Talking Watches With John Edelman

Every watch collection is different, shaped by the experiences, interests, and whims of the collector assembling it. Some are hyper-focused on a single make, model, or complication, while others are eclectic and allow the various facets of the collector's personality to shine through. John Edelman's collection is without question the latter.

Edelman is a longtime veteran of the design industry and the CEO of Design Within Reach, a position he's held since 2009. He's a man with serious taste that encompasses the worlds of interiors, vintage cars, photography, watches, and more. But, what makes his connoisseurship so charming is the complete lack of pretension he exhibits when showing off the reference 6239 Daytona that belonged to his father or the Bertoia sculpture in the entryway of his Connecticut home. For him, these aren't things to be coveted – they're tokens for recalling memories and making new ones. John is an extremely friendly guy and, as you can see in this video, a natural-born storyteller. He's the kind of person that makes you want to grab a cup of coffee, lean back in an Eames lounge chair, and just open your ears.

[Nontacticalboy]

Anyone who owns 3 Daytonas and still buy Seikos, is cool in my book!

[marctravismba]

This guy is a true collector. He's passionate. His watches have backstories, have meaning. Plus, Seiko!

[ryanburbridge]

Hands down one of the best ever. So down to earth. And had a real love of the watches not just some brand

[time]

Definition of 'modern'
1. Aesthetically beautiful
2. No superfluous design
3. High functionality
4. No ego in design

[alurbanski]

I love this guy. Though he can afford to buy any watch he wants (and he has some pricey ones), he sticks to great design and what he likes.

[SupremeDream]

Finally, some Seikos on Talking Watches!!

[arthurscargill]

Great. The only thing I didn't love about this episode was that I always dreamed that I might be the first guy who turned up with with a bunch of vintage Seikos on Talking Watches.

[BrixtonBando]

Probably my favourite interview. He truly believes in what he says, unlike a few other people who bought all Grails because they were told so.
I must find out more about this guy! His explanation is Fascinating!

[coronetmag]

Shows Daytona: "My dad was a cool guy. And he wore the coolest watch." Wow. Love that!Talking Watches is by far my favorite series among Hodinkee's videos. Stephen did a great job 👍

[jigrodrigues]

5:22 "I usually wear a brown leash when Im carrying a white bone. It's modern. Dogs did it fifty years ago, and will still do it fifty years on. A good bone and a nice leash are just the perfect combination"

[jessemenon]

This is one of the most meaningful episodes. A person who takes pride in his Seiko and not just shows off his AP or Patek. this made me respect John Edelman a lot more!

[tim]

It's always good to interview "creative" people as they never are boring. One of your best.

[jeffjacobson]

I love seeing a guy with bucketloads of money not care if he’s wearing a Seiko or a Daytona. So refreshing and a guy I would like to hang out with!!

[kutbisham]

So refreshing to see a collector having lower end watches but having same not the price it's the DESIGN....awesome...

[Silverman]

This guy has taste and he is humble. This video is not for snobs! He appreciate the design not the price.

[tyjohn]

"Modern can be bought 100 years ago, or bought in 100 years." Great ep.

[tomsmith]

The comments on design were outstanding

[bombpop]

9:38 Wow this guy IS an incredible salesman, and he's right!

[JCW]

I love this guy's passion. Waxing poetic about design at the end...magic.

[silkhead]

I love this guy's attitude about watches...he's not a snob about price..it's all design