In a recent reel on their Instagram, longtime best friends Calvin Kashat and Brandon Murad stand anxiously at their Downtown Birmingham window. The object of their attention: The FedEx delivery truck.
“This is us,” Kashat laughs. “We’re waiting around like kids on Christmas morning.”
Finally, after stacks and stacks of boxes are wheeled inside, the real fun begins — the unpacking, admiring and sorting, with the ginger handling of proud new parents.
Kashat and Murad are the co-owners of Highline Trading (highlinetradingllc.com), provisioners of high-end watches, clothing, leather goods and more. Meticulously sourcing each item they sell and buy, they seek out the rare, the iconic and the exquisite.
Coveted Hermes Birkin and Kelly bags and Goyard Anjou totes line the walls while glass cases highlight row after row of Rolex, Cartier and Omega.
But while they are quietly redefining what it means to invest in luxury and timeless style, their story is equally one of trust and the natural evolution of friendship.
Kashat and Murad met at a very young age, their connection shaped not only by shared interests, but by family ties. “His dad and my dad were in the same line of work and best friends,” Kashat says. “We grew up around each other.”
Long before Highline Trading existed, the two shared a natural fascination with watches: admiring them, studying them — and eventually collecting them. That early exposure laid the groundwork for what would become both a passion and a profession.
“We’ve both always loved watches,” Kashat says. “One day, I just called Brandon and said, ‘I think we’re onto something. Let’s get into the watch business.’ We met at the bank, opened an LLC and started from there.”
That was in 2022. At the time, there was no storefront, no display cases — just hustle, instinct and a deep understanding of what their network wanted. They began by sourcing pieces through trusted connections and marketing them through social media, often selling watches before ever physically holding them. It was a lean, fast-moving model that quickly gained traction.
As word spread, so did demand — and with it, their knowledge base, through constant exposure and hands-on experience.
What began as a side venture soon grew into an appointment-only office in West Bloomfield. Within a few years, they expanded further — to their full retail space in Birmingham, just opened in TK — a move both strategic and symbolic. It was a reflection of how far they had come and where they were headed.
Today, Highline Trading offers a curated selection of luxury watches and designer handbags, with inventory that spans from a few thousand dollars to well into six figures. But beyond the price points, Kashat emphasizes a key shift in how people view these items.
“They’ve really become a liquidable asset,” he says. “People enjoy wearing them, but they also understand the value. You can trade them, upgrade them and build a collection. It’s not just fashion. It’s an investment.”
That mindset is especially evident in today’s watch market, where brands like Rolex, Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet continue to dominate demand. Their collectibility comes down to a combination of craftsmanship, heritage and scarcity: factors that drive both demand and long-term value.
“People don’t want to wait,” Kashat explains. “They want access, they want options and they want transparency.”
That’s where Highline Trading has found its niche.
Rather than positioning themselves as gatekeepers of exclusivity, Kashat and Murad have built their brand around accessibility and education. Clients are encouraged to come in, try on pieces, ask questions and explore — all without pressure.
“For a first-time buyer, the biggest thing is to actually put the watch on,” Kashat says. “What you see online isn’t always what feels right on your wrist. That experience matters.”
Murad underscores the relationship-driven nature of the business.
“What makes Highline Trading truly unique is the foundation behind it,” he says. “It’s built on years of trust and a shared passion for craftsmanship and style. Our clients aren’t just transactions, they’re long-term partners.”
That philosophy extends to every aspect of the business, from sourcing to authentication. On the handbag side, designers like Hermès and Chanel are prized not just for status, but for craftsmanship and scarcity. Highly sought-after pieces, like the Birkin, can take years to acquire through traditional retail channels, often with little control over color or style.
“With Hermès, you might wait years and spend significantly just to be offered a bag,” Kashat says. “Or you can come in here and buy exactly what you want at market value.”
For many clients, that immediacy and the ability to choose specific features, from color to condition, is part of the appeal. In an industry where trust is everything, Highline Trading takes a rigorous approach, working with reputable suppliers and verifying each piece through multiple channels.
“You’re not buying from someone online or on social media,” Kashat says. “You’re walking into a real space, working with people who stand behind what they sell.”
Of course, working with a lifelong friend comes with its own dynamics.
But that balance — between friendship and business, instinct and strategy — is precisely what gives Highline Trading its edge. In a market driven by both emotion and investment, Kashat and Murad have created something that resonates: a space where luxury feels approachable, expertise is earned and trust is the most valuable asset of all.
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The Watch List From entry-level luxury to six-figure collector pieces, today’s watch market is less about “trends” and more about access, craftsmanship and long-term value.
“Everyone gravitates toward brands like Rolex, Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet,” Highline co-founder Calvin Kashat says. “But it really comes down to what fits your lifestyle and your budget.”
At Highline Trading, inventory spans a wide range — from $3,000 starter pieces to rare, investment-grade watches well into six figures. The common thread? Wearability meets liquidity.
“These aren’t just accessories,” Kashat explains. “They’re assets you can enjoy and still move when you’re ready to upgrade.”
The Bag Market If watches are the gateway, handbags are the power move, especially when it comes to ultra-rare pieces from Hermès and Chanel.
And while the idea of a waitlist still defines the traditional luxury experience, Highline Trading offers a different path.
“With Hermès, you might wait years and spend significantly just to be offered a bag,” Kashat says. “Or you can come in here and buy exactly what you want at market value.”
That includes highly sought-after Birkin bags, often in classic black, or more unique hues for collectors looking to stand out.
“Some clients don’t want to wait two years or take whatever color they’re offered,” he says. “They know what they want and they’re willing to pay for that flexibility.”
Skip the Wait, Know the Value Think you’re overpaying to skip the line? Not quite. “You’re paying market value,” Kashat says. These pieces are worth what they trade for.”
In other words, whether it’s a watch or a handbag, the real luxury isn’t just ownership — it’s access, immediacy and informed investment.
“What makes Highline Trading truly unique is the foundation behind it. It’s built on years of trust and a shared passion for craftsmanship and style.” — Brandon Murad