ROBERTO RANDAZZO
Watch Dealer
Roberto Jatucka Randazzo is a true enthusiast. His knowledge and research in the field of vintage watches make him one of the most respected and recognized professionals by his peers. As a moderator in renowned horological forums, he takes part in many key watchmaking events around the world and has contributed to many other essential watch books. Anyone who meets Roberto for the first time is invariably struck by the original way in which he views his job. We have had the opportunity of meeting a large number of vintage-watch dealers around the world, and, as in every sphere of activity, we have come across diverse approaches and levels of competence. But nobody takes on his subject like Roberto. His relationship with old watches is unique, wholehearted and totally driven by his enthusiasm.
1. Do you remember your first watch?
Well, if you do mean my really first one I’m sure it was a Mickey Mouse. My father bought it for me in New York. Then I remember a Bulova Diver, a Pulsar, a Casio Calculator and several Seiko. One of the best was a Seiko Bullhead. But if you do mean my first “Real Watch” it was the OMEGA Speedmaster I bought in 1983. I was in love with it, I was so proud to own it. I felt it was my first “Real Watch”. The Astronauts’ watch man, wow!
2. The 3 most iconic watch models?
OMEGA Speedmaster, ROLEX Daytona, ROLEX GMT Master. If I could add one I would say the OMEGA Seamaster 300 Twisted Lugs.
3. A noteworthy anecdote with one of your watches?
The one I’m wearing right now. I got it in a trade during a Parma Fair, and I bought it to sell it. But then I wore it, and I totally fell in love with it. It’s my one and only watch from more than four years now. I think it’s my lucky watch, at the moment I would not wear any other watch. It’s the watch that I really feel that it’s “mine”, if you know what I mean. By the way, it’s a very simple OMEGA Oversize 2505-15, but still I think it’s one of the best watches I’ve ever owned. And believe me, I’ve owned a lot of watches in my life. Funny, isn’t it?
4. Are you more modern or vintage?
Absolutely vintage, no doubts. I’ve been a collector for more than 20 years before being a dealer, and for a very long time I used to collect vintage and modern at the same time. But at one point I totally lost interest in modern watches. They don’t have any story to tell me, and this is very important to me. A watch has to tell you a story, you have to feel the soul. I don’t like a watch without a soul, it’s just a cold object.
5. I love Speedmasters because …
Easy question. I love Speedmasters because of the Moon. Even if I was just a 6 years old kid I still have a very vivid memory of the Moon Landing. Unbelievable. I was watching it with the whole family on a Brionvega TV. What a story for a kid, I was totally astonished. A man on the Moon, and I was watching him on TV! How can you forget something like that?
6. Your favorite Speedmaster?
The CK 2915, that actually is my favorite watch ever. I’ve had several 2915s, as a collector and then as a dealer. But for one reason or another I always sold them. Hope one day to buy one for myself, the one that will tell me something special. And to keep it until the day I will give it to my son. Fingers crossed, maybe one day it will happen. Or maybe it will not, who knows.
7. A single personal item you would take with you for a long stay on the Moon?
A camera. Nothing more.
8. You just won the lottery. Do you first buy a sports car or call a financial advisor?
No, nothing like that. A six months trip on the road with my son and a camera, from Moskow to the Kamchatka Peninsula. Then I would take a plane for six months more on the road, from Buenos Aires to Punta Arenas. I don’t ask anything more.
9. Where would you spend the next 24 hours if you had a teleporter?
On the Moon.
10. How many times a day do you watch … your watch?
Several times. After more than four years together, day by day, I’m still in love with my watch.
11. The last watch you bought?
A ROLEX Daytona 6263 Sigma Dial in astonishing condition, right few hours ago.
12. What’s on your wrist today?
My OMEGA Oversize 2505-15, what else?
3 responses
really great and honest, just like Roberto
Hi Mithra, agree 100%! Anthony
I ❤️Roberto!