012: Telling the Story of Time with John Cote

Get the FREE WatchSmarts Beginner Buyer's Guide. John Cote grew up eye-level with the display cases of New York pawn shops, learning the art of the deal from his mathematician father via pure osmosis. In this episode, he shares how a lifetime of "collecting people" through the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors shaped his philosophy that a true collection must tell a story rather than just be a pile of random objects.

John shares his unique "twins" collecting strategy, where he hunts for pairs consisting of a rugged tool watch and its high-end dressy counterpart, and explains why the current market makes it the perfect time to rediscover the overlooked world of pocket watches. From finding treasures in fraternity dumpsters to inheriting thousands of timepieces, this conversation is a masterclass in discerning the difference between being a hoarder and a true curator of horological history.

⏱️ Timestamps

01:31: Born into the Business

• John recounts his earliest days in the Two Bridges area of Manhattan where his father hunted for watches on Maiden Lane.

• How observing negotiations in pawn shops at a young age provided a foundational education in watch buying.

03:16: Technology and the Human Mind

• The influence of his father’s career as a mathematics professor on his fascination with mechanical devices.

• Exploring why the human mind devises mechanical means to track the passage of time.

07:47: The Hoarder versus The Collector

• A deep dive into why a collection needs to tell a cohesive story to be more than just a random assortment of items.

• John shares how his father’s massive collection taught him the value of discernment over sheer volume.

16:34: The Secret World of Pocket Watches

• Why pocket watches are currently a high value entry point for collectors despite being viewed as old school.

• The historical link showing how the wristwatch evolved directly from its pocket bound predecessors.

21:57: The Twin Collection Strategy

• John explains his fascination with pairs that feature both a rugged stainless steel tool watch and its luxury gold analog.

• Examples from brands like Breitling and Longines that successfully marketed to both professionals and wealthy enthusiasts.

32:19: Learning Through Osmosis

• The role of the NAWCC in providing mentors and a community for those looking to collect people alongside watches.

• Why firsthand knowledge and expert opinions are the only real substitutes for spending endless amounts of money.

39:01: Quality Over Quantity

• Crucial advice on why it is better to save for one amazing example of a watch than to buy five mediocre versions.

• The hidden costs of restoration and why buying a fixer upper is often a collector's most expensive mistake.

Your collection is more than a set of tools; it is the story of your life told through the ticking of gears.

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