Collector Conversation Rewind with Tanmay
“When I gaze at a watch, I want it to inspire how I live my life.” – Tanmay Manohar
The magic lies in the innate feeling and obsession that watch enthusiasts have for their collections. We’re captivated by the dials, the movements, but most importantly, the stories and memories tied to each watch. Those of us in the community share these tales with the enthusiasm of a 7-year-old at show-and-tell. Few objects in our human experience carry as many memories as a watch.
The truth is, that most collectors collect for the stories, the memories, and the love of the journey toward finding the perfect watch that reflects who we are. And no one quite ties these stories together like Tanmay Manohar, our friend and collector.
Tanmay recently sat down with our client advisor Nick Lessels to discuss his collecting journey.
In a captivating conversation about watches that transcends timekeeping, Tanmay begins by stating that the pursuit of collecting watches is more than just an exercise in collecting expensive timepieces. Rather, it’s a journey fueled by creativity and a touch of nostalgia, encapsulated in the belief that “a creative adult is a child who never grew up.”
His robot watch which has had since he was a child was the first timepiece he highlighted. This watch which jump-started Tanmay’s pursuit of horology is the best example of never wanting to grow up and what we all love about watches and collecting. They are supposed to be fun. They are supposed to speak to us.
Every timepiece that enters a collector’s lineup always has a story tied to a moment in time and one of the most important was when Tanmay brought out his Frederique Constant moonphase with its hunter caseback. Tanmay explained that when someone gets a new job, receives a promotion or has a major life milestone they buy a family member a gift of appreciation for their support. When his brother landed his first major role on Broadway, he bought Tanmay the watch as a token of appreciation for all the mentorship he provided while growing up.
Tanmay continued to highlight that a timepiece is more than a mere accessory; it symbolizes a legacy and a profound connection with family. The underlying message encourages individuals to follow their dreams and work diligently, emphasizing the intertwined nature of personal aspirations and familial bonds. A poignant example is shared – a Seiko Chrono acquired upon high school graduation in Pittsburgh. This watch was his wedding day watch as it accompanied him through some of the most momentous and important days of his life.
Wearing a watch becomes more than a functional choice; it evolves into a means of self-expression. Tanmay delved into the idea that the watch on one’s wrist is a statement about oneself. Beyond the mechanics and aesthetics, it becomes a canvas for personal identity. The act of wearing a watch becomes a declaration to the world – a manifestation of self-care and a desire for others to perceive the wearer in a certain light. And there is no better example of this than when he pulled out his Daniel Roth Datomax, a truly stunning and rare piece.
And despite the generally reserved nature of his collection, one watch that could not be ignored was when Tanmay brought out his purple Fears watch. A touching anecdote is shared about Nicholas Bowman-Scargill, who after reviving his family’s watch company went to great lengths, even taking a second job, to avoid laying off his staff. This exemplifies the spirit of generosity and support that characterizes the watch enthusiast community. It is this story that Tanmay fell in love with and one of the reasons he wanted to support the company. However, the story did not stop there. After Tanmay acquired the watch he was looking for the perfect matching strap. After a night of drinks with the inimitable James Lamdin of Analog/Shift, he was gifted a matching strap, illustrating the kindness prevalent in the watch-collecting community
Tanmay, like many of us collectors, finds inspiration in watches, viewing them not just as timekeeping devices but as reflections of a life well-lived. The act of looking at a watch becomes a source of motivation, prompting introspection about the choices one makes and the path one takes. Watches, in this context, serve as conduits to understanding oneself better and crafting a means of self-expression that resonates not only with the wearer but also with others.
In essence, the collector conversation reveals that the allure of watches goes far beyond their utilitarian purpose. It is a journey marked by personal stories, familial connections, and a vibrant community spirit. Each timepiece becomes a vessel of memories and aspirations, transforming the act of wearing a watch into a powerful statement about one’s identity and the relationships forged within the community of enthusiasts.