WITH A KEEN APPRECIATION FOR THE COMPLEX DETAILS OF HOROLOGY, RICK BELL DEDICATES HIS PASSION TO EXPLORING THE VITAL ROLE TIME HAS PLAYED THROUGHOUT HUMAN HISTORY, PAYING TRIBUTE TO THE LIVELY MACHINES THAT METICULOUSLY TRACK ITS PASSAGE.
From there, my fascination with watches grew steadily. I began dismantling timepieces in my basement, starting with those I no longer wore, before eventually daring to disassemble the ones I cherished and even assembling one entirely from parts I ordered online. My passion for watches evolved organically, and before I knew it, I found myself with this sort of strange obsession. Then, ultimately, I got the absolutely insane idea of starting a watch brand. Now, 15 years later, I look back on a journey marked by gradual progression, from collecting and tinkering with watches to founding Cincinnati Watch Company. It’s a journey that has, in many ways, become my life’s work and greatest source of enjoyment. What’s even more enriching is the incredible community of fellow watch enthusiasts I’ve had the privilege to join.
Have you always been a watch enthusiast?
embrace our watches and appreciate our efforts is heartening. It’s remarkable how people here continue to find value in something as timeless as watches, even in a digital age where time is displayed everywhere. The support for a Cincinnati Watch Company has been unbelievable, and it’s a testament to our city’s rich culture and passion for building things. Last year, R&P released a watch with you based on your Union Terminal Collection. What is another Cincinnati staple that you would love to collaborate with for a special edition timepiece? Cincinnati has a lot of incredible architectural elements with Art Deco influence. One of the first that comes to mind is the Hilton Cincinnati Netherland Plaza, formerly Omni Netherland Plaza. There is lavish use of marble, custom nickel-silver fixtures, and stylized Egyptian and floral motifs - the place is brimming with inspiration, and I think that would make a really fantastic timepiece.
Well, as a child of the 80s, everyone wore watches. At the time, they weren’t just an interest; watches were a necessity. My first watch was a trusty Timex Ironman. However, my true passion for watches fully ignited much later. I splurged on what I considered an expensive timepiece, a couple hundred dollars, and that’s when my fascination began to evolve. In a digital age dominated by my work in data privacy consulting, watches offered a tangible, analog connection to the past. Over time, I found myself delving deeper into the world of horology, drawn to the aesthetics of these tiny machines and their rich history and intricate mechanics.
What do you find most fascinating about watches?
Wristwatches have been around for over a century, and their historical significance in keeping the world in sync is awe-inspiring. The concept of watches, these perpetual motion devices powered by our own energy, blows my mind. Whether it’s winding the crown or the movement of an automatic watch, it’s incredible how kinetic energy has played such a pivotal role in our lives, from work schedules to military coordination. The rich history of watches, spanning hundreds of years, adds a unique charm to the diverse watch styles we see today, and that’s what truly fascinates me about them. I became so captivated that I started dismantling and attempting to reassemble watches in my basement, immersing myself in their utility, history, and craftsmanship.
What would you say sets the community in Cincy apart from other cities?
It’s laid back - truly, it’s laid back and genuine. Being a watch collector in Cincinnati feels more about the passion and less about the price tag. The culture is welcoming, with discussions about why you love a particular watch and what draws you to it. It’s refreshing because what you wear on your wrist doesn’t define you here; it’s about sharing our interests and appreciating the craftsmanship and history behind these timepieces, and that’s what makes the community approachable and enjoyable.
What advice do you have for someone curious about watches but unsure how to take the first step?
Get a mechanical watch. Hands down, make your first watch mechanical and take the time to learn about it. Many people today, especially younger people, think of watches as battery-powered gadgets, not realizing the marvels of mechanically driven watches. This is living jewelry. The revelation that a whole world of intricate gears and springs lives inside a watch will spark that initial amazement and curiosity - and that’s what hooks you. So, I recommend going into a respected store to try on watches and find what you like on your wrist. But, ensuring that the first one is mechanical, even better if it has a display case back. Because for me, discovering the world of mechanical watches was like uncovering a hidden treasure, and I believe it can be just as enchanting for anyone starting their journey into horology. Also, by the way , I found and purchased the missing parts of my Zodiac from many years ago. Our watchmaker was able to fix it, and I can now relive that fantastic time in my life; watches have that sort of a pull on you!
Why do you think Cincinnati Watch Company was able to find success here in the city?
How did Cincinnati Watch Company come to be?
It all started with the first “expensive” timepiece and a dash of curiosity. My very first significant watch was a Zodiac dive watch I picked up right before my honeymoon from, believe it or not, Costco, and I thought it was crazy at the time to spend several hundreds of dollars on a watch. It accompanied me on snorkeling adventures, but unfortunately, its bezel decided to explore the ocean floor…. After enjoying my first nice watch, I started to study the history of watches, movements and began considering what I might buy as a replacement. This started my initial foray into the captivating world of horology.
Watchmaking is in Cincinnati’s blood; the city has a fascinating history in clocks and watchmaking - Gruen Watch Company being a standout example. Only a few American cities had a legacy in watchmaking. Gruen was the last watch brand to assemble watches in Cincy, ceasing operations around 1958. It wasn’t until 2020, when Jordan Ficklin, our in-house watchmaker, joined the team, that Cincinnati saw another watch brand assembling watches here. But, for us, more was needed to offer certainty in success. That Cincinnatians
21 RICHTER & PHILLIPS JEWELERS MAGAZINE
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