John Mateyko

.John Mateyko calls the picturesque Serenbe community in Georgia home—a rustic gem spotlighted on the Today Show. This site highlights his artistic ventures and three cherished pastimes: watch collecting, photography, and immersing himself in nature. A dedicated community enthusiast, John launched the Serenbe Athletic Association in 2021, acting as both Commissioner and announcer for its co-ed Chicago-style Softball and Kickball leagues. His flair for the dramatic shines through Center Stage at Serenbe, where his productions—like “The Trial of Ebenezer Scrooge” (2021), “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” (2023 and 2025), and “Die Hard: Once Upon a Time at Nakatomi Plaza” (2024)—have raised over $450,000 for Terra Academy. He’s currently gearing up for “Mamma Mia.” John’s creative reach extends to the silver screen, where he worked as Christian Bale’s stand-in for “Batman Begins” (2005) and “Public Enemies” (2009). The Art of Timeless Utility
. John’s watch collection is a tribute to the quiet sophistication of functional design. Anchoring his assortment are the legendary Casio G-Shock squares—rugged yet timeless. He’s drawn to vintage-inspired dive watches that fuse tradition with modern dependability. The Seiko lineage shines brightly in his collection, spanning everyday Seiko staples, the masterful Grand Seiko, and the delicate artistry of Credor. John gravitates toward unassuming, versatile daily wearers—watches built for any adventure, minus the ostentation. His mantra? “The more boring, the better.” It’s a reflection of his ethos: beauty lies in utility, elegance in simplicity, and value in steadfast reliability. A committed family man, John popped the question to his wife Slavyana beneath the fairytale spires of Neuschwanstein Castle. They celebrated with a honeymoon along the stunning Amalfi Coast, later enjoying a baby-moon in Rome and Lake Como. Their son Sasha now summers at TASIS camp in Lugano, Switzerland. Through his camera lens, John documents the world’s wonders—from intricate architecture to sweeping landscapes. His passion for the outdoors has led him to scuba dive in vibrant locales like the Philippines, Hawaii, Mexico, Costa Rica, Italy, Portugal, and even the Georgia Aquarium’s whale shark tank. He’s raced to victory crewing a Beneteau 50 in San Francisco Bay’s Midwinters and pedaled down Maui’s Haleakala volcano. John’s vibrant creativity and zest for life find a perfect match in Serenbe’s lush scenery and thriving artistic spirit.

Photography, Horology, Audiobooks, hiking, sailing, movies, traveling