Ask a 30 Under 30(ish) Honoree: What is Your Vision for the Future?
The honorees of our annual list of the people that are changing the face and culture of the watch world seem to be riding a wave of optimism.
By Watchonista
One of our favorite things about compiling our annual list of Watchonista’s 30 Under 30(ish) honorees is that it reminds us of how much positivity there is in the community.
Our class of 2024 hails from all around the world and represents almost every aspect of the industry – from passionate collectors to members of the C-suite.
That is why we asked them: What is your vision for a brighter future?
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NICOLAS AMSELLEM
“For a long time, Swiss watchmakers were all about mystery. Launches were heavily embargoed, and the identities of designers were shrouded in secrecy,” Nicolas Amsellem told Watchonista. “[However,] with the rise of interest in vintage watches and the secondary market, sharing is the new caring.”
For example, Nicolas’ vintage watch sales platform, Les Rhabilleurs, includes a wide range of videos and articles that present technical and historical knowledge with a sense of camaraderie.
Most importantly, Amsellem believes that gatekeeping has no place in the watch world: “As a watch expert working for many auction houses in France, the long-term goal is to gain more skills, knowledge, and transparency for the people to buy carefully.”
SAMIYA CUSMAN
Olympics! Elections! Talk shows where celebrities are interviewed while eating spicy chicken wings! Every aspect of pop culture has become an opportunity for watch spotting. Luckily, Samiya Cusman and her Instagram page, @didyouclockthat, are here for it, exploring the intersections between watches and lifestyle.
“I love to share beautiful things. Of course, watches but not just that,” Cusman told Watchonista. “Fashion and photography are interlinked with watches, stories of watchmakers and brands and collectors that make the watch world so much more interesting for me personally. I learn new stuff every day.”
VIKI GARCIA
Speaking of watch spotting, stylists like Viki Garcia are instrumental in getting timepieces on the wrists of celebrities. Still, despite her ability to name-drop all of us into submission, Viki believes the real force behind building a strong community of collectors is encouraging everybody to wear a watch every day.
“My advice to the die-hard enthusiast would be to have fun with your watches,” Garcia told us.
And for newbies, she added, “Don’t feel pressured to be a ‘watch person.’ If you’re ready for the push into watches, don’t buy into a certain brand because you see everyone wearing it. Dare to be different, and take the time to figure out what you love.
“A watch can be the foundation for your style, so invest in something that aligns with you or the person you want to be.”
C’QUON GOTTLEIB
While the last five years have seen supply chain issues and waiting lists that leave many collectors feeling left out, C’Quon Gottlieb feels that one sure-fire way of keeping the community’s curiosity piqued is by forging more connections with watchmakers through visits to manufactures and watch fairs.
“I’ve been lucky to land in many different places and experience different aspects of the industry,” C’Quon told Watchonista. “And when I’m surrounded by great people and good watches, I know I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.”
RYAN MORAN
Ryan Moran, the man behind the Canadian brand Locke & King, believes children are the future. In fact, since starting the business, Moran’s family has grown by two, which has taught him the importance of building a work-life balance into your business plan. And that means growing comfortably and organically.
“In five years, I’d like to have at least three additional models (with individual variations), employing a team, and maintaining a reputation of being a high-quality yet dependable and accessible brand from Canada,” Moran explained. “I want this to be a storied company – patience, product, and community are key.”
ELOÏSE RICHET
For independent designer Eloïse Richet, her fervor for the future of watchmaking is fueled by her love of the past:
“I have always been fascinated by the historical richness of horological products, and I have questioned it a lot, trying to understand what true innovation in this field looks like.
“Today, I preserve a heritage and make sure it evolves to stay in tune with the times.”
ROLAND PEL & ROMAIN VALLETTE
( @roland_armand & @iro_main )
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WATCHMAKERS AT FREDERIQUE CONSTANT
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To engage the next generation of watchmakers, savvy brands recognize that they need to encourage individual artistry. Case-in-point: Frederique Constant gave Romain Vallette and Roland Pel free rein to create the limited edition Tourbillon Meteorite.
Elevating the manufacture to a new level of luxury and haute horlogerie, all of the components in its movement – each of the Tourbillon Meteorite watches included a movement hand-decorated by Roland and Romain – even on surfaces that aren’t visible, was a first for Frederique Constant.
“We had to learn to work on our own,” recalled Romain. “Luckily, we also had support from many indie brands who were surprisingly helpful. We really appreciated this help.”
“I believe that the beauty in watchmaking is in the finishing,” added Roland. “[Finishing] can transform an average-looking movement into a beautiful movement.
“In my opinion, the luxury is in the finishing. Knowing someone spent hours on a part you will probably never see is a real luxury. And though finishing is probably not the most useful, it is certainly the most beautiful.”