Max Foulkes
An interview with
Max Foulkes
Max Foulkes has carved out a distinctive niche at the intersection of horology, culture, and ritual. Known for his sharp eye, articulate wit, and deep knowledge of watchmaking, he’s also a familiar figure in the world of cigars, where time is savoured as deliberately as smoke. For Max, duality is second nature balancing scholarship with style, precision with pleasure. It’s this perspective that makes him an ideal voice for the ALD Dual Time, a watch that speaks as much to the romance of global travel as it does to the rituals that anchor us in the present.
Wearing a watch is often part of a daily ritual. What’s your own relationship with time and how you choose to mark it?
Time is often on my mind for the wrong reasons. This is why I like watches — they make time pretty. To me the sign of a good watch is when you have to check the time twice, as on your first attempt you were distracted by its beauty. I often fail to read the correct time even on my second attempt.
The ALD Dual Time is all about living in two time zones at once. How does the idea of duality resonate with your own creative or professional journey?
Duality naturally plays a role in the acquisition and sale of vintage and antique wristwatches and accessories. To me it’s the idea that decades or even centuries have passed since a piece’s creation, yet it perfectly captures and transports the essence of that time to us. The idea that time has both passed the piece yet stood still within it I find fascinating. In a way Dennison captures aspects of this in their new line of dual time wristwatches.
As you’ve become involved with vintage watches, what is your perspective on Dennison’s history? Are there particular heritage pieces that stand out to you?
It’s always a relief when I find my recently purchased vintage Swiss watch was cased in Britain by Dennison. Strategically establishing its factory in England to circumvent import tariffs on complete watches led to the securing of significant contracts with some of the biggest American and Swiss watchmakers, which is why the first 9ct gold cushion case Longines I bought is in fact a Dennison! Ever since this discovery I’ve been snapping open case backs in search of the fabled ‘ALD’ makers mark.
What design eras or movements most inspire you?
Mid-century jewellery design is a current inspiration of mine. The creations of both Andrew Grima and Roy King influence me greatly.
Is there a particular watch, object, or piece of design that has served as a reminder of a special place or moment in your life?
The JLC Reverso reminds me of my father, and the bi-colour jewellery of my mother. As a child, before I knew anything of watches, the flipping of my father’s Reverso satisfied me greatly. My mother wears both white and yellow gold diamond-set wedding bands. These sparked my interest in jewellery from an early age.
What makes a design object more than functional — what gives it emotion or presence?
The aspect of a design that has no function other than to appeal aesthetically is what conveys emotion and presence. The combination of the thoroughness of a piece’s function and the flamboyance of its design I find most appealing.
We often attach memories to the objects we carry. What memory or feeling does the ALD Dual Time bring to mind each time you check it?
The dual time evokes in me a feeling of refined extravagance. The tiger’s eye brings back forgotten memories from holidays abroad.
Even when we’re not traveling, the Dual Time connects us to faraway places. What’s a destination that still fuels your imagination?
Marbella, once the destination for the jet set of the 1950s and 60s, is forever on my mind. Despite the beach clubs and poolside DJs of today it remains to me a paradise this side of the equator. I spent much of my childhood there. Current affairs rarely permit me visits but my mind travels there daily.
If you could live in two time zones at once, which would you choose, and why?
I think the contrast of British and Caribbean time zones would do me some good. Cigars are a passion of mine, especially Havanas, and a dear friend of mine is Cuban. For many years he spent half his time in London and the other half in Havana. I like to think he had it all figured out.
When packing, what are your three travel essentials?
Packing is often done the night before travel. Cigars, two watches and two pairs of spectacles are key.
If you think of the Dennison Dual Time — is there a cigar that gives you that same feeling of thinking/belonging of somewhere else?
The Cohiba Behike reminds me of Spain. Back when they were expensive but not yet unattainable, my father and his friend would smoke them by the beach. I didn’t smoke at the time (I was 14) but I’ve vivid memories of the holographic band. I thought it was very cool.
Your father is an authority on rare watches, Cuban cigars and clothing — what is it that you and your father have most in common in terms of your tastes & interests?
I think my father and I both share a passion for colour. Although my palate has become more subdued as of late, I still adore a colourful watch strap or an outlandish pair of shoes. In the summer my father is a man made of pastel. It’s a joyous thing.
IG @mafrocc and @sea_sick_silver
