Talking Watches With Todd Levin
Ойын-сауық
For the full article, go to: www.hodinkee.com/articles/tal...
There are certain people out there who have truly exceptional taste. It's easy to think of that as something predestined, something a person lucks into at birth, but that's only part of the story. Truly outstanding taste is almost always cultivated, honed, and developed through countless hours of research, education, and passion. Todd Levin is a perfect example of someone who must have some kind of natural gift that aided in his decades-long pursuit of appreciating the very best. He collects art, furniture, Blue Note jazz records, and, of course, watches, and what unites all of his collections is that they're focused on only the best.
Пікірлер: 452
Hi all - I'm the interviewee, Todd Levin. There seems to be a misunderstanding of what I'm referring to when I say "...the big three pillars - Patek and Rolex and AP, probably..." I'm not referring to any specific 'holy trinity' of watchmakers as some commenters have written here, nor do I mean to infer that Vacheron Constantin should not be considered correctly (geographically) as one of three historical watch legacies of either Geneva or Swiss horology. I am referring to three obvious high-end/luxury watchmakers who are - in terms of their annual primary market production numbers plus the regularity with which they appear at major auction houses on the secondary market - the three current dominant high-end/luxury market brands. This is not to take anything away from other brands, of course, as I also have done research on VC, Langhe, Journe, Ferrier, Gauthier, Voutiainen, Akriva, etc. All I am saying is that these three brands seemed at the time like a reasonable, logical place for a brand new person to horology (such as myself) to enter the market to gather basic information for further consideration... TL
@Phat-rj3jo
4 жыл бұрын
I had no problem understanding you because yo said pillars instead of trinity. Excellent choices you made, I agree with your direction in that you are choosing watches made by single artist or a small group of people, instead of watches rolling off an assembly line. Daniels and Dufour are the best, enjoy them!
@deltropico7
4 жыл бұрын
I understood you perfectly, however this is the internet and there are trolls...
@marcjudge680
4 жыл бұрын
Where do you go after George Daniels, probably another Daniels. Totally understandable what you was saying in your interview. A wonderful surprise seeing a beautiful collection. Your late fathers friend is just looking after his watch for you,I expect.
@ClassicalProtestant
4 жыл бұрын
Sir thank you for your interview. As a fellow enthusiast and collector I truly enjoyed this particular interview. Thanks again!
@johnpower3687
4 жыл бұрын
No need to explain yourself Todd. What a fantastic piece. Thoroughly enjoyed it. I too have started around the same time as you and would like to expand my knowledge into the likes of Dufour and Daniels like you’ve done. Thank you for the great interview.
This episode should be the gold standard for Talking Watches.
@PARADIGMCREATIVEGROUP
3 жыл бұрын
Seriously, I agree. Todd is an amazing speaker and delivers a compelling voice about what to really collect... instead of a name.
When someone collects watches they love, rather then watches everyone loves.
@WatchMeEDC
3 жыл бұрын
Seriously? It’s not like he chose some weird eccentric brands. He chose two of the finest and most revered watchmakers of all time and spent hundreds of thousands to spend on his first two watches. Hodinkee isn’t there if he doesn’t have those pieces. Let’s be honest, people know what exactly they are buying when it’s a Dufour and Daniels.
@Johnlt13
3 жыл бұрын
@@WatchMeEDC fair point, but these are not the average watches you see in a common watch collection. 99% of the WIS start with the big 3 and Rolex when making major purchases. People buy hype and marketing not the watch.
@Wootguy238
3 жыл бұрын
than*
@felipe6008
2 жыл бұрын
@@Johnlt13 …. 👏
@jhonwatchcollector7477
2 жыл бұрын
@@Johnlt13 he bought on the hype, he wouldn’t be buying Daniels or Dufour if he wasn’t influenced by marketing
Firstly, hands down, for my taste, the most thoughtful and tasteful collection ever shown on TW. Secondly, it is obvious Mr Levin has exquisite taste in all areas. From his home, his vinyl and Hifi and his art. A truly educated and thoughtful human being, his presence in this world enriches it greatly.
From someone who has easily watched every talking watches episode at least twice I have to say this is one of the best and most thought provoking episodes to date. Todd while still being new to the hobby has grasped and connected to watches and the meaning behind them in ways most collectors take years to grasp, if ever.
@VinceRegan
4 жыл бұрын
His background in art allows him to connect more deeply to all of these crazy wrist borne machines
@superfast30
4 жыл бұрын
Agreed!
Man, I wish this was 2 hours long. I could listen to Todd talk about this stuff for ages.
What a humble, thoughtful man and collector, bringing such an extraordinary collection to the table in such a unique house. I have watched every Talking Watches episode by now and there are some all time favorites. This one will definitely be one of them from now on!
