04/30/2010

ERIC SINGER WATCH INTERVIEW

iW Collector Interview Eric Singer
by Michael Thompson

As KISS drummer since 2004, when for the third time he replaced Peter Criss, Eric Singer's long career as a rock and roll drummer began when he toured with Lita Ford in 1984. Since then the Cleveland, Ohio, native has played and recorded with Black Sabbath, Brian May, Badlands, The Cult and Alice Cooper, among many others. In 2009, Singer, along with lead guitarist Tommy Thayer, played and sang on "Sonic Boom," the first KISS studio album to feature the new line-up.

When not on the road (KISS is currently touring Europe), Singer resides in California, where he keeps a collection of more than 100 timepieces.

International Watch: Do you recall your first watch?

Eric Singer: Yes, it was a German brand on a Speidel Twist-O-Flex band. My father was the band leader on the S.S. United States & S.S. America Ocean Liners in the 50's-60's out of New York, crossing the Atlantic roundtrip forty-eight times. He would bring toys and such back for my sister and brothers and that is when I got my first watch-when I was five or six years old. I still have the watch today although it does not run.iW Collector Interview Eric Singer
by Michael Thompson

As KISS drummer since 2004, when for the third time he replaced Peter Criss, Eric Singer's long career as a rock and roll drummer began when he toured with Lita Ford in 1984. Since then the Cleveland, Ohio, native has played and recorded with Black Sabbath, Brian May, Badlands, The Cult and Alice Cooper, among many others. In 2009, Singer, along with lead guitarist Tommy Thayer, played and sang on "Sonic Boom," the first KISS studio album to feature the new line-up.

When not on the road (KISS is currently touring Europe), Singer resides in California, where he keeps a collection of more than 100 timepieces.

International Watch: Do you recall your first watch?

Eric Singer: Yes, it was a German brand on a Speidel Twist-O-Flex band. My father was the band leader on the S.S. United States & S.S. America Ocean Liners in the 50's-60's out of New York, crossing the Atlantic roundtrip forty-eight times. He would bring toys and such back for my sister and brothers and that is when I got my first watch-when I was five or six years old. I still have the watch today although it does not run.

Later in my early teens I got a Glycine for Christmas. And I acquired my Father's LeCoultre triple calendar moonphase and Gallet mini chronograph after they were retired from his wrist.

What timepiece(s) are you considering for your next purchase?

I am always looking, and right now am thinking about a Blancpain 500 Fathoms. I recently acquired a Ball Diver Chronograph that has awesome gas tritium indices and glows like no other watch!

What type of watches typically attract your attention?

I love chronographs or big Italian-style watches. I tend to go for something different, although I do respect traditional watches. TAG Heuer is one of my favorite brands because of their automotive/racing heritage. I think they have done a great job of remembering their past and retaining their roots while being very inventive with modern interpretations of many of their classic watches. Being a car person has always attracted me to this brand. Some of the Italian brands I own or wear are Anonimo, Panerai, U-Boat and Giuliano Mazzuoli/Manometro.

Do you wear a watch onstage?

No. They would get trashed, and mechanical watches are not made for such shock and abuse.

How many watches do you bring on the road?

I always bring four to five watches and rotate them daily on my wrist. I know that I usually will acquire something new along the way and try to only bring a couple, but I can't seem to do that. It is almost like leaving your kids at home!

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