A Quick Study: Michael Adcock’s Journey to Watch Photography
We love the authentic, semi-spontaneous kind of rugged lifestyle photography native Michigander Michael Adcock is creating in his home state. It’s just the right kind of outdoorsy – showing both classic and modern pieces being used in a variety of environments and conditions. He’s put more few Anchor straps to good use on his vintage Omega Seamaster, Tudor Pelagos FXD, and CWC RN Diver.
We caught up with Michael to see what he’s been up to as the state thaws out into summer.
Adcock is quick to note that his combination of watches and photography is relatively new.
He didn’t pick up a camera until his wife encouraged him to create rather than spectate after seeing so many others post photos of their watches on Instagram. He saw a handful of photos he liked, but not the kind of authentic, in-the-field shots he thought really drove his own interest in the hobby of collecting watches.
“I’m able to find and see the little details that I wouldn’t have been able to pick up on otherwise”
“I had never used a camera before, and it just took a hold of me,” he says.
The watch side of things began as far back as junior high when Adcock remembers wearing something as simple as a Fossil. His father always wore a watch, and that ultimately drew him deeper into the hobby. Later, his dad gifted him a 1968 Speedmaster that he cherishes to this day.
Adcock says that getting into photography has actually deepened his appreciation for the finer points of watch collecting.
“I’m able to find and see the little details that I wouldn’t have been able to pick up on otherwise,” he says.
Those little details are evident across his photography, which tends to focus on a small palette of warm, neutral colors that accentuate his rugged collection of classic tool watches. The style allows the watch to blend in just enough with a broader outfit or environment.
He notes that he’s really enjoyed using Anchor’s Deployant Nylon straps, saying “it’s like nothing I’ve ever seen,” specifically the lack of excess strap material, clean design and convenience of the deployant clasp.
Today, Adcock has a steadily growing fanbase on Instagram, drawn in by his no-nonsense aesthetic and sweet blend of vintage and modern watches. We’re looking forward to keeping tabs on his latest adventures and seeing where his watches and camera will go next.
You can check out more Michael's photography and epic watch collection on his instagram @m.adcock81
Some of Michael's favorite straps