@phagraphy
4 жыл бұрын
The way he did talk about his dad, kind of struck into my mind though. Do you think so?
The extraordinary level of intellectual sophistication and the total lack of pretension make this the best HODINKEE Talking Watches episode in my opinion. Seeing three generations (grandfather/father/son) represented on the TW table, each generation at increasing level of quality/price that massively supersedes the previous one is quite powerful. The best take-away point in this episode (and there are many gems contained herein) is when he says that whether we collect watches at the Daniel/Dufour price level, the Citizen Campanola price level, or the Elgin pocket watch level - every watch collector and their collection shares the same basic impulse (irregardless of price) - it's the MEANING of the watch that matters most in the end. You should really allow him to speak more to his collecting philosophy at greater length - what about having him on HODINKEE Radio?
Wow, so sophisticated. Collecting not the mainstream. Even his house is special.
one of my favourite talking watches so far
What an amazingly thoughtful speaker. One of the best episodes of Talking Watches period.
Great talking watches. You can listen to him talk all day.
Finally, new episodes! "These watches not only represent all the drugs I never did, they also represent the midlife crisis I never had." ~ Todd Levin 2020
This was the most engaging talking watches yet. Todd is so captivating, Stephen let him just do his thing, and the B-roll focused on the watches themselves; well done to all involved.
I’d never thought I’d be more fascinated nor focused by the thorough explanation of horology, and the idea of always being a student throughout your entire lifetime. I take my hat off to Hodinkee. What a beautiful video.
Yea this was just a really pleasant 15min of an articulate gentleman taking you through a little journey. Stephen barely made a noise after the intro ;D
@BIZARR099
4 жыл бұрын
That's how you know it's going to be a great TW ;) This ranks in my top three for sure.
@carsonchiem145
3 жыл бұрын
@@BIZARR099 I'm just curious, what are your other two favorites? I think I'm partial to Aziz and Matt Jacobson
@BIZARR099
3 жыл бұрын
@@carsonchiem145 John Mayer 2 hands down and probably Roger Smith, I'm just also a fan of anything Jack Forster is involved in so there might be a bias there. Also, apologies for replying two months late!
This is easily one of the best Talking Watches episode ever. It is just unbelievable how Todd sees his watches and how he articulates his feelings on them as well. Great episode. The love for the watches is real
So refreshing. This is what watch collecting should be. Buy, collect and wear what you love. Don't conform to trends and influences. Thank you for this! More of this please Hodinkee!
Every "talking watches" is a nice, personal history. That one is, maybe, the most essential and eloquent presentation. The choice of watches, the calm and wise way of Mr Levin are remarkable. A totally artistic approach to a definitely great art, horology. Kudos!
One of my favourite Talking Watches episodes; what a wonderful person and collector. Levin sees values in watches not based on monetary or to show off, or even the novelty to tell time, but values of meaning, creation, art, and stories they tell, especially family values. Genii heartwarming to watch. Bravo 👏🏽
I’ve never been so impressed by such a small scale collection. To own two Daniels pieces and with such a refreshing approach to watch collecting is great to see
Well this was one of the best episode . A good come back by Hodinkee
Epic, deeply personal, and clear in the why and what. Great episode. And may I add a sincere “Wowser,” .
What a thoughtful, beautiful story. Thought provoking in the best of ways.
In a Frank Lloyd Wright house... wow.
This is my absolute favorite episode of talking watches. I've watched this half a dozen times and I am always enchanted each time I watch it.
By far, the best Talking watches episode ever! I don't even know where to begin but for anyone who's been into horology for more than a few years will clearly appreciate Todd's ability to grasp the essence of what horology is and having done so in short order. Refreshing to see someone that truly has a deep understanding and an ethos that he's adhered to when making his purchases. Anyone with money can amass a vintage Rolex or Patek collection without putting much thought into it. However, very few take the time to learn and cultivate their own view and look passed the brand names. I can assure you that Todd enjoys his collection far more than most of those who have collections consisting of rare Patek's, AP's etc, simply because of his deep understanding of what he wants out of his collection and what horology means to him. Many collections are based because of future speculation and collector hype where as Todd's are not.
Putting aside for a second how much I loved this video (I’ve been a watch collector since the mid 90s) I was also thrilled to see some New Jersey representation! I was born and raised in Morris county, and I now live up north in the Sussex area. I have worked my whole career as a paramedic in the Bergen and Passaic County areas, and there are few FLW houses there. One perk of my job is getting to go in these beautiful homes and trying to get a look around while still doing my job😂. Growing up as a child in the 70s and watching the Brady Bunch really made me want a mid-century modern home at some point in my life. Thanks for this great video and congrats on your beautiful collection!
This gentleman is so well spoken. I could listen to him for days.
