Vintage Watch Specialist
Yes, vividly. My first was a blue FLIK FLAK, and I was immensely proud of it. I also remember that I felt like a grown up when I graduated to a“real” SWATCH, in yellow. It belonged to the Access collection: it came with an integrated chip and could serve as ski pass in Switzerland. Needless to say, it was the coolest watch you could dream of. I think I got both as birthday gifts from my parents.
The PATEK PHILIPPE 1518 for the prowess of producing a perpetual calendar chronograph at scale, and for the sheer beauty of the watch. The ROLEX Datejust for nailing exactly what an everyday watch should be. And I imagine that I have to add the OMEGA Speedmaster 😉 … It is hard to beat the NASA endorsement.
I melted the yellow SWATCH! Not voluntarily, of course. But I was fascinated by the lume at night, and figured that if I left the SWATCH for a couple of hours on a lamp, it will shine really bright. Clearly, the plastic case did not like the experience, and I ended up with a Dali composition. The lamp also died in the process, and I remember my parents being livid about it, although I was much more worried about my defunct watch. Especially since SWATCH decided it was not part of their warranty.
Vintage, no doubt about it! It gives you unparalleled sensations to wrist a beautiful survivor, rather than a shiny new thing. My prime love sided with ultra-slim pieces from PIAGET, VACHERON, and AUDEMARS PIGUET but I gradually warmed up to chronographs. To a point now where I mostly wear vintage chronos daily. I enjoy trying on modern watches, but the feeling is not even close.
Because they have changed so little. I feel there is something incredible about an object that gets it right at its first try. The good look is one thing, but add legibility, practicality, and reliability… I am also fascinated by the love they get from vintage collectors, only a few vintage ROLEX generate this level of passion, and scholarship.
The 2998-1. With a tropical dial, and no lollipop, if I dare ask. Other references might be more historically significant, but I just love the alpha hands, the Base 1000 bezel, and the straight lug case. Please add the original bracelet, and you will make a happy man.
A really good, and really long book.
First, a vintage French sports car, most likely an Alpine A110 or a convertible Peugeot 504 V6. Then, I would go see the financial advisor in style.
In London, with Churchill, in June 1940. I would love to witness one of his speeches at a time when all seemed to be lost. Yet, he was calmly exposing his implacable resolution to never surrender.
To a point where it becomes borderline impolite. But there is a lot to see besides the time itself between the reflections from the light on the dial, the lines of a case… And when I meet someone, I always fixate on the watch first.
A BREITLING Navitimer, with the LIP signature on the dial. With this watch, it was much more than the French connection, the patina is just irresistible. I will not pretend I bought it for its functionality; I have never remembered how to use the slide rule for more than 5 straight minutes.
A yellow gold PIAGET with a fantastic case shape and the very thin 9P caliber.
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