The first time someone meets me in public, the conversation typically goes something like this: Them: “Hey, can you get me a discount on that new Rolex, Omega, Lange, or whatever?” Me: “Nah, I really can’t.” After the awkwardness subsides there, the next question is usually, “Okay, so then who’s next on Talking Watches?” And, usually, I have a handful of names with which to respond that might mean something to said John Q. Public – like a professional baseball player (with exceptionally good taste in watches and cameras), a noted writer (with exceptionally good taste in cars and comedy), or a watch-world intellectual, or perhaps even a well-known collector. Today, however, you’re getting none of that. Few know the name Morgan King. He’s not a celebrity, or even an active poster of his watches on Instagram (but, then does he even exist?). He lives a relatively quiet life in suburban Los Angeles and is one of the most unsuspecting, down-to-earth, and fun-loving collectors I’ve ever encountered. Morgan is just a great guy – and one that many might confuse for a man considerably younger than he is. But don’t be confused, Morgan King is a connoisseur and watch collector of the highest order. The majority of Morgan’s collection consists of vintage chronographs from Rolex, Heuer, Breitling, and others. But that’s not all he’s got.
This TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre Heuer 02 42 collection could very well be one of the most exceptional sports watch collections in the U.S., and before today, my guess is few of you had heard of its owner. And that is just wonderful. Prepare to be blown away. Today we are thrilled to present the official HODINKEE Talking Watches with Mr. Morgan King. Being a chronograph guy, the Carrera plays a big part in Morgan’s collecting life. He owns the 2447 in both panda and reverse-panda configurations, and both the 2447S and 2447N. What he also owns is this – a rare 2447 Heuer Carrera with pulsation scale. Yup, it’s amazing.
Now this is a TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre Heuer 02 42 watch I remember – I remember it because it once belonged to Eric Wind. This is something that you are sure not to see anywhere else. What is it? It’s a stopwatch in a TAG Heuer Carrera Calibre Heuer 02 42 Carrera case. The case is signed 7753, but the hour and minute hands have been removed. The watch originally came from a well-known racing family who, in their day, had Heuer make them a few very special pieces designed specifically for the track. While this one can’t actually tell you what time it is, it’s a true treasure of Morgan’s collection.
Morgan is a Monaco guy, and boy does he have some special ones. He owns multiple prototype dial watches and more than one Chronomatic dial watch. What’s most amazing is perhaps this one, featuring early blue hands. Yup, they made them, and yup, Morgan has one.
The Dark Lord Monaco is one of those pieces that, if you’re going to go deep into vintage Heuer, you just have to have. Morgan’s example is just wonderful and actually marks the third example of the Dark Lord featured on Talking Watches. Not too shabby. While it may be the Daytona that defines Morgan’s collection, the pre-Daytona has a place too. While you often see silver dial 6238s on the market, the black dial is a far rarer beast and, naturally, Morgan has a great one.