Talking Watches With Jasem Al Zeraei, The Man Behind Patekaholic On Instagram

Ben Clymer interviews Jasem Al Zeraei. His name might not ring as loudly as some others we've had here on Talking Watches. But trust me when I tell you Jasem, and his Instagram alter ego, have played a huge role in the watch world over the past five years. He is the man behind @Patekaholic - one of the most followed watch accounts on the 'gram, and his unrelenting love for all things Patek Philippe has served as model for dozens of other brand-specific accounts. Jasem's approach to his pursuit of Patek and all that surrounds it is organic and earnest - providing those of us at home with the sharp details of Patek collecting we'd seldom hear of, and even challenging Patek HQ itself, from time to time.
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[@brentwoods7450]

Patek is way out of my universe...but I like this guy. All of them used and scratched up. Hes like a car collector who actually drives his collection. Kudos

[@natashahassan3904]

Never say that again bro. Everything is within reach of your hand

[@XShotokanX]

@@natashahassan3904 ...For a eastern stockbroker

[@YippeeKiYayMrFalcon]

Agreed! Watches should be worn and enjoyed as they were expressly crafted for. Similarly, as a fine sports car was designed for and meant to be driven! Not simply stored away for monetary reasons. If one never uses them as they were originally intended for, then this is a result of a poverty mentality. Only thinking of money. When one passes away, which all of us will, then the items will surely be passed on to another. Some will have a story attached to them and a rich history of being used and enjoyed, others (which were stored away and never used) will be sterile with no story to go along with them. Use them and enjoy them!! Life is short.

[@AdamSmi1th]

This put a smile on my face. Clymer in the driver seat for TW is the foundation of Hodinkee. Wonderful stuff, beautiful collection. Owning 1% of the Patek lighter market might be the single largest flex in TW history. Cheers

[@hopiamongo8119]

This dude made me a fan after this vid. All the flex in the world and he still considers the *flaker* his friend shows what type of a man he is. Friendship to him is more.. kudos!

[@shumugaming]

He really wants that watch

[@kevin_howell]

Not once has he spoken of investment or value... this is a true watch lover!

[@furdiebant]

He does a few times

[@nr1416]

Refreshing to listen to a true passionate collector talk about watches. This is what watch collecting is all about and not shows about the grey market and flippers.

[@Alankumor451]

So true.

[@dioxviad]

Dayyyym you just called out Roman

[@emilianosalazar6413]

14 miserables minutes is just not enough for this awesome man, hope there is Pt2 on the way

[@tonylee-UK]

Totally agree.

[@dirtyBandit]

The Hodinkee magic is back…… do this again and again PLEASE

[@Ilija742]

What a legendary gentleman. Stayed humble and down to earth. Love it

[@majedhrh7320]

This is not enough. Simply listening to Jasem for 14 minutes isn't enough. Been following the man since he started his snapchat for years and years now. Big love from Saudi Arabia

[@josephzamorajr]

The best one is the grandpa’s Datejust. Sentimental is always the way to go! Great video.

[@gdlife68]

Funny you say that as I was thinking the same exact thing when I came across you comment 100% agree!

[@paulluce2557]

I still have the 17 jewel, Giroxa 'Incabloc movement' watch given to me for my 6th birthday. I still have it and it still works. I am 56 now.

[@christopherliang6879]

The tropical patina on that watch is wild and beautiful as well

[@MarcoFerranteWatches]

What a difference it makes to have Ben doing these again. Thank goodness 🙏 Amazing conversation!!

[@BonneeLee]

Well said!

[@francoisbm6785]

That must be one of the best TW! I cannot care less about people possessing expensive watches, easy to have taste when you have the money. This TW is something else, Mr Al Zeraei is very charismatic, passionate and his stories are awesome!

[@SwissWatchGang]

Been a fan for a long time, great to have him on! 👏

[@user-wi9nn6dz8w]

Mr. Jasem is a fine and very articulate gentleman and it was an extraordinary pleasure to meet and work with many Kuwaitis of his caliber when I was in that wonderful country. Furthermore, the Patek Philippe AD in Salhiya Mall in Kuwait is one of the most competent and friendly that I have ever seen.

[@TheNotoriousKID]

Flew half way around the world to buy a Patek he had not even seen a pic of, from a “friend”…. Only to have the “friend” flake on him by not even showing up… and he still considers the dude a friend…. My man, you choose watches better than you choose friends.

[@goonermo94]

Think he's being sarcastic buddy

[@sumfesh8574]

Pateks are really quite reliable

[@JustSayin24]

Still calling him a friend despite the ordeal is a strong testament to his charecter.

[@markwilkin8888]

Echo most other comments. Early Hodinkee videos were amazing, a real insight into collecting and collectors. More of this please. Also, really didn’t see much of his collection, definitely part 2 please?

