Darby McVay’s story is one of ambition, brief success, and eventual downfall in the world of luxury watches. He first entered the public eye when he became the videographer for Anthony Farrer, better known as “The Timepiece Gentleman.” However, after a series of events that saw Farrer’s empire crumble, McVay’s fortunes seemed to follow suit. Here’s a detailed look at how Darby’s journey unfolded.
From Skateboarding to Videography
Before entering the luxury watch industry, Darby McVay was a man of simpler interests. Originally from Dallas, Darby was passionate about skateboarding, even creating videos centered around the sport. While working in construction, McVay’s videography skills caught the attention of Anthony Farrer, who was rapidly building a brand as The Timepiece Gentleman. Farrer, seeing potential in Darby’s work, hired him to film and edit videos that would give his luxury watch business a new, modern twist. This partnership would help catapult both into social media stardom, albeit briefly.
Life as The Timepiece Gentleman’s Videographer
Once he began working for Farrer, Darby’s lifestyle changed dramatically. Not only were he and his girlfriend, Liz, drawing a salary from Farrer, but they were also receiving extravagant perks. Farrer bought Darby a Corvette and even covered the $20,000 rent for their beachfront home in Santa Monica. Despite this apparent luxury, tensions were brewing behind the scenes. Farrer wanted Darby to increase the production of videos from one a week to multiple, something Darby wasn’t enthusiastic about. Feeling deflated, he suggested hiring another videographer to help, but the strain of maintaining such a high production rate was clear.
The $5 Million Debt Revelation
The partnership between Darby and Anthony eventually came under public scrutiny when Farrer admitted in a YouTube video that he was $5 million in debt. In response, Darby posted his own video (now deleted), in which he claimed he was completely unaware of Farrer’s financial troubles.
This raised eyebrows, as McVay had been working closely with Farrer during the height of his business. Could he and Liz really have been oblivious to the financial mismanagement happening under their noses? Skeptics have questioned this, though McVay insisted that neither he nor Liz were involved in Anthony’s business dealings. Soon after, Darby deleted the video and further distanced himself from the chaos that had enveloped Farrer’s business.
Failed Watch Business and Financial Struggles
After leaving The Timepiece Gentleman, Darby and Liz attempted to strike out on their own as watch dealers under the business name Rebeluxe Los Angeles. Unfortunately, this venture didn’t last long. The duo’s inconsistent video production contributed to the business’s collapse. To make matters worse, Darby had taken out a $90,000 business loan, which only added to their financial strain. It’s estimated that Darby McVay’s net worth is now at least -$100,000.
A New Beginning in Las Vegas
With their watch business behind them, Darby and Liz found a new path. They connected with an individual who owns medical clinics and now operate one of his clinics in the Las Vegas area. While this move represents a fresh start, it is a far cry from the high-flying, glamorous life they once lived as part of Anthony Farrer’s world.
Final Thoughts
Darby McVay’s rise and fall parallel much of what went wrong with The Timepiece Gentleman brand. While it’s difficult to say for sure whether Darby and Liz were fully aware of Farrer’s financial troubles, their story is a reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in the fast-paced, high-stakes world of luxury watches. From skateboarding in Dallas to trying to sell high-end timepieces, Darby’s journey is one of unexpected twists, and his current life is a reflection of the challenges that come with drastic career changes and failed ventures.