From Baselworld To The Big Apple: Jay Kumar’s Watch Collecting Journey
7 min read
A collector like no other, Jay Kumar effortlessly blends his passion for watches with a delicious sprinkle of joie de vivre. Jay’s journey as a watch collector is deeply intertwined with his passion for travel and exploration. From his early days growing up in India, where career options seemed set in stone, Jay took an unconventional path that led him from the world of culinary arts in Switzerland to the bustling city of Basel. It was there, amidst the rich history of watchmaking, that he developed a keen interest in fine timepieces. Over the years, Jay's love for watches evolved as he traveled the world, eventually making his home in Brooklyn. With an appreciation for craftsmanship and a deep connection to the heritage of Swiss horology, Jay’s collection reflects not just his personal style but his journey of growth and discovery.
A family legacy
Always one to go against the grain, Jay had a love for cooking ever since he was a child. When it was time for him to choose a school for his higher studies he revealed to his parents that he would like to go to Switzerland and join a culinary program. “This came as a shock to his parents. But my mother always supported me and encouraged me to pursue my passion. Once I completed my program, I was offered a position at Hilton Hotels in 1992. I worked there till 1999, but always had this dream of opening my own restaurant someday. So after almost 7 years I decided to open Jays.”
Jays was created with an aim of bringing people together and it succeeded fantastically at that. It soon became known as a place where people conversed, laughed, ate and networked. Radiating warmth and hospitality, it was really a home away from home.
Jay’s passion for watches began at a young age. Reflecting on his early exposure to the world of timepieces, he recalls, “When I started off, I saw watches with my dad. He didn’t have a collection, but he had three Rolexes. He also had a Seiko, which he bought when I was born. And I still have it here—a Sportmatic from 1967. It still works perfectly.” For Jay, these early moments shaped his lifelong love for watches. He remembers how the design and craftsmanship fascinated him, particularly the plexiglass Datejust, a watch that left a lasting impression.
Jay’s entry into the watch industry wasn’t a traditional one, but it was one that would set the stage for many incredible experiences. “I was working for Hilton Hotels and we participated in Baselworld,” he recalls. “I was handling the back-office operations, working with brands like Patek Philippe, Swatch Group, and Girard Perregaux. I was the connection between the brands and the food and hospitality side of things.”
It was during this time that Jay truly began to connect with the world’s leading watchmakers, forging relationships with industry legends. “Abel was one of the places where we had breakfast, lunch, and dinner,” he says. “I was hustling, saving money, and working hard to collect the watches I loved. I didn’t earn tons of money, but I always had a passion for watches.”
Baselworld and Its many wonders
For Jay, Baselworld was the heart of the watch industry, where he witnessed firsthand the greats of the horological world. One of his most memorable experiences was meeting Jean-Claude Biver, the renowned watch industry giant. “I was standing outside smoking a cigar, wearing my Hublot Ice Bang, and Jean-Claude Biver passed by. He crossed the street and came up to me and said, ‘Who owns this place?’ I told him it was me, and he was amazed,” Jay recalls.
Biver, known for his connection to Hublot, was so impressed that he promised to send Jay a handwritten 20-year warranty for the watch. “He said, ‘Anything happens to the watch, you can get it fixed without any problems.’ And sure enough, two years later, when I sent the watch for repairs, they gave me a brand-new one with a new movement and case. Incredible!”
In addition to Biver, Jay had encounters with other industry leaders, including the CEO of De Bethune and the artistic director of Longines. “There was this one time when the CEO of De Bethune, Pierre Jacques, told me that I brought him luck and that’s why he always came to visit me first,” Jay smiles, recalling the camaraderie of those days.
Despite the memories, Jay holds a bittersweet view of Baselworld’s decline. “Baselworld would have still been going on if it weren’t for the greed of the management and the local businesses,” he says. “The booths and the restaurants were all about making money, and the prices went through the roof. That’s when the downfall started.”
He remembers the exorbitant prices charged at the restaurants during Baselworld, where a simple sausage that cost four francs was sold for 15 francs. “I was the only restaurant that didn’t raise prices. We kept everything as is. But the hotels, the booths, everything was just greed. And that’s why people started walking out, one by one.”
Unveiling his collection
When discussing his eclectic collection, the passion and thoughtfulness behind each acquisition become evident. "I have a range of watches—everything from Jaeger-LeCoultre’s Memovox to the IWC Big Pilot," Jay shared. "Some were planned, but others just fell into place. For example, I own the bronze MAD Edition. A friend won two in the lottery and asked if I wanted one. When I asked him how much, he said, 'Nothing.' It was such a generous gesture."
One of the standout pieces in his collection is a Vogard Timezoner, a precursor to IWC’s Timezoner technology. "This watch is fascinating," he explained. "It was originally designed for Formula One circuits, with time zones for all the tracks. The founder of Vogard eventually sold the technology to IWC and later worked with Baselworld until it ceased operations. Owning the original feels like holding a piece of horological history." His collection also includes rare treasures like the Panerai Marina in titanium, which he purchased in 2004, and the eight-day Panerai. "These are older pieces that carry stories," he said. "There’s also the Oris Big Crown I received from my wife, Daria. It’s a lesser-talked-about watch, but one that holds deep personal value."
Reflecting on his journey as a collector, Jay added, "My top pieces include the Zenith-powered Rolex Daytona, the Kermit Submariner, and, of course, my Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox. These are more than just watches—they’re memories, milestones, and moments captured in time."
The changing face of the watch industry
Today, Jay has witnessed a dramatic shift in the watch industry, one that’s shaped by exclusivity, price inflation, and attitude. “The arrogance and attitude in the industry has changed,” he observes. “Certain brands and models are going for ten times the price, and you can’t even find them. It’s all about the exclusivity now, and that’s where the problem lies.”
However, Jay’s perspective on the industry is rooted in respect for the true watchmaking heritage. He fondly remembers how, in the past, watchmakers treated each other with reverence and respect. “I’ve known people in the industry for over 30 years, like Abdul Majeed and Abdul Hamid Seddiqui from Dubai. We’d always meet for coffee, and even now, they stop me in the Dubai Mall to chat and catch up.”
Today, Jay is a celebrated chef and owner of LORE in Brooklyn, New York. Blending flavors from various chapters of his life, drawing from his roots in Mangalore, his prominent restaurant career in Switzerland, and his current community in Brooklyn. By partnering with local farms to source unique ingredients for LORE’s seasonal dishes, Jay brings guests a truly curated dining experience.
What’s next?
Looking ahead, Jay believes the future of watch collecting is still bright but requires a shift in focus. “I think it’s time for the industry to remember its roots,” he suggests. “There’s still so much passion in the watch community, and with the rise of vintage and pre-owned markets, many more people can now experience the joy of collecting.”
As Jay continues to reflect on his journey from restaurateur to the bustling watch scene of New York, one thing is clear: his love for watches will always be his guiding passion. “It’s a fun hobby,” he says with a grin. “Sure, it’s expensive, but there’s nothing like the feeling of owning a piece of horological history.”
