A glance at Toronto-based Dan Tanenbaum’s Instagram might initially suggest he’s simply a sculptor with a specific vibe. But there’s an interesting story behind his artistic pieces, which began with vintage watches. He takes elements of timepieces which have been discarded and uses them to build sculptures that have garnered interest from collectors around the world, including celebrities like singer and famous watch fan John Mayer, rapper Chief Keef and DJ Steve Aoki.
Raised in a family of antiquarians, Tanenbaum developed a discerning eye for vintage objects, though he only began his own watch collection in his late twenties. His artistic epiphany struck in 2010, when he found a box deemed as “garbage” in a watch dealer’s shop, containing watch parts. Where others saw mere scrap, Tanenbaum saw potential.
This led to the birth of his Instagram account @watchpartsmotorcycles in 2013, a showcase of his creativity, where he showcases miniature motorcycles, hand grenades and Stormtroopers from the Star Wars universe made out of watch gears, plates, bracelets, bezels and bridges. What makes Tanenbaum’s work memorable and important to the watch community is his ability to capture and preserve the essence of vintage timepieces and repurpose them without stripping away their historical spirit.
Tatler speaks to him about getting started and where he plans to take his art next.
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Darth Vader sculpture with the Urwerk 103.09 watch (Photo: courtesy of Dan Tanenbaum)
Tell us how you became interested in watches.I come from a family of passionate collectors, whose interests range from 19th-century photography and African art to Bakelite radios. Growing up, I was surrounded by this appreciation for unique, storied items. My mother also collected and sold vintage costume jewellery, which introduced me to the idea of a collection you could wear. Inspired by that, I began collecting vintage timepieces. I love the concept of having a collection I can enjoy daily by rotating the pieces I put on my wrist—each watch is a wearable piece of history and every glance at the time is a reminder of the craftsmanship and character behind it.
I didn’t discover the world of watch collecting until my late twenties, but growing up with parents who were dedicated collectors instilled in me a passion for seeking out unique and meaningful pieces. They would take me to antique shows nearly every weekend, which trained my eye to appreciate what makes certain items special. Being surrounded by their collections and observing their discerning taste helped me develop my own sense of what makes a piece desirable and unique. What I love most about vintage watches is their individuality; each one carries the patina and wear of a life lived, with character that can’t be replicated.
What was your first watch?The first watch I ever owned was a Cartier, a gift from my parents for my graduation. It holds a special place in my collection—not only for its elegance but for the memories it represents. I love the idea of marking important moments with a watch, as each piece becomes a lasting reminder of that occasion and the emotions tied to it.
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Dan Tanenbaum at work (Photo: courtesy of Dan Tanenbaum)
When did you first get the idea to start creating art from vintage watch parts?After over a decade of collecting watches, I had a moment that changed everything while visiting one of my watch dealers. I noticed a box filled with discarded watch parts, and when I asked about it, he explained that it was essentially garbage—pieces that were no longer usable in a watch. I’ve always believed that watches carry a unique energy, shaped by the moments they’ve witnessed—weddings, funerals and births. The thought of these pieces ending up in a junkyard felt wrong. So, I took the box home, determined to breathe new life into these parts by transforming them into art, allowing them to live on in a different form.
How was your initial work received, and what challenges have you faced?In the beginning, I was creating artwork purely for myself, with a focus on making miniature motorcycles. When I started sharing my work on Facebook and Instagram, it unexpectedly resonated with various collecting communities and interest began to grow quickly. Soon, I started receiving custom orders and the demand for my art really took off. Having a few celebrities order my pieces also generated significant interest across social networks. One of the biggest challenges has been keeping up with the supply of watch parts but, so far, I’ve managed to meet the demand.
Sneaker sculpture with the Heuer Montreal watch (Photo: courtesy of Dan Tanenbaum)
Can you tell us any stories about the watches in your collection?There are a few pieces in my collection with particularly special stories. One is a rare Rolex Submariner reference 6538. When my wife was pregnant with twins, I decided to mark their birth by getting each of them an iconic watch for their 21st birthdays. Through my watch network and forums, I connected with someone in London who owned one but claimed it wasn’t for sale—it had been sitting in a [safe] deposit box for 25 years as an investment. I managed to convince him by offering the equivalent value in actual gold. He finally agreed to sell them and because I love the provenance of the watch, he even wrote a letter to my son for his 21st birthday.
Another standout is the Urwerk 103.09, my first purchase from an independent watch company, which I’ve grown to love for its unique design and craftsmanship. I also have my grandfather’s Jaeger-LeCoultre Mystery Dial, a treasured heirloom that holds immense sentimental value. Finally, my vintage Heuer Montreal with a white face was a gift from a dear friend who has since passed away. It’s a constant reminder of our friendship and means the world to me.
How do you think the stories behind these watches contribute to their value and appeal?I believe provenance is essential to any collection. Knowing the backstory of a watch adds depth, unveiling its unique history and journey. A complete set with original box and papers is always desirable, and understanding the service history and life events tied to a timepiece can greatly enhance its value. While these details aren’t always accessible, they bring an irreplaceable appeal for collectors when they are.
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Tell us about an artwork you haven’t yet made—but have envisioned.I think I’d choose to create a globe using watch parts sourced from various regions around the world. Each section would be crafted with pieces that represent the specific contributions of that area to horology. For example, Swiss watch components could form the heart of the globe, symbolising their dominance and craftsmanship, while American watch parts could highlight the country’s role in mass production and innovation. Japanese parts could represent advancements in precision and technology, while others, like British pieces, could represent the legacy of early watchmaking. This sculpture would not only symbolise the global nature of timekeeping but also serve as a tribute to the interconnected legacy of watchmakers and innovators worldwide.
What is the most poetic aspect of a watch, and how do you capture that poetry in your art?For me, the most poetic aspect of a watch lies in its intricate inner workings—the way tiny gears and cogs, seemingly insignificant on their own, come together to create something far greater: the precise measurement of time. It’s a beautiful, almost magical process, where each tiny component plays a crucial role in achieving harmony and accuracy. The more complex the watch, the more poetic it becomes, as the movements within it synchronise in perfect unison. In my sculptures, I aim to capture this sense of harmony. I strive to make the pieces feel seamless, as if they were a single, unified movement rather than a collection of individual parts. This approach mirrors the poetry of a watch itself— every element working together, effortlessly, to tell a larger story.
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