Member Spotlight: Grant Stoecker
Grant Stoecker
https://www.instagram.com/chronogrant/
Head of St. Louis Chapter
1. How were you introduced to horology?
My first introduction to the world of horology started at the ripe age of 5 when my mother got me a The Mask-themed Flik-Flak watch off a cereal box promotion. I wore it during my younger years, but have unfortunately lost track of it.
2. Do you remember your first watch?
My first mechanical watch was a Tag Heuer Aquaracer 300m (WAB2010). It was my daily wearer for quite a few years. But following a full overhaul, it now resides in a safety deposit box.
3. What fascinates you most about watches and/or horology in general?
I am most interested currently in the relationship between aesthetic design and technical design. I think there are many brands that do one of those design elements well, but very few do both very well. I think an example of a brand that currently does this very well would be Romain Gauthier with his Logical One.
4. What are the “kiss, kill, marry” of your collection?
Kiss: Panerai Luminor GMT
Kill: Blancpain Leman Titanium
Marry: Omega Speedmaster Professional
5. Name one watch that got away.
The Omega Speedmaster Professional “TinTin” was a watch I bought because it was a great deal on a Moonwatch. I regretfully sold it for a nice profit a few months later... I still regret letting it go to this day.
6. What watch do you wear most often?
[That] would be my Monta Oceanking. It’s a great all-around daily wearer, and it's from a microbrand based out of my city, St. Louis.
7. What is the first thing you notice about a watch?
My eyes are always immediately drawn to the dial. The dial tends to be a “make or break” for me in terms of watches I would add to my personal collection.
8. How were you introduced to RedBar Group?
I was originally introduced to RedBar on Reddit when I made a post trying to find a group of collectors in my local area. One of the members of RedBar Detroit sent me a message, I attended the next meet-up, and the rest is history.
9. How has RedBar affected you as a collector?
Getting involved in the world of RedBar has really expanded my horizons horologically by introducing me to brands I've not been previously familiar with. I've also grown a lot as a collector by being exposed to other people's collections, which has really helped me refine my thoughts on what a collection could look like.
10. How has RedBar impacted your life outside of collecting?
I've made quite a few close friends through RedBar, and have had many great experiences with them; Ranging from grabbing a casual drink while visiting their city on a work trip to spontaneously taking a road trip to Memphis with another RedBar St. Louis member for a collector event.
