In this episode of On Time, we sit down with Roman Sharf, founder of Luxury Bazaar and one of the most influential voices in the gray market for a conversation that goes way beyond what’s hot.
Roman walks us through the watch that started it all, how his mindset changed from collector to dealer, and the real-world pressure that pushed him from a demanding corporate path into building a business that would eventually reshape how people buy and sell watches online. Along the way, we get into the parts of the watch world people usually avoid saying out loud: how the gray market actually works, how the market has evolved from the early internet days to today’s hype cycles, and what collectors should pay attention to as the next era of watch collecting takes shape.
We also talk about independent brands, what Roman genuinely admires, what makes certain brands feel inevitable, and why buying decisions are always emotional, even when money is involved. And as the community grows, we touch on how watch culture is changing, including the rise of women collectors and why clubs like Miami Watch Club might be closer to the retail experience of the future than most boutiques.
We’re grateful to have Roman in the room with us and even more grateful for the honesty he brings to a space that’s often guarded. If you collect, if you’re curious, or if you’re trying to understand where the watch market is headed, this one’s for you.
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