Story Highlight
– Collectors share personal stories and favorite watch pieces.
– Ulysse Nardin Diver [AIR] praised for innovation and design.
– Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust ‘Levi’s’ boasts unique corporate dial.
– Rare Patek Philippe 2438/1R features significant historical provenance.
– Emotional connections define value beyond monetary worth.
Full Story
Ten prominent figures in the watch industry recently shared insights into their most cherished timepieces, detailing the narratives, emotions, and intricate craftsmanship that render these watches irreplaceable.
**Matthieu Haverlan: Managing Director, Ulysse Nardin**
Haverlan credits his passion for timepieces to a moment at age 15, when he was enchanted by a vintage watch shop in Paris. He appreciates that watches, unlike digital gadgets, can hold stories and be passed down through generations. After spending over 15 years in watchmaking, he currently serves as the Managing Director of Ulysse Nardin and remains a dedicated collector. Haverlan finds the Diver [AIR] particularly compelling as it embodies innovation with purpose. He values its combination of material advancements and design, which challenges the norms of traditional sports watches. This piece is his daily wear, signifying both his professional journey and personal ethos.
**Eric Wind: Wind Vintage**
Wind describes the Rolex Oyster Perpetual Datejust ‘Levi’s’ as a distinctive piece celebrating the early success of Levi’s Youthwear, featuring the iconic Levi’s logo on its dial. His search for an authentic watch took over a decade, revealing the rarity of this specific model. He appreciates the simplicity of the engraving on the case back and the nostalgia of corporate dials, which Rolex no longer produces.
**Amsterdam Vintage Watches**
Represented by Rutger Kooijman, Jasper Lijfering, and Ramon van der Lee, the Patek Philippe 2438/1R holds significant emotional weight due to its unique combination of technical innovation and personal history. Recognised as a groundbreaking perpetual calendar wristwatch from the 1950s, this specific model is encased in rare pink gold and is the only known example featuring oversized Arabic numerals. Its provenance enhances its value, as it was created for Gerhard Friedrich Bovensiepen and retains his name engraved on the case back.
**Lex Borrero: @lexborrero**
For Borrero, the Audemars Piguet Clover signifies a key moment in his evolution as a collector. He values watches that tell a deeper story, and the Clover, with its subtle design and intricate dial, embodies artistic expression. It has become a reflection of his personality, reminding him that meaningful collecting is about emotional connection rather than mere financial worth.
**Christina Lim: @herhorology**
Lim’s favourite watch, the Rolex Explorer 1016, resonates with her adventurous spirit and appreciation for beauty. This double-signed piece, complete with the Tiffany & Co. signature, represents a blend of resilience and elegance, mirroring her own personal journey. She notes that collecting has led to rewarding experiences, intertwining the watch’s history with her own life.
**Robertino Altieri: WatchGuys**
Altieri, CEO of WatchGuys, highlights the Rolex Daytona 6265 as the pièce de résistance of his collection. This model, the last manual-winding Daytona, draws attention with its stunning aesthetic and history. His version, known as the “Little Red,” features notable distinctions that make it a conversation starter among enthusiasts.
**Daniel Somlo: Somlo London**
The Omega Speedmaster ‘Ed White’ stands out for Somlo, marking his introduction to vintage watches. It is cherished not only for its rarity but also its remarkable history, having remained in a safe for several years after being sent to the UK in 1967. The watch’s pristine condition and unique features have made it a treasured part of his collection.
**Emily Marsden: @secretdiaryofawatchgirl**
Marsden’s IWC Schaffhausen Da Vinci Ref. 3755 represents a deeply personal connection. With its crown-operated perpetual calendar design, it stands out for its scarcity and aesthetic. She notes the significance of this piece to her life, declaring it irreplaceable.
**Oscar Strong: Official Watches**
Strong’s choice, the Patek Philippe Split Second Chronograph 5204/1R-010, is linked to fond memories and notable encounters. He wears it for occasions requiring a confidence boost, illustrating how this timepiece has become intertwined with his personal experiences and achievements.
**C4C Vintage Watch Store**
Finally, representatives from C4C emphasize their admiration for the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak. This particular piece, distinguished by its originality and craftsmanship, stands out even among many handled over the years. Its unique qualities resonated so deeply that its presentation to a discerning client felt both necessary and fitting.
These testimonies highlight the profound connections individuals have with their watches, encompassing passion, history, and personal narratives.
