03/05/2014
ERIC SINGER TALKS ABOUT HIS WATCHES
Everyone knows KISS. What most people do not know, however, is that the band�s drummer, Eric Singer, is a dyed-in-the-wool watch collector. Indeed, he is particularly fond of the Fifty Fathoms, the legendary timepiece by Blancpain.
In 1991, Eric Singer replaced Eric Carr � who had been diagnosed with cancer � as KISS drummer. However, Singer only became a permanent member of the band in 2001. Meanwhile, in the 1990s, he took part in the adventures of various legendary bands. Eric Singer specialises in hard rock and collaborated with artists such as Alice Cooper, Black Sabbath, Brian May, Queen, Lita Ford, Gary Moore and Avantasia. Other than having a passion for music, he is an informed watch aficionado to the point of being found in the halls at Baselworld learning about new timepieces.Everyone knows KISS. What most people do not know, however, is that the band�s drummer, Eric Singer, is a dyed-in-the-wool watch collector. Indeed, he is particularly fond of the Fifty Fathoms, the legendary timepiece by Blancpain.
In 1991, Eric Singer replaced Eric Carr � who had been diagnosed with cancer � as KISS drummer. However, Singer only became a permanent member of the band in 2001. Meanwhile, in the 1990s, he took part in the adventures of various legendary bands. Eric Singer specialises in hard rock and collaborated with artists such as Alice Cooper, Black Sabbath, Brian May, Queen, Lita Ford, Gary Moore and Avantasia. Other than having a passion for music, he is an informed watch aficionado to the point of being found in the halls at Baselworld learning about new timepieces.
M.G : We are curious about your passion for horology, which is evidenlty much less well-known than your music. How did this come about ?
E.S :I have always liked watches since childhood. I still have my very first German made watch somewhere that I got when I was about 5 or 6 years old.
I am not sure what attracted me to watches, but I remember my Father had some nice wristwatches that I used to take out of his dresser drawer and fiddle about with them. A Jaeger LeCoultre triple calendar moonphase and a mini sized Gallet chronograph.
Your watch collection includes several versions of the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms� How did this legendary timepiece come to be so dear to you?
E.S :I always have liked the look size and style of Dive watches. Being that I usually am attracted to most things that are non mainstream or different plays into that as well.
The history of the Fifty Fathoms is legendary and interesting as well. But mostly the overall quality and uniqueness of the current line of FF watches is what really closed the deal for me. The Sapphire bezel is just a work of art and "special" in my opinion compared to any other brand. Also the movement is fantastic.
I have (4) BLANCPAIN models in the Fifty Fathoms range now.
Fifty Fathoms in steel on sailcloth with deployant clasp
Fifty Fathoms Flyback Chronograph 18k Rose Gold
500 Fathoms / Titanium 48mm
Fifty Fathoms "Bathyscaphe" Titanium version
What do you think of the new Bathyscaphe ?
E.S :I like it very much. I know it is understated and really has a lot of hi tech features that fly under the radar. It is not a "look at me" type watch at all. I kind of really lean more towards those type watches anyways. I know what it is, and that is enough for me is my attitude if you will...
Do you scuba-dive? If yes, have you ever done so wearing one of your Fifty Fathoms?
E.S :I am just a "desk diver" as the saying goes. Maybe one day I will learn to take up the sport as it does interest me for sure. (And I have the right watches for that ! )
Eric Singer came across Watchonista through the Wristshots group on Facebook, to which he is a loyal contributor. The rule? Take a photo of oneself wearing a watch and immediately post it on the network.
In 1991, Eric Singer replaced Eric Carr � who had been diagnosed with cancer � as KISS drummer. However, Singer only became a permanent member of the band in 2001. Meanwhile, in the 1990s, he took part in the adventures of various legendary bands. Eric Singer specialises in hard rock and collaborated with artists such as Alice Cooper, Black Sabbath, Brian May, Queen, Lita Ford, Gary Moore and Avantasia. Other than having a passion for music, he is an informed watch aficionado to the point of being found in the halls at Baselworld learning about new timepieces.Everyone knows KISS. What most people do not know, however, is that the band�s drummer, Eric Singer, is a dyed-in-the-wool watch collector. Indeed, he is particularly fond of the Fifty Fathoms, the legendary timepiece by Blancpain.
In 1991, Eric Singer replaced Eric Carr � who had been diagnosed with cancer � as KISS drummer. However, Singer only became a permanent member of the band in 2001. Meanwhile, in the 1990s, he took part in the adventures of various legendary bands. Eric Singer specialises in hard rock and collaborated with artists such as Alice Cooper, Black Sabbath, Brian May, Queen, Lita Ford, Gary Moore and Avantasia. Other than having a passion for music, he is an informed watch aficionado to the point of being found in the halls at Baselworld learning about new timepieces.
M.G : We are curious about your passion for horology, which is evidenlty much less well-known than your music. How did this come about ?
E.S :I have always liked watches since childhood. I still have my very first German made watch somewhere that I got when I was about 5 or 6 years old.
I am not sure what attracted me to watches, but I remember my Father had some nice wristwatches that I used to take out of his dresser drawer and fiddle about with them. A Jaeger LeCoultre triple calendar moonphase and a mini sized Gallet chronograph.
Your watch collection includes several versions of the Blancpain Fifty Fathoms� How did this legendary timepiece come to be so dear to you?
E.S :I always have liked the look size and style of Dive watches. Being that I usually am attracted to most things that are non mainstream or different plays into that as well.
The history of the Fifty Fathoms is legendary and interesting as well. But mostly the overall quality and uniqueness of the current line of FF watches is what really closed the deal for me. The Sapphire bezel is just a work of art and "special" in my opinion compared to any other brand. Also the movement is fantastic.
I have (4) BLANCPAIN models in the Fifty Fathoms range now.
Fifty Fathoms in steel on sailcloth with deployant clasp
Fifty Fathoms Flyback Chronograph 18k Rose Gold
500 Fathoms / Titanium 48mm
Fifty Fathoms "Bathyscaphe" Titanium version
What do you think of the new Bathyscaphe ?
E.S :I like it very much. I know it is understated and really has a lot of hi tech features that fly under the radar. It is not a "look at me" type watch at all. I kind of really lean more towards those type watches anyways. I know what it is, and that is enough for me is my attitude if you will...
Do you scuba-dive? If yes, have you ever done so wearing one of your Fifty Fathoms?
E.S :I am just a "desk diver" as the saying goes. Maybe one day I will learn to take up the sport as it does interest me for sure. (And I have the right watches for that ! )
Eric Singer came across Watchonista through the Wristshots group on Facebook, to which he is a loyal contributor. The rule? Take a photo of oneself wearing a watch and immediately post it on the network.
