Justin Hast
The Respected Watch Journalist & Content Creator
Born in South Africa and a London resident, Justin Hast is a respected watch journalist and content creator known for his in-depth horological knowledge and engaging writing style. He contributes to magazines and online outlets including Hodinke, Mr Porter, The Rake, Square Mile, The Gentleman’s Journal and others. Hast's writing blends technical expertise with storytelling, often exploring the history and craftsmanship behind timepieces. While covering a wide range of brands, he specializes in luxury and high-end watches, offering detailed analyses of complications and finishing techniques.
Hast is also known for his interviews with key figures in the watch industry, including master watchmakers, brand executives, and collectors via his YouTube channel and in the midst of writing a number of books being published in 2025 for independent makers. Through his work, Hast has become an influential voice in the watch community, educating and inspiring both newcomers and seasoned collectors.
Watches and clothing are closely intertwined. Just as an outfit is fit for an occasion – so is a watch. We asked Justin how he pairs his timepiece with his clothes for given scenarios.
It’s Friday, you’ve got the day to yourself and fancy a trip into town hitting up spots around the West End.
I love the optimism of a Friday ! For me, when it comes to watches or clothing – comfort is everything. Really because what I have found over the years is that if it isn’t comfortable – it just doesn’t get worn, and there is nothing I hate more than owning something that isn’t used. So I would lean towards a favourite pair of navy Rubinacci Manny twill trousers, white tee from Warehouse Japan and a Valstar suede bomber. Shoe wise I would go with a pair of classic Vans in off-white, with my yellow gold Vacheron Constantin 1921 on the wrist. Can you tell I quite fancied the idea of being Italian in another life?
You're in Geneva at a watch convention, the industry big dogs are all in attendance.
This is always one that gets me thinking. I’m generally quite informal and these events can be quite formal – as you would imagine. That said, it's fun to push the envelope a little and go off piste. Last year I went for a grey hoody from Drakes, single breasted tweed jacket and blue chinos from Trunk. I like the play up top which feels sporty, not too stuffy and certainly not too agricultural posh. Shoe wise I would go CQP sneaker and Laurent Ferrier Blue Origin on the wrist, an insiders pick, from a maker who produces less than a few hundred watches a year.
South Africa are playing England at Twickenham, you're going with the lads...
Good god – you have to be dressed for anything going to Twickenham! So to start, an ecru Handvaerk jumper, Anglo Italian lightweight waterproof jacket in sage green, Lululemon chino (for the stretch!) and shoe wise it has to be the Diemme hiking boot. Watch wise it would be the bonkers FP Journe Elegante with orange rubber strap. It may only be a quartz watch – but it maybe the coolest quartz watch ever made. Totally over engineered and a quiet flex for those who know.
Youtube shoot day
On occasion I do like to dial up the fomality. Most recently I had a special jacket made by The Anthology. A single breasted, soft shoulder light brown check from Harrisons (Burra Bay), with a green polo shirt from P Johnson and a high waisted grey twill trouser from Trunk is magic. Shoe wise it would be the dark brown suede loafer from Alden and watch wise a RESSENCE type 2 – an insane creation, unlike anything for the wrist anywhere!
A regular day in the life of Justin
Denim shirt from Orslow, Christy Vest from Rocky Mountain Featherbed and IWC Ceratanium Double Chrono on the wrist. While I, like so many live in the city, the heart and mind is in the mountains somewhere.
Shop Justin's pre-owned pieces from the likes of Rocky Mountain Featherbed, Drake's, William Crabtree and more...
Photography by Dan Watson.
