PART 1: Rolex, Patek Philippe, Vintage Watches: The Armoury's Mark Cho | Collector Conversation

In the first part of this two part interview, Tim Mosso sits down with Mark to discuss how he got his start in watch collecting. They delve into philosophies of collecting and what started him down the path of luxury watches.
Mark Cho is no stranger to building out a distinct and individualistic look. As a founder of The Armoury and with the acquisition of the British brand Drake's, he is deep in the world of styling and bespoke fashion. This dedication to perfecting an image using clothes and accessories of course led him to the world of watches and so he sits down with Tim to discuss his collection and fashion philosophies.
Mark's collection is expansive and eclectic. From Grand Seiko to Patek Philippe, he's picked up a little of everything on his way. Tim and him discuss what got him started collecting and anecdotes along the way, such as having a hand in designing a limited F.P. Journe Chronometre Resonance. He also outlines how he likes to have individualistic influence over his pieces like his custom-made Patek Philippe Nautilus 3800.
Mark's collection is just as intriguing as his experience with his businesses and his ideas on watch collecting. So tune in to the newest Collector Conversation and don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe!
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[@Ppf9000]

Refreshing to see a collector with such a finely tuned sense of individuality that isn’t just trying to one up or impress others around them or buying based on what they’ve been told are the must haves. Mr. Cho has such an obvious passion that it is a joy to have a chance to listen in on the discussion. Can’t wait for part 2. The other watch dialogue shows are too focused on the worship of celebrity rather than true taste. Bravo.

[@9d124]

PleatsPerFavore the whole video was uploaded on their website weeks ago, now somewhat can’t play on their website and even separated the videos into two parts.

[@the1916company]

Part II is coming this weekend!

[@SpaghettiKillah]

Love this collector ! Educated, soft spoken. Cheers from Italy ! 👍🏻

[@the1916company]

Thank you! We hope you are safe and that things will start to improve in your country.

[@walkerb1734]

I cant get enough of these type of “collector” videos. Keep up the great work, Tim!

[@lewisjones3345]

As an Armoury and Drake’s customer, seeing this collection is exactly how I would picture Mark’s collection. His stores are a reflection of his own style. He is ridiculously unassumingly classy. As a man his style that is curated so nicely at Armoury is exactly what I’m going for in my wardrobe. It’s like a modern nod to my father. Keep up the good work Mark. It’s great to see your collection and that you would share it with us like this.

[@sutats]

It's always fun to have Mark around.

[@cavaliericorey]

More of this please. Thoughtful and intelligent collecting, love the way he says he is willing to pay for a dealers taste.

[@jz4461]

Interestingly that's exactly why I'd visit and shop at a place like The Armoury. I'm going to steal that philosophy

[@WristMech]

Very good interview. Good questions, and Cho is very coherent and interesting. Thanks!

[@SWatchik]

As a brit and having met the owner of Anordain at an event I'm so happy to see some representation on the channel. The Series 2 fume dials are pure insanity, punches well above its weight.

[@daveopincar2469]

Wonderful interview with a unique collector. Really like the style of the gentlemen. And this collection. Thank you Tim and staff for the hard work. Please show more of the collectors watches. All stay healthy safe an warm.

[@steveyrock]

Like this interview. Nice stories, variety of watches and comes up as general appreciation for watches.

[@MostlyRight88]

FINALLY ITS HERE, I've been waiting forever on this episode!!

[@AugustusCaeasar]

I watched this as a new collector, I didn’t understand most of what he said. Rewatched it again as a little bit more experienced collector and now I understand him more.

[@php-xv2cw]

Awesome video ! Now we want part 2 about Grand Seiko VFA ! Thanks for this qualitative content

[@the1916company]

Thanks! Part II coming this weekend! --Team WatchBox

[@guannan5085]

Enjoy this kind of content so much! Talking to passionate watch collectors is the best kind of video for viewers to learn. Good job with this one

[@trel]

Someone please tell Tim to unbutton his jacket when he sits down. Other that that, though, really interesting content.

