Specialist Spotlight: Reginald Brack
Join us as we spotlight Reginald Brack, SVP, Head of Department, Watches, ahead of our Watches auction, to be held live in Chicago on April 22. Learn about his journey in the world of watches, notable achievements at Freeman’s, and his favorite lots from our upcoming sale.
Freeman’s: What originally attracted you to the world of Watches? What about this luxury asset class appealed to you? What drew you to becoming a specialist and translating your passion into your career?
Reginald Brack: I was initially drawn to watches through their unique combination of mechanics, aesthetics, and history. Watches are deeply personal - they’re worn daily, passed down through generations, and often tied to life moments. Yes, the intricate engineering fascinated me early on, but it was the story behind each piece - who wore it, where it’s been, what it has endured - that truly captured my attention. Over time, that curiosity evolved into a passion, and pursuing it professionally felt like a natural step. Becoming a specialist has quenched my thirst to engage with extraordinary timepieces while helping collectors discover pieces that resonate.
F: How did your career journey lead you to Freeman’s?
RB: I began my professional journey as an independent dealer and have worked across different facets of the watch sector, gaining exposure to both retail and secondary markets, which helped me understand luxury collector behavior and value dynamics. Joining Freeman’s was an exciting opportunity because of its strong reputation and growing focus on watches. It offered the chance to build and expand the department while working closely with passionate collectors and exceptional consignments.
F: Are you personally a collector of Watches? What are some of your favorites that you’ve acquired?
RB: My first and true love is Rolex. I am particularly fond of the Explorer, and own a 1967 ref. 1016 Explorer, and the current ref. 124270 Explorer - both so classic, so clean, so perfect, that the simple design has remained virtually unchanged for decades - why mess with perfection?
F: Can you describe a collection that you are proud to have brought to auction?
RB: One that stands out was our single-owner sale, Time & Space: Watches from the Collection of Glen de Vries, that we brought to auction in 2023, soon after I arrived at the company. It was a deeply considered collection assembled over many years by a passionate and thoughtful collector.
What made this sale particularly special was the intention behind it - every watch had been selected with a clear eye for science, space, aviation and speed, with a particular focus on the independent brands, such as F.P. Journe and Urwerk.
The collection told a complete story of the man. A unified vision.
F: Describe a typical workday for you at Freeman’s.
RB: No two days are the same, which keeps it fresh. A day might include treasure hunting, evaluating watches, research, and meeting with clients. There’s also a significant amount of travel, time spent tracking market trends, connecting with collectors, and collaborating with colleagues across departments. As we approach an auction, the pace intensifies with exhibition planning and client outreach - “selling the sale”.
F: What are some luxury market trends you’ve observed in the category? Can you tell us a bit about watches or collections you’re excited to offer in your April 22 auction?
RB: We’re seeing continued strength in the watch market, particularly for pieces with strong provenance, and/or exceptional condition. Condition is the new rarity. There’s also sustained interest in vintage sport models from the blue-chip makers of course.
For our April 22 auction, I’m excited to see how the Astor Watch performs, with its blend of four powerful names: Patek Philippe, Tiffany, Astor, Titanic. It has been a true honor to help shepherd that remarkable piece of global history to market.