From Speedmaster to Revolt: The Watch Journey of Perri Dash

For Perri Dash, collecting watches has never been just about timekeeping; it’s about storytelling, culture, and connection. What began with an Omega Speedmaster Professional discovered during his time at Ralph Lauren has since evolved into a passion that fuels not only his personal collection but also his role as co-host of a hit watch podcast, recently picked up by Revolt TV Wrist Check Podcast. Dash’s journey weaves through fashion, retail, and media, showing how authenticity, community, and curiosity can transform a personal interest into an influential platform. As he prepares to take part in the upcoming Miami Haute Time Watch Summit, Dash reflects on the milestones that shaped his path, the relationships that opened doors, and the future of watch collecting as a cultural movement.

Q&A with Perri Dash

HAUTE TIME: What was the first watch that made you realize collecting was more than a hobby?

Perri Dash: I was always into watches, but I never considered collecting seriously until I came across a vintage Speedmaster while working at Ralph Lauren. I fell in love with the story — being the “moon watch,” a heroic piece. I eventually bought one, a 1996 model, for about four grand. That was the moment I got hooked, and it all snowballed from there.

HT: Everyone talks about overnight success, but few see the work that goes into it. How did your earlier brand and retail experience bring you to this point?

Dash : Before I got into watches, I had a corporate job working at David Yurman in the supply chain. They were making watches, and I fell in love with their watches — I even got to wear-test a few.

But it was around the time that I started working at Ralph Lauren, with their Double RL brand, that I really fell in love with vintage Americana — vintage clothing, Japanese denim, all that. I was the general manager for the flagship store. Double RL today is a little more well-known, but back then, it was kind of their secret, exclusive brand. It’s been around since 1993, but they did no advertising for it. So it was kind of like, if you know, you know.

And that made the idea of vintage watch collecting even more special.

HT: How did the podcast come about, and when did it feel like more than a side project?

Dash: My co-host, Rashawn Smith, and I started recording in the Financial District after COVID. We were meeting other collectors, going to auctions, and connecting with the community. Eventually, I took a director role with Watches of Switzerland in downtown New York. Clients and brands recognized me from the show, which opened doors. When we landed a big interview with N.O.R.E. in Miami, I knew it was time to focus on it full-time.

HT: What do you think sets your podcast apart from other watch media?

Dash: Authenticity. We get into history, technology, complications, all of it, but we also talk about culture, fashion, design, sneakers, and art. People say it feels like they’re eavesdropping on a conversation at a bar. That’s the vibe. It’s just us being ourselves. My co-host Rashawn and I keep it real, and that’s what the audience connects with.

HT: Has it been difficult to maintain authenticity as the podcast has grown?

Dash: Not at all. If anything, the bigger it’s gotten, the more confident we’ve become in doubling down on who we are. The momentum comes from the community. From the beginning, we’ve been supported by collectors, brands, and listeners. When you realize people connect with you because you’re authentic, you just keep leaning into that.

HT: Can you share a story of a watch that surprised you with an emotional impact?

Dash: So we had a guest on the show, and he works closely with Audemars Piguet. I had made a joke about having a great relationship with AP, going to all their events, checking out the watches, but not owning one. I said it kind of jokingly during the show.

After we finished shooting, he texted me and said, “You said you wanted an AP.” I told him, “Yeah.” He asked, “Which one do you want?” I said, “I would take the 15510, blue dial or green dial — preferably blue.” Those are really hard to get. The next day he texted me and said, “Hey, you’re going to get a blue dial. They’re going to call you and take care of everything.” I was blown away.

I got the call, they were ready to send the invoice, and I told them I needed a couple of days — it’s an expensive watch. I was headed to Switzerland for Watches and Wonders. I did what I had to do, called them before I came back, and paid for it. They shipped it to my house, and when I got back, it was waiting for me.

I thanked him, and he said, “You deserve it. What you’ve done for the industry is incredible. You’re part of the family. You should have this watch.” That was one of those moments where I just felt really appreciated and really special. For most people, it might seem strange, a brand giving you an opportunity to spend money with them. But in the watch world, to get an allocation like that is a big deal. It’s not to be taken lightly.

And to have it happen on account of a relationship — just me being my authentic self — meant the world to me.

HT: You’ve created an inclusive space in the watch community. What’s next for making it even more accessible?

Dash: Signing with Revolt amplifies our reach. With their platform, we can bring watch culture to a national audience of 70 million people. By demystifying the space and making it relatable, we open doors for new collectors and show how watches intersect with culture, celebrity, and lifestyle.

HT: You’ll be part of the Haute Time Miami Watch Summit. What excites you about it?

Dash: Miami is one of my favorite cities, diverse, vibrant, with a growing collector base. The Miami Watch Club alone has grown to over 100 people in a year. Events like Haute Time Watch Summit create connections that go beyond business. I’ve seen people find mentors, internships, and even careers through watch events. Miami is the perfect place to spark that kind of magic.

HT: You often highlight underappreciated pieces. What’s a hidden gem collectors should notice right now?

Dash: Parmigiani. Their Toric series — Petite Seconds and Toric Perpetual — is refined minimalism with incredible craftsmanship. Vintage Parmigiani pieces are undervalued, too. Honestly, if their work carried the Patek name, the price would be double. Collectors should be paying attention.

HT: Any favorite spots for vintage watches in Miami?

Dash: Walt Grace Vintage in Wynwood. They’re known for cars and guitars, but they also have a selection of vintage watches tucked inside. It’s a real hidden gem.

HT: Beyond watches, what else do you collect?

Dash: Art. I’ve been collecting for over 10 years, especially through New York’s gallery scene. Many of my pieces are from artists I connected with early in their careers. Even our podcast set features a painting by my friend Taylor Simmons, an amazing Brooklyn-based painter. Art surrounds me — in my office, at home — it’s another form of storytelling.