Independent Thinking - Todd Levin (@levinartgroup1) joins us for a discussion about watches, art, auctions and the importance of educating yourself

Fifth Wrist Radio

Another episode of the Independent Thinking Show for FifthWrist Radio. This is a place dedicate to showcasing the great people doing interesting things in the world of horology. Hosts: Roman (@TimesRomanAU) and Adam (@mediumwatch) Guest: Todd Levin (@levinartgroup1) In this episode, we chat with a very special guest - watch collector and man of exquisite taste Mr Todd Levin (@levinartgroup1) Join us for a conversation about independent watchmakers, music, and Todd’s philosophy of appreciating craftsmanship, collecting and art. We speak about Todd’s incredible watch collection of (only) 4 watches; his journey into the world of horology, and discovering the works of George Daniels, Roger Smith and Philippe Dufour. We also discuss the importance of educating oneself about the objects of your interest. If you are passionate about watches, horology and art – you do not want miss this one! Shout-outs in this episode to friend of Fifth Wrist Radio and previous podcast guests: Roger Smith (@rogerwsmithltd); Christian Lass (@christianlass) and Reuben Schoots (@reubenschoots). Adam: Todd Levin’s Music Album “Deluxe” Todd: Book: “The Voices of Silence” by Andre Malraux Roman: @interiorangles Follow Todd on Instagram @levinartgroup1 and check out his appearance on Hodinkee's Talking Watches New Theme Music for 2021: Circle Round by Spinning Clocks (via YouTube Free Music Channel) Follow us on Instagram: @FifthWrist. SHOW NOTES: 01:05 - Todd - Introduction 04:01 - The philosophies of stewardship, conservation and preservation of objects 10:08 - The importance of provenance 13:20 - Wrist checks (Todd: Roger W Smith Series 2 Open Dial; Adam - Luch MustART Unovis; Roman - Accurist Greenwich Grande Complication Quartz) 15:19 - "Rules" for collecting 18:01 - Let’s talk FP Journe 20:00 - Todd’s approach to art collecting 22:07 - Todd’s current watch collection (Philippe Dufour Simplicity; George Daniels Anniversary; George Daniels Millennium and Roger W Smith Series II Open Dial) 25:45 - Familiarity with the auction world 27:30 - Todd’s thought on “watch novelties” 30:35 - The difference between serial produced art and serially produced watches 35:58 - Todd’s views on vintage watches 38:11 - Collecting goals 39:44 - Advisors and dealers, and how to NOT confuse the two 46:34 - A lesson on how art advisors get paid 49:29 - Is art eternal? NO… 54:51 - The future independent watchmakers (eg. Christian Lass, Reuben Schoots and others) 57:44 - The future of the art market 59:48 - Todd’s advice to young makers on how to get noticed 1:07:00 - Watch auctions 1:10:39 - Todd’s advice to everyone who is considering purchasing watches or art 1:16:05 - Instagram recommendations