TALKING TIME: HINDMAN’S SEAN JOHNSON TAKES US BEHIND THE SCENES OF THE WATCH WORLD

Country Magazine (CM): Can you tell us what sparked your interest in watches?

Sean Johnson (SJ): I grew up in Geneva, Switzerland, the historical epicenter of horology and where time is an intrinsic part of the Swiss DNA. Being on time is a fundamental element in Swiss culture, so watches and clocks naturally play an important role in our everyday life.

Growing up next to some of the most important watch manufacturers like Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Richemont brands, certainly inspired my passion for watches. Living outside of Switzerland has also given me a deeper appreciation for Swiss timekeeping engineering and its impact around the world.

CM: We hear you are quite the traveler and have lived in several countries.

SJ: Throughout my career and life, I’ve been fortunate to reside in many different countries—I have lived in 20 countries and traveled to more than 100—but I’ve always brought a Swiss mindset with me. In some ways, I feel that I have become a personal ambassador to Switzerland.

CM: How did you begin your career?

SJ: Following my undergraduate degree, I attended GIA (Gemological Institute of America), the premier institution for those interested in jewelry. My first job was at a diamond trading company in Barcelona. I eventually ended up on 47th Street in New York City in my early 20s, which was a true turning point in my career. I honed my skills in how to authenticate, buy and sell, price, and negotiate, and eventually ended up moving into the auction world.

CM: What have been some of the most memorable watches in your personal collection?

SJ: The IWC Portuguese was the first major watch I ever purchased. I guess you could say it was my first “grown-up” watch. I bought it because I truly loved it, and I always encourage collectors to genuinely love what they buy. The watch I’m wearing currently (as seen in the image) is a Rolex GMT-Master II, nicknamed the “Batman.” I bought this one in 2017, back when it was still possible to buy these watches right off the shelf.

I also have a soft spot for small European and Asian brands and typically hunt for watches during late-night online bidding. I love discovering new makers—there is definitely room for disruption and new watch concepts! It’s sometimes hard for me to separate my work from my passion for the industry.

CM: What are some watch brands to watch out for?

SJ:The most sought-after watches are usually from Rolex, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, and Richard Mille (“the big four”). Vacheron Constantin, A. Lange & Söhne, and Jaeger-LeCoultre also do well at auction depending on the model, year of manufacture, and of course, the condition of the watch. For women looking for watches, a classic Rolex Datejust or a Patek Philippe Calatrava are always a good choice. Watches by independent manufacturers, such as F.P.Journe, De Bethune, and MB&F, have been performing exceptionally well at auctions in recent years.

CM: Tips for collectors?

SJ: Buy what you love, and love what you buy. Don’t fall into the misperception that every watch is an “investment.” Collecting watches is a journey. It’s about finding watches that bring you joy and appreciating the artistry and storytelling behind the piece. I encourage new collectors to learn about the history of watchmaking and the crucial role timekeeping has played in society. There is a true savoir-faire to watchmaking, being passed down from generation to generation, which I think is underappreciated.

CM: What have you been focused on at Hindman since you joined the firm last year?

SJ: There has been so much growth in the last decade in the world of pre-owned watches, and Hindman is poised to become a leading house for collectors to buy and sell some of the rarest and most desirable watches. My focus has been curating sales that feature exceptional collections and models from around the world while building a robust network of collectors throughout the country and beyond.

Hindman will present a single owner watch auction at 9 a.m. and a various owner watch auction at 1 p.m. on October 18. Bidding will be available via Hindman’s Digital Bid Room, bid.hindmanauctions.com.