30 October 2025 |
You can tell a lot about a person from the watch they’re wearing.Luckily for us, the movers and shakers on the following pages know what to choose when it comes to the best wrist candy out there.
DELFIN FINLEY
ARTIST
Instagram: @delfin
Which watch are you wearing? My vintage white gold Tank Louis Cartier.
What made you want this one? I’ve always been a hugeCartier guy—there’s something about the house’s design language that just resonates with me. The Tank Louis in particular has a purity that’s hard to match. It’s refined but never boring. The white gold version feels especially subtle, almost discreet, but the elegance is undeniable. I’m someone who gravitates toward timeless pieces with character and this watch has that in abundance.
How did you come to acquire it? I had been thinking about the Tank Louis for a while—it was one of those watches that lingered in my mind long after I first saw it. You don’t come across white gold versions too often, so when I was ready I mentioned it to my friends at [the vintage watch dealer] Very Special. They helped me search far and wide until we found the perfect one.
What do you love most about this watch and why is it your favorite? It’s the restraint. It doesn’t try to impress with gimmicks or excess. It has this quiet confidence—a sense of balance and elegance that feels effortless. There’s real integrity in its design. It’s timeless and adapts to any context with ease. That kind of versatility and honesty are what I admire most.
When do you wear it and what do you typically wear it with? It’s definitely my most-worn watch. Honestly,I’ll wear it with anything. But more often than not you’ll catch me wearing it with a suit. A Comme des Garçons suit, to be exact.
What is your dream timepiece? The Cartier Crash. I gravitate toward watches that are a little offbeat—pieces with a sense of personality and quirk. This one hits that sweet spot. It’s the ultimate design rebellion within a classic framework. It’s a dream.
Tell us about some of your other favorite pieces in your collection. One that stands out is my white gold Audemars Piguet Feather, with a pavé-diamond dial and sapphire hour markers. It’s a playful, almost theatrical piece, which I love. Vintage watches have this boldness to them. Back then, brands weren’t afraid to take risks.I wish we saw more of that spirit today.
Who would you trade watches with? No one, honestly. For me, the joy is in the process—the search, the story, the anticipation. Trading would skip all of that. The personal connection to each piece is what makes collecting meaningful.
Are you always on time? I do my best. I think punctuality is a form of respect—for others and for yourself. If I’m late, there’s usually a very good reason.
ESTELLE BAILEY-BABENZIEN
INTERIOR DESIGNER AND CO-OWNER, NOAH
Instagram: @thedreamawake
Which watch are you wearing? A Rolex Oyster Perpetual from 1971.
What made you want this one? My granddad had this watch, but with the Oyster bracelet strap, and I always loved it.
How did you come to acquire it? When he sadly passed away, I secretly hoped he’d pass his watch down to me, but that fairly went to my oldest cousin—his first grandchild. Instead, I received his wedding band, which I loved equally and am immensely grateful for. My husband wears it now. I always knew that my first proper watch had to be just like the one my granddad wore, so I was thrilled when I finally got this Rolex.
Is there a story behind this particular watch? My granddad received it as a gift from the British Royal Navy, for his time and leadership as a high-ranking sailor. He was unquestionably one of the most important and influential people in my life growing up. He was so funny, kind, and patient, and I loved spending time with him. We would spend hours gardening or tending to the tomatoes in his greenhouse, just chatting and hanging out. I remember my granddad had beautiful hands and an elegant wrist, so his watch stood out to me. I would watch his hands elegantly tend to flowers or roll his tobacco. He had a way of making me feel so seen, at ease, and safe.
What do you love most about this watch and why is it your favorite? Every time I put it on I’m gently reminded of my grandfather. It’s such a warm and loving memory and daily rush of unconscious energy that feels like protection.
When do you wear it and what do you typically wear it with? I wear it daily as it pretty much goes with everything. I love that it’s mixed gold and silver, so it complements everything. It’s just classic and not too flashy.
What is your dream timepiece? Oh, there are so many beautiful watches, but I’d love a Bvlgari Serpenti Tubogas watch in 18-carat gold. I was born in the year of the snake and I love to wear bracelets, so this is such a perfect dress-up piece for me.
Tell us about some of your other favorite pieces in your collection. I love the Noah x Timex sun and moon phase watch that we released last year. It was an instant hit. I love it because of its vintage appeal and Eighties vibe with the sun and moon movement. We were only able to make a limited few as the manufacturers that make the sun/moon component planned to dismantle the machines for this specific part, as apparently this mechanism isn’t so popular at the moment. Well, they were obviously wrong, because we convinced them to keep the machinery intact while we collected pre- orders and gave them a one-time order that made it worthwhile. This watch came at such an important time in our business, when the stars, sun, and moon really aligned for us. So I love this watch not only for how it looks but also what it means to me and my business.
My other favorite watch is a vintage slim gold watch from my mother. It’s super-delicate and not by a noteworthy brand, but I love that it’s so elegant and old world. I think it’s from the 1920s.
Who would you trade watches with? I’m sure Princess Diana had an exquisite collection. Timeless and classic.
Are you always on time? Not so much, but I am getting better as I get older. I respect time so much more. I’m good when it comes to catching flights—I don’t miss planes!
WARREN ALFIE BAKER
STYLIST
Instagram: @warrenalfiebaker
Which watch are you wearing? The Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch.
What made you want this one? I feel like it’s one of the Omega classics that’s rich in history and does a great job of blending casual daywear with eveningwear.
How did you come to acquire it? I have been working with Omega for years with clients and I have a few leather-strap watches, but I really wanted to own a steel band. So this was the next purchase on the list.
