John Mateyko

 

John Mateyko lives in the charming, rustic community of Serenbe in Georgia—a town so unique it has been featured on the Today Show. This website highlights his creative passions and his three favorite hobbies: watch collecting, photography, and spending time in nature.

A dedicated community builder, John founded the Serenbe Athletic Association in 2021. He currently serves as Commissioner and announcer for the co-ed Chicago-style Softball and Kickball leagues. His theatrical work with Center Stage at Serenbe has raised over $450,000 for Terra Academy, with productions such as The Trial of Ebenezer Scrooge (2021), It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play (2023 and 2025), Die Hard: Once Upon a Time at Nakatomi Plaza (2024), and an upcoming production of Mamma Mia.

John’s artistic experience also extends to film—he 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 quiet sophistication of well-designed, functional timepieces. At the heart of his collection are the legendary Casio G-Shock models, especially the classic square-faced versions known for their blend of toughness and timeless appeal. He also gravitates toward vintage-inspired divers that respect traditional craftsmanship while delivering modern durability.

The Seiko family holds a special place in his collection—from accessible Seiko everyday wearers to the masterful artistry of Grand Seiko and Credor. Ultimately, John is drawn to simple, reliable watches—the “do anything, go anywhere” pieces that offer effortless versatility without demanding attention.

His philosophy is refreshingly unique in the collector world: “The more boring, the better.” To John, subtlety, utility, and thoughtful craftsmanship capture the true essence of a great watch—mirroring his broader approach to life: finding beauty in purpose, and joy in items that quietly stand the test of time.

A devoted husband and father, John proposed to his wife, Slavyana, at the fairytale-like Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany. Their adventures continued through a honeymoon along the Amalfi Coast and a baby-moon in Rome and Lake Como. Today, their son Sasha spends his summers at the TASIS camp in Lugano, Switzerland.

Photography remains one of John Mateyko’s strongest creative outlets. He captures the world around him—from striking architectural details to sweeping landscapes. His love for nature has taken him on scuba diving adventures in the Philippines, Hawaii, Mexico, Costa Rica, Italy, Portugal, and even the whale shark exhibit at the Georgia Aquarium. On land, he has crewed on the winning Beneteau 50 in the Midwinters San Francisco Bay Race and biked down Maui’s Haleakala volcano.

John’s creativity, curiosity, and appreciation for the natural world flourish in the inspiring, artistic environment of Serenbe—making it the perfect home for his many passions.