Talking Watches With Daniel Dae Kim

Daniel Dae Kim is someone who has been on our radar for quite some time. You hear chatter around the watch world about famous and well-known collectors, and Daniel is one of those guys that just keeps coming up time and time again. Words like "passionate" and "enthusiastic" are often involved and it was a real treat to finally sit down with him after all these years. It didn't hurt that he really brought the goods.
For the full story, go to: www.hodinkee.com/articles/tal...

[@AliasEveWatches]

Daniel Dae Kim seems like such a laid back humble guy 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@kyle618]

exactly. just a humble guy who likes watches. thumbs up!

[@Vpm8481]

Exactly

[@user-ul1jb7tu7n]

I definitely agree

[@gfan1972]

Was getting ready to say this but you nailed it! Seems like a great man and father sharing the love of watches with his son.

[@WorldReserveCurrency]

I guarantee you he's acting like a good guest. I met the guy in person and he's a pompous jerk. I used to be fan... but not anymore for sure.

[@ThePerpetualStudent]

Daniel's jaw-line is stronger than my marriage.

[@gmshadowtraders]

Ouch! Maybe he's just very lucky. It could easily have turned out the other way for him, like the sad experience of most men of significant standing and wealth. Shit, some of the nicest guys you can ever meet have had absolutely destructive forces of nature to be their wives, through no fault of their own.

[@tomasinacovell4293]

Why?

[@locutusdborg126]

lol

[@stephh5047]

gmshadowtraders um I’m late but how is that related to their comment..?

[@AlexSami-qw4qu]

That comment was stronger than his jaw-line.

[@AndreaL88]

I just love when collectors talk proudly of their seiko pieces other than the expensive ones only.

[@DavidSmith-zu6eu]

Money can't but happiness and money *alone* can't buy a great watch collection.

[@sdqsdq6274]

its not about money, its the story behind it .............

[@brucelee9941]

Grand Seikos are expensive I love the one Mr Wonderful owns it has a Rose Gold case. It is worth $26k

[@Tom-vy3cb]

Me too seiko make some great watches and love to see collectors talking about them

[@Myrslokstok]

Well if it was some another brand it would be in the trash 🗑 by now.

[@WatchGeek]

Now THAT'S a watch LOVER, not a watch SNOB!!! HUGE RESPECT!!!

[@wonhobubbles3544]

SOMEONE IN THE COMMENTS SAID DANIEL IS AN ASS- i will sue this person for talking about my inspiration

[@nikkimiddlekillsday5161]

You know there's ALWAYS one person in the comment section that just comments to stir the pot. They don't even watch the video they just want to find someone to pick an online fight with

[@CoffeeInMorningDetroiter]

His voice is literally butter

[@sarahconner9433]

Literally not literally.....if it was he would be spitting out butter and he's not, literally.... hahaha

[@SWatchik]

Seiko Speedtimer... Instant like. You can tell he's a genuine enthusiast

[@PersonaN007Grata]

You know someone is serious about watches when they’re wealthy and appreciate Seikos.

[@nikkimiddlekillsday5161]

Seikos are one of THE most reliable watches out there, even today

[@rampar77]

@@nikkimiddlekillsday5161 because Seiko is the most popular affordable every man's watch. KIm doesn't wear that any more.

[@watchcollectingstrategy]

*Grand Seiko* on *Talking Watches* ? FINALLY!!!!!!

[@pengu470]

Seriously....

[@uesugikaru]

More like a seiko 5 on Talking watches?

[@watchcollectingstrategy]

@@uesugikaru Good point 👍

[@SoCalWatchReviews]

And g-shock and swatch!

[@kshitij8845]

ikr. they didnt even show any kind of interest when he was talking about em. he directly jumped on the speedys.

[@gabos7892]

*"When I wear it, it feels very under the radar. No one is pointing it out, it's not a conversation piece, but the workmanship is superb, and the movement is excellent"* Great description of Grand Seiko.

[@11Elevon]

GABOS Rolex you buy to impress others, grand Seiko you buy to impress yourself.

[@lukarancini1630]

11Elevon i mean. Im just getting in the world of watches, but the daytona is one of the most beautiful watches i’ve ever seen. Totally prefer a SpeedMaster(my uncle’s watch, maybe the reason i love it so much) or a Breitling Navitimer (my father owns one, it is beautiful). But the Daytona is superb

[@HiddenWen]

Yeah. I love watches like that. Rolex Explorer and JLC Master Control Date also fit that description; maybe a little less so due to the brand but you get the idea.

[@MrAristaeus]

He has exquisite taste. I love the rosebud influence of his father’s Seiko Sports. That’s what it’s all about.