[@someHandle95]

Damn it! I can't stop looking at it now! (ノಠ益ಠ)ノ

[@Tuneitupful]

@Trel, just keep quiet and be thankful that Tim even gives us his time on these video. The man is the fountain of horological knowledge and all you can point out is his buttoned jacket. Just shhhhhh🤫

[@trel]

@@Tuneitupful No sacred cows, my man. Nothing can't be improved. You can enjoy something and still see room for improvement. No one should be so high and mighty that they can't accept criticism.

[@Tuneitupful]

@Trel, yes everyone has an opinion and yes you’re entitled to one, just please keep it to yourself. You may like the button undone, others may not. The point is, Tim likes it buttoned up and that’s all that should matter. Let’s be gents and leave it at that.

[@trel]

@@Tuneitupful It's cute that you think he needs an online advocate and honorable that you've volunteered for the job. What's bizarre is that you think a former military man (even if he was a sailor) needs someone to run interference for him.

[@h111551]

Your best public work is represented by moderation of panels at events like WatchTime LA, longer form interviews of collectors like Mark Cho and Richard Teevan and industry personalities at events like Dubai Watch Week.

[@alaistairjones]

Howard Meyers I concur. Tim seems to build rapport with those he speaks with, from watchmaker to collector, and the conversations seem genuine and candid. He certainly doesn’t insert himself too much. I’d take him moderating or interviewing over anyone from the big blogs/websites in the space

[@timemoney2775]

Interesting 1st collector video, particularly about vintage brands or models that are less known to the public. Hope to see more.

[@threehander]

I don't usually watch this but Mark Cho is a great and charismatic guest!

[@the1916company]

Thanks, and welcome! --Team WatchBox

[@johnwayne2103]

This was an amazing interview. Wish you could have shown each one close up and it's back.

[@Spare84]

Excellent conversation and obviously amazingly personal collection.

[@ReignsDad71023]

Love these Collector Conversation videos. Keep up the great work Tim! Greetings from Aruba 🇦🇼

[@DocBaps]

Fantastic episode. Please bring us more!!!

[@the1916company]

Part II is coming this weekend!

[@dadcaniborrowthewatch8572]

Interesting story, as always great video...but...curios how another part 1 is released? I'm still waiting for the multi brand collection Part 2. Thanks for all the content either way!

[@gsg1407]

Nice video, thanks. Please give us more shots of the watches on the table, we could barely see them.

[@cardinalj]

Great video. Thanks Tim and Watch Box Team!

[@greaterbayareahero1401]

Mark Cho has impeccable tastes. We can learn things from him.

[@KingdomArmor]

Fabulous interview. Looking forward to part 2

[@the1916company]

Thanks! Its coming this weekend! --Team WatchBox

[@Lassehansen3]

So cool to see how he is wearing a city hunter 😄 must have felt like such a nice compliment for Mark.

[@meznine44]

Thoroughly enjoyed this. Thanks!

[@JB-xt3ly]

Enjoyed this, I kind of dig this dude’s collection. Thanks Tim

[@markgisi1838]

Best video yet. Thoughtful collection that doesn't follow the herd.

[@FFL3001]

Lots of great watches here. That 4072 is absolutely stunning!

[@DarthMalaks_Missing_Lower_Jaw]

What a great story about the FP Journe watches.

[@mateuszmrowiec4265]

More videos like that! Great production and story

[@TimG--]

Great content. Nice video mate

[@galvinwong9784]

I've read the story in A Man and His Watch , but still looking forward to seeing his Grand Seiko VFA in Part 2 hopefully!

[@the1916company]

Stay tuned, part II is coming this weekend!

[@The_real_Mr_Ghost]

love the Royal oak. absolutely the favorite!

[@craig2100]

Great show and conversation

[@Khanh.Nguyen369]

Mark introduced me to the Basculante. I’ve been searching for the perfect one ever since. I’m a little disheartened that FPJ took the stolen watch and didn’t even offer to replace it from the get go with an honest customer. Quite shocked.

