STEPHANE KLENTZI
Finance Manager, Watch Collector
Stéphane, a.k.a. Zizou33 on French forums, lives in Lyon and works as a finance manager. His interest in watches has increased during the past 10 years, mixing modern OMEGA Speedmasters and Rolex Submariners, Daytonas, and GMTs. He organized an amazing Moonwatch Only GTG event last year (visit the link below). He is also an absolute fan of road cycling since 30 years: he loves climbing mountain passes (more than 120 different ones).
1. Do you remember your first watch?
In fact, I have 2 first watches that I can remember as “1stwatch”, and they are quite different.
The really first one that I have chosen and purchased is a PULSAR Quartz, that I have worn every day during 10 years from 16 years old until it was replaced by a SWATCH Irony Automatic, that I still wear sometimes.
I was so proud and pleased to wear both watches, as much as more expensive watches that came later on.
2. The 3 most iconic watch models?
With no doubt, I would cite the ROLEX Daytona, the ROLEX Submariner and … the OMEGA Speedmaster.
3. A noteworthy anecdote with one of your watches?
It’s amazing what so little pieces can lead us to do. My anecdote refers to how I met you, Greg and Anthony. The book MOONWATCH ONLY revived my attraction for Speedies (it was my first expensive watch, in 2006). I really liked to read it, to analyse the texts and pictures, and enjoyed to discover so many new models. When I heard that you may be ready to give conferences about both Speedies and the MWO book, I immediately proposed you to organize a conference / “Get ToGether” event in Lyon (France). And you accepted the invitation also very quickly, whereas we didn’t know each other at that time. That led us to spend a beautiful Saturday with around 50 other fans, all wearing a Speedmaster. It was a great conference, a great moment to share our knowledge and passion, with fantastic and rare Speedmaster models. Reading articles and communicating via forums is nice to develop our interests for watches, but meeting in real life is far more intense.
4. Are you more modern or vintage?
Modern for a simple reason: I prefer watches in a immaculate condition. Sorry mates, but I don’t appreciate patina on a dial. But please continue to read the interview … 😉
5. I love Speedmasters because …
I love Speedmasters because of the perfect dimension, the look, the perfect fitting with all kinds of bracelets, the reliability, its history and the many different versions. That makes a lot of reasons, doesn’t it?
6. Your favorite Speedmaster?
The Japan Racing (ref. 3570.40) is my favorite. It’s a limited edition distributed in Japan in 2004. The grey dial is perfect, and the combination with orange & purples indexes makes it a “funky styled watch”. I’m lucky enough to own one of the 2.004 watches.
7. A single personal item you would take with you for a long stay on the Moon?
My bike… With lowest resistance of air (the worst enemy for cyclists), I could for sure set many speed records.
8. You just won the lottery. Do you first buy a sports car or call a financial advisor?
A sports car.
9. Where would you spend the next 24 hours if you had a teleporter?
I would seize the opportunity to visit the most exceptional sites around the world. Let’s count 10 minutes per site, and 3 hours to sleep, I could visit 126 sites. If it’s possible, I would take with me my son, my wife, a guide, plus a GoPro to record this unique day.
10. How many times a day do you watch … your watch?
Not so many. Maybe 20 times.
11. The last watch you bought?
Last Christmas, Santa Claus brought me a ROLEX Sea-Dweller 16600.
12. What’s on your wrist today?
Especially for the interview, my Speedy Japan Racing.
