NEWSLETTER #3
RONI MADHVANI

Roni Madhvani

Roni Madhvani (known as @roni_m_29 on Instagram) is probably one of the most prominent figures in the world of watch collectors at the moment. And it’s not just about the financial value of his collection, but rather his unique taste for rare pieces and special shapes. His theme – which is, by the way, extremely elegant – is particularly original in a context where many other collectors are content to stay on the beaten track by following only market fashions and trends.

Roni Madhvani.

Dear Roni, thank you very much for this interview. You’re a very well-known collector in the world of watch enthusiasts, but could you introduce yourself briefly to our rare readers who don’t yet know you?

I’m a collector of vintage timepieces with a focus on the design genre; unusual cases, lugs and dials.

You have a fantastic collection, but above all it’s very special, with a very singular approach. How did it all begin, and how would you qualify your tastes and thematic? What do you consider to be the most interesting period in this field?

Thank you so much. I’ve always had an affinity to the arts and design, and I see wristwatches as functional pieces of art that can be worn and enjoyed.

It began over 3 decades ago, and the collection evolved with my means (to be able to acquire) and tastes and it focused on what it is now about 2 decades ago. I see the belle époque of wristwatch design from 1945 to 1965 when after the inter war depression and wartime restraint in design boundaries creativity broke free across the arts and beyond and this included watch design.

An illustration of Roni Madhvani perfect Art Deco taste.

How have you seen the market for collector’s watches evolve over the last 30 years?

An appreciation for vintage watch design has always existed but been on a bit of a back burner. During covid and the reissue of the London Cartier Crash in 2017 and the celebrity endorsement of it there has been more interest in design genre watches away from the usual steel sports watches.

As with all vintage watches the supply is finite and to find vintage watches in prime condition is increasingly difficult.

What do you think of the current offer in terms of innovation and design? Are there any brands that surprise and interest you?

Unfortunately, mainstream brands are somewhat restrained in terms of creativity and pushing the envelope due to the inherent possible fear of risk of failure, the high associated marketing costs and the underlying ethos of conservatism with the Swiss watch industry.

On the other hand there is a growing desire amongst collectors to own exclusive and different time pieces, so brands have begun to embrace a degree of customization to embrace this demand although it remains dear and inaccessible to most collectors.

Back to your collection, which brands feature prominently?

Predominantly vintage Patek Philippe, Cartier, Vacheron Constantin, Audemars Piguet and a few others.

Exploring some of the most incredible shapes within the Patek Philippe production. On top, the fantastic – and probably unique – collection of Patek Philippe models designed by Gilbert Albert in the 1950s.

A selection of rounded extra thin models from Audemars Piguet.

1950s design at its best with these Vacheron Constantin.

I totally share your taste and fascination for Patek Philippe, of course, as well as other prestigious watchmaking houses such as Audemars Piguet, Vacheron Constantin and Jaeger-LeCoultre, to name but a few. However, one company seems to me to stand apart when it comes to pure design: I’m talking, of course, about Cartier, whose very DNA has been based exclusively on design and creativity since the beginning of the last century. Would you agree?

Absolutely! Cartier has always been at the forefront of design and inspiration from its very beginnings to whatever it has created.

The Cartier Pebble re-edition in yellow gold (2022).

I know you were lucky enough to be able to design some of your watches exclusively with Cartier. Could you tell us more about that experience?

I was blessed to have been able to do this prior to Richemont acquiring Cartier as far back as 2007 and continued when they recommenced the process of custom pieces.

I’m thankful to have a series of custom pieces that are truly different and special to other custom pieces but unfortunately and sadly am unable to share these publicly as the brand will reproduce for others the same if requested for and one of the reasons for commissioning these is the desire for a degree of exclusivity that collectors yearn for beyond a certain stage.

Two very special Cartier Crash.

Do you have any other exclusive watch projects that you have commissioned and designed with brands?

I’m blessed to have a few amazing custom Pateks made before the change of guard there when it was truly a brand that was the heart of collectors at all levels including emotionally.

I know this is always an extremely difficult question for a collector, but what are your favorite watch(es) in your collection?

Really tough! Perhaps the fav 6!

Extremely rare Vacheron Constantin shutter wristwatch cased by Verger Frères (1930s).

As you know, we started our business many years ago by publishing reference watch books. On your side, have you ever thought of publishing a book about your collection?

Yes! It has been at the top of mind but between my own laziness and having the ability to retain some say in the style of a possible book it has not progressed…

Additionally, I would want a book that is affordable to most collectors including new entrants to our common passion, so it is an inspiration to collecting design genre watches rather than an edifice to fulfil my ego.

Which watch are you wearing today? And which watch do you wear most often?

I am wearing a 1950s Vacheron and I try and change my watches daily to wear them, as it is pointless collecting if they sit in a safe box permanently.

1950s Vacheron Constantin.

Dear Roni, thank you very much for taking the time to share your thoughts and parts of your beautiful collection with us.