David Alves

Product Photographer and Videographer

David Alves

David's Grail

Where you’re from:
Boston, Massachusetts

The first watch that moved you:
Growing up in the ’80s, I remember seeing two-tone Rolex models—Datejusts and Submariners. 

Why:
I’ve always been drawn to the timeless elegance of watches, but that retro look stuck with me, and when I finally had the chance to indulge, I chose a two-tone Submariner. To me, it’s the perfect everyday watch—classic, versatile, and deeply nostalgic.

Day-to-day:
From photographing our high-end timepieces for the European Watch Company x Assouline Fine Timepieces book to creating videos for our YouTube channel, my day-to-day is a mix of creativity and precision, with about 10% spent shooting and 90% diving deep into editing on my computer. It’s a time-intensive process, but I love the challenge of bringing these beautiful pieces to life for our audience.

Grail:
The Rolex Daytona 116598 SACO, also known as the Leopard. I know it’s not everyone’s cup of tea—some even call it ugly—but seeing it in person completely changed my perspective. It’s bold, unique, and unapologetically flashy, which might explain why my favorite actor, Nicolas Cage, could totally pull it off.

The world should know:
When I’m not immersed in watches, I step away from the camera and find joy in cooking. Turning my old hobby of photography into a career has been incredible, but it’s in the kitchen where I truly unwind and explore my creative side.

Bonus:
I’m a self-proclaimed nerd with an artistic soul that I like to express through photography. I come from a graphic design background that transitioned into commercial and portrait work around 2010 and have never looked back! I have always been an avid art fan and nothing has ever spoken to me as much as the art and functionality of timepieces.

Email David Alves