An Interview With Jocke: Rolex Photography Master

Jocke's watch photography has long captivated the WatchProSite community with its distinctive style and meticulous attention to detail. Author pingtsai delves into the mind of this celebrated photographer, exploring the passion and technique behind his 'incredible' Rolex images. This interview offers a rare glimpse into Jocke's artistic process, revealing insights that resonate with both aspiring photographers and seasoned collectors.

If you’ve been visiting PuristSPro for some time you’ve probably come across the jaw-dropping images taken by our next featured community member. Jocke’s watch pictures are hard to miss. If you happen to own a Rolex and have ever attempted to take pictures of it then you are probably familiar with that inescapable tinge of envy you get when you come across one of his Rolex pictures. There’s simply only one way to describe them which is “incredible”. This is not to say that others have not submitted equally impressive photos of their watches. PuristPro is extremely fortunate to have a community of highly talented photographers no doubt.

Jocke’s photos however, definitely have a unique look to them and it’s not difficult to spot one in the article feed without seeing the name of the author. Not enough can be said about the close attention paid to detail. Every crucial element of a good photograph is closely considered like lighting, composition, subject, mood and color balance.

Ever since I can remember, Jocke’s pictures have impressed me. It was evident that through a passion (for watches), was revealed a talent. Jocke’s posts have a nature of simplicity to them and provide an abundance of eye candy for your viewing pleasure as well as little text to distract you from gazing. Taken by a man of few words, his photos speak for themselves. Although I appreciate the mysterious quality that this treatment reflects, I’m often left with the feeling of wanting to know more. And so I went to the source to find out more about the photo-skilled watch fan behind the camera and mysterious posts. Jocke takes a moment to answer my questions about his watch passion, his movie making experience and how he takes such amazing watch pictures.   

How did you discover your watch passion? And when did you discover it?

I first became interested in watches in my early teens. At that time it was all about Seiko and I actually had a Casio calculator watch but it was a number of years ago.

My main interests then were cars and motorcycles and they dominated my attention. When I turned 25 as the clock woke interest to life again, then I grew tired of cars since I was working with them to serve my living. I became a bit more serious about watches, and I had a little more capital to play with so I started hunting for more serious watches than I had before.

When the 90’s came around, the internet opened doors to the availability of facts and trade all over the world. When this happened, it made it even easier to become completely engrossed in this hobby.

How have your tastes and preferences with watches changed over the years? (How has your watch interests evolved?)

My tastes have always been attracted to sports and dress watches. What has happened is that I have become more interested in German manufacturers and small manufacturers. Otherwise, I’m probably a little impulsive in my purchases. When I see something new and exciting I tend to give in. I have rarely included on one wishlist (except those who will always stand remain at that), but as I said when I see something that appeals to me I buy it.

When you purchase a watch, what characteristics do you consider? (What influences your buying decision the most?)

What affects my purchase is probably aesthetics / design and movement, of course, affect the price too. I rather buy three steel watches than one gold watch.

Is there a watch that you passed up on or sold that you regret doing so?

No, I'm very bad at selling watches. I haven’t regretted any so I had certainly earned it again.

Is there a particular brand or brands that you consider your favorites and what do you like about them?

I started my focus with Rolex which makes extensive tool-watches that hold up in any weather. Rolex has a remarkable influence on their buyers. They provide several pieces that look the same and with the same movement. As I mentioned earlier, my interest in German manufacturers increased and my favorite brand is Glasütte Original which produces watches that are a delight to the eye. Even the small family company Dornblüth & Sohn has ended up in my collection. A Lange & Sohne is also represented in my collection.

Which brand impressed you the most at BaselWorld this year and why?

In fact I was a little disappointed at Baselworld this year, admittedly. We have been going there for 15 years so we have seen everything for the most part. So unfortunately I can’t say anything impressed me right away this year. There seemed to be more news, but this year it did not feel so exciting.

Was there one watch that really stood out to you as your favorite?

My favorite this year is the Glashütte Senator Cosmopolite with 37 timezones.

Briefly describe what it was like to be in a watch movie.

This was an entirely new experience for me. I've never done anything like this. Tony and I quickly agreed that it was not a good idea to attempt to act. So we just drove on as usual and found that it worked fine. This was a really big deal for us since we both own Glashütte Original watches and have an outstanding connection with the label. We did get a chance to get into the factory's holiest places. So it was an experience beyond the ordinary.

What is one thing that bothers you about the watch industry?

What bothers me most in the watch industry is Rolex’s grip over their customers. They do as they feel with customer watches when they are on service, replacing parts like old dials without consulting with the customer beforehand. This results in the watch’s value being halved because they presume to retain the customer’s genuine parts that they already once paid for.

How do you take such nice watch pictures?

I have built up a photo studio at home and invested in a camera, lens, and lighting of good quality. Then the training was required. There are no shortcuts, learning to master the light. Furthermore, one must always try to get as good a picture as possible from the camera. Some things can be corrected in Photoshop but a blurred image is difficult to save.

What is the best tip you can give someone who is trying to improve their watch pictures?

It is to be careful and try different angles with the watch and light. Photographing glass and highly polished surfaces are among the hardest thing you can be doing. Reflections are your biggest enemy as it is these that you should get rid of one way or another. Even something as simple as diffusing the light with plain white printer paper can give a good result.

What is your ultimate concept watch?

I think I have no ultimate concept watch. Men NORD Zeitmaschine Vario Curve is probably best at the moment.

Fill in the blank. When I am not taking pictures of watches or posting/reading on PuristSPro I am ________.

Work or sleep.