Our Story

What does a watch say about the person wearing it? 

At Analog:Shift, we believe it says a great deal. A timepiece, by virtue of its purpose, is imbued with tremendous importance; indeed, without a way to reliably tell the time, it’s easy to become unmoored in such a busy, interconnected world. 

But a watch is more than just a mass of gears and cogs. It’s a micro-mechanical marvel, an artistic masterpiece, and an essential tool. Each watch is different, and each is special. When you strap one to your wrist, you’re signaling to the world your particular taste — but more importantly, your values. 

Born from a passion for watchmaking history and a love for excellent design, Analog:Shift began in 2012 with one watch collector who looked to create an authentic and trustworthy buying experience for today's enthusiasts. Bringing together the best vintage and pre-owned pieces — from affordable tool watches to avant garde models from high-end independents — we grew from a single shoebox of watches to a bustling floor full of passionate collectors and friends. 

Now part of the Watches of Switzerland group, Analog:Shift is the go-to source for collectors and clients across the globe seeking fine timepieces produced between the 1940s through today. Furthermore, with a thorough understanding of the intricacies of watch servicing, our experienced watchmakers can maintain and repair your precious watch without violating its integrity as a collector’s item.

In addition to our watch sales and watchmaking expertise, our Transmissions blog and YouTube content focus on all aspects of horology, watch collecting, and the lifestyles that surround watches. (Chances are that if you love watches, you also love cars, menswear, history, other collectibles, and more. Which is precisely why we touch upon each of these subjects in Transmissions.)

Every Analog:Shift timepiece has a story to tell, each of which illustrates the rich history of watchmaking. If this journey — the journey of time — is one that you’d like to embark upon, we’d like for you to embark on it with us. Time, after all, is of the essence. 

Come visit us in our New York City office, or find a boutique near you!

James Lamdin

Founder & Vice President of Vintage & Pre-Owned

James launched Analog:Shift in 2012 after two very different careers in outdoor equipment and luxury automotive. A long time watch collector, James’ passion for vintage timepieces came to him from his grandfather, who left him part of his collection at the time of his passing. Put off by the way in which the traditional vintage watch market was run, James positioned Analog:Shift to be a new kind of resource for the discerning enthusiast - dedicated to authenticity above all. His affinity for the well-aged transcends to his other passions: single malt scotch and automobiles. When he’s not scouring the globe for horological artifacts, you’re likely to find him cruising around Manhattan in his ’67 Porsche or holed up at a whisky bar with a tumbler of Laphroaig, neat, firmly in hand.

“A vintage watch helps me connect to history. There's no telling where it's been or what it's lived through. I like knowing that this great, old thing has stood the test of time, and is accompanying me on my own journey through time. -- JL”

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