[@yewtubez]

whats rosebud?

[@elementle]

@@yewtubez it's a metaphor: the point from which everything grows. :)

[@MikhailKalashnikovMiG]

fatassdork a reference to the movie Citizen Kane. Rosebud was the name of a childhood sled owned by the main character of the show. The sled was simple and inconspicuous, yet was the main character’s most prized possession due to the happy memories it brought

[@brians5650]

@@elementle actually it's from the movie Citizen Kane- "Rosebud" was the most meaningful, comforting, and beloved possession from the protagonist

[@MICHAELZHANGCA]

Calm voice, clear mind, perfect grammar and genuine smiles. I just became a fan of this guy.

[@gmshadowtraders]

Guys, that Grand Seiko GMT isn't just any old watch.... it's the SBGJ005, the first limited edition and unique green dial version. Wow.... this dude knows about watches.

[@tuanominh4168]

all his collection was iconic and special pcs not only the GS

[@dlysele]

“It says made in Taiwan, is that a clue?” My heart jumped a beat lol...

[@1trife90]

Lol i'm sure they vet these collections before inviting them on

[@michelecosoli9747]

Every time a new Talking Watches comes up, it feels like Christmas! Thanks Hodinkee

[@luthercalixte1383]

I had the same feeling. Once I got the notification I stop what I was doing to watch it

[@SwissWatchGang]

Agree😁

[@nobissc]

I like when stories are told through watches, not just a wealthy guy picking up the phone and ordering a six-digits watch.

[@user-xg6zz8qs3q]

Or ten Rolex.

[@kyle618]

yup!

[@Kieran0]

Honestly I think most people who are 'into' watches have stories behind them, there certainly are a bunch of people who are wealthy enough to just buy anything/everything they want but for most people it's usually a celebration of achieving a goal or something similar (like Daniel's engagement Rolex). A watch is usually a physical embodiment of that and since there are SO MANY watches that you could pick, the one(s) that you do end up picking out usually says something about your personality because you've likely spent a lot of time agonising over which one(s) to buy.

[@FINEST-uz9ek]

Kieran Roberts I agree 100% they can represent in many cases special times/milestones in one life and that forms a deep personal connection to the watch.

[@clegsmegson2627]

I only wear Richard Mille and Panerai - I am a CEO though. These watches are cheap really. Each to their own. Best regards, Cleg Smegson

[@jacksonk7566]

the fact that the first one is a seiko 5 is amazing. wasnt expecting that on Hodinkee

[@gmshadowtraders]

Hodinkee isn't in charge here, they let the guest do the talking! Seiko is a legendary brand, and Ben knows it too.

[@user-kq8cc1qb8p]

I’m huge fan of both from Korea. I cannot believe my ears when he mentions the Korean engagement rituals. This episode was amazing! Thanks for Hodinkee and Daniel Dae Kim.

[@grantkeller2220]

Such a humble guy. I love how he started small with the seiko and worked his way up to the AP and Patek.

[@thetruebatman4632]

He messed me up so bad when I watched him as a kid in LOST, and then come to find out he speaks english better than I do. Incredible actor, never heard anything about him other than how sweet and humble he is.

[@TheFiendRacer]

i love how all his watches are scratched up, no safe queens.

[@sharinglungs3226]

Some are antique pieces that he bought used. Who knows which scratches are his or just the condition it came in.

[@afghandydynamite9767]

For some reason every once and a while I come back to watch this. Such a humble, down to earth guy with an exquisite taste in watches. He doesn’t buy the most expensive/outrageous watches like most celebrities. In fact, most of his watches have a strong sentimental story. Love it

[@GreatcampAdventures]

yeah, I'm a nurse and my whole collection is worth less than a grand... but I still love every minute of it.

[@danielbarbee7712]

Got to have that second hand.

[@ghulamgows]

Pure enthusiast. He's got all the right pieces. My fav from the talking watches series so far 👍

[@brandonhohn245]

I absolutely love how he really loves Seiko for a really specific reasons, just very refreshing

[@stms4411]

Daniel has a really impressive and well thought out collection. Also seems like an awesome human. Perhaps my favorite talking watches episode

[@jonultime]

True gentleman. Very calming listening to his stories.

[@albiariza]

This episode of Talking Watches is so emotional and good. I keep coming back to watch this from time to time.

[@munchymunch7777]

You know it's going to be great at the start 'this is significant because this is a model of watch that my father wore"

[@pengu470]

This has become one of the Talking Watches episodes I rewatch once in a while. Just a beautiful collection and very intriguing conversation between two enthusiasts.

[@Christian_from_Copenhagen]

It's insane it took so long for anyone to acknowledge Grand Seiko on Talking Watches.

