Celebrity SoulCycle instructor and author Stacey Griffith is all about fitness, empowerment – and incredible watches. "To me, watch collecting is a lost art form," she says. Something she aims to correct. Ahead of Sotheby's Fine Timepieces Online auction, we spoke with the spin powerhouse about her personal collection, passion for Rolexes and styling tips.
STACEY GRIFFITH. PHOTOGRAPHER: MATTHEW CHRISTOPHER MILLER.
How did you first become interested in collecting watches? Was there a watch that started it all for you?
I began collecting watches at a very young age. My dad travelled to Asia for business frequently, and I remember him bringing me back my first Armitron digital watch, making me the coolest kid in school! As I got older, I began to finance my watch obsession by selling and trading baseball cards. Pete Rose, Carl Yastrzemski, Thurman Munson, Barry Bonds and Ty Cobb all funded a serious Movado and Tag Heuer collection in my early days.
Do you gravitate towards any specific brands or have any all-time favourite pieces in your collection?
Over the years I've acquired both new and used timepieces. I think my favourite is my vintage Rolex "Pepsi" GMT Master. I love Rolex more than anything. The variation in size, style and look allows you to collect within the brand while staying loyal. I also love Cartier and their collection of casual wrap around watches.
LOT 58. ROLEX, A STAINLESS STEEL AND PINK GOLD AUTOMATIC CENTRE SECONDS WRISTWATCH. ESTIMATE $3,000–4,000. LOT 43. ROLEX, A STAINLESS STEEL AND YELLOW GOLD AUTOMATIC CENTRE SECONDS WRISTWATCH. ESTIMATE $3,000–5,000.
What watches are you wearing right now?
My Cartier Santos 100 in all white is truly a special piece. I also really love my blue faced Rolex Daytona.
What do you like to wear during SoulCycle? Does that differ from your typical watch selection?
I wear all of my watches all of the time. I tend to buy watches that translate day to night.
Is there a “white whale” dream watch you’re eager to add to your collection?
I am super obsessed with the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak.
Watches tend to be the most important accessory for men, but are traditionally less so with women. What’s the appeal of wearing a really, really great watch?
Women are finally understanding that big watches are sexy on them. Not too big, and not too small.
LOT 59. ROLEX, A STAINLESS STEEL AND YELLOW GOLD CENTRE SECONDS WRISTWATCH. ESTIMATE $3,000–5,000. LOT 44. ROLEX, A STAINLESS STEEL CHRONOGRAPH WRISTWATCH. ESTIMATE $8,000–12,000. LOT 67. ROLEX, A STAINLESS STEEL AUTOMATIC DUAL TIME CENTRE SECONDS WRISTWATCH. ESTIMATE $3,000–5,000.
How would you describe your personal style?
Sexy, sporty, metallic, simple, clean, "un-busy." Classic design, roman numerals – and no diamonds!
Like most accessories, a watch is often about how you wear it, as well as what you wear – what are some of your personal styling tips?
I say make your watch your main piece. Wear it with a nice stack of Jennifer Fisher rings or bracelets, and nothing on the opposite wrist, unless it complements the style. You don't want to have your arms competing against each other.
