Uncovering the Stories within Each Facet: A Conversation with Charity Mhende of Pulse on the Wrist
I had the pleasure of meeting Charity Mhende, the watch enthusiast and content creator behind Pulse On The Wrist, at a panel co-hosted and co-produced by Charity and the Women in Jewelry Association NY Metro Chapter. Analog Shift kindly hosted the event in their midtown space. Other panelists included industry heavy hitters Brynn Wallner, founder and creator of Dimepiece, Tanya Dukes, jewelry editor and writer for the New York Times and Watchonista, and Tiffany & Co. watchmaker Catherine Donnelly. Though it was our first time meeting in person, I felt connected through her engaging content, which combines popular culture with practical watch tips and insider knowledge.
Her commitment to featuring people of color in the watch space is refreshing, as she introduces luxury watches to often-overlooked demographics. Charity has also organized meetups with groups like Watch Femme and Wrist Check Podcast. She is also member of watch communities including CP Time, Complecto and Red Bar (phew!).
After the panel, I had the chance to sit down with Charity to delve deeper into her passion for watches and what makes her tick. Charity shared her journey from diverse entrepreneurial ventures to her current focus on luxury watches. She discussed trends like gender fluidity and bold design choices in the watch industry, and emphasized her intentional approach to collection-building, including supporting black-owned brands and aligning her purchases with her personal values.
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This interview has been edited for clarity and length.
Veronica Valentine: I'm so excited to introduce my audience to you. I find it fascinating that you focus on people of color, a group that's often underrepresented in this light. It seems like you've appeared out of nowhere in the past year, suddenly being everywhere. These are some reasons why I wanted to chat with you. Also, many of my readers are jewelry enthusiasts looking to start building their watch collections, so I thought it would be great to have you on.
Can you tell me a little about your background?
Charity Mhende: I was born in Zimbabwe and grew up in the UK. I moved to the US in 2015 and have worked in various marketing and communications roles in finance and tech. I've been an entrepreneur in different ways over the years. I had a YouTube channel and a platform geared toward millennial careers when I was fresh out of school. I also had a business around apparel. I get bursts of inspiration and go all-in on different projects.
My love for watches started around the pandemic, like many people, consuming a lot of content. One of my good friends had an AP Royal Oak, which got me thinking about the synergy between hip-hop and watches. I wondered why we grew up hearing lyrics about watches, like in Beyoncé's "Upgrade U" video with all the watches behind her and her wearing multiple watches, and then in Cardi B's "Money" video with the watch theme.
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I dove into YouTube, watching creators like Jenni Elle, Britt Pearce, Teddy Baldassarre. Their content was in-depth and engaging. Being a history nerd, I compared what I found online and in blogs. In 2022, I went to WatchTime Magazine's annual summit to touch, feel, and see watches. I attended a panel featuring the founders of Complecto, RedBar, and Wrist Check Podcast, discussing watch communities and diversity in the watch industry.
I started going to meetups through those communities, made great friends, and saw many timepieces. I decided to document this journey because it would get lost on my personal Instagram story, and that was the birth of Pulse on the Wrist.
VV: I so identify with that. I stumbled into the jewelry industry by accident and just developed a passion for it. Like you, I had to ask questions, touch, feel, and learn. There's always something new to learn or see.
You explained a bit about Pulse on the Wrist and the vision behind it. How do you select the watches and figures you feature on your platform?
CM: It really boils down to what I find interesting. If I see something cool, I share it—there's no strict formula. A major factor that fuels my interest is the intersection between culture and watches. You might relate to this: when you search for wrist shots, you hardly see ones that look like mine. That perspective is part of my angle. For example, Dimepiece has done a fantastic job highlighting women and watches, showing Hailey Bieber wearing a Tiffany watch while pregnant—making it relatable.
“…when you search for wrist shots, you hardly see ones that look like mine. That perspective is part of my angle.”
For me, I'm curious about what Rihanna is wearing or that Pam Grier wore a (now vintage) Philippe Charriol Columbus watch at a basketball game in the nineties. But I'm also excited about unique finds, like a robot watch I discovered recently with eyes that display two time zones and the mouth displays minutes. I'm genuinely a nerd, and I share what I nerd out about.
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VV: I know you recently celebrated Pulse on the Wrist’s first anniversary.
Congratulations!
What has been the most rewarding part of this journey? What keeps you doing what you're doing?
CM: I get a lot of DMs from people saying, "I don't see anyone that looks like me doing this, so keep going," and "thank you." Those messages mean a lot to me because, growing up, I listened to Jay-Z lyrics and other aspirational figures, and for a long time, this world seemed out of reach.
Millennials have gone through significant historical events like recessions and a global pandemic, and now there’s a group with money who want to access luxury. They may not have experienced it growing up or might be the first in their families to do so. Content creators, too, are navigating new wealth and want to channel it somewhere.
