Member Spotlight: Rich Gann
Rich Gann
Chapter: San Diego
Instagrams: @RedBarSanDiego & @Rich.Gann
What was your introduction to horology?
A magazine in a co-worker’s office in 2001. It had the Eberhard Chrono 4 on the cover… I would always borrow the new issues as they came in. His magazines and our discussions led me to my first big watch purchase when I bought an Omega Seamaster 300M Professional.
What was your first watch?
The first watch I picked out for myself was a Swatch Watch in the mid to late 80s from a Hecht’s department store. It was a Jelly Fish GK100RE. Still wondering where that watch went.
What fascinates you most about watches and/or horology in general?
The engineering that goes into even the most basic movements is astounding. And knowing we have had mechanical watches for almost 250 years!
What are the kiss, kill, and marry of your collection?
This is a hard one (as it probably is for any collector/admirer). I do not have a huge collection and most in my collection have a place or a purpose. I would kiss my Omega Speedmaster 145.022 because it is a birth year watch that I was lucky enough to find from a local craigslist post. I purchased it, had it serviced, and requested an archive from Omega. Found a new sealed canvas strap and deployment buckle from an Omega Snoopy to use. Kill would be my Seiko SKX009J1 because I do not think you can kill it. I found this when overseas for work in Asia a few years back. I put it on a NATO strap and it has traveled the world with me since. I have even used it on a couple of dives when my dive watch decided to die. I would marry my Rolex GMT (116710). I think it’s the perfect all-around watch. I have, like the Seiko, taken it all over the world. [I’ve dived] with it, rebuilt engines with it. It is the epitome of the perfect tool. It makes me recommend GMTs to everyone as the perfect go-too. Dress it up, dress it down, kick tires in the garage... it fits every occasion.
Name one watch that got away?
I am not sure I have had one that ever got away. I actively search online for time pieces on my watch list. I will say, back in 2010 or so, a friend of mine was selling a Rolex Daytona (116520) full set for roughly $10k, which at that time was a decent deal, and now an even better deal. I should have bought it for sure.
What watch do you wear most often?
My GMT by far. In a distant second is my Tudor Bronze.
What is the first thing you notice about a watch?
This is a hard one. I am not sure there is one answer. A friend of mine showed up one day wearing a Polar GMT in jeans and loafers. However, the day before he was wearing a suit with a Tag Heuer. So, I would say the person and how they represent the style of a time piece. However, if we are just talking watches, I love that underneath the simplicity of the exterior there is a complexity of movements. It amazes me every time I see an open case back or a skeleton; to see the inner workings, particularly when paired with a raw leather strap.
How were you introduced to RedBar Group?
I was deep in the intellectual dark web of watches researching something random when I stumbled onto an article about Adam making the deal on his IWC Perpetual. Deeper research into the dark web led me to RedBar. I love Adam’s drive and curiosity. And, it just so happens, I want the same watch, but in stainless. Now, I follow the brand and all the chapters I can find. Great ambassadors to learn from, ask questions of, and have great conversations with.
How has RedBar affected you as a collector?
I have only been to two meetings so far, but I am really impressed with the camaraderie and genuineness of the people. I spent twenty-two years in the Navy, and this is like another extended family. I will get a random text from a group member with a picture, usually a time piece that would make anyone drool. This further perpetuates me trying to figure out more side work to fund my habits.
Outside of collecting how has RedBar impacted your life?
I did not come from a lot of means. My dad died when I was two, and I was raised on a farm. So when I was at home, I had to earn everything I wanted. As I made purchases and trades, I learned and found I only know what I know, and there is so much more out there. That is where RedBar comes in. You get people’s stories, their successes, their struggles, their journey, and how someone may have had a family time piece for sixty years. I fully believe it is about the journey. And RedBar solidifies that in the folks that show up to shake hands, share stories, and talk you into another tequila.
