Time's Embrace: Daniel Dae Kim's Enduring Passion for Horology
A Childhood Spark: The Genesis of a Collector's Journey
Daniel Dae Kim, celebrated for his acting prowess, is equally recognized in Hollywood as a serious connoisseur of fine watches. His extensive collection boasts multiple prestigious Rolexes and custom-made Omegas, often gifted to his production partners. However, the origin of this profound passion traces back to a far more modest timepiece: his father's Seiko Speedtimer, which captivated him in his youth.
Seiko Collaboration: A Full-Circle Moment for the Actor
Having cultivated a deep appreciation for Japanese watchmaking over the years, Kim now directly partners with the brand. He is the face of a new campaign introducing the latest collaboration between Seiko and Rowing Blazers. This collection features two updated versions of the vintage Rally Timer, distinguished by a checkered bezel and designed with the expertise of renowned watch dealer Eric Wind. The offerings include a 38mm dark green model and a 42mm navy-blue variant, each priced at $495 and limited to 250 pieces. These exclusive Rally Divers are scheduled for release on Rowing Blazers' official website on July 9th at 11 a.m. EST.
The Enduring Legacy of Rowing Blazers' Watch Partnerships
Rowing Blazers has a rich history of successful watch collaborations. Prior to founder Jack Carlson's departure to lead J. Press, the prep-inspired brand frequently partnered with Seiko, creating timepieces that harmoniously blended vibrant, preppy aesthetics with Seiko's robust and reliable mechanisms. The original Rally Diver marked Rowing Blazers' inaugural watch collaboration and holds sentimental value as the first timepiece Eric Wind ever acquired, mirroring his own father's daily Seiko wear. The continuation of this esteemed watch program in the post-Carlson era is a welcome development for enthusiasts.
A Collector's Insights: The Personal Meaning Behind Timepieces
In an interview, Kim discussed the new campaign, his deep-seated connection to Seiko, and his ongoing quest for a coveted Rolex that even a collector of his stature has yet to acquire. He emphasized that the collaboration felt like a natural fit due to his personal history with the brand. Kim expressed his admiration for both Seiko and Grand Seiko, noting that a Seiko watch first sparked his lifelong love for horology. This strong personal connection made his participation with Eric Wind and Rowing Blazers an unequivocal decision.
Exploring the Rally Timer Collection and Personal Preferences
When asked about his history with the Rally Timer, Kim revealed he didn't own any from that specific line, but his collection included Speedtimers, Pogues, and notably, Bruce Lee-inspired models. He valued the opportunity to work with a familiar brand while simultaneously expanding his personal collection and knowledge through the collaboration. Regarding the two new colorways, Kim expressed a partiality for the blue dial, which he felt perfectly complemented the Hawaiian ocean waves during the photoshoot. He also observed the intriguing characteristic of the green model, which can appear black under certain lighting conditions.
The Sentimental Value of Timepieces: A Father's Legacy
Inquiring about his father's original Speedtimer, Kim confirmed his father still possessed it, though he had never directly asked about inheriting it. Kim shared his own intention to pass down his watches to his children when the time is right, speculating that his father might harbor similar plans. He noted that while the winding ritual his father practiced is less necessary with modern automatic winders, he maintains particular habits for resting his watches to preserve their bracelets. Kim also categorizes his watches, choosing to keep some on winders while others are enjoyed more freely, allowing for natural wear and patina.
Accessibility and Meaning: The Democratic Spirit of Watch Collecting
Kim highlighted the accessibility of Seiko watches, emphasizing that their quality and interesting designs offer an excellent entry point for new collectors without a hefty price tag. He stressed that even seasoned collectors would be proud to wear a Seiko. This aspect was crucial to his involvement in the campaign, as it allows him to promote the idea that watch collecting doesn't have to be exclusive to the wealthy. He believes that a watch's meaning, whether it costs $100 or significantly more, far outweighs its price. His own journey into collecting was fueled by the emotional significance of his father's unpretentious yet cherished watch.
The Evolving Landscape of Watch Collecting: Passion vs. Commodity
Observing the increasing mainstream appeal of watch collecting, Kim noted a growing commodification of timepieces. He expressed curiosity about individuals' motivations for collecting, contrasting those who view watches solely as investments or status symbols with those who have a deeper, emotional connection. For Kim, whose work revolves around storytelling, the narrative behind a watch is far more compelling than its price tag. He acknowledged that some purchase watches as a symbol of achievement, which he finds legitimate, but expressed less interest in those driven purely by social comparison or flexing.
Vintage Charms and Elusive Gems in Kim's Collection
Kim recently acquired a Steve McQueen Rolex Submariner Ref. 5512, a piece he deeply enjoys for its distinctiveness and historical character. While he predominantly collects vintage watches, he remains open to modern pieces that captivate him. His current horological holy grail is the elusive Rolex "Le Mans" Daytona, which he admires for its unique qualities that set it apart from other Daytonas. He jokingly shared his personal struggle to acquire one, despite his connections, reassuring fellow enthusiasts that even famous collectors face challenges in the pursuit of certain timepieces.
The Enduring Allure of Seiko and Omega: Craftsmanship and Personal Stories
Kim's Seiko collection encompasses a diverse range of Seiko and Grand Seiko models from various eras. His favorite Grand Seiko, an SBGJ005, a limited-edition green dial GMT from 25 years ago, serves as an inspiration for subsequent Grand Seiko purchases. He lauded Grand Seiko's craftsmanship, equating it to watches three or four times its price, and appreciated its understated appeal among those not deeply immersed in watch culture. Kim also recounted a memorable gift: custom white-dial Omega Speedmasters for the producers of his Amazon Prime show, Butterfly. These watches featured sapphire backs etched with a butterfly motif, the year, and the date, underscoring his long-standing and mutually beneficial relationship with Omega, which has lent him timepieces for various productions, including his space-themed film Stowaway.
Cherished Timepieces: Family Heirlooms and Everyday Elegance
When asked to choose a single watch to save from his extensive collection, Kim referenced Orson Welles' Citizen Kane, echoing the sentiment of returning to "Rosebud." He would undoubtedly choose either his cherished Speedtimer or the stainless-steel Rolex Oyster Perpetual gifted by his wife's family for their wedding. The latter, with its simple silver dial, is beloved for its versatility and was his first Rolex, teaching him the profound importance of caring for such a significant timepiece. Finally, Kim expressed his satisfaction in coming full circle with Seiko, introducing the brand to a new generation of collectors through this collaboration, emphasizing the "cool factor" of owning a limited-edition piece.