When I see a Dufour in his collection, I breathe a sigh that I'm not watching another lame "I've bought dozens of iced-out AP's and Rolexes" Talking Watches episode. Great job Stephen & Hodinkee, I could listen to this "rookie" talk watches for hours.
@adamstewart247
3 жыл бұрын
Class over bling :)
My heart. What a guy, what a story and what beautiful watches. I always prefer these kinds of videos that aren't just acres of Rolex or dozens of APs. This sort of story is why I enjoy watching and reading about watches.
Excellent interview. Love the story of each watch. Todd, you are a true collector! I’m happy for you. Each watch has a meaning to you. I hope that Hodinkee will do another episode with you on your latest additions.
What a pleasure to see his collection! Could watch 1 hour of this for sure! Well done Hodinkee.
When I first saw this episode I had no idea what I was looking at. Now... holy s... What a collection!
People on here having anything to say besides enjoying and appreciating the sheer honesty of this man need to put the internet down.
One of the best episodes in a good long while, thank you Todd for your insight and candor.
Loved his honesty of being a “newbie” and his pursuit to educate himself in the world of horology. 👌🏽
Beautiful. You know the episode is gonna be epic when there are only 3 or 4 leather banded pieces on the table . Lovely, insightful - what a gentleman.
That connection to your father's watch...it often sets people on the journey of watch collecting. Great segment. Amazing watches. I think George Daniels would be happy with where these two watches have found a home.
Best episode so far, to me at least. Not a single Rolex in it, absolute passion exuded from everything he collects and the emotion of watch collecting was there.
One of the best episodes!!!!!!! Great man
this conversation was at another level! such a pleasure to hear him talk
Amazing amazing video. I could listen this guy speak all day long.
Last comment.... right in the feels. I just bought a GMT MASTER II... just like me dad has worn most my life.
Thoroughly enjoyed this interview, especially listening to Mr. Levin talk about his father. It reminded me so much of me and my own father....And those watches weren't too shabby either.
Thank you Hodinkee for the talking watches series here on youtube. I have enjoyed every episode I've watched and I love the passion that so many diverse people have for their watches and the sentimental value the watches have.
So enjoyable and refreshing. Thanks so much, love his humility and honesty about his collecting. We are the lucky ones!
Probably the best episode to date for me. The Gentleman talks about and shares his very expensive pieces, without a hint of Arrogance or Snobbery...LOVE it!!! 💯
This episode is top three for me. So much emotion. So much passion. And so much education from a guy who says he knows very little of the watch world. Enjoyed immensely.
I started this video bored and with low expectations....I ended this video amazed at this man's small but very impressive collection of pure horological art. Great episode, I'll probably watch it more than once.
Yes! This is the Talking Watches we want!! It was GENUINE.
We need more talking watches episodes. Honestly I could never afford most of these but they’re so interesting.
What a great episode. Stephen did a great job of asking great questions and shutting up, letting Todd tell great story after story.
Todd Levin has one of the most pleasant voices to listen to ever.
Hodinkee, what have you done? What sorcery is this? Genuine, substantive conversations around crafted pieces of history, the sting of nostalgia, the heartache of the most impactful childhood memories of those before us - all of which bringing out a humble, real humanity from your guests... we’re talking about far more than just watches. Thank you for this series.
From a personal point of view, this is easily the best Talking Watches episode so far. Thank you very much for this!
Sir I don’t know why you think you don’t know anything about watches. You’re a master of microbrands! Extremely thoughtful collection, bravo!
Obviously not a flipper. I enjoyed this.
@TheDorapapi321
4 жыл бұрын
who told you he's not going to flip? Nostradamus, Levin himself? listen money talks ask David Geffen he flipped one of the most expensive paintings in the world, this slumdog Dufour dude is at his last milestone, the simplicity has gained a lot in value and with the forthcoming death of Dufour the price will soar like crazy not because the simplicity is a complicated masterpiece but it's a rare piece there's nothing wrong to flip or buy a piece that holds value, only newbies will refrain to do so, rare pieces from independant watchmaker will hold it's value and this is a nice move from him to buy Dufour before he dies, and you'll understand why later if you can't figure that out now lol
What a fantastic episode of Talking Watches. I will always find it impossibly more fascinating to watch content like this - where the interviewee has a heartfelt interest in the topic of conversation and subject matter. Todd is plainly right when he says that we don't collect watches to tell the time. The emotional response we get when interacting watches is what it should always be about. Cracking video!
Beautiful short video, probably my favourite yet. To own one Daniels is something special, two is mesmerising. His passion for so many things so admirable and his new love of horology is evident.
Such a well-spoken person, a pleasure to listen to him. I totally dig his view on watch collecting.
This was a great one! Impeccable taste, a very simple yet incredible collection.
You can keep the watches, I'll take the house!! 😍
“I’m a noobie”, casually shows off a simplicity. In my opinion, dufour watches are the most elegant pieces ever produced.
