The Homemade Philosophy: Design
My life hasn’t always been defined by a love for the arts—from the cadence of music to the precision of poetry, and the raw, unbridled expression of abstract painting. PTSD brought it out of me. It was the only way to express what was inside, and it literally saved my life.
For years, I poured my energy into the canvas. But I eventually realized that, for me, abstract painting had become an act of depletion. A client once came by the studio to pick up a watch; when he saw paint covering the walls and floors, his eyes widened, and he said, “Wow, you really had a go in here.” I chuckled and responded, “Oh, you have no idea.”
I needed a medium that offered a different kind of energy: something restorative, grounding, and deliberate.
This realization arrived at the same moment my Aunt Antonia so casually dropped at the dinner table that the day after she immigrated from Italy, she went to work at the Bulova Watch Company. I couldn’t believe that for over three decades, I was just finding this out. That story became the catalyst for everything I build today.
The Process
For me, designing a beautiful watch is merely the baseline. A timepiece should not just exist; it must possess a life of its own. I am inspired by brands like Movado, Panerai, Bell & Ross, and Nomos—brands you can identify from a mile away. To me, they have captured that ethos perfectly.
In this craft, a fraction of a millimeter is the difference between a good design and an exceptional one. My dial designs take weeks to manifest, accompanied by countless trials at the laser and endless fittings at the bench. And don't even get me started on the hands; pairing the wrong hands can totally derail a design, but the correct choice is what makes or breaks the watch. I lost count of how many inquiries I get asking, “Can you make this watch in this size and this thickness?” I wish it were that easy. Every single change you make cascades into a totally different watch.
The Case & Strap
I utilize a mix of carefully selected open-market cases and bespoke OEM cases designed by me and manufactured to my exact specifications. I operate in batches of 20—a production scale that is rare in the watch game. The story of how I connected with this manufacturer is one so special that it warrants its own write-up. Ultimately, my philosophy on the case is simple: it must safely house the movement, withstand the rigors of daily wear with grace, complement the dial's soul, and provide a sense of balance.
The connection to the wrist is just as vital. A watch is only as good as the band that secures it, which is why I have partnered with Mike at Swing Bridge Leather Works in Connecticut. Mike and I don't just collaborate on designs and materials; we share an ethos. He works from his home studio, just as I do, and his craftsmanship is stunning. I always encourage collectors to invest in a handmade band from Mike whenever possible. To keep Homemades as attainable as possible, I also utilize carefully selected generic bands—but only after I have worn and tested them for months to ensure they meet my standards.
The Purpose
In an increasingly transient world, Homemades serve as a reminder of the present moment. They are built to provide the wearer with the same sense of restorative energy that the process of building them provides me. Every component is a testament to the belief that the objects we wear should be as grounded and intentional as the lives we lead.
Trust the process, friends.
