Life of Time: Meet Christie’s New Expert in Fine Timepieces and Watches

Christie’s recently announced new leadership for the Watches department of Christie’s Americas with Keith Davis as Head of Department, Fine Timepieces and Watches, and Adam Victor as Senior Watches Consultant. Davis has worked in the timepiece industry for the entirety of his career, having practical experience in nearly every aspect of the business.

Here, he tells us about his love of all things horological and his plans for 2022.

Tell us about your earliest memories of watches and timepieces.
I was introduced to watches at an early age. My grandfather worked doing watch repairs in Baltimore in the 1970s and the early ’80s, so I was often with him in his basement workshop learning after dinner. Ironically, watches never occurred to me as being a luxury or collectible object until later in life.

What made you want a career in the world of timepieces?
I started off seeing watches as something to be fixed, and I had someone to look up to as an example that there could be a way to make a living from it. It wasn’t until I was 14 or 15 when I saw luxury watch ads in magazines, particularly Robb Report, that it occurred to me that there is a larger world around timepieces.

That led me to my amazing apprenticeships, career, and experiences. Working with timepieces is the only thing I have ever done professionally.

Related: See the Top Facts to Know About Iconic Watches, According to a Christie’s Expert

How do you see your role evolving at Christie’s?
I am currently working as Christie’s Head of Department, Fine Timepieces and Watches for the Americas. To me, the position gives the opportunity to develop new and younger specialists, and introduce or re-introduce other collecting markets in the large and broad area of watch collecting.

It wasn’t until I was 14 or 15 when I saw luxury watch ads in magazines that it occurred to me that there is a larger world around timepieces

There is so much more to be excited about outside of steel sport watches. How that evolves remains to be seen, but I am focused on the responsibilities that I have, and I enjoy it every day.

Related: Discover the Magic Behind a Once-in-a-Lifetime Collection of Cartier Clocks

What are you excited about in the world of watches for 2022?
Our new team at Christies New York having a full year ahead together, everyone having their health, and the excitement of what incredible timepiece might come through the front door of 20 Rockefeller Center at any moment. We have some excellent timepieces that will be on offer in 2022, and they have never been seen publicly, which is always exciting for everyone who loves this field.

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