Is there a story behind this particular one? Growing up, my dad had one and it was always a watch that I loved and always looked superb with anything he wore. It was the nostalgia and lively memories that made me want one.
What do you love most about this watch and why is it your favorite? I think it has such a great historical story, it’s beautifully classic, and it’s definitely a watch that will never go out of fashion.
When do you wear it and what do you typically wear it with? It’s a daily wear for me. I love a Nineties Harrison Ford vibe, so I love it with a suit jacket and jeans. It has a great chic aesthetic without having to flex too hard.
What is your dream timepiece? Next on the list for me would be the Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso—another watch that is beautiful and has a great story to tell.
Tell us about some of your other favorite pieces in your collection. I have the Omega Globemaster in blue—the color of the face is stunning. I also love my Tag Heuer Carrera Date in pink—it’s a naughty watch face that gives a bit of fun personality.
Who would you trade watches with? I’m a fan of vintage, so if I could go back in time I would love to have a sit-down with Paul Newman and talk through his collection.
Are you always on time? I’m always on time and usually a little early. When it comes to timekeeping I’m a pro—I prefer being five minutes too early than five minutes too late.
TOBY BATEMAN
CEO, MR PORTER
Instagram: @tobybateman
What watch are you wearing? I’m wearing a 1972 Rolex Submariner, reference 1680.
Tell us about your watch. Collectors call it the red sub because the word Submariner is stamped in red text on the dial. The 1680 was also the first Submariner model to feature a date window. The hands and bezel have been replaced at some point, so they’re not original to the watch.
How did you come to own it? I bought it about seven years ago from my friend and colleague Jeremy Langmead [Mr Porter’s brand director]. Interestingly, he had originally purchased it from Adam Brown, the founder of Orlebar Brown, when Adam was raising funds to launch the brand [which makes swimwear]. I’m its third custodian within the fashion industry.
What’s the story behind it? It’s easy to dive deep into the details of vintage Rolexes, which is probably why there are so many enthusiasts. This particular model features a Mark IV dial configuration, the first model to list the depth with feet first instead of meters. You can identify the Mark IV by the misalignment of the cross on the ‘f’ of feet with the cross on the ‘t.’ Additionally, the 6 numerals on this model are known as open sixes. The dial on mine is in especially good condition, with hour markers that have developed a beautiful yellow patina over time.
What do you love about it and why is it your favorite?
I think what I love most is that it’s an iconic watch design and model, worn by everyone from James Bond and Steve McQueen to Jacques Cousteau. I find vintage watches, especially Rolex models, far more interesting than new ones. Plus, I admit I enjoy geeking out over the details.
When do you wear it and what do you wear it with?
There are no rules about when to wear it. I’m not one for dressing rules, full stop. I wear it just as easily with jeans and a T-shirt as I do with a tuxedo.
What would be a dream watch for you to own? One day I’d like to own a vintage gold Patek Philippe, perhaps a 1940s chronograph, like the reference 1463.
ROB RONEN
CO-FOUNDER, MATERIAL GOOD
Instagram: @ronenrob
Which watch are you wearing? A one-of-one, “piece unique”—a 39 mm Biver Automatique, made especially for me with a yellow gold case and a turquoise dial, on an Alcantara gray strap.
What made you want this one? The legendary Jean- Claude Biver and his son Pierre Biver founded their namesake company in 2023. Material Good is now lucky to be the brand’s exclusive retailer in the U.S. Ever since, I have aspired to own something from the brand that speaks to its reputation for executing the perfect balance between contemporary and classical timepieces.
How did you come to acquire it? I brainstormed the concept with the team over a year ago. I wanted to see how bold we could go with the watch while balancing the brand’s codes, ultimately creating something with a very high-end, beautiful movement, yet with modern design appeal. Once we had the idea set, it took about six months to craft and deliver.
What do you love most about this watch and why is it your favorite? The Biver brand is fairly new to the market, so I wanted to design something that would catch people’s attention—something that jumped off the wrist. We ultimately developed a fantastic marriage of super-old-school watchmaking and finishing that is combined with a contemporary twist. It is something I am proud to wear.
When do you wear it and what do you typically wear it with? The watch is quite bold, so I let it speak for itself. I traditionally pare it down, wearing muted tones or monochromatic looks.
What is your dream timepiece? My dream timepiece these days is always yet to come, because now that we work so closely with our independent brands, we have the opportunity to work on future Material Good special editions.
Tell us about some of your other favorite pieces in your collection. One of my most treasured watches is my Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Double Balance Wheel 41 mm. I had my eye on it ever since I saw it on the wrist of a fellow industry executive, but it was hard to locate as it was a boutique-exclusive timepiece. I waited years to track it down and then, in 2017, Material Good had the honor of operating its first Audemars Piguet boutique in East Hampton. The watch became part of the boutique’s product assortment and I knew I had to have it to commemorate the partnership. It felt very full circle.
Who would you trade watches with? That’s a tough one—I’ve been fortunate to meet so many incredible collectors. But if I had to choose, I’d trade with [the New York Mets shortstop] Francisco Lindor, a longtime friend of Material Good. His personal style is impeccable and his watch collection perfectly reflects that.
Are you always on time? I’m not just always on time, I’m usually 10 minutes early. Funnily enough, my business partner and co-founder—and best friend!—is always 10 minutes late, so we balance each other out nicely.
Taken from 10 Magazine USA Issue 5 – TRANSFORMATION, BIRTHDAY, EVOLVE – out now! Order your copy here.
ME AND MY WATCH
Text ALMA DE GANAY
Photographer MICAIAH CARTER
Photographer CARLOS RUIZ
Photographer ELLIOTT MORGAN
