Certain luxury pieces transcend mere accessories to become timeless icons—emblems of heritage, precision, and the pinnacle of craftsmanship. This philosophy was brought to life on September 11, 2024, when Wrist Aficionado, a brand that has steadily grown from a social media sensation into a heavyweight in the luxury timepiece industry, held an exclusive showcase of automotive-inspired watches in Manhattan. The display was a celebration of speed and sophistication, connecting the worlds of haute horlogerie and luxury automotive design in breathtaking ways.
The September event was a testament to Wrist Aficionado's ability to capture the imagination of watch collectors and automotive enthusiasts alike. As co-founder Eddie Goziker walked guests through the boutique, time seemed to slow down for those gathered around the exquisite collection of automotive-inspired watches. Among the striking pieces on display was the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Michael Schumacher, a tribute to the Formula 1 legend. Its 44mm rose gold titanium case, grey anthracite dial, and black ceramic bezel echoed the resilience and power of high-performance racing, while a grey rubber bracelet inspired by tire treads added a tactile connection to motorsport's fierce dynamics.
Another standout was the Richard Mille RM 011 Felipe Massa '10th Anniversary', a technical marvel honoring the Brazilian F1 driver. The NTPT carbon case, adorned with Felipe Massa's racing colors and signature, conjured images of roaring engines and the thrill of the track. Only 100 of these were made, making it a true collector's piece, engineered to capture not just time, but the pulse of speed.
Girard Perregaux also contributed with the Laureato Green Ceramic Aston Martin, which artfully reflected the luxury of Aston Martin with its vivid green ceramic case and sunray green dial. It extended its tribute to automotive elegance by incorporating a titanium triple-folding clasp and Aston Martin's decal beneath the sapphire case-back—an elegant nod to the seamless connection between luxury timepieces and British automotive heritage.
Completing the collection, Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin, and Rolex each presented their own tributes to the spirit of racing. The Rolex Rainbow Daytona with its array of multi-color sapphires on a rose gold or white gold case, and the Rolex Panda Daytona 116500LN with its signature chronograph and sleek ceramic bezel, celebrated endurance and elegance. Each of these watches offered a unique interpretation of the bond between time and velocity.
Wrist Aficionado's journey is as remarkable as the timepieces it showcases. Founded in 2016 by Eddie Goziker and Vadim Yakubov, Wrist Aficionado grew from a modest Instagram account into a full-fledged luxury retailer with locations on Madison Avenue in New York City, the Waldorf Astoria in Beverly Hills, and The Setai in Miami. Their boutiques are more than mere showrooms—they're experiential spaces where collectors and connoisseurs come to see, feel, and live the magic of these iconic timepieces.
The founders, Eddie and Vadim, met as young men with a shared passion for watches. Eddie’s journey began during his late teens, collecting watches while working for Tourneau in New York. For Vadim, a deep industry knowledge began early with a family connection at Jacob & Co. Their paths converged in a shared dream of offering discerning buyers access to exclusive, often hard-to-find watches in a highly curated, white-glove setting. Leveraging social media, the duo rose to prominence by creating viral moments that highlighted not just the timepieces, but the lifestyle they represent.
Their boutiques are now among the few in the luxury resale market that offer not just watches, but also fine jewelry and bags from brands like Hermes. This allows their clientele—a circle of discerning enthusiasts—to experience the height of luxury retail, where bespoke customer service and exclusivity come together under one roof. And while their boutiques serve as physical proof of the luxury experience, social media remains a key component of their brand—an invitation to the world to step into the incredible universe of Wrist Aficionado.
During our conversation with Eddie Goziker, his passion for horology was palpable. Eddie, who built his first substantial collection while working in the watch industry in his early twenties, offered sage advice on collecting—one that defies typical investment strategies. "Buy what you love and buy what you want to wear," he advised. For Eddie, the joy of owning a watch lies in wearing it, not merely placing it in a safe to accumulate value. It’s a philosophy that resonates particularly well with those who view watches as wearable art rather than static investments.
He also emphasized the importance of budgeting and buying within one's means, cautioning against breaking the bank for a single luxury piece. Eddie described the thrill of building a collection piece by piece, in a way that suits one's lifestyle—whether that means acquiring a classic Patek Philippe Nautilus for its timeless design, or a Richard Mille tourbillon to admire its technical complexity. It is this measured, thoughtful approach that has helped many first-time buyers transition into avid collectors without falling prey to the volatility of watch markets.
On what makes a good investment, Eddie highlighted iconic brands such as Patek Philippe, Rolex, Richard Mille, and F.P. Journe. These brands, he noted, are reliable because of their scarcity and historical prestige. A Rolex Daytona or Patek Philippe Aquanaut doesn’t just hold value—it holds stories, memories, and an unmistakable connection to the collector’s journey through time.
For collectors, Wrist Aficionado offers something beyond mere products—they provide access. With their curated collection of rare and limited-edition timepieces, Eddie and Vadim have created a space where collectors can trust not only in the authenticity of their pieces but also in the expertise of those behind them. The boutique's dedication to sourcing exclusive watches has made it a trusted destination for those seeking timepieces that reflect both craftsmanship and personality.
Their expansion into jewelry and luxury bags broadens the horizon of what the brand offers. It caters to the collector who is not just looking for a watch, but for a complete luxury lifestyle experience—the kind of person who sees in a Richard Mille tourbillon not just a watch, but a tribute to performance and precision that parallels their own passions, whether for racing, haute couture, or modern art.
As the event drew to a close, one could feel the magnetism of these timepieces, their intricate designs, and the stories they told. Wrist Aficionado’s automotive-themed showcase was more than a presentation of luxury watches; it was a celebration of what it means to take the wheel of one’s lifestyle, to appreciate craftsmanship, and to live life at the intersection of heritage and modernity. Eddie Goziker and Vadim Yakubov have given collectors around the world an opportunity not just to wear history but to make it—one carefully curated timepiece at a time.