About

To hold something is one thing. To regard it is another.

Held in Regard is an independent journal about watches, ownership, and the meaning we give objects. It combines lived collecting experience, psychology, analytical rigor, and thoughtful storytelling to help people look past prestige and choose with greater self-knowledge.

I’m Eric Matt, a collector and writer based in Jacksonville, Florida. I write from ownership: why watches enter our lives, how they earn their place, and what they can reveal about us.

Held in Regard is editorially independent. Unless a piece states otherwise, the watches and objects discussed here were purchased with my own money. Any loan, gift, affiliate relationship, sponsorship, or other commercial participation will be disclosed clearly and near the relevant work.

The test for everything published here is simple:

• Does it build trust?
• Does it teach something?
• Does it reflect lived experience?
• Would a serious collector respect it?
• Will it still matter in five years?

Perspective over luxury. Considered judgment without certainty theater.

How AI is used at Held in Regard:

Held in Regard uses AI-assisted tools for transcription, organization, draft development, and editorial refinement. AI output is never treated as a source or published without human review.

All interviews, reporting, photography, factual verification, interpretation, and final editorial decisions are human-led. AI-generated or materially altered images, audio, or likenesses are clearly labeled and are never presented as documentary material.

For more information on this and other standards and practices, please visit our Editorial Standards page.