Gary Striewski - From Seiko to SportsCenter With ESPN's Resident Watch Guy

Explicit content warning

11/20/24 • 65 min

Today I’m sitting down with ESPN and Sportscenter anchor Gary Striewski to discuss all things watch collecting. Gary got the bug early on when he noticed his father wearing a gold Seiko with his army fatigues and never got that image out of his head. Fast forward and as Gary’s career started to pave its way, so did his watch collection. He’s the guy you want representing your brand, simply because he loves this stuff. He’s walking proof that you can never have too many GMT’s and that being in the spotlight everyday doesn’t get you allocations, it’s your character that does the trick. He’s had the pleasure of being a guest on Hodinkee’s Talking Watches and his love for cars comes with the same passion he puts towards watches. We chat about how he’s ESPN’s resident watch guy now, citing the wrists of those at events like Formula 1 and the ESPY’s. It’s definitely not the last time you’ll be hearing from him on Collectors Gene Radio. But for now, please enjoy, this is Gary Striewski, for Collectors Gene Radio.
Gary's Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thekimchipapi?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==
Talking Watches with Gary Striewski - https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/talking-watches-gary-striewski

Previous Episode

Ray Azoulay - Obsolete Founder Curates Curiosity

Today I’m sitting down with Ray Azoulay, founder of Obsolete, one of the most well known and coveted antique furniture stores around. Ray got his start in the fashion world, ultimately becoming a director at Macy’s & Liz Clairborne. He made the decision to buy 40 acres in Bucks County, Pennsylvania and started collecting furniture, art, and photography. Ray’s always had a good eye, so he decided to take his talents to Los Angeles and open up Obsolete. Over the years, Obsolete has been a second home to A-Listers like Cheryl Crow, Ellen Degeneres, Barbra Streishand, and many more. In fact, Ellen once told Ray that his phone number was the only one she’s remembered by heart. He’s been featured in 1stDibs and many other publications showcasing not only the items he collects and sources, but his hand picked interior design projects. But what gets Ray really excited to continue sourcing furniture and the obscure, is that whether it’s you, the collector, or someone in the public eye, we continue to put our trust in his taste. Oh, and he has a 3 digit bonsai collection. So please enjoy, this is Ray Azoulay, for Collectors Gene Radio.
Obsolete - https://www.obsoleteinc.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/obsoleteinc/?ref=badge
Collectors Gene Website - https://collectorsgene.com/

Next Episode

Olive Ateliers - Curating The Past & Collecting The Future

On the mic with me today are the Olive Ateliers trio of founders, Laura, Kendall, & Ben. If you’re familiar with the brand, you’ve seen that their meteoric rise in the realm of vintage and curated design has been nothing short of remarkable. From their humble beginnings out of their backyards to establishing a thriving in-person and online presence, they’ve navigated the landscape of collecting and community with grace and speed.

We get to know the heart of Olive Atelier, discussing their passion for sourcing unique, globally-inspired items and how they’ve crafted a brand that resonates deeply with collectors. Their aesthetically pleasing brand isn’t just about the products; it’s a holistic experience that emphasizes thoughtful design and presentation. Each piece is meticulously curated, reflecting a blend of vintage charm and modern sensibilities, which enhances the shopping experience.

We chat about the stories behind their curated selections, the psychology of their innovative drop model, and the emotional connections they forge with their customers. Their shopping experiences, both in-person and online, make you feel like you’re on the hunt in the middle of the European streets from which they source. Better yet, each item tells a story, as do the collectors and trade parents that choose them. So without further adieu, this is team Olive Ateliers, for Collectors Gene Radio.
Olive Ateliers - https://oliveateliers.com/?srsltid=AfmBOopn_mDlRIycpL_A4ufb_vKofjXG496Q6XgTrB3f4-oxfy0H5bBX
Collectors Gene Website - https://collectorsgene.com/