How I Marked a Life-Changing Moment with a Special Timepiece: The Story Behind My Farer FOXE World Timer

The Journey into Watch Collecting and a Special Tribute

Recently, I’ve found myself diving deep into the world of watch collecting—a hobby that’s more than just about telling time; it’s about marking significant moments in life with a unique timepiece. Collectors often commemorate weddings, the birth of children, retirements, and other milestones with a watch that serves as a tangible memory, quite literally “marking the time.”

For me, that moment came a few months ago after a significant event in my life. Last November, I lost a very dear friend, Gary. His family asked me and another close friend, Don, to speak at his memorial. As I reflected on Gary’s impact on my life, one phrase kept coming to mind: “Do The Thing.”

Gary wasn’t one for long-winded discussions; he was a doer. He believed in taking action rather than endlessly debating. My eulogy was an attempt to convey how Gary showed up in my life just when I needed someone to teach me how to “Do The Thing.” He expanded my horizons and pushed me to try new things, including a career in radio—a path I might never have taken without his influence. Our first radio show, the Ron & Don Show, was actually born one night while we were trying to keep Gary awake on a late-night bike ride across America. We entertained him through a PA system mounted on top of his van, joking and riffing with each other on a CB mic. That night, the future of our radio careers was born.

I titled my eulogy “Do The Thing!” and it was an emotional moment, filled with tears as I shared our story.

Finding the Perfect Tribute: A World Timer Watch

Around the time of Gary’s memorial, my interest in watches deepened, and I became fascinated with a type of watch called a World Timer. This mechanical marvel (no batteries required) displays all 24 time zones on the planet simultaneously. I decided that I would honor Gary by purchasing a World Timer, a statement piece that would symbolize how meeting Gary had made my world larger.

However, I quickly realized that the World Timers I admired were far out of my financial reach. High-end brands like Rolex or Patek Philippe can easily cost upwards of $25,000. My top choice was the NOMOS Glashütte Zürich World Time, but at $6,100, it was still too expensive. I was disheartened, as I wanted a watch that would truly represent the significance of Gary’s impact on my life.

Then, I stumbled upon a newer watch brand, Farer. This British company, founded in 2015, had introduced a World Timer called The FOXE. I held my breath as I clicked the link, expecting it to be at least $5,000. To my surprise, it was “only” $1,695—a fraction of the cost compared to the luxury brands.

The story behind The FOXE also resonated with me. Named after English explorer Luke Foxe, who attempted to find the Northwest Passage across North America in 1631, the watch symbolizes exploration, determination, and resilience—traits that reminded me of Gary.

A Fortunate Win and a Meaningful Purchase

Despite the relatively lower price, I was still hesitant about spending $1,700 on a watch. I began setting aside any unexpected money into a “watch fund,” hoping that one day I could afford The FOXE. I thought it would most likely happen sometime in 2025.

That’s when fate intervened. My friend Rob was visiting town and wanted to play poker. I agreed to join him for a night at the card room, even though I’m not much of a poker player. On the way there, I told myself, “If I hit it big tonight, I’m going to buy that World Timer in honor of Gary.”

We sat down at a $1/$3 table, the smallest stakes available in Washington State. We weren’t there to win big, just to hang out and enjoy each other’s company. A good night at these stakes might yield a $100-$150 profit, and a great night could bring in $300. But most of the time, it’s just about breaking even and enjoying the experience.

A few hours later, I found myself in a large hand and ended up with a full house on the river—an incredibly lucky outcome. When I cashed out, I had over $1,700 in winnings, possibly the most I’ve ever won at a 1/3 game.

The next morning, I ordered my FOXE World Timer and had it engraved with the phrase “Do The Thing!” on the back, beneath the automatic rotor.

Today, the watch arrived, and I couldn’t be happier. Every time I wear it, I’ll think of Gary and Rob, and I’ll be reminded to always strive to “Do The Thing.”

-Ron

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