Why We Love Watches: The Hunt
by Mitch Shulman
Amidst the cold, lazy rain of a Pacific Northwestern evening, glimmers of light reflected off the wet, winding stairs. Each step brought me closer to the light, a secret pocket of life in an otherwise sleepy town. Two swinging doors opened before me, and finally, I could see the full scene. Amber lights illuminated a long, curving bar. Immaculately dressed bartenders shook, strained, and smiled as they served patrons. A live band filled the warm room with even warmer symphonies. I scanned the area until finally, the reason we were all there: table after table of treasures on display for all to admire. Little did I know, this event would lead to the start of The Hunt and ultimately the foundation of our watch accessories company, 19th&.
The Thrill of The Hunt for Watch Enthusiasts
Whether you are brand new to the watch collecting world (welcome, and apologies in advance to your wallet), or a veteran in the space, you have likely experienced the feeling of The Hunt. You might have a specific watch in mind or simply a craving for something new. Either way, The Hunt is a powerful, intoxicating call to action for your hero’s journey to begin. A simple question like, “What does ‘chronometer’ mean?” can unknowingly send you on an adventure for life.
Photo by Holly
My First Hunt: A Night at the Zig Zag Café
My journey began at Seattle’s storied Zig Zag Cafe, nestled underneath Pike Place Market. The bustle of the famous cocktail bar was unusual given it was a rainy weeknight, and let’s face it, Seattle is not known for its nightlife to begin with. That evening was special, though. Watch enthusiasts, journalists, and industry mavens all met to witness a showcase hosted by Tudor. I admired the ambiance and attention to detail of the event. My beloved Christopher Ward paled in comparison to the Bulgari Octo Finissimo, Milgausses, and Chopard Desert Eagles spotted on the wrists of fellow attendees. I tried to mask my imposter syndrome since my attendance resulted from an invitation while purchasing my wife’s wedding ring at a local jewelry store. Luckily, one (or three) free cocktails erased all feelings of inadequacy, and I quickly found myself schmoozing and cajoling.
The Spark of Obsession: The Tudor Black Bay 54
Before I knew it, the brand-new Tudor Pelagos 39 in titanium was on my wrist, and I was feeling something grow inside of me (and it wasn’t the negronis). A rumble. The Pelagos was beautiful, but its utilitarian design left me craving some refinement. Another rumble. “Do you have the Black Bay 54?” I blurted out, words falling from my mouth before my mind could catch up. My heart raced. “Is this even what I want?” I didn’t know, but I wanted to find out. The Tudor ambassador slowly folded one arm, then the other, over his silky floral cocktail blazer. I watched his mouth move in slow motion: “We only brought one, and it sold 15 minutes ago.” Eruption.
Sometimes you don’t know what you want until you know what you can’t have. The Hunt was on. At that very moment, I decided I needed to find and purchase a Tudor Black Bay 54.
The Journey is the Reward
At the time, the 54 was a brand-new release, and very few Authorized Dealers had any in stock. The scarcity ignited my pursuit like a tiki torch at a frat party. I called every Authorized Dealer in Seattle. When that led nowhere, I found myself adding a new stop in every city I traveled to: the local watch boutiques. The pursuit of my Black Bay became as memorable and significant as the purchase itself. Isn’t that why we do this? We love watches because of their beauty, mechanics, and utility, but ultimately I believe we are anchored in this passion because of the storytelling qualities of the pursuit. Heroes of The Hunt are not made by attaining the reward but by the challenges and transformation of their adventures.
How The Hunt Led to 19th& Watch Accessories
So how did my story end? I’m happy to report the Black Bay 54 has been my daily driver for the better part of the last year. The gilded hands are smiling at me while I type away on my laptop. Coincidentally, typing with this watch on led me on a new adventure: the creation of 19th& Watch Accessories. The WatchPads we create allow me to keep my beloved Black Bay on my wrist while comfortably working on my MacBook every single day. These soft, durable pads protect both my watch and my laptop, ensuring that I can fully enjoy my collection without worrying about scratches or discomfort. 
Have a watch hunting story of your own? We’d love to hear it! Share your adventures with us on Instagram @19th_and or email us at hello@19thand.com for a chance to be featured on our socials and win a free pair of WatchPads!