[@enriqueali]

Actually F. P. Journe was legally required to take back the watch and hand it over to the insurance company. Since it was stolen from the company and they received compensation from the insurance company, the watch in effect became the property of the insurance company. Following the events as narrated here, F. P. Journe then had to actually buy back its own watch from the insurance company (presumably with the money it received as compensation). I find it ironic though that the collector said on more than one occasion how much he valued purchasing through reputable trusted dealers, yet it's one of those same dealers sold him a stolen watch. Shows that they didn't do due diligence in establishing the complete provenance of the watch. Even if the watch came with complete papers and box, it would have taken only a phone call to Paris / Geneva to verify the bona fide chain of ownership

[@markchodotcom]

@ City of Gentlemen Thanks for watching. Please don't hold it against FPJ, they acted properly through the whole thing. I had inadvertently bought stolen goods and so I had to return it to the rightful owner. At that point, the rightful owner is the insurance company who had paid out on FPJ's original theft years ago. I did ask them for paperwork to prove that and they kindly obliged as well.

[@markchodotcom]

@@enriqueali It was indeed careless of me to get caught up in this whole ordeal and subsequently why I emphasize to people to work with dealers they trust when possible. This dealer was new to me, it was the first time I had purchased from them. It was the only game in town for an Octa Divine 36 so I decided, somewhat foolishly, to take a punt on it. What was disappointing was their subsequent actions. If a dealer unwittingly sold a stolen good, I could sort of sympathize as long as they were willing to refund me and take care of what really is their problem: which is to trace back to the person who sold to them, report to the authorities and if possible collect the money they paid to that person. As an uneducated guess, they may even have their own insurance for trades like that. Unfortunately, they preferred to wash their hands of the whole affair so they had my money, the insurance company had my watch and I was just the schmuck stuck in the middle. Luckily it all worked out but it could have ended up much worse.

[@Annoyedsince1986]

What a gentleman. Great vid

[@bubbab7792]

👍🍷👍 Part 1 was entertaining... Thanx Crew! Next!

[@the1916company]

Glad you enjoyed it. Part II coming this weekend!

[@AnilSingh-de7in]

Great video Nice set of interesting watches

[@oclvcarbon123]

Terrific, thoughtful conversation

[@lucioledizerot196]

I absolutely love how every time FP is mentionned, Tim employs various polite phrases to avoid saying "he's a d*ck"

[@enriqueali]

Haha... yes! His advice regarding any potential meeting to "buckle up" spoke volumes! 😆😆😆

[@mcclechinois1213]

Luciole Dizerot -you think...it must have been SOME ‘encounter’!

[@luxwatchesfornewbies3245]

Thanos said FPJ figuratively pooped on Tim's JLC when they were having dinner in Switzerland. Maybe there was more to it than that, but I'm sure he felt some type of a way about it. For those outside the culture -- "felt a way" means someone was very upset.

[@likeDC79]

Really liked the video! More content like this please

[@the1916company]

You got it! Part II is coming this weekend!

[@herbmerced7780]

Excellent interview Tim!

[@davidoleary6631]

We love watches but we like stories too. Great video.

[@albert957]

Great video! Has anyone asked for identification of the books in the center of the background?

[@mark10601]

Great video. Hello from 🇬🇧 I’m very envious of the critical mass of enthusiasts, collectors and dealers in the US.

[@the1916company]

Hi! The UK has a great watch scene, especially in London! Thanks for supporting our content. --Team WatchBox

[@PepsiGMT]

Tim, nice to see you without sunglasses. Keep up the great work!

[@destalks]

Love the story of the stolen Journe. Thanks for making this happens.

[@thewatchguyinc.7429]

Excellent video Tim!!

[@santfournier]

Bloody hell, this was actually an interesting video worth watching! In my opinion the only one so far! Keep it up.

[@the1916company]

Ummm, thank you?

[@santfournier]

Don’t get me wrong I’ve been subscribed to you for a while, but somehow I’ve always managed to stop watching before the end. This one, like I said kept me watching till the end. 🙃

[@amintaslneto]

Great interview Tim! Better than the pieces are the stories that brought us to them ;) Best, Amintas

[@freddie8354]

Fun segment, Courtney's reactions are hilarious, like how she doesn't hold back👍👍👍

[@swanhtet1]

What a great episode.

[@greaterbayareahero1401]

Great insight from Mark who has great tastes.

[@davidc5191]

That anOrdain is quite a find. Among the Swiss I'm only familiar with the enamel dials of Ulysse Nardin.

[@TheVarskvlavtbichuna]

Nice pieces & cool jackets

[@fliegerb777]

Love the story about the F.P Journe...cheers

[@DerekMitchell]

We do need to see the watches though

[@mcclechinois1213]

Nice interview. Interesting tale!

