Donovan Barnett

(Watch Editor & Senior Growth Content Strategist / Berlin)

Donovan Barnett is an award-winning writer with 8 years of experience and the Watch Editor at Highsnobiety. At the intersection of style, culture, and horology, Donovan leads watch coverage that’s as visually rich as it is editorially sharp—telling stories that resonate with a new generation of collectors. He’s worked with brands like Ulysse Nardin, Anoma, Audemars Piguet, and Timex to create culturally attuned content that connects classic craftsmanship with what’s next.

His POV is simple: watches aren’t just about complications—they’re cultural touchstones. Grails worn by the artists, designers, and disruptors moving the needle. Whether he’s writing about the newest independents pushing boundaries or reinterpreting heritage through a modern lens, Donovan’s approach is rooted in cultural storytelling and design relevance.

Active in the watch community online and IRL, Donovan is your go-to for what’s shaping the future of time—and who’s wearing it. When he’s not on wrist-check duty or listening to the Wrist Check Podcast, he’s probably deep in a rabbit hole on vintage Urban Jürgensen or mapping the next story that makes horology feel as fresh as the moment demands.

Articles

  • The Gstaad Guy’s New Jewellery Line Is Very Mindful, Very Absurd

  • These UNIMATIC Watches Are RUF Cars, For Your Wrist

  • Jay Z’s Bugatti Tourbillon Is a Full-Circle Moment for Hip Hop Horology

  • Even the Athletes’ Watches Are Olympics-Tier at Paris 2024

  • Noah Lyles Gold-Winning Watch? A Black Ceramic OMEGA 'Speedy'

  • UNIMATIC Is The Microbrand Pushing Watch Design Forward in 2024

  • OMEGA Goes For Gold, Silver, and Bronze With its Olympic Watch

  • Swatch & Omega's New Blue Moonswatch Is as Rare as a Blue Moon

  • These Vacation Perfumes Are the Ultimate Travel Companion

  • What Is AWGE, the A$AP Mob’s Mysterious Creative Collective?

  • Jacob & Co. and Bugatti's New Watch Comes with a V16 Engine