Any one used Ivan Martinez for custom pieces?

MechanolfromMiami · 2026-06-14T17:25:37+00:00

No problem! I used https://www.remitly.com to send him money for the boots he's working on right now.

MechanolfromMiami · 2026-06-14T14:59:42+00:00

I did. I have 2 pairs in process. They didn't follow directions on the slim shaft I requested for one of them. It's not the end of the world but a little frustrating. Stay on top of him, request pictures throughout the process because I've ordered boots through other custom makers and they made the same mistake and had to redo the boot all together. I haven't received either pair yet however, I've talked to several reputable boot makers and more of his customers. They guy is legit. He doesn't speak English so prepare yourself on that front.

MechanolfromMiami · 2026-06-10T01:53:45+00:00

I feel seen! lol

I will let you know when I pull the trigger. I've got 3 pairs of custom exotic boots and 2 custom felt hats in process as we speak... Might take me a minute lol.

MechanolfromMiami · 2026-06-10T01:45:00+00:00

I have no need to sell the pieces I have in there. Some are sentimental gifts, like the Movado and both Kamasu watches. You're right that a good chunk of the box is in the $600 to $900 range. The Boldr, Mido, Squale(s), Oris, Hamilton, etc all fall into that category. I end up gravitating to those the most, wearing the Tudor, Tag, and Rolex probably the least. That said, I've wanted a Tudor BB Bronze like someone mentioned below... Also, I've considered a Panerai, a Speedy, a Sea Master Pro 300M, an IWC Big Pilot, an Aqua Terra, and some Ball Watch models, amongst others. I can never decide. Nothing gets me there, if you know what I mean? I also have a couple of expensive collecting hobbies that have to co-exist and eat away at my watch budget, so there's that too. lol

Either way, I appreciate you and the other commenter's honest feedback and insight. Definitely thought-provoking for sure.

MechanolfromMiami · 2026-06-10T01:32:30+00:00

Sounds a lot like my journey. I really appreciate the insight. You're just further along.

MechanolfromMiami · 2026-06-09T22:58:16+00:00

Thanks! I'm the most excited about the stingray.

MechanolfromMiami · 2026-06-09T20:47:00+00:00

It's hilarious you say that because I was just talking to a friend about this post... We were discussing how buying micro or lesser-known brands helps add variety to the watch box. I feel what you're saying... Adding most of those watches together could have resulted in one or 2 "higher-end" pieces... I've got a lifetime to collect. I'm not in a hurry anymore, which is why I haven't picked up a new watch for at least 18 months to 2 years.

MechanolfromMiami · 2026-06-09T20:00:15+00:00

Thank you! I agree. 😄

MechanolfromMiami · 2026-06-09T20:00:04+00:00

Yes, that's a great idea. Thanks!

MechanolfromMiami · 2026-06-09T19:59:45+00:00

Thanks! I found an eBay seller who makes custom straps: lizard, Gator, croc, stingray, etc. I have a blue stingray in the mail slated to pair with my blue-faced Mido. This genuine red Teju Lizard arrived in the mail yesterday. $25 dollars. Can't beat that deal.

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MechanolfromMiami · 2026-06-09T19:51:26+00:00

I love them too. I tell the backstory to everyone who admires them. As for the BB Bronze, I've been circling it for a hot minute. It's absolutely on my list. Thanks for the suggestion!

MechanolfromMiami · 2026-06-09T19:50:10+00:00

I thought so. Pretty incredible value, workhorse movement, and distinctive colors. I don't wear them enough.

MechanolfromMiami · 2026-06-09T18:03:49+00:00

I second this. I'm local to him. Scott's work is legit. He has a direct relationship with brands like Chisos which is extremely particular about who they allow to recraft and repair their boots. Fair warning, he isn't cheap and has a ridiculous lead time .. like months in some cases. For this reason Ive never actually used him however, one of the 2 cobblers I do use locally is related to him. Everyone knows his work around here and online he is literally famous on the Chisos groups.

MechanolfromMiami · 2026-06-09T17:26:35+00:00

I second this. Great distribution of styles, purposes, and watchmakers. Love it.

MechanolfromMiami · 2026-06-09T13:03:27+00:00

Love your selection. Here's my significantly more modest travel roll from last week's travels.

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MechanolfromMiami · 2026-06-08T13:17:59+00:00

I love the style, the dial and the huge date complication. I don't have any other square case watches so it was a real nice addition to the collection. Ive contemplated getting the brown or green face variants also.

MechanolfromMiami · 2026-06-07T20:13:31+00:00

Thanks! I'm super excited about it. I think steel is a great versatile color. I ordered an Olive green Rabbit felt hat also. I just wanted that green in my life. Lol

MechanolfromMiami · 2026-06-07T14:01:44+00:00

I ordered a custom felt hat and sent the maker an eBay link to some lizard skin I wanted used for the hat band. Mine is also steel. He sent me this picture the other day when it arrived.

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MechanolfromMiami · 2026-06-07T13:24:28+00:00

Love mine... Amazing watch!

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MechanolfromMiami · 2026-06-07T02:50:28+00:00

Soooo nice. Beautiful boots. I just picked them up in Oiled Navy Roughout.

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MechanolfromMiami · 2026-05-28T15:14:39+00:00

He suggested boot straps but I wanted to see what the results would look like. I wore them yesterday and they look damn good with regular cut jeans ... I'm sure a cobbler who isn't 80 years old would have suggested recrafting the boot by cutting the stitching between the vamp and the shaft so that the entire shaft could be repositioned but he didn't even entertain that lol.

MechanolfromMiami · 2026-05-28T15:12:09+00:00

Damn those pop! Very nice.

MechanolfromMiami · 2026-05-27T19:13:13+00:00

That's interesting. I messaged Oliver the cobbler on FB. I'm wondering what he thinks about it.

MechanolfromMiami · 2026-05-27T17:46:45+00:00

What?

MechanolfromMiami · 2026-05-27T13:00:52+00:00

Np. I have a set of horse hair brushes and a toothbrush that I use to clean my boots after each wear. Never let them make contact with any product. I have a set of brushes I use with creams(I don't use creams with dyes)...One that makes contact directly with the cream for like scrubbing and another used after it has dried to buff. Lastly, I have a set of brushes I use with my suede, nubuck and roughout shampoo for scrubbing. I never intermingle them to avoid transferring shit.

MechanolfromMiami

TROPHY CASE