The name Keegan Allen might not ring a bell to many in our audience, but mention it to anyone under the age of 21, and be be prepared for a full-fledged meltdown. Keegan is an actor, and a well-known one at that – his hit show Pretty Little Liars ran for seven seasons, and was a runaway success. The series finale, for example, saw more than four million social media reactions, and over 1.4 million viewers. Keegan’s personal instagram account itself has over six million followers. The young actor could easily be just another face in the crowd, but speak to him once and you know he’s just different. He’s artistic and sensitive, thoughtful and pensive, spiritual and emotional. He’s a poet, and a working photographer. In fact, his latest book, Hollywood: Photos and Stories From Foreverland, hits shelves tomorrow.
On top of all that, he also happens to be one of the most passionate young watch collectors in Los Angeles. His watches range from the emotionally charged to the downright cool. And, what’s more, he wears every single one of his watches, and wears them a lot – surfing, hiking, and swimming. In many ways, Keegan represents the new kind of watch collector – you won’t see anything on a leather strap besides two watches that came from family members; this collection is all about function.
Outside of his acting career, Keegan is also an avid photographer, often shooting with a Leica M-10 with his Patek Philippe Aquanaut on his wrist. His most recent book, ”Hollywood,” is a compilation of five years of images (below) of the neighborhood where he was born and raised, and now lives and works.
Photo: Keegan Allen
Photo: Keegan Allen
Keegan Allen is, and I mean this sincerely, one of the most genuinely interesting and thoughtful people I’ve met while filming these episodes, and today I am thrilled to present the official HODINKEE Talking Watches with Keegan Allen.
Disney Mickey Mouse Watch
We knew a Mickey Mouse watch would end up on Talking Watches sooner or later. And that’s because it is, quietly, one of the most ubiquitous and important watches in the world. This watch was given to Keegan at a young age by his uncle, who also wore a Mickey-themed wristwatch, to remind him to never take himself too seriously.
TAG Heuer 2000
While Keegan’s father’s primary watch was a Rolex, he eventually traded it for a TAG Heuer 2000 Diver, the watch that you see here. The faded bezel and dial still have traces of their time together fly-fishing in the sun and each time he hears the jingle of the worn bracelet, he’s reminded of his father.
Rolex Ref. 1680 Red Submariner
The Red Submariner, reference 1680, has always held a special place in Keegan’s heart. It was a 1680 that his father wore for years, and it’s also the same reference his long-time manager wears. Though his father traded his Submariner for a TAG later in life, Keegan always knew he would someday want to find a 1680 of his own and he wears this beautiful example often while surfing and swimming. He’s religious about waterproofness, and has his watches checked constantly to ensure they can be worn just how they were intended to be – in the water.
Rolex GMT-Master 116719 BLRO In White Gold
Ever since the introduction of the GMT-Master 116719 BLRO in 2014, Keegan lusted after this white gold Rolex. It is one of those watches that’s hard to understand unless you’re a real collector, and that’s what makes it so charming. Keegan is often on the road so the GMT function is helpful, and though it’s white gold, you’re still looking at a supremely functional Rolex sports watch.
Rolex GMT 1675 With Blueberry Bezel
When Keegan told me he was looking for a blueberry bezel 1675, I knew he was deep. And then when he told me just how far he went into researching the blueberry bezel GMT, I realized he was, like many of us, an actual addict. He went so far down the rabbit hole on what makes these bezels special, and what accepted scholarship says about them, that I don’t think there is anyone more knowledgable on the topic on this planet. Also, as with his 1680, he’s put a cyclops-less domed crystal on it to smooth out the look. When I think blueberry 1675, I think Keegan Allen.
Gevril Tribeca ’Paul Newman Daytona’ Chronograph
The Gevril Tribeca! One of the ultimate curiosity pieces for a vintage Rolex collector and something that has become interesting in its own right. This watch, which is indeed an homage to the Rolex Paul Newman Panda Dial 6263, looks every bit the part, and its pushers even fit the case of a real 6263. And Keegan wears one, knowing exactly what it is and why it’s fun – and why it’s silly – and not caring at all. And that’s how you know he’s a real watch guy.
Tiffany & Co. Dress Watch Belonging To His Father
The beautiful thing about watches and about Keegan’s collection is that the silly is balanced by the sentimental. And like his father’s TAG Heuer and the 1680 he purchased because his father had worn one, this gold-plated, black dial Tiffany & Co. wristwatch holds great emotional value to the actor. This watch was purchased by Keegan’s mother decades ago and given to his father. His father did not wear it often, but he always kept it, and it always made its way to his wrist on special occasions.
Patek Philippe Aquanaut Ref. 5164A
The travel time Aquanaut from Patek is another watch that I think of when Keegan comes to mind. Again, he’s lived the last 10 years of his life on the road, and when he’s home, he spends his time near the water. He’s complex, but casual, and the 5164A just fits his lifestyle perfectly. It is his perfect watch.
