We speak to Miami watch club president Lex Borrero about fake watches on canal street, the Rolex that nearly broke him, and why every watch is just part of the journey. Whether it was on Canal Street in Chinatown or in more official surroundings, the allure of trying on the watches has always appealed to Lex
Can you remember the exact moment you realised watches were going to be more than just a passing interest?
I remember being in NYC at the start of my career, walking through Canal Street in Chinatown. On every corner, someone was selling fake watches. And I remember thinking, wow, the idea of time as a statement of your personality is powerful. That’s when it clicked for me. I started dreaming about one day having a real collection. I would go there almost every day, trying on those watches just to imagine what it would feel like to own the real thing, because at the time, I didn’t even know you could walk into a Rolex store and try them on.
Which watch in your collection has the best story behind how you acquired it?
My first Rolex. Not because it was hard to find, you could walk into a store and buy one back then, but because of what it took for me to keep it. I bought it while working at an Expedia call centre, financing it while also saving money to travel to NYC and pitch my music to labels. On one of those trips, Spirit Airlines offered four free flights if someone gave up their seat. I took it… and lost my job. That Rolex ended up ruining my credit and going into collections, but I refused to give it back. For me, it became about proving to myself that I could finish what I started. And eventually, I paid it off. That watch means everything to me.
Is there a watch you regret selling or passing on, and why?
Not really. I believe every watch is an experience, and part of collecting is living as many of those experiences as possible. Nothing is permanent, it’s all part of the journey.
If someone looked through your collection with no context, what would they assume about you, and would they be right?
They’d probably say I have class, creativity, and taste… and yeah, they’d be right. Haha.
Is there one watch you own that other collectors don’t “get,” but you absolutely love?
My Tambour Convergence from Louis Vuitton. A lot of collectors were hesitant to spend that kind of money on a Louis Vuitton watch, but I love it. To me, it represents the new era of watchmaking at LV.
What’s the first thing you notice when a watch catches your eye, and has that changed over the years?
It’s always been about design and dial colour. That hasn’t changed. If it hits me visually, everything else comes after.
What’s the most ridiculous thing you’ve done in pursuit of a watch?
I was building a strong relationship with Audemars Piguet, buying Royal Oaks and growing my account. Then I saw a skeleton perpetual calendar Royal Oak, reference 25829BA, on a friend. It was my dream watch. He told me he’d only sell it to me if I sold him all my AP pieces… and I did. I lost my relationship with the brand and haven’t been able to buy from them since, but I got my dream watch. No regrets.
What would your younger collector-self be shocked to learn about your current collection?
How much vintage I own now.
Has collecting ever connected you with someone you wouldn’t have met otherwise?
Absolutely. Building the Miami Watch Club has been one of the most meaningful experiences of my life. The relationships I’ve built through it have completely transformed my world.
Is there a watch you’ve never seen in the metal that you think about more than you should?
An AP Clover in platinum. Still on my mind.
