THE MOST UNLIKELY TRAILBLAZER
Paul Finn had never worn a watch before the first Wristwatch Check in May 2024. He doesn’t even own a car. And yet, here he is, the co-founder of Wristwatch Check, an event that has taken the horological world by storm. It’s a paradox, but it makes sense once you get to know Paul. For him, watches and cars are more than objects; they’re conduits of connection, and vehicles for stories.
“Watches and cars are about stories,” Paul says. “They’re a way to connect people, to celebrate craftsmanship and individuality.”
Paul’s career, like his events, is a mosaic of connection and meaning. From producing music festivals reverberating with unbridled energy to crafting marketing campaigns that cut through the noise, he’s spent decades creating stories that resonate on a human level. And now, that same ethos is transforming how we think about watches and the communities around them.
FROM MUSIC TO WATCHES
Paul’s background is far from the boring boutiques of luxury watch retailers. It’s an exciting story of loud music, bright lights, big characters and screaming fans.
“When you’ve worked with rock bands, you learn how to navigate the chaos while staying calm,” Paul explains. “All while delivering something extraordinary.”
His life has been an impressive journey, beginning with backstage experiences, then transitioning to publishing popular music magazines, and later orchestrating innovative and unforgettable marketing campaigns for small businesses, wealthy individuals, and governmental agencies.
Having achieved many exciting milestones, Paul was looking for his next challenge. Everything changed when Dom Italiano came to one of Paul’s marketing masterclasses. Dom wanted to do something different, to challenge everything. It sounded exactly like what Paul was looking for, and the following chain reaction led to Wristwatch Check.
Paul’s journey isn’t about abandoning his roots; it’s about weaving them into something new. The same passion that powered his work in music now fuels his mission to bring the artistry of watches to a broader, more diverse audience.
CHALLENGING THE RULES
For decades, the luxury watch world has been a bastion of exclusivity, with velvet ropes, intimidating boutiques, and jargon that bewilders outsiders. Paul saw this as an opportunity, not a barrier.
“The watch industry can feel outdated,” Paul admits. “It’s like an old boys’ club, and I find most watch events to be as boring as bat shit.”
Enter Wristwatch Check, with a vision for a more engaging celebration of horology. Held during the Melbourne Grand Prix weekend at the Fox Classic Car Museum, the event dismantles and replaces barriers with bridges. It’s not just a showcase; it’s a movement, combining the tactile elegance of luxury cars with the timeless artistry of watches.
“We wanted something different—something that echoes the intimacy of live music, but with the artistry of watches and the elegance of luxury cars,” Paul says.
The result is a festival-like atmosphere where seasoned collectors and first-time enthusiasts share space and stories. Attendees aren’t just spectators; they’re participants in a grand narrative of craft, culture, and connection.
FINDING MEANING
If there’s one thing Paul Finn wants to make clear, it’s this: “Wristwatch Check is not just about brands or price tags,” he insists. “It’s about people. A basic Seiko, with a great backstory, can have as much meaning as a Patek Philippe with a great backstory. Even though one is technically better.”
This philosophy has breathed fresh life into the event. From microbrands making their debut to established names with storied histories, Wristwatch Check is a melting pot of creativity, passion, and connection.
Paul reflects on his experience at the event, which began with a wave of apprehension. “I was so intimidated by Wristwatch Check,” Paul laughs hysterically. “I didn’t have a watch, I didn’t have a car… I didn’t even have a suit!”
Despite his initial discomfort, Paul leaned into the challenge. “I fully trusted Dom with zero doubt, and we did a fantastic job bringing everything together. But I was way out of my league, and I was expected to lead the event with Dom.”
As Paul moved around the room, he did his best to blend in. Nervously, he began asking attendees about their watches. What happened next surprised him. “They were super excited to tell me every detail about it,” he said. “The passion was extraordinary.”
That passion was infectious, as Paul discovered how much the watch community thrives on storytelling. “When I told them I was here to find my first watch and a meaningful watch for my dad’s 80th, everyone’s response was supportive and interested. I didn’t feel out of place at all. I felt like I belonged to something, that I belonged with this community,” he said. “That’s what Wristwatch Check is all about.”
By the night’s end, Wristwatch Check had left Paul inspired and deeply moved. His co-founder, Dom Italiano, surprised him with a gift that carried its own story. “At the end of the night, Dom gifted me a beautiful Grip Auto – Rose Gold Tourismo. I wear it every day and love what it represents to me.”
However, it wasn’t just about the watch on Paul’s wrist. His favourite moment came later when he travelled to Townsville to present his father with a meaningful gift of his own. “My Dad is a car guy, so I gave him a Grip Auto – Campione. I flew up to Townsville to be with him and give it to him. I gave him a hug I’ll never forget.”
The joy didn’t stop there; presenting his mum with a Second Hour – Memoir for Christmas. “I love knowing they think of me whenever they look at their watch.”
For Paul, watches are not just instruments to measure time—they are vessels for meaning, connections, and memories. This profoundly personal and unpretentious ethos is what Wristwatch Check resonates with so many.
“We’ve hit a special spot with Wristwatch Check,” he says. “And I’m really proud of what Dom and I have created.”
ROCKING THE INDUSTRY
For Paul, Wristwatch Check has been as much a journey of self-discovery as a platform for innovation. The inaugural event wasn’t just a success; it was a revelation.
“I went into Wristwatch Check feeling like an outsider,” he reflects. “But by the end, I realised this wasn’t just an event—it was the start of something much bigger. Watches are a gateway to community, connection, and culture.”
One of Paul’s most essential lessons is the universal power of storytelling. The event proved that a watch becomes extraordinary through its stories, regardless of brand or price point. This focus on meaning, rather than exclusivity, created an atmosphere where everyone felt welcome—from collectors with a rare Rolex to someone with a digital Casio.
The overwhelming enthusiasm from attendees has reaffirmed Paul’s belief that Wristwatch Check is more than a niche gathering; it’s a bridge connecting people through their shared appreciation for craft, tradition, and individuality.
“The response showed me that this is about more than watches. It’s about creating a space where people can belong and share something special,” he says.
TIME IS TICKING
With the success of Wristwatch Check in Melbourne, Paul’s vision has grown bolder. The vision involves taking the event to an international audience.
“The response in Melbourne has been incredible, and I know this concept has legs to travel,” he says. His sights are set in New Zealand, Japan, and Hong Kong—destinations with vibrant watch and car communities and unique cultures.
“New Zealand has a relaxed yet passionate approach to watches, Japan has a rich culture of precision and artistry, and Hong Kong is a global hub for collectors. Each destination offers something unique,” Paul explains.
But even as the scope of Wristwatch Check expands, Paul is adamant about preserving its original ethos. “This isn’t about trying to be the biggest or flashiest,” he emphasises. “It’s about creating something meaningful, where like-minded people can connect.”
By blending global reach with a personal touch, Paul envisions Wristwatch Check as a movement that celebrates watches and their inspiring stories and connections. The vision is clear for Paul: time is ticking, and he’s determined to make every second count.
