Meet Ari Duel | Watchmaker, Photographer, and Creative

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ari Duel and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ari, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
As a young creative still in high school, my work/life balance is just work. It’s been a struggle to juggle working on my brand and passion projects on top of my rigorous course load and varsity athletics. It’s gotten to the point where all of my time is spent working. However, it doesn’t feel like that because the work I do is very fun and interesting to me. Most of my free time is taken up by photography and watchmaking. Both allow me to be creative and be myself. It’s similar to how reading a book or drawing might be stress-releasing as opposed to stress-inducing. I think the most important part, however, is that the work I do is interesting to me. That’s what keeps my coming back. That’s what keeps me invested and motivated on top of everything else I have going on. I have burnt out before, and I was miserable. To prevent this, I simply cut back on commitments I wasn’t passionate about, like sundry school clubs, to save more time for the things that matter to me. This has taken me to the point where although my work/life balance may not be super “balanced,” I am able to output a high level of work without feeling too overwhelmed. I am very happy my balance now, which is not something I could have said this time last year. The last thing I want to mention is that this is not to say I am not stressed. My stress levels are at an all time high right now, but by acclimating to the stress, learning how to manage it, and doing things that are both fulfilling and productive, I have can effectively balance all of the important things in my life.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My creativity manifests in three ways: photography, wood working, and watchmaking.

I got into photography when I was five-ish years old, when I would borrow (steal) my dad’s old DSLR to take photos of flowers. I stopped for a while and got back into it in high school, and I am now very passionate about it. You can see my work on Instagram @ariduelphotography.

I got into wood working at a very young age and I have stayed consistent with it my entire life. I’m incredibly fortunate to have a very capable workshop in my garage, made by my father (who also got me into the craft). Working in the shop is the only time I can truly be myself and be alone with myself. I always have my music blasting, and the fact that I am the one making up the directions is the most freeing thing I know. The nice finished product is just an added benefit.

I got into watchmaking because a friend of my, Jeffery Evans at MB&F, encouraged me to combine my love of building things with my love of watches. He said that if I could get him a working design, he would show it to Maximillian Büsser, the MB of MB&F and perhaps the greatest watchmaker of our time. I started with my first design, the Split Iris Hour Complication a little over a year ago, and look where it’s gotten me! It consists of over 100 parts designed solely by me on my computer and 3D printed at home. I posted the entire process from the idea to the current v3 prototype on my watchmaking Instagram, @the_teenage_horologist. I also have a TikTok under the same name, but it only has content pertaining to my current undertaking, the Duelity 1. I dream to soon patent and bring this design to market and start a watch company. Watchmaking is a rare and dying craft, and the fact that I am so into it at such a young age and so motivated makes me stand out.
Designing my own watch has been the hardest thing I have ever done. Cramming over 100 parts that have to execute their tasks perfectly in a tiny space is a near impossible task. I overcome challenges by turning my music up, putting pen to paper, and working through the issue methodically. I think that’s the most important thing I have learned throughout this journey. My pole vault coach once said to me, “The dullest pencil is better than the sharpest mind,” and I have found that to be very true. Writing out my thoughts helps me think through issues logically and catch errors I might not have found had I just used my head.
I want the world to know that I do all of this because it’s fun and interesting to me. I have my first paying photography gig coming up in a few weeks, and if I make money off of my watch designs, that’s great, but that’s not the goal. I am fortunate enough to have started so young that I don’t have to worry about bills or rent or taxes, which give me immense creative freedom. I really enjoy the things I do and I find them super cool, and that’s more fulfilling than money could ever be.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
While I’m originally from Los Angeles, CA, I currently live in Saint Louis, MO, which is not the most exciting city by comparison. Let’s say this is a summer trip. we’d have to go to the City Museum. This place is indescribable… you kind of have to just look up photos. It’s a ten story indoor and outdoor playground for people of all ages. One day we’d check out the Botanical Gardens, which is in a cute neighborhood and one of the best in the country. Circus Flora is one of just three permanent circuses left in the US, and it never disappoints. We’d have to spend a day or two in Forest Park, which is the #1 public park in the country. The Saint Louis Zoo, the History Museum, and the Saint Louis Art Museum are all there and they’re all free. We’d also have to take some paddle boats around the grand basin or go for a bike ride. We’d then get lunch on the water at The Boat House. Another day, we’d go down to the Sheldon, another Museum, for Golf in the Galleries. It’s an event they do every summer, where ten local artists each make a mini golf hole and you get to play mini golf inside a museum. We’d then get food at The Foundry, a massive food hall built in an old metal foundry, featuring some of the best restaurants in the state. At some point we’d have to order from my favorite restaurant, Tiny Chef, and then I’d also save a day or two just to relax, because I don’t love vacations when everything is booked solid.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My family is paramount to my current success: My dad gave me my love of photography, watches, and building things. My mom has given me a love of the little things in life, art, and exercise (which keeps me sane!). My sister is my best friend and keeps me humble. Beyond that, my mentors have had a huge impact on my life. Mr. Barton has taught me gratitude and happiness, Coach Rodgers taught me discipline and positivity, and Coach Feuerbacher helped me immensely when I was struggling with an eating disorder. Without him, I may not be alive. Lastly, my friend Jeffery Evans at MB&F was the one who encouraged me to combine my love for horology and making things into my own watch designs. I would not be doing this interview had he not given me that nudge a little over a year ago.

Instagram: ariduelphotography, the_teenage_horologist

Linkedin: Ari Duel

Other: TikTok: the.teenage.horologist

Image Credits
Ari Duel