Martin Pulli, has been collecting and selling watches for over 30 years. He is highly respected in the industry and has specialized in supporting and dealing with original and independent watchmakers and watch brands.

1. Describe briefly your childhood.

Very 1970's middle class American Suburbia. My parents began in the antiques business when I was 6 years old. We spent a lot of weekends picking flea markets with my folks and sitting still during estate auctions.

2. As a child did you have any driving ambition? (What did you want to be?) 

Maybe early to be an explorer like J.Y. Cousteau or an Astronaut. Later, I became more fascinated by the idea of working in or around financial markets in business. By the time I graduated college, I really wanted the opportunity to work more creatively.

3. What is your first significant memory as a child?

I have so many significant memories. My father would put me in a childs seat on the back of an English three speed bicycle. We lived in a lovely suburban neighborhood on a hillside. My father would climb the hill with me on the back of the bike. Then, he would freewheel, coasting a long downhill back to the entrance to the neighborhood. I would have loved to have done this for as many times as he could climb the hill! Bicycles are still my greatest passion and outlet everyday.

4. Have you ever had another profession? (What did you do?) 

I worked in the software industry briefly when I got out of college, not long. Then, I started picking and peddling fine antique and vintage jewelry, with a few watches tossed in for my own interests. 

5.  What made you decide to go in the direction you are currently in?

In regard to watches, I  thought the big commercial manufactures had too much meddlesome affect on business. The opportunity to work with smaller independent watchmakers seemed so much more refreshing and creative. Working first with Speake-Marin, I became spoiled quickly because Peter had a very well rounded concept of the type of watches he wanted to present with his name on them and he was passionate about what he wanted to make. I say spoiled because as a first experience with independent watchmaking it became unique. 

6. What’s the worst job you’ve had to do? 

Nothing too bad really. I will admit, I don't care for landscape work too much and I did that one Summer. It was rewarding, but I never really cared for it. 

7. What’s been the hardest moment in your life so far, and how did you overcome it? 

Last year, my wife was very ill. I lived in the hospital with her for more than a month and there was short stretch where I did not know if we would return to our life as a family. We stuck together and kept believing in one another and the potential to heal. Happily, she is recovered and doing very well, thank goodness. 

8. Who has had the strongest influence on you? (What are your greatest inspirations?) 

My wife has the strongest influence on me day to day. My daughter inspires me. I inspire myself when I frequently put myself in nature to observe the planet passing by me while I am surfing or cycling.

9. What are you most proud of? 

My daughter. 

10. What advice would you give to a 20 something someone thinking of taking a similar path as you? 

You have to be willing to take some chances...make calculated risks. If you make mistakes, you're young and you have plenty of time to learn from your mistakes. If you take chances, you will find growth in your life.  Never make the choice to do something solely for the allure of money or "fortune". If you follow passion and honor integrity, you will find prosperity in due course. 

11. Name three things on your bucket list.  (a bucket list is a list of things you want to do before you die).

I never dwell on the morbid finality of life, as I strive always to be in the moment. However, I will play along...

first, I will like to spend some weeks ..maybe a whole Winter skiing in Hokkaido. second, at least a Spring to Autumn in Tuscany. third, to spend some goodly length of time living and enjoying the outdoors in California...somewhere. 

12.Where do you think the industry is going to be in 10 years time

Oddly, I really believe the industry is going to refind it's roots of traditionalism in 10 years time. I think we're in a period of hyper-focused energy right now. There seems to almost be a rush for "collectors" to find alternatives to large corporate group brands. I already see the large group brands reacting and taking a hard eye toward refinements that they've cheated on until recent. I believe the industry will begin to find a balance in ten years time, to realize "luxury" really means rarity. To be rare in a way where you are selling an honest product which really has tradition built in to it, amplified by modern technology and materials...without skimping to measure saving as a matter of course. 

To learn more about Martin Pulli www.martinpulli.com