FROM THE ALLURE OF WORLD-CLASS EXPERIENCES TO THE CALL OF ITS SMALL-TOWN CHARM, CINCINNATI’S MAGIC EXTENDS FAR BEYOND ITS SKYLINE—THE CITY’S UNDERSTATED BRILLIANCE IS STARTING TO TURN HEADS, AND SO IS THE TENACIOUS SPIRIT OF ITS MAYOR. AFTAB PUREVAL
you share why you chose this watch and what story it tells for you? I have a special fondness for this watch. It’s a late 60s, early 70s Accutron 218 day-date with a unique Roman numeral dial. Although Accutron is not as well-known, it has an incredible legacy. The brand was founded in New York in the 1800s and was an important American watch brand. While the Speedmaster may receive more attention, Accutron also made its mark by being used on the moon, with its timing mechanisms being utilized in the
You’re heading out for the perfect family day in Cincinnati, what’s on the agenda? There are so many great places to take kids in our city like the Newport Aquarium and the Children’s Museum at the Cincinnati Museum Center, so it’s hard to choose. But I think we would head to my son’s favorite place first thing in the morning, the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Gardens. Afterward, we could pop into Skyline for lunch on our way to the Washington Park Splash Pad, making it home just before naptime.
Apollo missions. During his presidency, Lyndon B. Johnson gifted Accutron watches as the official state gift. What I find most fascinating about watches is the history they carry - the brand’s legacy. It was truly extraordinary to find this beautiful watch with its incredible history and great condition. What excites you most about this watch? I am a huge watch enthusiast and I love all variations of watches. However, this particular piece is special to me because it represents a transition in the watch industry from mechanical or automatic to electronic. In the mid-60s, Hamilton, an American watch brand, made the first electronic watch. Around the same time, Accutron introduced their tuning fork technology, but this movement didn’t last once Seiko started the quartz revolution - the history is what I find most fascinating, but, to me, this watch represents a brief moment in time when these American watchmakers really defined their legacy by leading the electric revolution in watchmaking.
So, let’s say you have a babysitter that evening. Where’s the perfect date night for you and your wife? We’d head to Kiki’s in College Hill for some ramen. It’s one of our favorite restaurants. Then, we will probably have an after-dinner drink at Ghost Baby when Lauren Elsie performs. Ghost Baby is excellent! Cincinnati is booming with exciting experiences. What local event do you feel best captures the spirit of the city? I would have to say Blink. I think it embodies the spirit of Cincinnati at this moment, where we are leading with arts, being innovative, and proud of our history. It brings about 4 million people into our urban core. It gives us an opportunity not just to show off our downtown, Over-the- Rhine, and Northern Kentucky but also our ability to activate all of the incredible murals and public art we are so fortunate to have. Blink has been a great way to highlight Cincinnati’s creative ingenuity. Have you considered any other opportunities to build on the city’s cultural profile?
A common theme of your passions is rooted in the importance of legacy and paving the way for a history worth celebrating. How do you think Cincinnati’s story can empower individuals from diverse backgrounds to build their own legacies and help shape the city’s promising future? As the son of a refugee, my family went from having no home to me becoming mayor of a major American city in just one generation. That story has only happened here in Cincinnati. I’m proud of that because it shows that no matter your background, you can achieve your dreams in this city. If you’re passionate about public service, regardless of party, you’re exactly who we need in politics. Volunteer and work on campaigns. Young people are the lifeblood of our democracy, and their engagement and turnout are vital for the future of our country.
We’re actually a finalist to host Sundance. It’s currently narrowed to six cities, but I am confident that Cincinnati has submitted a strong application. The leaders of Sundance visited this past summer, and it went extraordinarily well. Bringing that opportunity here could change our profile and city image overnight, adding us as a fantastic new destination on the country’s map. The corporate leaders are focused on it. The artistic leaders are focused on it. Right now, I think Cincinnati is a really well-kept secret. And, if it comes to pass, it could be a completely new, exciting era for Cincinnati.
Talking a little earlier, it’s clear your enthusiasm for revolutionary ideas and ingenuity shows not just in your work but in your personal interests. You wore a unique timepiece today, can
16 RICHTER & PHILLIPS JEWELERS MAGAZINE
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