WATCHFID INTERVIEWS

TIFFANY TO

Tiffany To

Head of Sales at Phillips in association with Bacs & Russo.

 

Tiffany To.

The Watchfid team is delighted to have the opportunity to chat with you for a moment. Could you please introduce yourself?

My name is Tiffany To, and I am currently the Head of Sale in Geneva and Senior International Specialist at Phillips Watches. This year marks my 10 years at the auction house! I started as a university graduate and never left since.

Tiffany & Greg Rossier.

In particular, could you walk us through the process of preparing for a sale? What are your tasks and responsibilities as a Head of Sales?

As the Head of Sales, my responsibilities are far reaching. From taking in and consigning watches, to cataloguing the sale, doing the research and photography, making the deadline and eventually selling the pieces – all of these tasks fall under my umbrella. No day is the same and you never know who will come in with an undiscovered treasure.

For the past few years, you’ve been in the spotlight as one of the auctioneers during the Geneva sales. What qualities are required to create an atmosphere that encourages bidders to engage – and, if you’ll forgive the expression, “fight it out in the arena”?

I think deeply understanding the item you’re selling and knowledge of the subject matter is important. If collectors can feel that you’re genuinely interested and passionate, they will see your enthusiasm and also become equally enthralled in the piece. Other than that, keeping a cool head and being able to take control of the room is important as well.

Would you consider yourself a watch collector? What are your themes or criteria?

I don’t have such an expansive collection to be called a watch collector, but I do love owning watches. I’m a condition freak and nerd at heart so I try within my means to buy the best quality I can, even if it means eating ramen for the next six months!

There are still very too few women in the world of collecting – do you know why that is? What can be done to attract more women to this fascinating field?

I think having an inclusive and welcoming environment is key. Watch collecting is intimidating enough, and to have to also be in a world where it is mainly men can sometimes be daunting.

You co-authored with us the two books on the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona. What were the highlights of that experience?

The research and passion put into relearning and discovering the model. My co-authors have a very scholarly and scientific approach to categorising and analysing watches and it was a pleasure to work with them and understand their methodology.

I imagine you have a special affection for that watch… ?

I love how expansive, reliable and diverse the Daytona can be. Firstly, it is your most trusted companion, always keeps time, and will never let you down no matter the environmental conditions. You can start collecting already with a relatively moderate budget and go to millions. It is democratic in the sense that there is something for everyone with its endless variations and generations. But most of all, it is a design icon. It is immediately recognisable upon a glance, and since 1963 has retained all its strong design codes which are as relevant today as they were in the 1960s.

Which Daytona is the one of your dreams?

The 6270 – diamonds and a vintage chronograph, it doesn’t get any better than that.

Rolex Cosmograph Daytona ref. 6270.

If you had to associate just one word with the Daytona, what would it be?

Iconic.

What is your favorite watch? And the one you would love to own (other than your dream Daytona)?

My favorite watch changes everyday and it is impossible to choose just one! It could go from a simple Tank, to a flamboyant Daytona, to a sober Datejust. What is most important is that 1) the condition is great and 2) it has to make an intervention in horology in some way. It could be due to its design, movement construction or cultural significance, but it has to mean something.

What particular watch would you most like to see come up for auction at Phillips?

I’m a treasure hunter, so anything new and fresh that the market has never seen before – whether it is new reference, dial configuration or metal – it is the discovery that keeps me going everyday.

Dear Tiffany, thank you very much for your time!