[@billmcfads2128]

Christian from Copenhagen snowflake seiko is amazing

[@Daggerfall40]

This is probably my favorite episode of Talking Watches. Must have seen it a hundred times already. DDK is a cool dude and I love the combination of affordable luxury and high end pieces in his collection.

[@tommyrin5969]

The first watch, Seiko Chronograph solidifies my love and respect for the brand even more. Like anything made in Japan.

[@scotts1409]

A gentleman with great taste.

[@richardc.5289]

That's how you tell a story about timepieces, with precious memories. Great episode from Daniel Dae Kim.

[@christyschronography5042]

Thanks for bringing Daniel Kim, he's always so humble.

[@eugenethomas4647]

Such a classy guy that really knows his stuff when it comes to watches. I think this is my favourite taking watches so far.

[@michaelliu8196]

I absolutely enjoyed every min of this interview with Daniel Dae Kim.

[@iwannabentley]

Finally... A new Talking Watches has come up.. Hodinkee need to DO MORE of these please ..

[@andrejkozuharov1802]

One of the rare watch collectors that is 100% humble, authentic and without ego. He literally just likes the watches!

[@12and60]

What a great collection! His passion for watches is plain to see, and it's awesome to see the thought that goes into why he's got each piece.

[@FINEST-uz9ek]

Loved this episode. Daniel really showed what a personal connection watches can have, they represent significant points in ones life such as his father connection to that Seiko and the watch he received as a wedding gift! What memories! I recently retired after 34 yrs and while on vacation I purchased a Black Bay 58 and I will connect that watch to that trip and my retirement. Watches do that they are the time pieces to your life!

[@nicowright79]

i'm glad to see that Jin survived the island🙏🏼

[@slickswings]

The best part about Hodinkee videos is watching the joy on the faces of guests as they talk about their collection. As a viewer, I'm not obligated to like their choices or preferences, rather I derive a lot of satisfaction from just watching someone enjoy their timepieces.

[@mountainmanwatchreviews8081]

What a great well rounded collection and an awesome, grateful guy.

[@nonammmmme]

Met him in person on the street, very friendly guy. And he disappeared like a ninja literally after I talked to him

[@labibbinaslam5933]

Man I must say he seems like an extremely nice guy and also a genuine watch lover.

[@abkumala]

In almost every Talking Watches you can feel the sencirity and humbleness of the owner

[@alexandergoldman]

Daniel seems like such a down-to-earth dude. Well spoken and great story teller. Have always been a fan. Awesome episode

[@snapfitness1]

I really like his collection. Nof overbearing yet states his love for the watches and hobby. He has real appreciation.

[@SpaghettiKillah]

I have a HUGE amount of respect for him and his collection !! He started soft and ended up with some true 💣💣💣 A true watch guy 👏🏻👏🏻

[@Zion-18]

Maybe the best and most well-rounded episode of Talking Watches. Everything from Seiko to Patek, and a humble personality behind it all.

[@CaptCanuck4444]

This guy has a special energy. Nice to listen to, grateful and unpretentious.

[@galaga8834]

What an impressive and articulate man with fantastic taste. Great interview. 10/10.

[@edwamser]

Great interview. I have my father's Seiko 5 Sports that he got while we were in Japan in 1970. Still runs great and keeps time.

[@torabp3907]

Always love your Talking Watches episodes. Can't wait for the next one

[@FunWithAJ]

Wow he's a true collector. He has earned my respect even more after this interview.

[@brewwatchco]

Great wedding gift! Smart to get it in stainless as well. Wonderful video production, Hodinkee!

[@oes2546]

That GS is stunning. Love the «modern 44GS» case shape, and the hi-beat movement is exceptional

[@endlessdrive8421]

This is probably one of my favorite episodes of TW, I feel like as an average watch enthusiast, Daniel has the most relatable view on watches that I've seen. The way he talks through his watches and their meaning to him matches a lot of the sentiments I also hold.

[@teecee9660]

So cool- Daniel Dae Kim- one of my favorite actors! Cheers!!

[@jerrymathers11]

Nice to see from the looks of them that he actually wears them. Seems like a genuine guy.

[@AbyssalTentacle]

Got introduced to him so long ago from Lost , loved his performances

[@Chironex_Fleckeri]

What a wonderful man! Extremely humble and incredible taste

[@sublim3princ371]

Respect this guy so much. His collection is very respectable.

[@wearetheunknown8162]

One of the best ones so far, a real watch enthusiast, love the story with seiko it also mirrors my own. I also like the fact he wears the G Shock Mudmaster too, fantastic work watch, well it is for me. Great channel.

