Real Watch Collectors: James Schaaf
James Schaaf's journey into watch collecting began at a young age, fueled by a memorable birthday gift of a Timex Wizzard Quartz. His passion blossomed through hands-on experiences with his grandfather, a pocket-watch enthusiast, leading to a deep appreciation for horology. Throughout his collecting years, Schaaf has acquired notable pieces, including a yellow-gold Rolex Day-Date and a lapis-dial Submariner, both bought when such styles were unpopular but later gained significant value. Despite the challenges of mental health and financial constraints during his university years, he has maintained a collection that serves as a memoir of his life experiences. Schaaf values watches that are rare, unpopular, and well-made, and he expresses a preference for independent brands that demonstrate innovation. His unique collection often includes pieces that other collectors may not fully appreciate, such as his IWC Da Vinci Ceramic. He reflects on his journey with a sense of passion rather than the pursuit of status, and if he had to start anew, he would adhere to the same philosophy of valuing rarity and quality. His ultimate grail watch, however, would be John Lennon’s Patek Philippe 2499, symbolizing a personal and historical connection to music and creativity that has shaped his life.