[@miroslavrnjakovic8850]

such a superior collection

[@richardteevan4480]

Great video and collection Interesting on the FPJ’s. See some similarities on the classic dress pieces Again, be great to see a closeup of every watch front and back macro

[@jorgerivera2198]

What a collection!!!

[@geezer8294]

Very nice collection.

[@VMui-hz4yk]

awesome interview

[@mehtabbhogal5591]

Cool guy and great stories!

[@caet49]

Mark is the Best 🙌

[@stevenuk]

excellent video.... 👍🏼 love the FPJ story..

[@toddalquist3391]

Really great video

[@nickl9845]

This is so good.

[@alienhatz3265]

great content

[@hwarangi77]

I feel like I've seen more than a couple of hints scattered throughout Watchbox vids of some kind of Tim vs. FP beef. Wish someone would document that properly, Tiger King style

[@robertosanchez4021]

Please show all the watches on the table....

[@Dakshmarwah]

Brilliant 👌🏼

[@chrislee3919]

Mark is always a cool guy.

[@hadiyousef]

What’s the reference number on that quartz RO?

[@hadiyousef]

WatchBox Reviews thanks

[@irvingtorres5316]

See,this is the type of watch collector i like watching cause they buy what they like and not what watch is hyped up...

[@HelloJP-p7n]

Tim where are your sunglasses?

[@psaez42]

This kinda rivals Talking Watches with J.Mayer...

[@markchodotcom]

How do I hit the thumbs up button more than once on your comment? Thanks very much!

[@atis23]

This is better.

[@alienhatz3265]

it's confusing putting out so many videos titled PART ONE

[@rasmusbertelsen6129]

Amazing collection

[@wharry3116]

anyone know the reference of his quartz royal oak??

[@markchodotcom]

56175

[@Illinination53]

Still waiting for last weeks part 2

[@the1916company]

It’s coming... it’s good to have something to look forward to, right?

[@alexeybarkovskiy9357]

Interesting!

[@JizzyNinja]

Kind of ended abruptly... everything go ok at the end there?

[@the1916company]

Just the split between part 1 and 2. Stay tuned for more!

[@moch1smo]

@@the1916company Oh awesome! Great video and excited for part two, thanks!

[@apegrasshoplizard]

Can anyone identify the watch in the top left hand side of the thumbnail ? It looks like a vintage King Seiko. Anyone know what reference and can link me to an image of the dial ?

[@sstam008]

Grand Seiko 6185-8020 thegrandseikoguy.com/product/grand-seiko-6185-8021-2/

[@apegrasshoplizard]

@@sstam008 thank you so much. This is on my radar for sure. Edit : Am baked.

[@randyallen2771]

You may be right, it's hard to be sure, but I have a KS that looks a lot like it.

[@apegrasshoplizard]

@@randyallen2771 what reference is your watch ?

[@sstam008]

@@randyallen2771 the VFA references do not have the traditional grammar of design looks. The case resembles some of the King Seiko Vanacs.

[@kanesweetzz7539]

anyone know where marks glasses are from? very cool

[@thomash.9930]

Nackymade, maybe.

[@kanesweetzz7539]

@@thomash.9930 will have a look thanks

[@tvch33]

Can’t believe this video only has 21k views. Sleeper watch video

[@the1916company]

Mark was great! Did you catch part II? --Team WatchBox

[@watchman6141]

Great interview Tim although I wise you would spend a little more time showing the watches while talking.

[@banzaigtti]

nice Nacky Made's

[@511dydy]

I really wish watchbox adopt a bird's eye view above the table.

[@timrodriguez1]

🤘🤠

[@gabrieldiaz1528]

Patex Philippe vacheron constantin best watch wold good video 😅

[@miadevich1738]

true gentelman

[@throwingdartsandbreakinghearts]

"I used to sell them to friends" 🙄

[@511dydy]

I miss Tim's glasses

[@danielmartini3229]

this is how the rich do each other 'favours'. no one rally pays for anything, they exchange clients and perks

[@ehsandarian2301]

Good job to interview the collector,but I couldn’t see the whole collection.waste of time