Chasing Time Documentary Premieres at Austin Film Festival
The new film examines the world of luxury watch collecting through the eyes of a dealer and his client.
Updated on Oct. 31, 2026 in Collecting
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Filmmaker Chris Gary and watch dealer Adam Golden have released Chasing Time, a documentary exploring the motivations behind the high-end wristwatch market. The project premiered during the ongoing Austin Film Festival.
Why it matters
The film aims to decode the complex allure of horological collecting by focusing on the relationships between dealers and enthusiasts. It highlights how collectors pursue pieces that align with their personal interests and history.
Professional dealer Adam Golden maintains an active inventory of 20 watches. His own personal collection typically ranges from 6 to 12 timepieces at any given time.
The players
Chris Gary
He is a filmmaker who began collecting watches at age nine.
Adam Golden
He is a professional watch dealer who transitioned into the industry after working in a family law practice.
The details
Through character studies and interviews, the documentary chronicles the professional dynamic between Gary and Golden, who worked together as client and dealer for two years. The film traces the obsession with collecting back to Gary's childhood, noting he received his first watch at age five and started his first collection at age nine.
Timeline
Adam Golden declined a specific watch sale to Chris Gary in 2018.
The Austin Film Festival runs from October 28, 2026, to November 5, 2026.
Culture Shift
The film highlights a broader societal trend toward high-end hobbyist collecting, moving from niche interests to documented cultural experiences. It reflects the growing appetite for long-form storytelling that unpacks the psychology behind luxury consumer markets.
Local enthusiasts attending the festival can gain insight into the professional evaluation processes used by dealers to secure rare items. The film provides a practical look at how personal interest influences purchasing decisions in the secondary market.
The takeaway
Collectors can improve their acquisition strategies by focusing on pieces that resonate with their specific historical interests rather than market trends. This documentary underscores that successful collecting often requires a deep, long-term relationship with a trusted professional advisor.
Further reading
Learn more about the local scene at the Collecting section.
More information
For screenings, passes, and event information, visit the Austin Film Festival.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Austin Chronicle.
Live Poll
Do you find that collecting physical items still provides personal value in your daily life?
