek Kozubek of Tropical Watch
Andres Ibarguen: How did you first get into watches in general? When was your interest piqued?
Jacek Kozubek: It all started with working at a company and having Eric Ku sit in the cubicle in front of me. The adventure started there. Eric and I became friends and quit our day jobs to start working with watches full-time.
AI: What about vintage watches? When did you decide to get into the watch business?
JK: We quit and started doing it full-time and since both Eric and I liked vintage watches we just started working with what we loved. I didn’t know how far the journey was going to take me but I am sure happy I started.
AI: What did you do before?
JK: I worked in sales and real estate before.
AI: Where are most of your clients from? Do you get a lot of international attention?
JK: Before it used to be forums but as anything the world changed and now a lot of my clients come from Instagram.
A 1968 Rolex 'Paul Newman' Daytona ref. 6239 sold by Jacek
AI: Is there a reason for which you focus on vintage Rolex?
JK: It’s a much harder market to get started in and not everyone has the knowledge on vintage watches. I have been around them and worked with them before they where the hot commodity that they are today.
AI: What vintage Rolex is most representative of the brand in your opinion?
JK: I think the Submariner is the most representative. If your life depended on your watch in 1960 or 2020 it’s the watch you would wear.
AI: What’s the most interesting backstory you’ve ever heard for a timepiece?
JK: I’ve seen it all but some of the most interesting owners have been fighter pilots. They live and fight at the edge of human ability and speed.
AI: Do you, as a collector, have a grail watch?
JK: I get excited more about the journey and finding watches then finding any particular watch. For me it’s all about condition and also finding the perfect tropical patina.
AI: What do you think separates a collector from someone who wears watches as an accessory?
JK: I don’t really think there is a big distinction. You can learn all about the topic or just like the way that it looks. Sometimes the more you know the less fun you have.
AI: Is there any watch in particular that you have an emotional connection with?
JK: I am really fascinated with gilt chapter ring Subs and GMTs of the early ‘60’s. But 90% of the year I wear a Red Sub.
AI: What kind of experience do you think watch collectors, like your clients, are looking for as the watch industry turns towards the digital age?
JK: I think watches are an escape. An escape from the digital age were phones with screens didn’t beep at us the whole day. A watch is an object that is there to help but not consume our attention. I think people are tired of the digital space and want something tangible something that isn’t meant to be thrown away after a few years. A small Apple computer on the wrist will never be a watch to me, just a mini phone strapped to your body.
A 1963 Rolex Submariner PCG ref. 5512 with gilt underline dial sold by Jacek
AI: How do you build trust with your clients?
JK: It’s like that movie, ‘Jiro Dreams of Sushi’. To watch that movie is to understand what a good watch dealer is. You wake up each morning and you work very hard. To find the best watch, to photograph the best watch. To answer every e-mail and text and to buy and sell watches and make every transaction special. I have been doing this a long time at a very high rate and level. I keep doing what I do and do it very well and people find me that want to find great pieces at great prices.
AI: Has your business faced any challenges as a result of the current crisis?
JK: Compared to a lot fo buinesses we have not faced challenges. Losing your company or your restaurant is challenging. I had a slow month in April and lost money but then things went back to normal for my world. I feel very grateful for that and support and help a lot of people around me that are a little slower because of Covid.
AI: What’s your long-term view on the vintage watch segment?
JK: Every day there are fewer great watches since they age and fall apart or get destroyed by human error while the population is increasing. Sadly, I feel the market is going to keep getting more expensive as demand goes up and supply goes down.
Thanks Jacek, for speaking with us today!
A 1967 Rolex Explorer ref. 1016 sold by Jacek