Episode 16: Talking Indies with JDR from Alex Crown 

Welcome to a conversation with our guest today, JDR, the CEO of Alex Crown. With a passion that runs deep, JDR is not just a collector and enthusiast of watches, he's also a driving force in the industry. Join us as we dive into the intricacies of watchmaking, the emotional resonance of timepieces tracing back generations within his family, and the intersection of the horology and the sartorial world. From his first cherished timepiece, a Longines Heritage Retrograde, to his immersion in the realm of independent watchmaking, JDR’s insights are bound to captivate your horological curiosity. Tune in for this and more, as we uncover the hidden stories behind the world of watches. 

• 0:10 - Introduction to the guest, CEO of Alex Crown JDR, and why he is a collector and a watch enthusiast

• 2:00 - How did watches become a part of his life? 

• 5:05 - His family has been involved with watches for multiple generations now 

• 8:15 - The importance of learning about watches

• 10:55 - His first real watch was a Longines Heritage Retrograde

• 14:15 - How JDR got into the world of watches

• 16:55 - The emotional connection between watches and heritage 

• 20:00 - The power of the watch strap and how it fits into fashion

• 25:35 - First exposure to independent watchmaking and independent brands 

• 27:55 - Exploring the Impact: Vianney Halters' Antiqua as the First Noteworthy Independent Watch

• 30:30  - The story of how he became interested in DeBethune

• 32:50 - First F.P. Journe Watch, before the brand's rise to prominence 

• 35:10 - What draws him to an independent watchmaker? 

• 37:50 - Independent watchmakers: crafting timepieces beyond profit

• 40:50 - JDR’s journey to becoming an entrepreneur. 40:50 

• 43:40 - The sense of camaraderie and community in the watchmaking community. 

• 45:50 - The importance of having a community

• 48:20 - The younger watchmakers are looking at the trailblazers in the past 10-20 years

• 51:10 - The future of watchmaking in America

• 54:00 - A Rapid Fire Round on Watchmaking and Industry Secrets 

Links: 

• Alex Crown Link - www.alexcrown.com  

• Instagram: @alexcrownlive

• JDR’s Instagram @jardin_des_rois 

You can follow along for more about watches, independent watchmaking, and Forward Momentum on at @fts.creates on Instagram and if you liked the show please like and subscribe and follow along to hear from the retailers, collectors, journalists, and of course the watchmakers about independent watchmaking!

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