Today we spoke to experienced watch collector and trader John Styron a.k.a. J Patrick – someone who lives on the narrow intersection between being a genuine, passionate collector, but also finding himself on the other side of the table selling timepieces. Get an insight into his journey as both a collector and more recently a trader of vintage horological goodies.
John Styron a.k.a. J Patrick
Andres Ibarguen: How long have you been an active watch collector and trader?
J Patrick: I’ve been collecting watches and antique clocks pretty much all my life though there were times I slowed down a bit. My uncle was a collector and had hundreds of clocks, wristwatches, and pocket watches – and I always remember playing with them and winding them and thinking I could fix the broken ones…no such luck!
AI: What kinds of watches do you usually pick up?
JP: Actually, I really don’t have a steadfast rule. I am usually drawn to the style first and then function. But classic, dress watches of all types are my typical go to. I love both Swiss and German watches but also will seek out watches from lesser-known places and sources too if there is effort put into the design and construction.
AI: How did you get into watch collecting? What was your first watch?
JP: Hmm. Actually, I do remember my first clock and my first watch. I had a red Mickey Mouse watch when I was very small. Then I graduated to a toy clock kit where I could put together the gears and then watch the whole thing go. I think that’s why I enjoy a skeleton watch every now and then. I think it’s the nostalgia I feel with them. In my young adult life, I restarted with a Citizen watch and a few Orient watches…I still like those watches and have most of them. Later on, at estate sales, I found a number of clocks and my first vintage watches, which were a Ulysse Nardin dress watch from the 1930s and a Longines dress watch from the late 1940s. These watches started opening my eyes to classic Swiss watches.
J Patrick’s vintage Longines
AI: What is it about watches that drew you in initially?
JP: I am not sure it’s anything tangible. A timepiece is a small work of art that you carry around with you and you can stop to admire at any moment and it’s also a piece of ingenuity. Also, watches really transport me back to my childhood.
AI: How was your transition from pure collector to actively selling watches as well?
JP: I suppose the transition was natural because once you start collecting timepieces it becomes infectious. Once you start, pretty soon you end up discussing watches with others, learning more about other brands, and desiring to trade and upgrade your watches. Since I loved doing this anyway, I naturally moved toward buying and selling selected watches and things started to grow from there.
AI: It seems you’re into pocket watches too? Where do you usually find the pocket watches that you collect?
JP: I just happen to find pocket watches beautiful and a bit of a lost treasure. They are not quite as sought after or used anymore so you can find some at lower prices at times than they are worth. My dad actually had some family heirloom pocket watches, so those were my first. I will typically find these at estate sales or antique shows. At times, I’ve bought some from others that didn’t know what to do with them.
AI: Is there a particular brand or type of pocket watch that you’re after?
JP: Good question. I have several early American brands. My favorite of these is probably a Ball watch. This is also true because this was my mother’s family name and it was a special gift from her. I am looking to pick up a Vacheron. Some of their pocket watches really can be a steal for such an incredible brand. I also keep looking for a minute repeater. I have always admired those from my appreciation of grandfather clocks and German clock chimes.
J’s Cuervo y Sobrinos Historiador
AI: Other than trading watches, what else do you do?
JP: Actually, I am an engineer by education. That kind of fits as I like creating and enjoying others’ creations. I trade and sell watches because I love going it. For right now it’s a part-time thing. Maybe one day I will do it full-time!
AI: And what’s the vintage watch scene like in Texas? Is there a big collector scene where you live?
JP: Actually, there are so many sources in my city and all over Texas. There is such a variety. There are small private collectors. There are also bigger sources, such as San Antonio Pre-Owned Luxury Watches and Vintage Contessa. Also, there is Timeless Luxury Watches which has a great selection of watches. I have one of their limited-edition Nomos watches that I love. In small towns around Texas there are often estate sales and antique fairs. These are actually my favourite places to find antique clocks and watches and where I have found some of my most prized pieces. I also can’t help looking at watches and clocks when I travel, which is one of my other passions! I also have a really good local jeweler that helps me a great deal.
Thank you for speaking to us today, John!