[@Ammar88ist]

You think his whole collection will fit into just 2 videos? 🤣

[@missKfierce]

Jasem's passion comes through beautifully in this talking watches.

[@kobexu]

I started watching some of the popular "watch dealer" videos and they have actually made me less passionate about watch collecting. Hodinkee brought it back, keep up the good work guys!

[@puccini4530]

Agree. Their blatant vulgarity is so off-putting. In fact the whole 'scene' was so not what I want to be part of, I sold all but six of my collection. Six really isn't a collection, it's a small selection, each one of which is used as the right circumstances suggest. 1. Mega-posh gold dress watch (recent), 2. Less posh dress watch (40 years old sentimental retention), 3. High end stainless every day watch (new 2001), 4. Bomb-proof quartz sports watch (five years old), 5. 1973 Chronograph sports (sentimental retention), 6. Family Omega gold pocket/stop watch 90 years old. So, only three are used regularly, and that works brilliantly for me. Twenty Rolex (or whatever) watches in a fitted case just appear to me (now) as tacky acquisitiveness. I'm glad I'm out of it. I would comment - watches that are used infrequently are best hand-wound and without date. It's a mistake I have made. I don't watch the dealer videos now, although Hodinkee is great. Even as a Rolex owner I'm fed-up with seeing such preoccupation with them, They are very good watches but they are not examples of high horology. Significantly, to have my twenty-two year old watch serviced by the maker would now cost me about 50% of what I paid for it. Phew!

[@pazifikblau8139]

Fantastic, you see a lot of investment collectors when it comes to Patek and Rolex, but he is so passionate. A pleasure to watch!

[@MistaRhoi]

I LOVE the fact that his watches are used with scratches! Makes this Talking Watches so much more interesting.

[@jockdodson9093]

My profile picture is Kuwait Bay. Lived there 2008 to 2009, Beautiful place and people. Great collection habibi! Cheers,

[@MinuteMon]

Damn I love this TW. Patekaholic is inspiring and super genuine. I’m inspired

[@Wristwatchme]

Back to basics, love seeing this content. Can this be made a bi-weekly thing? True gentlemen like Jas are fundamental to the community.

[@sfdiscovery]

Amazing video. I can relate as I manage Rolex Flagship , AP and Patek boutiques in Dubai. The love to watches is something cannot be explained in words. It’s a different world.

[@fullymechanical9055]

Could you get me an OP 36MM in green at retail please?🤭

[@user-wi9nn6dz8w]

I hope you didn’t manage the Patek Philippe boutique in Dubai where they told a friend of mine who was looking to buy a watch as a gift for his wife after she had recovered from cancer and was asked by the staff more than once what his budget was. As this friend of mine was appalled by the approach from the sales person at PP, he went over to Vacheron Constantin where he was treated well and went on to become one of their best and most loyal clients in the UAE and the region and where he is being treated like royalty. This shows why vetting and then training the sales staff is so important.

[@sfdiscovery]

@@fullymechanical9055 hi, it’s on waiting list as well.

[@sfdiscovery]

@@user-wi9nn6dz8w I am extremely sorry to hear about your friend’s experience at AP. We excel in customer service and for us, customer service is our highest priority. I would be more than happy to assist your friend. Could you pls share your email and I can connect you to our CRM Director to investigate this issue more in detail. I really appreciate for sharing this with us.

[@user-wi9nn6dz8w]

@@sfdiscovery it was Patek Philippe, not AP. Anyway, you lost this customer for good.

[@robertschmidt9584]

Stellar collection and glad to see Ben jumping into the conversation.

[@mohdgaith2939]

Great interview. Enjoyed a lot. Thanks for the effort guys. And Jasem is a star

[@nathanael123]

This might be my favorite Talking Watches Episode

[@poorwanderer5814]

Sir Jaseem...can i hve one..joke..be safe...happy to watch you here. A very humble and down to earth person.

[@Canteaus]

This man's speech is simple yet fluid. Big inspiration.

[@daniel_chayra]

BEN BACK ON TALKING WATCHES!?!?!?!? 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭 The level of excitement is UNREAL AND UNPARALLELED!!!!

[@nickj1663]

Ben Clymer, you are the GOAT! Let the show be about the host/subject. Thoroughly enjoyed that.

[@pioleq]

No flexin, no timepiecegent absurd show off. Just passion, nice shirt and great talk.

[@Utoob8]

Actually what he’s wearing is a thobe/dishdasha, which is a long “dress” sort of that almost all men in Gulf countries wear. What’s nice about it is everyone there wears the same clothes, whether they’re a Patek enthusiast and collector, or just a normal working class guy.

[@uwish135]

this is a pure lover/ collector in my books. all the watches have signs of wear and as it should.

[@failedfame]

What a great guy. Such passion. I’d listen to his stories all day long.

