Talking Watches With Todd Levin

For the full article, go to: www.hodinkee.c...
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.

[@toddlevin]

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]

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]

I understood you perfectly, however this is the internet and there are trolls...

[@marcjudge680]

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]

Sir thank you for your interview. As a fellow enthusiast and collector I truly enjoyed this particular interview. Thanks again!

[@johnpower3687]

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.

[@bradg.5253]

This episode should be the gold standard for Talking Watches.

[@PARADIGMCREATIVEGROUP]

Seriously, I agree. Todd is an amazing speaker and delivers a compelling voice about what to really collect... instead of a name.

[@Johnlt13]

When someone collects watches they love, rather then watches everyone loves.

[@WatchMeEDC]

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]

@@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]

than*

[@felipe6008]

@@Johnlt13 …. 👏

[@jhonwatchcollector7477]

@@Johnlt13 he bought on the hype, he wouldn’t be buying Daniels or Dufour if he wasn’t influenced by marketing

[@ianmedium]

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.

[@chadfrancis3853]

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]

His background in art allows him to connect more deeply to all of these crazy wrist borne machines

[@superfast30]

Agreed!

[@deltropico7]

In a Frank Lloyd Wright house... wow.

[@jonasm1318]

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]

The way he did talk about his dad, kind of struck into my mind though. Do you think so?

[@JamesSmithYoutube]

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?

[@MrThekikster]

Amazing amazing video. I could listen this guy speak all day long.

[@k.ekkonen4688]

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]

That's how you know it's going to be a great TW ;) This ranks in my top three for sure.

[@carsonchiem145]

@@BIZARR099 I'm just curious, what are your other two favorites? I think I'm partial to Aziz and Matt Jacobson

[@BIZARR099]

@@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!

[@mmessina4321]

one of my favourite talking watches so far

[@heljestrand]

Obviously not a flipper. I enjoyed this.

[@TheDorapapi321]

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

[@deltropico7]

What a thoughtful, beautiful story. Thought provoking in the best of ways.

[@phagraphy]

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

[@RyanWilliams-os6xw]

Great talking watches. You can listen to him talk all day.

[@heeroy7]

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]

It's easy if you have the cash!!

[@thumperjdm]

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]

Class over bling :)

[@thejordanflynn]

What an amazingly thoughtful speaker. One of the best episodes of Talking Watches period.

[@davidhunternyc1]

OMG! @ 1:28. Look at the Sam Maloof tiger maple rocking chair! ❤

[@fobudomh]

Well this was one of the best episode . A good come back by Hodinkee

[@jmartin2778]

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.

[@zahidzaman7938]

The best TW I have seen to date. His story was excellent

[@arentjanlinde6159]

Epic, deeply personal, and clear in the why and what. Great episode. And may I add a sincere “Wowser,” .

[@kevinmiller7184]

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.

[@costasmandylor1565]

You can keep the watches, I'll take the house!! 😍

[@Mikedawgs]

That Daniels brand only made 27 watches and go for millions that's insane

[@chairreader]

There's no Royal Oak or Daytona, therefore his collection sucks. Also, where are the watches that your multiple significant others gave you? Just kidding, just had to get that out there. More of this, please.

[@mostlywabisabi]

I thought there would be more digs in the comments. :)

[@trinity3422]

His number of years in the hobby- Infancy His choice in selection of watches to start collecting- God Tier Edit: my first “real or serious” watch is an Omega SMP 300m (White Dial) because of Omega’s durability, history in the culture of horology, and also because they use the Daniels Escapement in their movements.

[@jamespalsson746]

The big three: Patek and Rolex and AP. VC is probably crying in a corner somewhere B)

[@MrThekikster]

James Pålsson Kinda weird but when I got into watches I didn’t even know who VC was.

[@yuchenjia9396]

I was just about the say the same thing :( the oldest of the trinity, replaced by rolex :(

[@robertschmidt9584]

ALS is a close honorable mention, even if it isn’t Swiss!

[@IULENZA]

Holy Trinity of swiss high horology is PP, VC and AP. If you want to consider Geneve as the home of high horology then PP, VC, Rolex.

