John Mateyko resides in the charming and rustic community of Serenbe in Georgia, which has been featured on the Today Show. This website showcases his creative pursuits and three favorite hobbies: collecting watches, photography, and enjoying nature.
John founded Sports Entertainment at Serenbe, a co-ed softball and kickball league, in 2021 and serves as its announcer. He also produced and directed three shows for Center Stage at Serenbe, an informal community theater group: "The Trial of Ebenezer Scrooge" (2021), "It's a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play" (2023) and "Mamma Mia Sing Along" (2025).
John's artistic talents extend to film, having served as Christian Bale's stand-in for "Batman Begins" (2005) and "Public Enemies" (2009).
The Beauty of Functional Timepieces
John's watch collection celebrates the understated elegance of practical timepieces. At the core of his collection are the god tier Casio G-Shock, particularly the iconic square-faced models that blend durability with classic design. He appreciates vintage-inspired divers that honor horological heritage while offering modern reliability.
The Seiko family of brands holds a special place in his collection, from accessible everyday Seiko models to the exquisite craftsmanship of Grand Seiko and the artistic refinement of Credor pieces. What truly captures John's imagination are simple, reliable daily wearers—the "do anything, go anywhere" watches that demonstrate versatility without flashiness.
His philosophy on watches is refreshingly contrary to common collector mindsets: "The more boring, the better." This appreciation for subtle design and functional excellence reflects his broader life philosophy—finding beauty in purpose, craftsmanship in simplicity, and joy in reliable companions for life's adventures.
John and his wife, Slavyana, became engaged at Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany and honeymooned on the Amalfi Coast.
Through his passion for photography, John captures the beauty of his surroundings, from architectural details to landscape vistas. His love for nature has taken him on adventures around the world, where he has scuba dived in diverse locations like the Philippines, Hawaii, Mexico, Costa Rica, Italy, Portugal, and the Georgia Aquarium's whale shark exhibit. His outdoor exploits include winning the Midwinters San Francisco Bay Race as a crew member on the Beneteau 50 and biking down the Haleakala volcano in Maui.
John's creative outlook and enthusiasm for life are perfectly complemented by the inspiring natural beauty and artistic community of Serenbe.
