Meet The Collector

The Meet the Collector series is an exclusive interview feature on VELOCE, the premier social network designed specifically for watch enthusiasts to connect and share their passion. Each installment brings you in-depth conversations with diverse collectors from around the globe, diving into the personal stories, milestones, and unique emotional connections behind their favorite timepieces.

Introduction: A.R.B. (Alex)

I’m Alex, the 'A.R.B.' behind the brand. To my friends and followers, I am simply the guy with 400 watches and a story for every single one. For me, watches have never been about the price tag or the 'flex.'

I moved from Brazil to England ten years ago, and my life has been a series of deep responsibilities—from losing my father at a young age to currently being the primary caretaker for my mother as she navigates Alzheimer’s. These experiences shaped my view of time.

"To me, a watch is a vessel for history and a reflection of a person’s soul."

I started @arbalexwatches and Watch Addicts International because I wanted a space where the 'hype' didn't matter. I’ll wear a fashion watch just as proudly as a piece of high horology if the story is right. I’ve even taught myself watch repair and strap making because I want to understand the heartbeat of these machines.

My goal is simple: I want the next generation to look at their wrist and see more than a tool. I want them to see a piece of themselves. I love hearing how someone acquired a watch and why it matters to them—because at the end of the day, we aren't just collecting metal and gears; we’re preserving memories.

1. What was the first watch that actually made you care about watches?

The spark truly began with my father. I still have the image of him wearing his daily Omega etched into my mind. After he passed away in 1994—the same year we lost the legend Ayrton Senna—that watch was meant to come to me. However, being so young, it was kept 'safe' by my brother and, sadly, I never saw it again.

That loss stayed with me. Money was tight for my mother after my father died, so the Swatches all the other kids were wearing were out of reach. It wasn't until I started working that I finally bought a piece of my own: a Casio G-Shock DW-6900. I’ve owned it for 25 years now, and it’s still ticking.

2. If you had to wear one watch from your collection for a month straight, which one?

I’d reach for my Bulova Longwood Tonneau 96B144. Bulova is a brand I truly love, and the Precisionist movement inside this one is a work of art—the continuous sweep is mesmerizing and the accuracy is staggering. Visually, the barrel-shaped case is stunning and provides a level of comfort that's hard to beat for a full month of wear.

More importantly, this was a gift from my mum. In a hobby often driven by specs, the fact that this watch came from her makes it the most 'accurate' representation of why I collect: it’s about the person who gave it to you.

3. Is there a watch you sold or traded that you deeply regret letting go?

Regret selling? Not at all—I’ve actually never sold a single watch in my life! My regret is actually the opposite: a 'missed opportunity' caused by my own hand. I restored a friend's TAG Heuer Carrera so well that he decided to keep it. My 'mistake' was doing too good a job! I missed out on the TAG because I restored it too well, though I did manage to walk away with the Omega in the end.

4. What’s your go-to "beater" or weekend watch?

When it’s time to get my hands dirty, I reach for my Limit 5492 or my Tavistock & Jones PC32. These aren't watches I sought out; they found me as part of auction 'job lots'. They are incredibly affordable, reliable, and most importantly, I’m not precious about them. In a collection of 400, these are the 'soldiers' that take the hits so the others don't have to!

5. What is your current "Grail," and has that definition changed?

For a long time, my 'Grail' was the Omega Seamaster Professional 600m Planet Ocean. I promised myself I’d eventually own an Omega just like my father did. However, I’m a patient collector—some might say a 'cheap bastard'! I refuse to overpay, so I waited years for the right moment. But has my definition changed? Honestly, I don’t believe grails truly exist. The moment you summit one mountain, you’re already looking at the next peak.

6. What’s the most interesting friendship you’ve made?

That would definitely be Josh, a guy from the US I met through a shared watch group. Sometimes, you just 'click' with someone, regardless of the miles between you. I’ve learned the hard way who my true friends are—back when I fell on hard times, my circle became very small, very fast. Finding a genuine connection through a hobby is rare and incredible.

7. Are you a "stock bracelet" purist, or do you love the "strap monster" life?

Hahaha, 'Strap Monster'—I love that! I’m a bit of both. I’m so obsessed with the perfect pairing that I taught myself how to make them. I’ve custom-made the straps for my Omega, my Raketa, and my Theorema. The beauty of making your own is that you aren't limited by what’s in a catalog. I love pushing the boundaries of materials—lately, I’ve been moving past leather into carbon fiber and denim.

"Being a 'Strap Monster' isn't just a hobby for me—it’s a craft."

8. What’s a lesson you learned the hard way when you first started collecting?

In this hobby, the hardest lesson I’ve learned is a cynical one: you have to be your own advocate. Trust, but verify. I’ve bought numerous watches that seemed 100% original, only to discover the heart of the watch had been swapped for something inferior. This is exactly why I became a self-taught repairer. Knowledge is the only thing that keeps your money safe.

9. Besides watches, what other hobby or interest influences your style?

My style is a reflection of many worlds—from cufflinks and bicycles to woodworking. Life threw me a curveball with a Fibromyalgia diagnosis. Living with chronic pain means I’ve had to adapt; things take longer now, but the finish line is just as sweet. My collections aren't just hobbies; they are proof that I’m still pushing forward.