[@andrewblunts-ringwalks4508]

The trinity thing isn't real you know, it's low grade thinking in my opinion. There isn't a top 3 because if you find something more interesting from another company then it doesn't add up. Plus I would say Seiko offer the best product pound for pound.

[@outhegrid]

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.

[@UPHOTO75]

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.

[@robhaley802]

This has about 122k views and I guarantee that I’m at least 100k of those views

[@jamesluscombe1234]

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

[@charalamposmanthos260]

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!

[@SwissWatchGang]

What a pleasure to see his collection! Could watch 1 hour of this for sure! Well done Hodinkee.

[@superfast30]

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.

[@NK-wy8wp]

That’s like me. I knew absolutely nothing like 2 years ago. Now I can’t stop thinking about watches. I’m 34.

[@pretendawatch]

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.

[@miggybyte]

Loved his honesty of being a “newbie” and his pursuit to educate himself in the world of horology. 👌🏽

[@craigblykins]

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.

[@PARADIGMCREATIVEGROUP]

Last comment.... right in the feels. I just bought a GMT MASTER II... just like me dad has worn most my life.

[@georgewaked7630]

Man, I wish this was 2 hours long. I could listen to Todd talk about this stuff for ages.

[@kunstspaziergang]

Wow, so sophisticated. Collecting not the mainstream. Even his house is special.

[@gasparm.2711]

Finally a break from the Daytonas, Submariners, Speedmasters...

[@scene.objects]

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.

[@richiechou1605]

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!

[@Agentxphile]

My gosh....I dream of having, imo, a Daniels, Dufour and Kari Voutailenen on day

[@robertp5123]

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.

[@TheOneInYellow]

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 👏🏽

[@anthonyjackson31]

This episode was so good. Would love to see what this guy is doing now with his collection. Do we ever rope back on TW?

[@brunorehder4250]

*You know he is a true watch lover because he spent U$1.3M on a watch everyone would think costs less than U$10k. Definitely a guy in it for quality rather than “showiness”.*

[@hovensteve]

Jezzz so much? I thought less

[@codys5727]

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

[@glennpearce7093]

Wow oh my gosh I would run naked through my town square to hv one of George danials watches 😢

[@TimetoWatch247]

12:09 "I shouldn't have gotten started with this whole thing." Me neither 😂

[@markphillips2072]

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 KZbin 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.

[@SeanBlackburn1]

This was a great one! Impeccable taste, a very simple yet incredible collection.

[@jonahb2149]

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!

[@Jaxbrawlstar]

Aleluyah. Finaly! What took youso long for a new episode??

[@OilBaron]

A Roger Smith has to be in his future

[@ianmedium]

DraykeFields I stand to be corrected but I believe the Millennium model was co made by Roger Smith so I guess he does have an early example of Rogers work with this piece. Perhaps if Todd sees this comment he could confirm this to be the case or not?

[@MrKayDeeJay]

Or FP Journe?

[@toddlevin]

@@ianmedium Hi: Actually, both Daniels watches were actually made by Dr. Smith based on prototypes originally designed and built by Dr. Daniels. In the case of the later 'Anniversary' model, however, Dr. Daniels passed away not long after its creation, and so he only actually saw and signed off on the first few watches produced in that edition, including this number 4 of 35. Not that this fact diminishes the price or value in any way of a watch with a later edition number created posthumously, but it's just a nice extra factoid that Dr. Daniels signed the paperwork that accompanies my 'Anniversary' watch (as opposed to Dr. Smith's signature on the paperwork of later watches in the edition created posthumously). But all watches were built by Roger Smith. Hope that clarifies... Very best, Todd

[@ianmedium]

Todd Levin thanks so much for the clarification. I think if one buys any watch from Roger any of his creations I feel will be inextricably linked to Dr Daniels. It feels that Dr Daniels passed a part of his DNA to Roger along with his watching making tools and Dr Daniels seemed to have inherited Thomas Mudge and John Harrison’s DNA in some way also, the tradition, though separated by centuries came together with the fusion of Dr Daniels and Dr Smiths work together, it all feels seemless to me.

