It probably started with the watch. I saw an ad for it in the back of American Cinematographer, picked one up off eBay for next to nothing, and discovered that the "manufacturer" was annoyed that I bought used. Then I needed it fixed so I drove down to San Diego (my sister lives there) and discovered that the "manufacturer" was this cool Norwegian guy working out of his garage. Then I did some copy editing for him and do product placement wherever I can for him. His watches are truly dope. I had a conversation with Cee-Lo Green about watches once. He was way into mine, despite the fact that it cost $450 and despite the fact that he was wearing a fuckin' Arctica. That's the sort of thing you get when you buy quality hand-made.
I'm not a cinematographer, I have no need for a watch that lets me know what the lighting is like. But, I am interested in getting a new watch. While I love the look of some of the watches like the Date Just II 41mm steel, I'll be damned if I'm going to spend $9000 on a watch. I would love to support an independent watch maker. Anyone have any suggestions?
I'm not a cinematographer either. However, I LOVE knowing sunrise and sunset, moonrise and moonset. The fact that the Yes is a 24-hour dial really changes your perception of things. Read more here and here. Join me and Adam Savage. Barring that, go Pebble. They're amusing.
Love the Yes. I like being able to switch off the digital display and go only by the 24 hour hand. I managed to kill mine by freediving a shade too deep and bleeding saltwater into the digital mechanism. Bjorn told me to send it over and he'd take a look at it, despite my being on a different continent. Great customer service. Fingers crossed.