Collectors Among Us is an ongoing series featuring some of our favorite watch collectors — and friends. In addition to finding out what makes their watch collection tick, we better understand their collecting philosophy as a whole, as well as uncover their other interests and how they intersect the world of horology. We all have a story that encapsulates our collecting journey — this one belongs to DeCarlos Morse.
Amidst the buzzing streets of downtown Jersey City, there is a place tucked away on a quiet corner that instantly transports you to another world. Several stacks of weathered luggages and suitcases act as a display for the likes of magazines, safari helmets and other antiquities. The shelves are filled with vintage books, photographs, bottles of treasured rum, a record player and even a dusty pair of boxing gloves. This is just the tip of the iceberg.
The careful curation of objects is not just decor, but an extension of the owner’s proclivity for things that have lived a full life — that have a soul. However, that doesn’t paint the whole picture that is DeCarlos Morse.
You see, DeCarlos hasn’t just built a home for all the vintage collectables he’s been compiling since he was 13 years old, but a thriving business in bespoke suit making, tailoring and sourcing the best that menswear has to offer. DeCarlos Bespoke has been a fixture in the Jersey City community ever since DeCarlos opened up shop and launched his Monument Suit, a name inspired by a street near where he grew up and a tribute to his Southern roots.
Whether it's lighting up an incense after he opens up shop every morning, or a midday cigar, it’s clear that DeCarlos finds solace in routine. And on his person, it's usually a careful selection of a suit and shirt, sometimes a jeans and t-shirt on more casual days, and of course, a watch on his wrist.
DeCarlos’ watch collection is a window into his appreciation for design that doesn’t necessarily fit into the normal mold. Usually when everyone zigs, DeCarlos tends to zag. Case in point — when everyone wants to wear a traditional navy blue suit, DeCarlos is wearing a green suit with wide lapels; when everyone wants to drive a vintage Porsche 911, DeCarlos opts to push around a Alfa Romeo Spider; and when everyone wants to wear the latest, brand-new luxury sports watch, DeCarlos decides to go vintage with his timepieces.
DeCarlos’ Omega Seamaster Chronograph, a Reference 176.007, isn’t your typical Seamaster. While many might picture a simple dress watch, a military issued diver or a HEV at 10 o’clock, only a few might conjure up a 176.007. Housed in a funky, stainless steel cushion case, this Seamaster offers up a fun dial with a peculiar configuration and a splash of vibrant color accents. DeCarlos explains, “You know what it is about that watch, the peak of orange.” Conveniently a tone that makes up his brand's colors.
Just as quirky, if not quirkier, is DeCarlos’ daily wearer — a Tudor Prince Oysterdate on an integrated H-link stainless steel bracelet, a rarity within the vintage Tudor catalog. Paired to a vibrant color combination of a green suit and a pastel yellow shirt, we couldn’t help but ask for his opinion on those who scoff at wearing a diver with a suit. DeCarlos laughingly responded, “I don’t care what people think. I would tell them to mind their own business. My take is ... as long as it works ... do it.”
While many of his watch choices are purely made based on style and aesthetic, DeCarlos notices that two specific timepieces marked a period in his life that would go on to prime him to start DeCarlos Bespoke — a Dunhill dress watch and a Heuer Monaco — the former which he purchased to celebrate being hired at Alfred Dunhill, and the latter when he decided to leave the company to start his own gig.
DeCarlos’ approach to collecting is quite refreshing. There is no quintessential “banger”. Instead, each piece embodies a certain charm and eccentricity that’s sure to put a smile on any enthusiast’s face. It did for me at least.
So if you ever find yourself in Jersey City near the corner of York and Grove, look out for an Alfa Romeo parked in front because surely you’ll find a dapper gentleman eagerly waiting to introduce you to a world filled with vintage and soul. Oh, and he can make you a bespoke suit too.
Team Credit:
Author + Host: Thomas Calara
Producer: Paulo Salud
Video: Mark Salud / Greg Pallante
Photo: Michael Sawyer
Editor: Edward Anthony
