12 QUESTIONS ONLY TO…
ILIAS GIANNOPOULOS

ILIAS GIANNOPOULOS

Journalist & Watch Expert

Ilias is 42 years old from Athens, Greece. When he is not working as a Political analyst in a company in his home town he reads and researches about wristwatches and their history. He has always been interested for cool stuff like watches, cameras and electric guitars.

Although his love for watches started at a very early age the hobby became more active after he found a part time job as a writer for Monochrome-Watches. Currently on his limited free time he is conducting horological research, takes pictures of his daughter and works for H&H Journal (Fondation de la Haute Horlogerie).

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1. Do you remember your first watch?

Of course I do. My first watch was a TAG HEUER Formula 1 diver that was a gift from my father because I had a great year at school.

2. The 3 most iconic watch models?

There are many great watches but few truly iconic ones. For me an iconic watch is one that clearly defines a whole category of watches. A trendsetter. An iconic watch never appears antiquated; it’s unobtrusive and has superior aesthetic qualities. So for me these 3 are: OMEGA Speedmaster (the first watch that comes to mind when someone things chronograph), ROLEX Datejust (the first watch that comes to mind when someone thinks wristwatch), CARTIER Tank (the first watch that comes to mind when someone thinks luxury watch).

3. A noteworthy anecdote with one of your watches?

I remember when I was a child in the early 1980’s I used to marvel the showcase of a large jewelry and watch dealer in Athens. I was specifically drawn, time after time to a watch that was very odd, at least to my eyes back then. This one had all these hands and subdials and numbers. I remember asking my father what all these things do and why this is different from ordinary watches close by. That watch completely ignited my love for watches by being so different from anything else. I desired this watch dearly, and I even asked my parents to take me to this specific store just to look at it. Years later I discovered that it was a Speedmaster MkIV. I was very happy when I finally managed to buy a similar MkIV. This specific model started it all for me.

4. Are you more modern or vintage?

Vintage definitely although there are some modern pieces in my collection. I would say the percentage is 80% vintage and 20% new.

5. I love Speedmasters because …

… because the Speedmaster is so complex and so simple at the same time. It seems anachronistic but all these elements that define it as such makes it in my eyes truly unique. Its hesalite crystal means I can stare in awe the sunlight diffusion inside the dial, its manual wind calibre means that I must wind it everyday when I wake up in the morning. I have a personal connection with it. I don’t just wear it. A big plus of course is that it was used in the U.S Space Program. As such it is the most important wristwatch of all time. The first watch worn on the Moon. Still being used today by Astronauts and Cosmonauts

6. Your favorite Speedmaster?

My favorite Speedmaster is a 105.012-66 with Pulsations bezel. Maybe someday …

7. A single personal item you would take with you for a long stay on the Moon?

A Speedmaster and my mp3 player (sorry these are two items). I cannot live without music and a watch on my wrist.

8. You just won the lottery. Do you first buy a sports car or call a financial advisor?

A Slate Gray 1970 Porsche 911s please.

9. Where would you spend the next 24 hours if you had a teleporter?

I would teleport myself back to the exact moment my daughter was born and I would just sit there and look at her and my wife for the next 24 hours.

10. How many times a day do you watch … your watch?

Countless. Seriously.

11. The last watch you bought?

The last watch I bought is a mint 1^st Generation Flightmaster (cal.910). For me the ultimate aviation tool-watch.

12. What’s on your wrist today?

Today I am wearing what I am wearing usually every day, my Speedmaster X33.

Thank you Ilias.