The beauty of the internet and the new generation of creators and writers in the watch and jewelry ecosystem is the diversity of voices and thoughtful content. I want to share my bit, and if it's valuable to people, great. I'm also always learning, growing, and paying homage to those who've been in the game for a long time.
“The beauty of the internet and the new generation of creators and writers in the watch and jewelry ecosystem is the diversity of voices and thoughtful content.”
For example, I have a coffee table book called Jewels of Time by Roberta Naas, an OG in the watch industry. The book is about watches, jewelry, and women, and it resonates with me. When people connect with my content, it's like me connecting with Roberta's work, discovering a unique Cartier watch or Van Cleef & Arpels designs from the seventies. That keeps me going.
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VV: I know it might be hard to pinpoint an exact end goal, but what are some goals and things you’re looking to do as your platform grows?
CM: I want to be a helpful resource for people, particularly in making more informed purchases. Going back to music and cultural influence, it's clear that big face watches like Rollies aren't for everyone. I was just having a conversation with a friend who is in the market for a watch after celebrating a milestone birthday. He questioned why he should spend $3,000 on something that no one recognizes. I understood that he specifically wants a Rolex, and that's perfectly fine. But there's a whole range of options you can get for the same price that are either more understated, have a different bracelet, or come with a unique story behind them.
Providing information to help people make their own decisions is crucial. I value showing diversity in brands. I don't just focus on high jewelry or extreme luxury watches; I'll post a Casio in the same week as a high-jewelry Piaget watch. I never know who is following me, and I want to cater to a wide audience.
Interestingly, I have a good split of men and women followers. In the industry, there's a notable synergy in watch sizes and cultural influences. For example, Damson Idris and Lori Harvey, who are (where?) a couple, share the same Chanel Première watch, and it looks great on both of them. Similarly, Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner share the same Cartier. These examples show that both men and women can appreciate and wear the same watches. Additionally, many people might not know that Chanel creates watches, and uncovering these kinds of details is part of what I find fascinating and want to share with others.
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VV: I love that. That's a good segue to start talking about some recent trends.
What have you seen change since you first started watching the watch market over the past two years?
CM: Well, the breadth of creators in this space means there is generally more information and diverse tastes, which is great.
I think in terms of trends, we're seeing some interesting developments. For example, AP just released the mini frosted Royal Oaks. While this isn't new, it shows their commitment to smaller sizes, particularly targeting the women's market. Similarly, Hermes released "The Cut" this year, which is a sporty watch designed for women, but it’s not a cute, dainty accessory. It’s a substantial piece that men can wear as well. It has a curvy and unique design, still very much in line with the Hermes brand, but it caters to a more diverse set of consumers. This trend of taking risks and appealing to a more gender-fluid audience is really exciting to see.
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It's exciting to see the growing interest in watches. One positive outcome of the Covid era is that it provided opportunities for people to explore new hobbies and interests. With so much information available, many people discovered a passion for watches, leading to the creation of new communities around this interest. I've met some amazing people simply because of my love for watches.
VV: I like what you said about the range in taste, and that leads me to a question I was planning to ask later, but I'll go ahead and ask now.
What is your idea of taste? It's a hot topic in fashion circles—what is personal taste, what is good taste, and how does one acquire taste?
CM: I think taste is very personal. It's like personal style—unique to each individual. What I love about watches is that they're tied to stories. People often say, "I bought this when I had my baby," or "I got this when I turned 30," or "I bought this when I bought my first house." Taste is a very personal thing, and having lots of options allows for more individuality in how people style their watches.
“What I love about watches is that they're tied to stories.”
VV: Do you have a personal favorite watch or brand? What makes it special to you? What watches tend to speak to you personally?
CM: Yeah, I wouldn't say I have a specific favorite watch or brand, but I do have preferences. I have a small wrist, so I love watches that look good on it.
VV: That's something a lot of people don't think about, you know?
CM: Yes. It's a personal style thing. For me, I love a leather strap and iridescent dials. I love how the dial dances in the sunlight; it's magical. One watch that does this really well is the A. Lange & Söhne Saxonia. It's a bit big, but the dial is stunning.
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I love a variety of watches. I also value having a black-owned watch brand in my collection. One watch I have is from Vitae London, a brand by a British-Ghanaian entrepreneur. Proceeds from their sales go to educating young people in Ghana. When I think about my collection, it feels very thoughtful on different levels.
“When I think about my collection, it feels very thoughtful on different levels.”
VV: Any advice for someone just starting out with watches? What are some good tips for finding the right watch?
CM: I have a video on this topic, which your readers may find useful. But generally, I recommend going to a place with a wide selection of watches. For luxury options, visit boutiques like Watches of Switzerland. For more affordable entry-level brands, try stores like Macy's. It's important to see a range of watches, try them on, and find what you like.
While the internet is great for research, nothing beats the experience of touching and trying on watches. Sometimes, you might think you want one thing, but after trying it on, you realize it’s not for you. For example, one of my friends was set on getting a Rolex Date Just, but after trying it on, she decided she didn't like it and ended up choosing a Cartier Panthere instead.
