Talking Watches With Grahame Fowler, Supreme Collector Of COMEX Rolex Divers

Grahame Fowler isn't new to HODINKEE, and he certainly isn't new to watches. Far from it, in fact. He is one of the consummate watch collectors on the planet and one of the early adopters of vintage military watches as objects of collectibility. He began his career in 1980s England, at a time when old (parlance of the times) military watches were sold by the tray-load in flea markets like London's famed Portobello Road.

In this episode, Fowler – from his Long Island warehouse filled with vintage Italian Scooters – shows us his COMEX collection which ranges from the earliest to the latest days of the double stampede special divers. It's rare to see a collection this focused and we're glad to be able to bring it to you today. But don't think we sat down with the master of military watches without seeing some from his vast treasure chest. From COMEX to Mil-Spec, this is Talking Watches.

And don't forget to SUBSCRIBE to our channel. Thank you!

[samstraughan]

4:35 "Yeah, they tell the time, but its the time that they're steeped in that is important to me"....What a wonderful quote

[arnoldjenkins]

That omega really deserves a modern reissue. so much nicer than anything in their current lineup.

[timetell]

Even though he has mainly Rolex MilSubs & Comex Subs, I still appreciate that he is not just buying bling watches to show off. He has a passion like Seinfeld and his Porches. He also knows his stuff too, which is better than just buying a piece since it is shiny.

[thehunter]

The first Comex covered in deep sea welding splatter. COME ON! Amazing piece and a true collector.

[Dkguerilla]

The vintage Rolexes are in a lot of ways better looking than modern ones.

[dooks]

The idea of never owning watches rather being the custodian really sums up why I love watches so much. For these items to even exist now is odd. Love this. There can never be enough talking watches episodes. Also the case on that comex sub is so damn crispy and sharp. its amazing.

[jerohmjallorina]

I've been watching Hodinkee episode: Thirteen Milsubs of Grahame Fowler over and over. Love his shop. Great to see him in Talking Watches. Great job Hodinkee team as usual.

[ricardoskerrett]

If you guys did Talking Watches more often, gosh, that would be so lovely, great content!

[SteveFWatches]

A lot of vintage subs and an omega but his knowledge is so extensive. Very cool guy and nice focused collection and even a cool studio.

[Nick-sdum]

He makes such a good point about the dials lightening in the light and darkening in the dark because there's a lot of misinformation out there about patina and that sunlight causes it when it's the reverse (along with the chemicals used on the dial/hands I.e. tritium).

My 5513 that had been in a safe for the better part of 10 years had deep orange hands and dial but after wearing it for a few weeks it turns into a nice creamy colour and then goes orange again after a while depending on how long it is in the dark.

Love how it changes like that.

[michelinii]

Out of all of these, the Omega is my favorite. Great episode!

[gottadrumitup]

What a wonderfully unpretentious collector. Much respect!

[Schlammalammadingdong]

Love Grahame’s collection. He’s very knowledgeable about his collection; A true passion for sure. Pretty Rad he has watches that have seen military conflict. Ohh and that Left hand 🤚 PVD coated … ….yeah that’s a grail watch for sure.
Very interesting studio. I was hoping a for a little more montage video footage of the cool items he has collected over the years.

[natrajm]

Been following him for ages on various social media platforms. Never fails to suprise you !

[johnjuarez]

Met Fowler in 2014, and bought some boots in his old shop in Manhattan NYC. At the time he was wearing a Rolex Smurf (18K White Gold Sub). Never forget when he let me examine it.

[MDchaz]

Scooters and watches. The man has taste. Both things I love but most will never understand the passion and joy.

[MrPaku]

Vintage milsubs are so amazing. Great to have Grahame Fowler on talking watches.

[boombringer]

Grahame Fowler!! what a LEGEND!! as a fellow englishman, I love this collection!!

[mwojciak]

Another Rolex collectior! That what we all needed! Thank you Hodinkee

[Alex-yuwg]

I have two Rolex comex watch's. First I got in early 70's from Comex, but did not have the comex logo on face - it was one of five Rolex very early attempts, second I got did. The second (mid 80's) was aquired as part payment for a Mini Cooper.