[@rickatkins55]

Great video of pure watch content with no BS...great job Hodinkee!

[@ttpgm]

Your passion is visible and communicative! congratulations for your beautiful collection. Great video

[@lewisdoyle]

Love this video! Thanks for introducing me to Patekaholic!

[@fatboydf]

Already waiting for talking watches with patekaholic part 2..

[@austincino]

Glad to see Ben back on tw

[@kylef7767]

This guy is pretty awesome. For someone who clearly has a lot of wealth, seems like a dude I would definitely have a beer with.

[@lukeventers4755]

Except as a Muslim he doesn't drink. Wake up.

[@Utoob8]

@@lukeventers4755 0.0 Heineken 👌🏼

[@jalzeraei]

@@lukeventers4755 a lot do, wake up lol

[@lukeventers4755]

@@jalzeraei Then you're not practicing your faith. Become a Chrisitan. There is only ONE God. And he is our FATHER. The God of Abraham. The God of Issac. The God of Jacob.

[@paulsymonds820]

Great story of pride and passion Jasem, thank you for sharing.

[@menaseven9093]

Nice interview with Jasem Al Zerai, nice Jasem Patek collection. I will not sell 28 Rolexes for one Patek Philippe watch.

[@watchcollectingstrategy]

Absolutely incredible collection!!!!

[@michaelvanderveen7223]

Amazing story Jasem you are a great energy. Thank you for sharing with us. Hopefully we see you soon. And sorry but for me only Ben can do Talking Watches.

[@sinesaii]

Foster was rather good as well

[@rahimsalhab6228]

One of the most famous Watch lovers in the MEA, great personality!

[@Vonstroke]

This was better than expected.

[@derosa1989]

Selling 28 Rolexes in 2006 was likely not his best trade ever!

[@bluebox303]

He's not in it for the investment/value though. He gets watches because he loves them.

[@14lamnc1]

@@bluebox303 but for a guy who works in the “investment field” theres no way the thought of earning/losing money wasn’t on his mind

[@gmatic8230]

More of this. Just MORE OF THIS!

[@AlifBurger]

WE NEED A HALF AN HOUR EPISODE PLEASE

[@sorinsrn5442]

We need a Part 2 with this guy and his watches!!!!

[@rahimsalhab6228]

What an amazing episode with the iconic PatekaHolic !

[@jamieopulence]

What an absolute legend. This man is everything a Patek owner should be. He adores and cherishes the brand. I recently bought the 5231J and feel his love for Patek. I published a video on my channel for you all to see.

[@frankpentangeli7945]

"Your first watch should be a Rolex." Well, easier said than done, dude.

[@gilbertrose7147]

I think his comment about getting a Rolex as a first watch is very good. It is a perfect touchstone for entry level horology. Many life-lessons to be learned by having a Rolex, and understanding what value is to most of the World. No, Rolex is not high horology but my 30 year old Submariner has been a faithful, reliable witness to my life travels…and certainly has less scars on it than I do! While not a Patek fan (because Partly I can’t afford them) my grails are ALSs and I tend to gravitate to most all things German. But when I look at and admire a horological piece of art I catch myself asking how it would do falling off of 15 foot waves, racing to Bermuda! Just as long as they fished my cold, dead body out of the ocean within 40 hours my Subby would still be alive!

[@frankpentangeli7945]

@@gilbertrose7147 A $10K watch is "entry level" to you? A $200 Seiko or $500 vintage Omega is what I call "entry level horology", not a Rolex.

[@tailorsoldierspy6464]

@@gilbertrose7147 I think your first watch should be a seiko

[@mkm6073]

Sad to say, nowadays. In 2016 I was in the same boat thinking of my first (proper "luxury") watch. I was pending between a Sub and a Speedy. The AD told me, if there's only one watch to buy in your whole life, it's the Sub. That advice somehow sticks with me still and I am happy that I made the call for it that day and not for the Speedy - also I preferred the looks of it way more, esp. the older bracelet on the Speedy looked not as good. Now, today owning already a couple of sport Rolexes and I am slowly trying to get into the world of Patek, AP, Lange or VC to find new paths in the watch world!

[@gilbertrose7147]

@@frankpentangeli7945 Frank-I want to apologize to you for sounding like a rich snob…I am neither of them. I didn’t start with a Submariner and I did not mean to imply that anything less, was less. I have less expensive watches that are great watches and enjoy them too. What I meant was that many people see Rolex as the pinnacle of watchmaking, and nothing is farther from the truth. It IS the pinnacle of marketing, though! Many people think Porsche is the pinnacle of sports cars and it too is not. But like a Rolex, it is excellently engineered and reliable-as bulletproof a sports car as you can buy. But don’t really compare a 911 to a Ferrari 430.