[@vgcamara]

this conversation was at another level! such a pleasure to hear him talk

[@baroh2413]

When I first saw this episode I had no idea what I was looking at. Now... holy s... What a collection!

[@donjuan150]

Finally a collector who can think for himself and is not a follower...could this be a first that we did not have to hear about a Rolex.......?

[@cheezybred]

“I’m a noobie”, casually shows off a simplicity. In my opinion, dufour watches are the most elegant pieces ever produced.

[@rodrigogutierrezreyes4702]

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

[@marvlaughlin7661]

Best takeaway for collectors of anything: educate yourself before you pay or you will pay to educate yourself. Way deep.

[@luigid4396]

Wonderful interview, thank you....

[@MOET02]

Love this episode how he connects I have a small quartz seiko gold plated it’s a 33 mm black dial no numbers black leather strap maybe worth $50 but I get so much pleasure when I wear it makes me feel like my dad is with me

[@CarandRacer]

People on here having anything to say besides enjoying and appreciating the sheer honesty of this man need to put the internet down.

[@melprophet1936]

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.

[@Alex-uv3xm]

So many beautiful pieces. Astounding collection!

[@SportsDad7]

He's not a watch snob!!!!!! FINALLY! i like this episode!

[@MrAnthonyBila]

One of the best episodes in a good long while, thank you Todd for your insight and candor.

[@joshuawagy]

Love episodes like these in interesting locations and with well-spoken individuals!

[@WINDINGCROWNS]

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. 👍

[@ckons89]

You collect watches to tell history not time.

[@dorkflassbury1164]

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.

[@DropFruitTrio]

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.

[@kwade220]

Yes! This is the Talking Watches we want!! It was GENUINE.

[@felipe6008]

One of the best episodes!!!!!!! Great man

[@fatlenny7653]

This gentleman is so well spoken. I could listen to him for days.

[@iammaximus614]

Wonderful talk....✌️😎 What books do you recommend for the Newbie/starting collector

[@romianths]

Only true enthusiast have daniels..

[@dangregory5358]

Thank god you got a back to the point of Taking Watches!! Not some rich Z list celeb who got lucky, a real person, with a real view of why we do it. Good video guys 👍

[@themississippikidful]

Awesome interview , such a nice and down to earth guy , I could listen to him and his quotes for hours ! Thanks Hodinkee 👍👍

[@sbsb4995]

Great episode. This guy can talk.

[@billmedic1995]

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!

[@mrandmrswheels1142]

Great video 👍 nice to see the respect given to ALL watch collectors in that we collect watches because we love them. £100,£1000,£10000,£100000 it doesn’t really make any difference. I’m so impressed that he’s learned so much in such a short time without flipping watches for 10 years to work out what he wants and appreciates. Well don’t that man!

[@theplasticdesert2408]

I have my grandads 1927 Elgin pocket watch too. No prizes for guessing this episode is magic imho.

[@pejpm]

What a nice guy and an amazing collection. I’m currently house hunting in Glen Ridge, hopefully I’ll run into him some day!

[@PROWATCHES]

Beautifully built home! How fitting to rest the watches on a hexagonal pad inside a hexagonal home.

[@billclifton731]

What a great guy, I loved hearing his story.

[@watchthereviewofficial]

what a great format this is...I wish you guys did more episodes more frequently 👌

[@JogieGlenMait16]

I heard of Dufour but Daniels, I'm afraid this is the first. New knowledge, gained.

[@sergelegault6027]

He is actually Michael Caine's younger brother

[@geckos27]

my thoughts

[@laughingatjeffisencouraged1975]

Todd you've always been brilliant whatever you do.. I love timepieces.l have my grandfather watches. too. Yogi

[@prashantmlpm]

I absolutely loved this episode. The man has taste.

[@chaostheory9916]

That‘s my kind of watch collector. Very interesting, thanks for sharing this with us! 😀

[@tsen-weiyap4923]

Welcome back to form Talking Watches! I'd like to see more passionate watch people from all walks of life rather than celebrities who happen to own a lot of watches.

[@rtomson]

Finally back to a good episode of talking watches. About time. Thank goodness Hodinkee benched Cara.

[@j.burgess4459]

There are collectors...and then there are super-collectors.