Georgia Benjamin: If Watches Could Talk
Georgia Benjamin & Faye Soteri chat on Watch World
Women in Watches: A Conversation with Georgia Benjamin
Welcome to the first installment of Watch World with Faye’s micro-series, “Women in Watches.” I’m Faye Soteri, and I’m thrilled to kick off this journey by sitting down with Georgia Benjamin, a passionate watch collector and content creator. This series aims to shine a light on the underrepresented role of women in the watch world, and I couldn’t be more excited to have Georgia as my first guest. A long-time fan of her work, I’m eager to dive into her story, her love for vintage watches, and her insights as a designer and collector.
Wrist Check: Georgia’s Gateway Piece
We begin with a wrist review, a staple for any watch enthusiast. Georgia is wearing a stunning 18038 gem-set, tantalum dial Rolex, a piece she acquired four years ago. “I’m obsessed with this piece,” she shares. “It’s my gateway into this collecting world. It makes any outfit feel elevated.” And what a gateway it is—a perfect blend of elegance and history!
Falling in Love with Vintage
Georgia’s journey into watches began with a meaningful milestone: her 30th birthday. Wanting to treat herself to a gold Rolex, she dove headfirst into research—Reddit forums, books, and endless exploration. “I had no idea what I wanted and wasn’t really a watch person before that,” she admits. Her focus landed on the President Day-Date, an iconic design that’s stood the test of time. After a year and a half of learning and trying on pieces, she found the one.
What captivated her most was the romance of vintage. “This watch lived its entire life for 30 years before it came into my life,” Georgia reflects. “It’s got an amazing tropical finish—where was it lying that the sun had this impact? Now it’s my turn to write the next chapter.” For Georgia, a watch isn’t just a timekeeper—it’s a storyteller, a custodian of history, and she’s honoured to be its next chapter
A Designer’s Perspective
As a design leader at Adobe, Georgia brings a unique lens to watch collecting, applying her UI/UX expertise to appreciate the holistic experience of a timepiece. “What did the watch designer think about the wearer reading the time or complications?” she muses. Vintage watches, in particular, captivate her because they’re evocative of their era—reflecting the politics, art, and design influences of the time. From 70s Piaget pieces that scream their decade to her own gold Rolex, she loves tracing how external factors manifest in these wrist-worn works of art.
This connection between past and present isn’t lost on modern designs either. I share my recent experience at an event at the Warhol Kennedy residence in London, where a friend showcased art. “Brands are reaching back to their archives, blending vintage themes with contemporary designs,” I note. Georgia agrees, highlighting the crossover: vintage isn’t just about age—it’s a theme that informs today’s creations.
Form vs. Function: A Delicate Balance
We dive into the age-old debate of form versus function. Georgia sees function in multifaceted ways—beyond telling time or timing eggs with a chronograph (a cheeky nod to her sassy question: “Do you even know how to use your chronograph?”). “Function can be showing off your personal style,” she says, noting how younger collectors in their 20s and 30s choose pieces that express identity. “Is that form? Sure. But is it also function, using this to express yourself?” For Georgia, form often wins—loving how a watch looks holistically and connects emotionally—yet she acknowledges the appeal of tool watches and their practical charm.
I wonder if this balance depends on the collector. “Some need functionality—divers with diver’s watches—while others, like you said, love what it says about them,” I reflect. Georgia nods, emphasising that function isn’t just utilitarian; it’s about how a watch makes you feel.
The Emotional Connection
That emotional pull is a cornerstone for enthusiasts, especially with vintage pieces. Georgia describes a visceral, full-body reaction to watches that resonate. “Yesterday, I tried on an incredible Rolex Midas with a coral dial from Eric Wind,” she shares. “It was so powerful, so beautiful—I had a strong emotional connection.” Whether it’s a complication, design, or the feel on the wrist, that bond is personal. I relate, recalling my days as a watch buyer, wearing my heart on my sleeve during appointments, moved by pieces I didn’t expect to love. “It’s the tactile element—how it makes you feel when you put it on,” I add.
Storytelling: The Heart of Watch Appreciation
Storytelling is a powerful tool in the watch world, and Georgia believes it’s underutilised. From the iconic Paul Newman Daytona—once a slow seller until tied to his love story—to lesser-known tales, narratives capture emotions and draw buyers in. She recounts a meeting with Roger Dubuis, learning how he designed for Patek and Longines before founding his brand at 57. “Learning about his vision and small but mighty empire was magical,” she says. “Brands could do more to tell these stories, especially to engage younger Gen Z and millennial collectors.”
I ponder if brands lean too heavily on celebrity ambassadors over heritage. Georgia sees value in both: “Lewis Hamilton as IWC’s ambassador brings in a new audience, but real people telling the brand’s story make it attainable.” We agree newer brands like H. Moser and Bremont have stories to share too, and missed opportunities to connect with collectors.
Breaking Barriers: Women in the Watch World
Georgia’s journey wasn’t always smooth. Joining a watch club in LA as the only woman among 150 collectors, she initially faced skepticism. “I’m an excitable, young-appearing girl, and they’re like, ‘Who is she?’” she recalls. But her genuine curiosity and passion won them over. “Once I asked questions and showed enthusiasm, I was welcomed.” Still, she’s faced dismissal at authorized dealers, only taken seriously when wearing an “impressive” watch. “It’s disappointing,” I say, “but you’ve proved them wrong.”
Georgia hosts events herself and sees hope for inclusivity. “Just remove gender from it,” she urges. “Brands are dropping ‘men’s’ and ‘women’s’ labels—case size is the only difference.” She points to friends in PR wearing varied sizes, like a petite woman rocking a 40mm Ulysse Nardin Freak. I share how TAG’s fuchsia Carrera appealed to all, and we lament a story of a man returning a Gucci watch labelled “ladies” despite loving it. “It’s on brands to change that verbiage,” Georgia insists.
Advice for New Collectors
For women starting out, Georgia’s advice is simple: “Buy what you like.” She encourages trying on watches at places like Burlington Arcade, being upfront about being new. “Say, ‘I’m not buying today, but I want to learn what I’ll buy in the future,’” she suggests. “Be honest, ask questions, and don’t be nervous—we’re all nerds who love sharing.” I echo this: “Buy the one you love. Know your budget, know its purpose, and enjoy it—every day’s a special occasion to wear a watch.”
Georgia’s Favourites
Georgia’s favorite from her collection is her grandmother’s 1960s Boucherot—18k gold, integrated bracelet, diamond-shaped bark dial. “It’s so special, with familial ties, design expression, and a challenge to service,” she beams. Her top three all-time picks? A vintage mini yellow gold Cartier Panthere with a diamond-set case and bezel, a modern Carolina Bucci Royal Oak in black ceramic with a holographic dial (“It’s me in a watch—subtle until I sparkle!”), and a symmetrical gold Rolex Midas with Roman numerals on the bezel. A glorious mix of vintage and contemporary!
What’s Next for Georgia
Georgia’s just getting started. Fresh off a speaking gig with Eric Wind and Reginald Brack, she loves advisory roles, connecting people, and lowering the barrier to watch collecting. “I want more people to see the magic of this space,” she says. “Chatting with wonderful people like you, bringing others in—that’s what I hope to do more of.” I can’t wait to see what’s next. “Watch out, and we’ll watch this space,” I tell her.
Thank you, Georgia, for a delightful conversation. Your passion is palpable, and I’d love to chat again—perhaps face-to-face in the UK or Stateside, over coffee, no cameras needed. To my readers, stay tuned for more from Women in Watches as we explore this fascinating world together!
Faye Soteri, Watch World with Faye, May 8, 2025
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