NO SILVER SPOONS, JUST STEEL CASES.

No Silver Spoons, Just Steel Cases

It’s no surprise to many readers that I didn’t grow up with much. If you’re a friend or family member, you’ve probably heard some of my story and how chaotic my childhood was. But I don’t take that for granted. In fact, I’m genuinely grateful. That chaos helped shape who I am today. It gave me drive. It gave me perspective. And, in a way, it led me to watch collecting and eventually to founding Leather & Lume.

This story isn’t about patting myself on the back. It’s about sharing how I got here.

When you grow up without much, you learn appreciate the little things—stories, collectibles, anything that lasts. Everything feels like treasure. And you do a lot of daydreaming. I remember watching my grandpa wear a wristwatch and thinking what a luxury that must be. A tiny piece of steel that served one simple purpose: to keep time.

Like most high schoolers, I dreamed of who I might become someday. And when you finally get to put on that first real wristwatch…that first taste of luxury—you hold your chin a little higher. You make that younger version of yourself proud. I think that’s part of why Rolex resonates with so many people. It’s not just the watch; it’s what it represents.

There were no silver spoons in my house growing up. But I watched my family work their asses off for everything they had. That stuck with me. I’ve always been drawn to watches not because of what they’re worth, but because of what they carry. That’s especially true with vintage. These aren’t just timekeepers. They’re time capsules. They hold stories. And if you're lucky, they’ll tell you where they’ve been, who wore them, and what they were worn for.

I collect watches because I’m grateful to be able to. But more than that, I collect them for what they represent. Little machines on the wrist that carry history, art, and a bit of personality, all at once. Look close enough, and you’ll learn something not just about the watch, but about the person wearing it.

I didn’t grow up with silver spoons. But I do collect steel cases. I salute the self-made man, the college graduate, the dad who gifts his son his first watch. For them, this hobby means something deeper than flashy pieces or price tags. It’s a hobby driven by story, community, and emotion.

Thank you to everyone who has supported the brand and shared your story. You make this more than just a business.

Cheers to not having silver spoons.

Written by: Andrew Robinson, Co-Founder of Leather & Lume LLC