Sponsored by Watches of Switzerland
Meet The Watches of Switzerland Dream Team
In our new series, we highlight some of the team that helps make the Watches of Switzerland shopping experience so unique.
By Josh Shanks
Contributor
Now that New York City and other parts of America have begun the process of de-confinement, we worked with Watches of Switzerland to highlight the staff that helps set Watches of Switzerland apart from the crowd. We sat down with four members of the Dream Team to discuss their approach to picking the right timepieces for their customers.
Damian Otwinowski - Vice President for Watches of Switzerland
I first met Damian at the opening for Watches of Switzerland SoHo. His warm personality and fashion sense immediately made an impression. He’s always willing to lend a helping hand every time Watchonista visits the boutique and has even filled in as a model on a number of our photoshoots.
Otwinowski joined Watches of Switzerland seven years ago and moved to the United States in 2018 to help oversee the famed UK retailer’s expansion in the US market. Otwinowski admits before joining Watches of Switzerland, “I’d never worn a watch.” Yet after almost a decade at the company, Otwinowski has become well versed in the vast array of timepieces available at Watches of Switzerland.
Damian’s Picks
With over 3,000 timepieces in stock, Otwinowski couldn’t pick a single watch that stood out to him. “I don't have a favorite. I have to say I'm more of an enthusiast of time and fine watchmaking. I have a hard time picking one brand, let alone a single timepiece.”
From our discussion, it was clear that the Watches of Switzerland's team had formed a bond around music. While each store has its own playlist, we wanted to know what songs get the teams moving. If you ever interact with Otwinowski in the store, you'll notice that he always has a spring in his step. So, it came as no surprise when he told us the song "Let's Go" by Calvin Harris and Ne-Yo is his inner soundtrack while helping customers.
Lastly, when asked if he had any tips for first-time watch buyers, Otwinowski says to trust your heart, “Don't choose unless you know what you want. Let's not forget that buying a timepiece is an emotional purchase. Take your time. We are here to make sure that you’ll have a captivating and unforgettable experience.”
Christopher Arts – Watches of Switzerland Hudson Yards
Born and raised in Belgium, Christopher Arts works at the Watches of Switzerland’s Hudson Yards boutique. His love of watches started at age 7 when his grandfather gifted him a vintage Omega Seamaster. Most days, Arts can be found educating customers at Watches of Switzerland’s Hudson Yards.
While his tastes may have changed over the decades, Arts’ appreciation for mechanical timepieces has only increased. His dream watch is the classic Rolex Datejust 36mm with OysterSteel bracelet. A good choice, as it is a watch that has stood the test of time for over a half-century.
Christopher’s Picks
Arts told us that some of his best-selling brands are Patek Philippe and Rolex. However, he provided some sound wisdom for first-time buyers, “I would start by doing a bit of research. Don't be obsessed about brands; don't be obsessed about models. Be openminded. Work with your salesperson.”
On the musical side, Arts went for something classical yet distinct. He confessed, “The song I would play, without a doubt, is "Ride of the Valkyries" from Apocalypse Now. That scene with the helicopters landing on the beach. That is exactly how I feel walking into Watches of Switzerland every day.”
Rasheed Adigun – Watches of Switzerland Boston Encore
Rasheed Adigun is a Sales Associate and Events Coordinator at the Watches of Switzerland’s boutique in the Encore Boston Harbor. Almost exactly one year ago, Watchonista attended the opening of Watches of Switzerland’s latest boutique (read HERE), and I can attest that this store is worth a visit.
A graduate of Endicott College, Adigun is at the beginning of his career with Watches of Switzerland, and one of the things he loves the most about the group is the collaborative team spirit. As part of his role at the casino-based boutique, Adigun has participated in multiple in-store events for clients and Encore visitors. From the looks of it, there's never a dull day at the Encore Boston Harbor.
Rasheed’s Picks
Adigun has his sights set on one watch, and one watch only. The Tudor Black Bay Fifty-Eight (read HERE). Two years removed from its release, the Black Bay Fifty-Eight is still a popular choice for enthusiasts and first-time admirers of the brand. Happily, Tudor is carried at all four of Watches of Switzerland’s boutiques in the US, so Adigun is never far from his goal.
In a nod to the Watches of Switzerland team, Adigun chose “Big Rings” by Future and Drake. A song that boasts about the importance of having a good team, which is precisely what Adigun is a part of in Boston.
Maja Popovic – Watches of Switzerland Las Vegas
Las Vegas is back, baby! Sin City re-opened earlier this month. And based on the images I've seen online, people are slowly returning to one of my favorite towns.
Maja Popovic is part of the dynamic Watches of Switzerland team in Las Vegas. Being born and raised in Bosnia, Popovic brings a European flair to the store and its global clientele.
Popovic is proud to be part of the Watches of Switzerland team and finds enjoyment living and working in Las Vegas. While the boutique may be based in one of the most unique places on Earth, Popovic said that it’s the people at the store who make every experience memorable.
Maja’s Picks
Popovic went distinctly independent when asked to pick her dream watch. She chose Glashütte based A. Lange & Söhne. Perhaps the absence of clocks in the Wynn casino prompted her to opt for a Zeitwerk with its sizeable digital date.
To match the energy of Las Vegas, Popovic chose the club anthem "Can't Stop This Feeling" by Justin Timberlake. Speaking of feelings, Popovic had this piece of wisdom for first-time watch buyers, "My advice for the first-time watch buyer would be to make sure you pick a piece that speaks to you. So, when you look down on your wrist, you feel happy, and you smile."
To find your nearest Watches of Switzerland boutique, click HERE.
Video: Watches of Switzerland Dream Team
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