12 QUESTIONS ONLY TO…
OLIVIER BARRERA

OLIVIER BARRERA

 Derivatives Broker

Born in 1970, Olivier grew up in the South of France. He is an aeronautical engineer. After receiving an MBA in international finance, he turned to a financial career and started to work in international banks based in Paris and London.

He’s a motorbike lover, driving every day and moving freely everywhere in Paris. He started collecting watches in the late 2000s. For sure, his initial training in aeronautics immediately led him to chronographs and more especially to Speedmasters. He was lucky enough to buy some very rare models and to met other Speedies collectors who helped him building up a remarkable collection.

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1. Do you remember your first watch?

I’ve had several quartz watches which I do not really remember but the first true watch I had was a HEUER Carrera Re-Edition Ref. CS 3110. I bought it in the 90’s and still have it.

2. The 3 most iconic watch models?

OMEGA Speedmaster, ROLEX Daytona 6263, HEUER Carrera.

3. A noteworthy anecdote with one of your watches?

Back in 2012 I was browsing on watch blogs and I suddenly found a Speedmaster ST 145.012 Racing. I called the seller in Switzerland and made all the necessary checks, but I was hesitating as the watch was proposed at only 6’700 €. I finally declined and obviously today I desperately regret it …!!!

4. Are you more modern or vintage?

Definitely vintage. Vintage watches are like a quest. First you choose a model, and then you do your research on the different features, production periods, specs, etc to answer to this choice. After that, you can start searching the watch. And after many disappointments you finally find the right one, the one you were expecting for such a long time.

Finding a modern watch is something different … you just have to go your retailer and give him your credit card.

5. I love Speedmasters because …

This watch is not only a legend because of the moon but also an iconic watch for more than 60 years now. Since the very first model, it did not really change. The ROLEX Submariner is probably the only other example of such longevity with so few changes.

6. Your favorite Speedmaster?

All the straight lugs ones. I am lucky enough to have some of them and I am still missing a nice example of ST 105.003.

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

Chateauneuf du Pape 1969.

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

I am not at all into cars and regarding the financial advisor, as my grand mother used to say, dying as the richest of the cemetery is not very exciting.

I will buy something which I will give to my children and will remain also for the next generation, like a huge beach house or a chalet directly on the slopes.

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

In Val d’Isère just after a 2m snowfall.

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

A lot !

And if it was not enough, in my office I hide the clock of my PC with a sticker where I wrote : « Watch your watch ! ».

11. The last watch you bought?

A very nice Speedmaster 1ST 45.012 but with the original caseback missing. In case someone has a spare one, please let me know ! 😉

12. What’s on your wrist today?

Speedmaster ST 376.0822 Holy Grail.

Thank you Olivier.