Who Is Nico Leonard Van Der Horst? The Fake Watch Buster

When it comes to luxury jewelry and timepieces, authenticity is always paramount for many celebrities. However, there are several instances of dupes, fakes, and counterfeit pieces out there. Enter Nico Leonard van der Horst, the Dutch YouTube sensation determined to uncover the fake watches on celebrity wrists. He’s steadily gained popularity for upholding the integrity of horology. That’s why he’s been famously dubbed the “Fake Watch Buster.” Armed with an unyielding commitment to exposing counterfeit timepieces, Nico Leonard van der Horst has garnered admiration, as well as controversy within the watch community. 

Most recently, he’s caught some newfound attention after calling out Rick Ross for allegedly owning a fake watch. Nico claimed that Ross’ Audemars Piguet, reportedly purchased at over $3 million, is a counterfeit. Rozay evidently did not take the accusation lightly, labeling Nico a “piglet” for insinuating a Black man could not purchase a watch with such a hefty price tag. So, who’s this watch expert claiming to have a great eye for such detail?

Nico Leonard van der Horst’s fascination with watches began at a young age. He was born on August 21, 1987, in the Netherlands and grew up with a keen eye for detail. After getting his first watch at age 16, he began the side hustle of fixing and repairing watches. In a 2023 interview with Constantin Buschmann, CEO of Brabus Automotive Company, van der Horst recalled the moment he became interested in watches. 

“I can remember a very specific moment. I was at the age of 13 and I was at Majorca. And there was a guy next to a really really good-looking blonde woman… that guy was wearing a two-tone Rolex Submariner. I didn’t know at the time it was a bluesy, and I didn’t know at the time it was a Rolex. At the time, I just wanted to figure out what the hell that watch was. That moment really fired it up for me.”

After suffering a football injury, he began working for his father but was ultimately unhappy with where he was in life. In 2013, Nico Leonard van der Horst received an opportunity to restart his soccer career in Belfast, Ireland. A few months into moving to Northern Ireland, however, he sustained another injury. This time, his career came to a complete stop. Soon after, he ended up working at two call centers but was fired from both. Subsequently, he was hired by Vodafone in Dublin, where he enjoyed several promotions and growth. Nonetheless, the job eventually wore him out.

After unexpectedly encountering a YouTube video on watches, Nico Leonard van der Horst realized what he wanted to do in life. He quit his job, took out a loan, and bought watches to sell. That’s how his company, Pride and Pinion, was created in 2019. In the same interview with Buschmann, he spoke about what propelled him to quit his job and start selling watches. “I saw a young kid talking about watches on YouTube and on Instagram and I was like ‘That’s what I want. That’s what I’m gonna do.’ And I shit you not, I drove to the office and I didn’t know I was gonna quit my job at the office.”

Today, Pride and Pinion is now a company that deals in luxury timepieces. The company buys, sells, and upgrades watches for enjoyers and lovers of horology. It has since garnered a large customer base over the years. In the same vein, Nico has become a household name among enthusiasts of watches.

Nico Leonard’s YouTube account was created as an extension of his watch boutique, and it wasn’t long before he encountered a ton of fake watches. He meticulously scrutinizes every aspect of a timepiece, from its movement to its finishing. Moreover, his methodical approach to counterfeit detection has garnered widespread attention on social media platforms, where he shares his findings with a global audience. His YouTube account has gained over 1 million subscribers, and his other social media platforms also boast a substantial following. Altogether, Nico Leonard uses his platform to educate watch enthusiasts on the telltale signs of fake watches. He also empowers them to make informed purchasing decisions. He has since decided to rebrand the account as Nico Leonard, opting for a more informal approach to his vlogs, allowing viewers a glimpse into his personal life.

Nico Leonard’s methods for busting watches have not gone by without controversy. Critics argue that his vigilantism perpetuates a culture of elitism within the watch community. Moreover, it’s believed by many that he undermines the value of homage pieces, which pay tribute to iconic designs without claiming authenticity. He has also consistently voiced strong criticisms of the Swiss brand Hublot. Furthermore, he has also occasionally aimed at the operational management style of Hodinkee, a notable watch company. Despite the criticism, however, Nico remains steadfast in his pursuit of truth and transparency. He has also gained admiration for his dedicated advocacy for ethical practices within the watch industry. 

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