In the world of luxury watches, precision is only part of the story, the rest is about presence, discipline, and the way a man chooses to show up each day. At Fink's Jewelers, a family-owned company with more than 90 years of heritage and a reputation as an official retailer of brands like Rolex, timepieces are treated as more than accessories, they are long-term investments in craftsmanship and identity. It is within this mindset that David Sensinger, watch buyer for Fink’s, approaches his work, helping clients navigate not just what to wear on their wrist, but how that choice reflects a larger philosophy of consistency, refinement, and performance.
1. Watches have long been considered one of the most iconic heirlooms. How are you seeing today’s men redefine the meaning of a watch as something to pass down?
The idea of passing down a timepiece(s) as a family heirloom is not a new concept and many families have had this tradition for generations. I believe the number of families doing this has increased, especially over the last decade. The volume of watch collectors is constantly growing and often entire collections are being passed to future generations as family heirlooms. Clients are actively shopping for watches they intend to own and enjoy, then pass on to their children.
2. What is it about a watch, compared to other pieces, that makes it such a powerful symbol of legacy and generational connection?
I think it’s mostly the idea of a timepiece transcending generations and being passed down. Not all items of jewelry, clothes, and other material goods are practical enough to be worn consistently. Many timepieces can be worn on a regular basis and become conversation pieces.
3. Are you seeing more men purchase watches to mark specific life moments, such as becoming a father, a wedding day, or a major personal milestone?
Swiss Timepieces have experienced a major resurgence, and while they have always been a popular gift to celebrate different personal milestones, they are definitely sold with more frequency to celebrate these occasions.
4. How do elements like craftsmanship, movement, and brand heritage contribute to the emotional significance of a watch over time?
All of those elements are certainly important, but the emotional significance, I think, has the greatest impact. You don’t need to own a luxury timepiece with all the latest advancements in order to have an emotional attachment to the watch.
5. Can you share a story of a client who chose a watch specifically with the intention of one day passing it down?
I had a client once who traveled all over the world for business, and in every country he made sure to take a picture where the watch would be visible in front of a well-known landmark. The idea was that when he passed the watch on to the next generation he would also present them with the pictures, so they could see every place the watch had traveled.
6. What styles or types of watches are today’s buyers gravitating toward when they’re thinking about longevity, both in design and durability?
In the watch world, styles and trends come and go and get recycled quite often. Right now we are seeing a heavy demand for watches that have vintage characteristics and appeal. There are constant advancements in today’s watch market and I think that does play a large part when a buyer is deciding on a new timepiece. New materials, improvements on existing materials, upgrades to the durability and accuracy of the movements are constantly making an impact in the marketplace. The watch purchasers of today are becoming more educated and doing more research.
7. In your experience, how does a watch evolve in meaning as it moves from being a personal purchase to a future heirloom?
As the watch is passed down from one wrist to the next as an heirloom, it gains an identity. When the next generation receives the watch they don’t just get the physical timepiece, but also the stories about who owned it, where it traveled and how it was used.
8. For someone looking to invest in their first legacy watch, what guidance would you offer to ensure it remains meaningful for generations to come?
Choose a timepiece that speaks to your lifestyle and budget. What makes it meaningful is the enjoyment you get from it and the stories that will shape its history. Choose something that you will wear and enjoy, then when the time comes pass it on to someone who will understand the significance and enjoy it as well.
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