Derek Mon: Watch Collecting, Trends, and the Power of Content
Derek Mon, also known as Minute Mon, is a long time watch geek, watch dealer for Carat & Co. NYC, and co-host at Wrist Enthusiast Radio. His social media presence reaches over 300k followers across YouTube, Instagram and TikTok.
In this interview, Derek shares his early exposure to watches, the story behind his first timepiece, and his favorite models. He discusses emerging trends in the watch industry, his passion for content creation, and the dynamic discussions on his podcast.
Behind the Dial with Derek Mon:
Grailzee: What first sparked your interest in watches, and how did you begin your journey in the industry?
Derek Mon: I’m very lucky to have grown up with watches because of my parents. My dad and mom built their business, Carat & Co., as Authorized Dealers in Flushing, NY, so I was exposed to mechanical watches very early on. It wasn’t until about 2016 that I joined our company full-time as the Second Generation, where I really began my career in the watch industry. Then, around 2019, is when I started making content around watches via MinuteMon, first on Instagram before going to YouTube and TikTok.
Grailzee: Could you tell us about your first watch? How did it influence your career path in the watch world?
Derek Mon: My first watch I purchased myself was a Swatch Skeleton Quartz after working a summer at my parents' shop. I remember simply wanting it because it was cool to have the gears exposed on the dial. I ended up bringing it back with me to college and wore it every day, but it had the loudest tick, so I had to place it on a dresser far away from my bed; otherwise, I couldn’t sleep, haha. When I had to move back into my dorm, I was wearing it and accidentally scratched the plastic crystal. I remember feeling bad about it but then moved on. I’m not sure this watch made a huge impact on what I buy today, but it definitely taught me to care for my things better, and it was refreshing to buy something for fun just because I liked it.
Grailzee: Out of all the watches you’ve encountered, which one stands out the most in your memory? What unique qualities make it so unforgettable?
Derek Mon: Such a tough question! I think, in recent memory, I’ve been drawn to high-contrast dials or tone-on-tone dials—which is strange because they are polar opposites. For a high-contrast dial, the new Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch white dial has really lived rent-free in my mind all year. But for tone-on-tone, I’ve always loved things like the Vacheron Constantin Overseas Ultra Thin 2000v or even the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak in silver or ruthenium dial. Another one is the Cartier Santos Dumont Rewind—just because it combines some of my favorite watchmaking stories in one piece, like the watchmaker’s 4 (IIII), why clocks go clockwise, and the first aviation watch, etc.
Grailzee: From your perspective, what trends are likely to redefine the watch industry over the next five to ten years? What advice would you offer to new collectors venturing into horology?
Derek Mon: I’ve been loving that small watches have been coming back, and I know that’s something people have been saying since 2018, but I’m talking about 35mm–38mm watches for men. I’ve been seeing a lot of interest go into vintage watches. I also think gold watches are popular (more so in vintage) just because of the value you get compared to modern. Trends come and go—dial colors, case shapes, sizes, etc., just like how the watch industry will be strong and soft. I’d echo the same advice: just buy what you love and what attracts you in this moment. I promise you won’t regret following your gut and taste right now, even when you look back. The best way to learn what becomes a keeper is by spending money.
Grailzee: What do you enjoy most about sharing your passion for watches on a podcast?
Derek Mon: I’ve been having a blast on Wrist Enthusiast Radio. I love the moments where my co-hosts, Craig and Ben, are in complete agreement on something, and I have a wrench to throw in that may open up their perspective on something they hadn’t considered before. I think that’s mainly due to the different corners of the watch industry in which we have experience (Authorized Dealer vs. Traditional Watch Media vs. Modern Content Creator). We all love watches and creating content, so it was an easy "yes" to come together and do something fun. We still have several ideas that we’re excited to bring to the podcast.