Watch Collector
When I started working in Frankfurt, I heard about a watch company in Rödelheim, Germany, named SINN Watches. At that time in the early 2000s, when I first started thinking of buying a watch, it was unknown to me. As I needed a dress watch, I bought a SINN 6015 Calendar Chronograph. A nice watch that I am still wearing today.
I don’t have to mention the Speedmaster, that’s the reason why we are having this interview. My whole live I was impressed by the ROLEX Submariner. Like the Speedmaster it is a timeless icon that went through all different times of watchmaking for now more than half a century. The third one would be the ZENITH A386 El Primero. I have to admit, that I needed longer to wake-up to the beauty and significance of that watch, but today its one of my absolute favorites.
I recently snapped up a rare red “world renowned” box for one of my Speedmasters in the US, but it was sold with an old small gold-plated lady de Ville. At the German postal-customs they didn’t believed the “low” price for the watch and it was not released for the delivery. I went there and had to explain that I am really only interested in the box. So, I showed pictures of my collection, eBay offers and Instagram posts to explain why someone is willing to buy and pay only for an old watch box. Finally to prove it, I offered the nice lady the watch as a gift. She started to laugh and told me that she was not allowed to accept gifts, but that she liked my passion and gave me box and then gave me watch without asking me to pay any import tax.
For me collecting watches is a lot about history, innovations and the stories behind it. Collecting is a bit like to discover something new and hidden. Seeing a new watch, I am asking myself, “why buying something new”, when I get nearly for the same price something that is 40 years old and has so much more history and character. But yes, there are great new watches out there and let’s not forget that they will be the vintage watches of the next generations.
The variety of the watch and the seemingly endless details to discover make it so special.
The White Gold Apollo XI 1980 with the 861L movement. It is so beautiful, I would love to wear this watch “upside down”.
My iPhone. I couldn’t be there for a long time without a way to communicate and to share the impressions. Great moments are only great if you can share them with friends and family.
As I am working in the financial industry myself and don’t need a financial advisor, certainly a new Porsche 911 Targa 4s in metallic blue. Hey, I just won the lottery, so why not having such a car for my daily drives.
Diving on Fidschi Island. To reach a spot like that without two days of traveling would be great.
Honestly, not very often to read the time. In my office my calendar and meetings specify my time. But I think I am looking at more watches on photos every day than at my own watch on my wrist.
An OMEGA caliber 30t2rg Chronometer from the 40s. After 75 years, still a milestone in design.
My PloProf 600 from 1970. A watch that radiates a lot of character. For me the most interesting diver I know.
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2 responses
Great interview
Interesting, Ingo!
Ingo, great watches and I agree, going to Fidshi Island in seconds would be great. We have to talk shop about some vintage stuff…