One tip I would give is to be patient. People often think that when they go into big brand boutiques like Rolex or Cartier, they're expected to buy something right away. But you're shopping, just like in any other retail store. Just like you would go into a department store and try on a dress, you can go into a luxury watch store and ask to try on a watch. If they say no, that's okay. But don't be intimidated, and don't feel like you have to make a purchase immediately. You might buy something a year from now or when you want to celebrate a milestone, like leaving your job to take the next step. It's a journey, and it doesn't happen overnight.
VV: That's sage advice. It parallels a lot with the advice I give to people who are building their jewelry collections.
What's the most interesting or unique watch you've come across?
CM: That’s a tough one, but one of the most unique watches I've come across is the Ludovic Ballouard's Jumping Hour. I find the jump hour complication fascinating because it gamifies the experience of telling time. In an age where devices like smart watches often lead people to simply glance at their screens, the art of timekeeping can feel lost. The Jumping Hour stands out because each hour flips into view as you move your wrist, offering a unique and engaging way to read the time. The watch's design is beautiful, and its emphasis on living in the moment—rather than focusing on the past or future—adds a meaningful touch. The interplay of the watch's hands and numbers makes it both an artistic and functional piece.
“In an age where devices like smart watches often lead people to simply glance at their screens, the art of timekeeping can feel lost.”
VV: What's your signature or everyday go-to work watch?
CM: It depends on what I'm wearing. I often wear a two-tone Movado because I like mixing my jewelry, especially since I tend to wear a lot of gold. I also wear my Cartier Trinity a lot because it holds special memories. At home or on more casual days, I might wear my smart watch for its reminders and functionality.
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VV: What about your dream watch, if money were no object?
CM: I could answer this on different levels. As I mentioned, I love the A. Lange Saxonia. I’ve tried it, and they have a Mini Moon version with a slightly smaller dial size that fits me better, so A. Lange & Söhne truly has my heart. On another note, I personally want to delve more into high jewelry watches because I find them very beautiful. Piaget makes excellent sautoir1 watches. If money were no object, I would love to own one. I can picture it for an elegant dinner, draped with a beautiful dress or with a backless outfit and my hair up.
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VV: What inspires or excites you?
CM: What inspires me is the joy of learning. I'm a proud nerd because I genuinely love diving deep into various subjects—cars, watches, you name it.
VV: We talked about personal taste before, but what does having taste mean to you?
CM: I find that having taste is really subjective. Some people prefer minimalist designs with no diamonds or embellishments, while others love flashy, diamond-studded pieces. To me, it's about individuality and confidence—being able to rock something that fits you and feels authentic, no matter how bold or subtle it may be.
“it's about individuality and confidence—being able to rock something that fits you and feels authentic, no matter how bold or subtle it may be.”
VV: Is there anything we haven’t covered that you’d like to share with our readers?
CM: I’m excited about continuing to share and engage with others. I love it when people send me DMs with ideas or thoughts because I’m still learning and evolving in this space. I wouldn’t call myself an expert—this is a hobby I’m passionate about, and I just want to share my enthusiasm. If anyone has thoughts or ideas, feel free to reach out. There’s so much happening right now, and I enjoy hearing different perspectives and bouncing off that energy.
VV: If people are interested in attending your future events or connecting with others in the watch space, how can they stay updated or get involved?
CM: The best way to stay updated is to follow my Instagram and sign up for the mailing list on my website. You can find the mailing list link there, and I’ll be sharing details about upcoming events later in the year.
VV: I'm sure you have some exciting events coming up. I loved the panel with the Women’s Jewelry Association—it was fantastic.
CM: Thank you! I’m so glad you enjoyed it.
VV: It was great to see familiar faces from socials and realize we had only connected online before. It’s funny how small the city feels sometimes. The day after the event, I ran into Brynn (Wallner) at Dover Street Market, and it felt like a strange coincidence.
CM: That’s so true! New York can be a big, small city. I was really touched that some people flew in just to support me. It’s humbling to see that kind of dedication.
VV: Absolutely. There was a woman from Atlanta who sat next to me at the event, and it was beautiful to see such support.
CM: Yes, it’s amazing. Last year, at AfroTech, I realized how many people are actually paying attention to what I’m doing online. A guy came up to me at a happy hour and said, "Are you Pulse On the Wrist?" He had been following me for a long time. It’s moments like these that remind me how much people value the content and community we’re building.
Thank you so much for reading. If you enjoyed this post please do share it, like it and comment. It really helps make posts like this more visible. And as always, if you have any questions, comments, need guidance, help sourcing, or just want to say hello, please DM me!
I love creating Vejeweled; it brings me so much joy! If you don't already subscribe, please do. And if you are a subscriber, consider upgrading to a paid subscription. Thank you for supporting my work; it means the world to me.
xx Veronica
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A sautoir is a French term for a long necklace that suspends a tassel or other ornament
So interesting! I don’t know much about watches but like Charity, I also love and wear my two tone Movado 🙂