When you think of watches and guitars, they might seem like two worlds apart. One is an instrument of timekeeping, the other an instrument of music. But as we’ve learned through years of crafting Helicon Watches and indulging in a lifelong love of guitars, these two passions are more closely connected than you might think.
Both watches and guitars are crafted with precision, built for performance, and cherished for their artistic value. They aren’t just tools—they’re personal statements, symbols of individuality, and reflections of our stories.
In this blog, we explore the fascinating parallels between these two art forms, from their craftsmanship to the personal narratives they help shape. We also want to take a moment to celebrate Drive Me Wild, a new YouTube channel by the incredibly talented musician Mary Spender, who inspired this post with her passion for both watches and guitars.
A Lifelong Fascination: Guitars and Watches
At Helicon Watches, we have a deep connection to both guitars and watches. While I grew up surrounded by watches (my grandfather was a watchmaker), guitars were my personal obsession. In the 1980's, I built a replica of the Schecter Mark Knopfler guitar in school, working and saving to buy original pickups from that era.
The craftsmanship, the dedication to detail, and the emotional resonance of the guitar captured my imagination—much like watches did years later.
In recent years, I’ve noticed the same level of passion for watches as I’ve seen in iconic guitars. They are both practical yet collectible, functional yet deeply personal. The same attention to detail, the same pursuit of perfection, and the same individuality exist in both crafts.
Mary Spender: Bridging the Worlds of Music and Watches
Mary Spender, a gifted singer-songwriter, has seamlessly blended her love for music and watches with her new YouTube channel, Drive Me Wild. Mary’s collection of timepieces proves that watches are not just for men, nor are they confined by outdated ideas of what’s “feminine”. In fact, her growing collection includes everything from bold G-Shock's to classic Breitling's, showing that watches are all about personal expression.
Mary’s enthusiasm for watches, much like her approach to music, is rooted in passion and individual taste. Each watch she owns has a story behind it, and as we often say at Helicon, “great watches find you.” Whether it’s a sleek Breitling or a robust tool watch, what matters most is how it resonates with the person wearing it.
We want to take a moment to thank Mary for allowing us to feature some of her content from Drive Me Wild in this post. We’re thrilled to see more women joining the watch community and sharing their love for timepieces.
Craft, Heritage, and Individuality
At Helicon Watches, we’ve seen first hand how deeply personal watches can be. Many of our customers are musicians themselves, and we’ve been fortunate enough to see our watches worn on stage at some amazing venues. The connection between guitars and watches goes beyond aesthetics—both are art forms that merge craftsmanship, tradition, and innovation.
For instance, one of our own watches, the Iridium Master, was directly inspired by a guitar—my 2009 Paul Reed Smith McCarty in McCarty Burst. Much like Paul Reed Smith’s relentless pursuit of creating the perfect guitar, we took the same approach in designing our sunburst dial, blending modern craftsmanship with vintage beauty.
Every scratch and mark on your guitar or watch tells a story. These imperfections become part of the journey, reminders of the moments and experiences that shaped you. Much like a guitar bears the scars of countless performances, a watch carries the marks of a life well-lived.
Celebrating Individuality in Watches
We believe that a watch should reflect your personal style and story, whether you’re a musician, a collector, or simply someone who appreciates the art of timekeeping. For us, it’s all about celebrating individuality—watches are not about conforming to conventions, they’re about expressing who you are.
Whether it’s a vintage-inspired dress watch or a rugged tool watch, the right timepiece should resonate with your personality and your adventures. We’ve seen this first hand in the growing number of women embracing watches that go beyond traditional norms, favouring function, durability, and design that speaks to their sense of adventure.
Final Thoughts: Wear Your Story
Just like your favourite guitar, your watch is more than just a tool—it’s a reflection of your unique story. Whether you’re strumming a guitar or strapping on a watch, it’s not just about the craftsmanship or the design, it’s about what it says about you.
At Helicon Watches, we’re proud to be part of a community that celebrates both creativity and individuality. We’re also excited to welcome more and more people into the world of watches, like Mary Spender, who have found new ways to express their passion through these beautiful instruments of time.
If you haven’t yet, be sure to check out Mary Spender’s new channel, Drive Me Wild, where she dives into the world of watches with the same enthusiasm she brings to music. Thank you again, Mary, for allowing us to use images from your channel in this post!
Explore our collection of handcrafted watches at Helicon Watches, where craft, heritage, and individuality meet. And don’t forget—every watch tells a story. Make sure yours is worth telling.
