Justin Hast is a watch writer, filmmaker, consultant, and lifelong enthusiast whose passion for horology began at 13 and has never waned. Over the past decade, he has become one of the industry’s most respected voices, contributing to leading publications including Hodinkee, Monochrome Watches, and SJX. Today, he writes for The Rake and Vanity Fair, bringing a thoughtful and informed perspective to the world of fine watchmaking.
Justin is the co-founder of London Watch Week, now in its third year, helping establish one of the most exciting annual gatherings for collectors, brands, and enthusiasts. He is also the creator of The Watch Annual, the acclaimed publication now in its fifth edition, celebrating the people and designs that define modern watch culture.
Alongside his editorial work, Justin is the co-host of The Enthusiasts, a newsletter, Substack, and podcast created with Stephen Pulvirent. Through conversations spanning watches, collecting, design, and collecting culture.
A filmmaker at heart, Justin has built one of the largest independent watch-focused audiences online, with more than 400,000 subscribers following his YouTube channel. His storytelling combines a collector’s passion with a filmmaker’s eye, making watchmaking accessible to seasoned collectors and newcomers alike.
Beyond journalism and media, Justin has collaborated on book projects with prestigious maisons including Piaget and Andersen Genève, combining storytelling with a deep appreciation for horological artistry.
At heart, however, Justin remains what he has always been: a watch lover. Whether writing, filming, publishing, podcasting, or building communities, his work is driven by a genuine fascination with the objects, people, and stories that make watchmaking such a compelling world.