Evan Morrison, a renowned collector and entrepreneur, has cultivated a remarkable assortment of vintage watches that mirror his profound appreciation for history, utility, and enduring style. His office in Greensboro, North Carolina, serves as a testament to his diverse collecting interests, ranging from antique industrial machinery to historical clothing and rare spirits. This passion for preserving the past extends seamlessly to his horological pursuits, where he meticulously gathers timepieces that tell stories of bygone eras. Morrison's collection is not merely about owning valuable items; it's about connecting with the narrative behind each piece, understanding its purpose, and appreciating the craftsmanship that has withstood the test of time.
Morrison's journey into watch collecting is deeply intertwined with his professional ventures, including Hudson's Hill, a retailer specializing in American-made clothing, and the White Oak Legacy Foundation, dedicated to preserving the heritage of denim manufacturing. His expertise in operating vintage Draper shuttle looms to produce selvedge denim for Proximity Manufacturing Company further underscores his commitment to historical authenticity and functional design. This background naturally informs his watch preferences, leading him to acquire rugged, purpose-driven timepieces that were essential tools in their original contexts. His collection primarily features military and utility watches, such as field watches and flight watches, which resonate with his broader interest in functional design and American heritage.
The Personal and the Practical: A Collector's Journey Through Timepieces
Evan Morrison's watch collection begins with deeply personal connections, reflecting his journey from a childhood Casio to more sophisticated, yet still meaningful, timepieces. His first significant acquisition, a Victorinox Swiss Army infantry watch, holds sentimental value as a gift from his mother and represents a foundational piece in his horological journey. This piece, along with his mother's Eddie Bauer Hamilton quartz, highlights the personal stories and memories embedded within his collection. These early watches, while not necessarily high-end, sparked a lifelong passion for timepieces and the stories they carry. The custom shell cordovan band crafted for his Swiss Army watch by a friend further illustrates his desire to personalize and enhance his beloved items, integrating artistry and personal history into each piece.
Beyond sentimentality, Morrison's collection also features historical artifacts like the WWII Longines Weems Second-Setting watch. His interest in this particular model was ignited by Martin Whitney's "Military Timepieces," which detailed Captain Philip Van Horn Weems' innovative approach to navigation using a second-setting mechanism. This watch, though modest in size at 28mm, represents a significant piece of aviation history, allowing pilots to recalibrate their timekeeping for precise navigation. The acquisition of such a piece, despite its smaller dimensions compared to modern watches, underscores Morrison's dedication to historical accuracy and functional design over mere aesthetics. This meticulous approach to collecting extends to other military pieces, such as the Bulova A17A, a 17-jewel navigator's watch from 1950, reflecting his appreciation for robust, purpose-built instruments that served critical roles in military operations.
The Art of Preservation and Personalization in Vintage Watches
Morrison's approach to collecting extends beyond mere acquisition to the meticulous process of preservation and personalization, as evidenced by his Bulova A17A. This 1950 navigator's watch, originally produced for the US armed forces, features a black dial with radium numbers, displaying 12-hour, 24-hour, and seconds scales. His journey with this watch highlights a pragmatic view of originality; while some parts, like the hands, may have been replaced from other models, they still bear the original radium, maintaining a sense of historical continuity. This practical philosophy was further cemented through his collaboration with a clock painter's son, who could repair and restore watches using inherited parts. This relationship allowed Morrison to amass a collection of military watches, some fully original and others a 'hodgepodge' of salvaged components, reflecting a collector who values function and history over strict adherence to pristine condition.
Another prized possession is his Bulova A-11, a model he considers a personal favorite. Discovered at a flea market, this specific A-11, with its original radium numerals, hands, and a rare red second hand, epitomizes perfectly patinated vintage charm. Its olive drab, navy, Kelly green, and red multi-stripe band, found at an estate sale, further enhances its unique character, demonstrating Morrison's knack for uncovering unique and complementary accessories. The A-11's significance lies in its foundational role in military wristwatch development and its enduring affordability and repairability, making it accessible to enthusiasts. Morrison views this watch as a timeless style statement, akin to classic American workwear, emphasizing that true style is a lifelong pursuit of knowledge rather than a mere purchase. His practice of gifting A-11s to friends, including a silversmith, his store manager, and a vintage store owner, underscores his belief that these watches represent more than just timekeeping devices; they are emblems of shared history, enduring craftsmanship, and personal connection.
