Interview with JCK Editor-in-Chief, Victoria Gomelsky

As Editor-in-Chief of JCK Magazine, Victoria Gomelsky has expertise in the jewelry, luxury watch, and fashion industries. Gomelsky is also a contributing author to the International New York Times. She graduated with an undergrad in Political Science from UCLA and received her MFA in non-fiction writing from Columbia University. When not covering the luxury goods industry, Gomelsky enjoys traveling the world, having visited over 50 countries.

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What is your favorite watch for everyday wear? What do you like about it? Mechanics or style?

An old boyfriend gave me a Cartier Santos years ago and it’s become part of my daily uniform. The distinctive thing about my Santos is that it’s round as opposed to the traditional square silhouette. It’s a two-tone model with a stainless steel case and bracelet and an 18k yellow gold bezel and screws. It pairs well with virtually everything in my closet. I love how simple and straightforward it is; beyond telling time, it features a date window. That’s the only complication I really need.

 

What is the most sentimental watch in your collection? How did it come into your possession?

Hands down, the most sentimental watch I own is The Gomelsky by Shinola. The model is named after me — but not because I helped design it or inspired the makers in any way. The story is truly random: I had an appointment at the Shinola booth at Baselworld in 2013, the year the Detroit-based brand made its debut, and minutes before I arrived, the company’s chief executive issued a dictum declaring that they would name the new ladies watch collection after the next person that walked in. I happened to be that person, and now I have a watch named after me. They sent me the model as a way to say thanks for being cool about them using my last name in their marketing and advertising (as if I wouldn’t be!). Bringing the story full circle, I ended up writing this piece about watch names for the New York Times that includes a retelling of my personal experience!

 

What are you excited to wear next, or what timepiece is the next to add to your collection?

I just got the newest version of The Gomelsky, a moonphase model in a stainless steel case on a black leather strap. I adore it!

 

Is there a timepiece out there that you would never wear, but respect nonetheless?

I would never wear a grand complication from Patek Philippe, or a double tourbillon from Greubel Forsey—they are far too complicated and valuable for my lifestyle. I admire both watchmakers immensely and would highly recommend them to collectors with the good taste and financial wherewithal to play in the big leagues.

 

What trends are you most excited about from Basel? What trends are you ready to put to bed?

I loved the blue dial-blue strap combinations that were everywhere—what a great way to jazz up a classic-looking watch. I’m also a fan of the restrained, elegant designs we saw in Basel, like the new Zenith Elite 6150, or the new 1966 timepiece from Girard Perregaux.

On the other hand, I’m over the NATO strap look; it makes sense for some models, but after seeing countless versions of nylon straps over the last couple years, it feels like a design cliché.

 

As the editor of JCK, do you have an affinity for jeweled watches? If so, what are some of your favorites?

I love a good gem-encrusted timepiece as much as the next girl. Secret watches—which look like diamond bracelets until you move a hinge to reveal the dial of a timepiece ticking away—have always charmed me, especially when they are made by the likes of Van Cleef & Arpels, Harry Winston, and Graff. But, again, they’re a bit too rich for my blood. Closer to the realm of reality for me would be a lovely diamond-studded Day/Night Reverso from Jaeger-LeCoultre. Dreamy!

 

Follow Victoria Gomelsky on Twitter: @vika22.

For more interviews with industry experts, see below:
– HODINKEE Contributer, Eric Wind
– Gear Patrol’s Jason Heaton
– Editor-in-Chief of Quill & Pad, Elizabeth Doerr
– Editor of Haute Time, Arthur Touchot
– MB&F Founder, Maximilian Büsser
– Bremont Co-Founder, Nick Bremont