[@bg147]

His dad's Seiko Sports is a beauty.

[@archergg9226]

This guy is so classy and he's a true watch connoisseur. Love him.

[@hissaanh.haqqani9758]

Love this guy. Classy. Huge respect for knowing his watches.

[@givemeyoureyes7]

Watches and my favorite Hawaii Five-O actor! This was something I didn't know I needed 😆

[@oliverottosson4746]

What a genuine, humble man! Great combination of the Blueberry GMT and the Amex Band

[@Furby2118]

Dude this is the best so far. Extremely knowledgeable on watches, and the fact that seiko is getting the love especially grand seiko. Now this I love

[@krisnaive]

Excellent subtle video!! Felt very emotional when Daniel speaks about his son’s first timepiece and engravings!!

[@cedarcanoe]

Most likely the most loved watch channel!

[@oneashralph4076]

He is truly a watch enthusiasm. He favour all his watchs as a treasure and story piece despite it come from all different brands.Not as some so call watch enthusiasm that always review or talking about high end swiss made watchs despited they grown up wearing Casio, Timex or Seiko.This guy is awesome

[@hyungnim702]

What a wonderful, thoughtful human being. Thanks for sharing!

[@alwaysforward28]

One of the best talking watches. Daniel is so well informed and articulate

[@michaeldixon2939]

This has to be the perfect example of my dream watch collections

[@dali_wawa]

This is exactly the conversation you would expect from Talking Watches - two gentlemen talk about the stories of watches in humble and genuine way. The enthusiasm of collecting watches stems from the love of people around and marks the precious moments in life.

[@Davidzfu]

What a great episode. A full spectrum collection

[@adibee88]

Amazing! I must admit I am a Watch Enthusiast, LOYAL SUBSCRIBER and save every episode I've viewed. This is definitely a FIRST for me! For a Guest to start off the collection with a SEIKO, was a REFRESHING surprise! I enjoyed the passion, enthusiasm and emotional connection this gentleman has with each of his watches, especially his Seikos! 🙌

[@iwillneverCC]

from seiko to AP, this guy is a legend!

[@cavalry1213]

I’m glad he mentioned G Shock. He didn’t show one, but he mentioned how great they are at least. He also mentioned that watch collecting isn’t for the rich and famous. If you have enough money to buy the watch you want, even if it’s your only watch, buy it and wear it in good health. 👍🏻

[@wt5098]

Daniel is such a thoughtful, well-spoken, humble guy. Incredible video and guest!

[@howardco.1588]

What an absolute gentleman and so humble, a true role model.

[@acmilan8mf11]

Man Jins English keeps getting better and better.

[@MainerInJapan]

What a nice, well-rounded collection! He seems like the type of guy I would want to be friends with, too.

[@danieldaekim9981]

Grazie per il tuo mi piace e commento sulla mia pagina di post lo apprezzo molto ❤️

[@ei8hty5ive]

This is what watch collecting is about. Both so passionate and so humble. Great vid.

[@manuelpusong7390]

Here in the Philippines the Seiko watch collecting has become pretty serious. From divers watches to chronographs and even time-only watches, these inexpensive Japanese-made timepieces are truly amazing. The craftmanship and beauty of their designs is unreal.

[@nbrikha]

Anyone who can respect a Seiko has MY respect

[@Thecohostobviouzx]

I grew up 5 min from where his family lived in PA, my mom went to the same school. Nice to see another Pennsylvanian on here! Also now that Hodinkee blessed vintage Seikos they are gonna sky rocket! Lol

[@gmshadowtraders]

Good thing I've spent the best part of the last decade collecting my vintage Seikos! Now they are overpriced and franken, before Ben had to do his funny business and call them out!

[@yaaxarr8977]

I really enjoyed this interview. Indeed, he´s a true collector ...ty Hodinkee

[@Misterallec]

Best episode of em all!

[@folumb]

He has a 23 year old son. DDK looks like he's 35

[@1plateclub]

Can you guys please do a part 2? I’m sure he’d love to be back on!

[@cazo5920]

WE WANT MORE! Great episode!

[@davidm4099]

This guy has the best collection and story behind watches by far!! I absolutely loved the green dial Seiko, omegas, and his Daytona

[@rudals1281]

That Korean tradition of giving a watch ⌚ is true to this day but I deferred to a suit. I regret that decision so I went out and started buying up nice watches myself.

[@GabrielBPerez_]

I am a SURGEON! DR. HAN!

[@jad19851]

One of the best of the series...

[@Insipidityy]

Loved him in Lost, and after watching this I love his down-to-earth watch-geek character even more. And he brought up Grand Seiko!