This International Women’s Day we caught up with Lucy Kapetanovic, also known as the Watch Box Diaries. Lucy expresses her thoughts on what it is like to be a female within the watch industry and shares her favourite resources for women.
Read the full interview below.
Tell us a bit about yourself. How did you get into watches?
I'm Lucy - also known as @thewatchboxdiaries based in Lincolnshire, England. I don't work in the watch world (yet!) but I've been an enthusiast for about 5 years now. The watch that started it all? A beautiful vintage 36mm Rolex DateJust with a champagne dial. It made me fall in love with not just watches, but specifically ones with a history.
What does International Women’s Day mean to you?
International Women’s Day means the celebration of women - from how far we have come in gaining equality, to highlighting how determined we are for the future. I love that it provides the opportunity to show how strong we are, and that the world gets to celebrate it.
What was the story behind your first luxury watch?
My first well known branded watch was a lovely little quartz Omega Deville (which I still have and love dearly!) but in terms of luxury, it would be my Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36mm. It's the 369 style with the beautiful blue sunburst dial. Since that DateJust, which was my stepfathers, I've always loved the idea of buying a watch, wearing it, making memories, and then passing that piece down to my children. Like passing down stories.
What do you love about watches the most?
The history. Watchmaking is an artform and the level of skill involved in creating a piece always amazes me. They're also incredibly beautiful, versatile and come in such varieties that there is a watch for everyone.
What has been your experience as a woman within this industry?
People are always surprised when they find out just how into watches I am! From those outside of the industry or as a hobby, there's mostly intrigue. From other enthusiasts, they find it refreshing to see a female talk so passionately about them. Sadly, there have been many times I've stepped into a boutique and either been directed to the fashion brands or been met with surprise when I mention movements or references, but I'm hopeful this will continue to improve.
What advice would you give a woman who was looking to buy her first watch and was new to the industry?
Do your research. You don't have to do much - just enough to get a rough idea of what you're looking for. I'd suggest watching YouTube videos (this is part of how I still learn new things today) as there's content for beginners as well as in-depth reviews. Also, one of the best things I did was to join Instagram and the watchfam. It's such a friendly, helpful, non-judgmental community that you can feel confident asking anything, even if you feel it's silly.
Are there any communities, accounts, or resources that you would recommend for females within the industry?
Oh, so many! My favourite YouTube channels are Jenni Elle and Watch.Gringa. For Instagram, it depends what you're after but @winters.watches, @watchstudies and @oldwatchlady are a good mix. Then there are always publications like Hodinkee, Scottish Watches and Time and Tide to get through too.
Who are your female role models?
There are so many incredible women in the world! I have huge admiration for those who fight (whether internal battles or external problems) and still keep their sense of humour. That's really hard to do! In the watch world, people like Cara Barrett and Brynn Wallner (aka Dimepiece) have careers they've worked really hard for and are thriving which is incredible to see.
Follow Watch Box Diaries' Instagram here and subscribe to her Youtube channel here
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