[@suitcaselife2397]

Patek is not my world either, but dude, this man stands for what watch collection is about… madness on how to reach he next wanted watch. It’s the (travel many miles for a watch only to get flaked by a friend) hunt.

[@paulb9453]

I started watching this, not expecting to like listening to any guy owning a bullion of Pateks, but these stories of a rich man's watch collection are surprisingly engaging. My most expensive watch will probably not buy a replacement strap for any of these watches LOL.

[@PasaAsker]

Seeing Ben on screen again...missed you brother.

[@swirlmusicindia]

Still to watch a video I didn’t love. You guys are fabulous! Sending big love from India 🇮🇳

[@rashad123us]

The man, the myth, the legend…

[@edzilla3421]

Jasem will always be the king of Pateks!

[@amarhassan]

Wow, it was treat for Eyes & Ears. Wonderful Episode

[@phagraphy]

shout out to ben clymer who made this video happen. Thanks for sharing.

[@markkishtow1582]

This makes me very happy Jassim! Lived and raised in Kuwait. Follower of your Instagram, keep it up and best of luck!

[@bke008]

one of the best talking watches. bravo and cheers

[@Santi-kq8om]

This is one of the most wholesome talking watches yet.

[@Feiafox]

love how beaten/used that 5990 is!

[@botezsorinconstantin]

wooow...Ben is on!!! Like first and now let't see! :D

[@henkvandebeek7921]

Jason is such an awesome guy. Really enjoyed this episode

[@VG22.]

Finally you got him on hodinkee!!!!! whoop whoop

[@MuslimMuthaker]

This was a great video I wish it was longer There were a few more watches on the table you could talk more 😜

[@gregentwistle5105]

Fantastic video, very informative as usual. Thank you gentlemen

[@RyanWilliams-os6xw]

Truly beautiful collection. Out of my league but thoroughly enjoyed his collection.

[@edlee7518]

idk if i'd call that guy my "friend" if i took a plane to buy a watch and he no showed...

[@allenu342]

This is amazing, I am convinced that I need to revise my collection and possibly buy a Patek.

[@kmusicology]

Any recommendations for larger guys for watches of all prices ranges and also where to get larger wristbands

[@JamesBardolphCS]

Fantastic collection! I love the passion. And great stories!

[@hadi.abdulla]

انت مدرسة يا استاذ جاسم ونحن تلاميذك 🎓

[@simontvrner]

@9:30 Jasem mentions John Reardon, I just want to recommend his channel "Collectability". It is excellent Patek content!

[@wisnusewaka4762]

second best talking watches episode after j.c mayer

[@Alankumor451]

Another great TW. Love Ben hosting these.

[@craigvancil4410]

You should get Phil Ivey on an episode, he's the best Poker Player in the world and has an amazing collection.

[@Jeff-if4id]

This was a long time coming!

[@matteodifra]

Loved It!thank you...great guest.

[@danielwatson1114]

What an awesome guy, great conversation.

[@Glassed_in_Nature]

We need a pt 2 !!!

[@ricks7431]

Change of topic but what glasses model is he wearing?

[@FABM27]

Hands down my favourite TW episode

[@snarf9455]

Rare to see Pateks with that many scrapes on them. Respect

[@kayhanshaghaghi9597]

Great video after so many boating ones lately.

[@yfa98]

Amzing interview 🔥🔥

[@bhagyanadhanthiruvangatt7091]

Watching from Kuwait , Mr. Jasem bro we will meet soon.😊

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

Great video and that story at end 😳

[@akshaybiswas936]

He's talking about Nico from pride and pinion he has that watch in steel . He talked about it in a podcast with calfreezy. Supposedly that watch is a one of one so it has to be him. Funny ,what a small world if I'm not wrong.

[@SCRNSH0T]

Wait what really? That would be insane, very small world

[@jalzeraei]

thanks for the heads up

[@WrongTimeWatch]

Wow, what an amazing collection.

[@damachine3]

3:35 "Unpoliticate"? If I heard that right, that's not a word. I think he meant he's not politically correct. Did I hear it wrong? I have a 5726, 5712, and just bought a 5320. I'm on my way!

[@Utoob8]

I’m pretty sure he said “unpolitical” but his accent makes it sound like another word

[@barrelvinewhiskeyandwine]

This was good stuff. Old school B.C.! Awesome

[@johnnguyen385]

Love listening to someone who articulates such organized thoughts. This gentleman has it in spades. Wonderful!

[@renelopez2244]

Fantastic episode

[@luismartins9066]

...dream collection, made with soul and heart.

[@bukh155]

A real collector and such a sick collection.

[@Ahcelaht]

Anybody else notice that the watch he is holding at 5:48, has the straps backwards? I just thought it was odd.

[@Wristwatchme]

I believe this is set up for the patek deployant and with that the tail of the strap faces the opposite direction.