MITCH BARBER’S INSIGHTS ON THE EMOTIONAL THREADS WOVEN INTO WATCHES
Mitch Barber offers something refreshingly authentic—a passion for watches that transcends the superficialities often associated with the industry. “It’s not just about wearing a luxury piece to show off,” Mitch explains, his voice tinged with sincerity. “It’s about the connection you build, the stories you uncover, and the history you wear on your wrist.”
Mitch see watches as more than mere accessories—they’re conduits to personal histories, emotional connections, and often cherished memories. As a prominent figure in Melbourne’s watch community and a long-time enthusiast, Mitch has developed a rare depth of understanding about what makes a timepiece meaningful. It’s not about the price tag or the brand name. It’s about the emotions, the narratives, and the craftsmanship that elevate a watch from functional to significant.
THE HUMAN SIDE
Mitch’s journey into the world of watches began, as many do, with a simple photograph. A young Mitch, perched on his father’s shoulders in a swimming pool in South Africa, gazed at the Seiko Pepsi bezel watch on his father’s wrist. “That’s a really cool watch,” he thought. “I should get into that one day.”
This moment, which may seem ordinary to many, marked the beginning of a lifelong passion that would lead Mitch down a path of exploration, discovery, and emotional connection with watches.
“It’s that personal history that gives a watch meaning,” Mitch says. His voice softens as he recalls how, years later, he bought that very Seiko on Amazon and how it started his journey into the world of horology. “But it’s not just the watches. The people you meet, the stories they tell, the raw human effort that goes into creating these pieces make them truly special.”
Watches are bridges to the past. The first Seiko he bought on Amazon wasn’t just a product—it was a tangible connection to a childhood memory, his father, and a time when things felt simpler. This connection, he argues, is what makes watches unique for so many enthusiasts. It’s about feeling the presence of loved ones, the weight of history, and the warmth of personal stories, all wrapped up in something as small as a wristwatch.
GAINING PERSPECTIVE
As Mitch’s passion for watches grew, so did his understanding of the emotional side of horology. “I went to the Bovet manufacturer in Switzerland,” Mitch shares, recalling a trip that deepened his appreciation for watchmaking.
“Before that, I struggled to connect with Bovet as a brand. But after meeting the people, seeing the craftsmanship, and understanding their mission, everything changed. It was like seeing the heart of the brand. I could feel it in the watch.”
This shift in perspective—seeing the people behind the products and understanding their motivation—changed Mitch’s entire approach to watch collecting. “It’s all about stories,” he says. “It’s all about the people behind the watches. That’s what gives them meaning.”
A NATURAL CONNECTION
Mitch’s enthusiasm isn’t limited to watches alone. He sees a natural crossover between the two worlds as a car enthusiast. “Watches and cars—they’re both about craftsmanship, precision, and emotion,” Mitch explains. “I would do anything for a 911, hoping to make it happen one day.”
Unsurprisingly, Mitch finds the concept behind events like Wristwatch Check compelling. A melting pot of car and watch enthusiasts, where watch nerds can be watch nerds, sharing passion, history, and personal connection to something meaningful.
“What makes Wristwatch Check exciting is that it’s all about passion. You can come, have a beer, talk about cars and watches, and connect with people who share your interests,” Mitch says. “It’s a space where you can truly be yourself without the pressure of purchasing.”
WATCH COLLECTING IS EVOLVING
For Mitch, the evolution of watch collecting has been just as transformative as the watches themselves. With new collectors entering the space, there’s a shift in how people approach watches.
“The next generation of buyers doesn’t appreciate the intimidating atmosphere of traditional boutiques,” Mitch explains. “You walk into a store, and there’s a security guard at the door, and you’re followed around like you’re being watched. That’s just not the vibe we’re after anymore.”
For Mitch, the key is building a personal connection to the brand and its history. He believes that the next wave of watch enthusiasts will value that emotional connection over the exclusivity and intimidation traditionally associated with high-end boutiques.
This philosophy is central to their approach at Time and Tide, where Mitch works. They’re dedicated to raising the bar regarding customer experience, ensuring that people feel welcomed and valued, not judged or scrutinised. Mitch believes that once collectors experience this level of care, they won’t want to return to the traditional boutique experience.
THE IMPORTANCE OF CONNECTION
Mitch is straightforward when it comes to advice for new collectors. “Consume as much media as possible. Watch YouTube channels, read articles, and attend meetups. Just immerse yourself in it,” he says.
But he also offers crucial wisdom for anyone starting out: “Be quick to sell. Your taste will change, and that’s okay. Don’t hold on to things you don’t love. Move on quickly.”
For seasoned collectors, Mitch’s advice is similarly direct. “If you’ve got all the big names—Rolex, Patek, AP—try something outside your comfort zone. Go for something unexpected, something left field. You never know what you might like until you try it,” he says.
Mitch is excited about the world of watches because of its philosophy to always be looking for something new. This philosophy is about embracing change and staying connected to the emotions that drive the stories.
THE ENDURING APPEAL
Mitch believes watches transcend their physical form; they become symbols of personal milestones and the people who shape our lives. Each scratch, each mark, and each moment spent wearing them deepen the bond between us and the timepiece, turning it into a reminder of something special.
The true value of a watch is found not in its price tag but in its power to carry the stories of the past, present, and future, making it not just a tool for telling time but a timeless keeper of our most cherished memories.
This emotional resonance makes a watch truly special, as it becomes a reflection of the wearer’s journey and the relationships that define them. Over time, these connections only grow stronger, turning a simple object into a profound part of you. And as the years pass, a watch’s value isn’t measured by its rarity but by the moments it holds and the stories that have meaning for you.