Oh wow.. Just wow.. I think this is the best Talking Watches session I've ever watched. Humble gentleman, great story, perfect setting (the house looks so amazing), and unique pieces.
So many beautiful pieces. Astounding collection!
This had so much meaning to me today. Being only into watches about 2 years myself how I came to be interested in watches was a video I saw on KZread called Masters of Time . It highlighted Philippe Dufour when he created Simplicity for the up coming Basel World and after seeing the attention to detail and the passion that went into making the watch I was hooked and have been ever since.
I don't know anything about Todd or his watches but listening to him story tell is intriguing. I could listen to this guy explain how to spread cow manure on a field
Wonderfully articulate man with a spectacular collection. I can never own these pieces but I can appreciate them from afar. Great storytelling and a joy to watch.
Remarkable clip, and I've seen many, here and elsewhere. Aside from the apparently brilliant and articulate ("newbie") guest, I must ask. How do Hondinkee's producers train the interviewers to never intrude, or insert themselves into the story, to leave the all the space for the well-selected collectors. Thirty years a videographer, these are interviews I never got to shoot.
Fantastic Talking Watches! I was really impressed with Todd Levin. His demeanor and and his approach to watch collecting was refreshing, insightful and a joy to hear. Also, love the brief snippet on the FLW home TL owns and lives in. Thank you Hodinkee and Todd!
Am I the only one who will say that this is one of my favorite episodes of talking watches?
You can see he’s a true gentleman just by noticing he’s wearing Kingsman glasses. Great collection. You guys bring the best watch material in the whole KZread world!!!
@NathanChisholm041
4 жыл бұрын
So glasses make you a gentleman?
Great episode one of the best. The way he weaves story telling into the various watches and ties it back to his father is amazing. Thanks to everyone for bringing this episode to life.
One of the best Talking Watches episodes.
That’s like me. I knew absolutely nothing like 2 years ago. Now I can’t stop thinking about watches. I’m 34.
I really enjoyed this episode. Especially the fact that the were not your typical everyday recognizable watches. Like I’ve always said “buy what you love” you love a watch brand, design or whatever, then that’s what you buy. I never ask anyone “ “should I get this watch?” I don’t need someone’s opinion. I think this man feels the same way. 👍
This man started from a good end with his collection and I applaud his intelligence and the way he handles his pieces 👌
What a great episode! One of the best I’ve ever watched. What a passion, what a modesty, what a great taste.
What a great guy, I loved hearing his story.
The voice of Todd sounds a lot like the voice of John Mayer. A nice voice to listen to. I liked the episode, a very nice collection.
The most Philosophical and scientific episode of TW! Opens my eyes on the foundation of collecting. Thanks Hodinkee!
Even though his father bought the Campanola I am still shocked to see one on Talking Watches! I'm an owner of one and I've never seen them out and about which is unfortunate as they are nice watches albeit a little big.
@NathanChisholm041
4 жыл бұрын
It's easy if you have the cash!!
Love episodes like these in interesting locations and with well-spoken individuals!
This is one of the best episodes. So personal.
Awesome interview , such a nice and down to earth guy , I could listen to him and his quotes for hours ! Thanks Hodinkee 👍👍
This is probably the best talking watches. Very interesting pieces, genuine man and great stories.
Great taste and a thoughtfully put together collection. If hes at this level after two and a half years imagine where hes going to be after five or ten years! Hes definitely one to re visit further down the line for a update!
Great interview, beautifully articulate. Not an ounce of pretension (even with that collection), just genuine curiosity and passion
so much better than the episode of talking watches 2 episodes ago. more of this please.
How do Bethenny Frankel and Todd Levin end up in the same series? Two ends of the spectrum behind the motivations of a collector. I could listen to Mr. Levin speak about the ingredients to a blueberry muffin and be fascinated.
Hands down my absolute favorite TW episode to date. Definitely the most valuable collection in terms of “horological passion” & “horological value”. On a personal level, George Daniels touches home due to my obsession of his obsession. My ultimate grail is a millennium produced solely by Dr.George Daniels himself. One day, One day. Mr. Levin you have earned my respect.
Fantastic interview with a very relatable and down-to-earth person. Kudos.
He's not a watch snob!!!!!! FINALLY! i like this episode!
One of the best interviews!!
What an amazing episode. Gotta love the FLW as well. Well done Hodinkee.
Awesome collection and certainly one of the best talking watch video. Todd may be new into watches but he see and understand the deeper meaning watch collecting. In comparison, it took me almost 20 years to fully understand the hobby. He is a fast learner! Great video!
I absolutely loved this episode. The man has taste.
Damn! This guy just blew me away with his way of appreceating watches !! Great episode. Thanks 🙏
Beautiful, thank you Todd Levin.