Opinions expressed by Digital Journal contributors are their own.
When someone is prepared to spend hundreds of thousands, even millions of dollars on a watch, chances are they’ll want to see it in person before committing. True, all watches, from Timex on, have a face, heft, and a certain undeniable sensual quality that makes it pleasurable to wear, even to hold. Luxury watches, depending on their pedigree, have more: history, exquisite craftsmanship, refined aesthetics, and what for want of a better word we’ll call “aura.” They radiate the time and care that went into their construction, and the balance between functionality and aesthetics that make them desired by collectors and consumers alike. In this sense, they contain within themselves the exclusivity and pride of their marque.
The experience of purchasing a prized Rolex, a Richard Milles, or a Patek Phillipe is one the purchaser is unlikely to forget. Entering the shop where such brands are sold, looking over and narrowing down the choices presented by the shop’s inventory, and finally deciding on, and leaving with, a particular watch are probably stages in the process the new owner will be able to recall with considerable clarity. Now suppose the act of purchasing such a watch is made into an event unto itself, where the purchaser is catered to with the same respect and importance as the watch is. Suppose he or she is treated to a great deal of individual attention, feted with luxuries, fed a wonderful meal, all as part of sifting through one of the world’s great watch inventories. This is precisely what happens to the seeker of luxury watches at the headquarters of Arron Honzik’s Time Trader, located on the top floor of a spectacular 17 th century country mansion called Acklam Hall.
The experience, curated by Arron himself, might begin with being picked up at the airport and chauffeured to the mansion and its extensive and beautifully appointed grounds. A glass of champagne will welcome the new arrival, who will be one of only two guests allowed to visit Time Trader at any given time. If the guest wishes to relax before exploring Time Trader’s numerous display rooms, he or she can walk, or simply sit, to enjoy the views. Once it’s time to make a selection, members of the Time Trader team will be available to discuss various examples, confer with the prospective purchaser on the merits of their possible choices, provide detailed explanations of restorations procedures should the watch merit them, and supply information on the history and provenance of the watch as well as of the brand in general. The tour, according to the guest’s wishes, will be punctuated by a drink or a cigar, a sampling of perfumes, and, finally, by dinner at the on-site Tomahawk Steakhouse.
Given this level of exclusive attention, it’s no surprise that Time Trader has become a destination for watch-loving movie stars, celebrities, athletes, music industry performers, and CEOs of some of the world’s greatest industries. In the end, however, what seems to us most important is the belief underlying the Time Trader experience that in acquiring a luxury watch, one is acquiring something that will become a piece of the individual’s personal legacy; and that owning one of the highest examples of the watchmaker’s art confers a distinction on the owner not unlike owning a great painting.
When Arron Honzik set out on the path that ended with Time Trader, he may or may not have envisioned the heights it would reach. What is certain is that without his passion and vision, Time Trader wouldn’t have scaled these heights, nor have been able to provide its customers with this once in a lifetime experience.
Given Arron’s personal history, and everything he went through to get here, we feel Arron’s success is much deserved and that he himself remains someone for us to watch.
