Nilomis concludes a captivating series by sharing additional images from Mr. Goldfinger's esteemed Omega collection, culminating in an exclusive interview with the enigmatic collector. This final installment offers invaluable insights into the philosophy and experiences of a seasoned watch enthusiast, providing guidance and reflection for both new and established collectors.
Team,
Here we end this series with some additional pictures.
First a wonderful Omega pocket with a gorgeous dial.
Mr. G. pocket Omega
One, non-gold, exquisite pocket watch, with a ring that allows the watch to be used as a desk watch. Cool.
Now, the famous gold fingers.
The interviewI was able to catch Mr. G. over the phone. He refused to disclaim where he was but by the background noises, I assume that it was some sort of jungle.
Here is what I could to understand.
Q. What was your first watch? I was 13 years old and I got a "LeLuc". I remember the brand but I don't remember the watch.
On my 18th birthday got a Orient from my father. It was a dream come true.
Q. When did you get your first Constellation? 33 years ago. It was a major event on my collection journey.
Q. When did you start collecting watches in a serious manner? 30 years back, around 1980.
Q. How did you start collecting watches? I went to flea markets looking for old Bakelite radios (my first hobby) and I notice that the mechanical watches were inexpensive (at that time).
30 years back, a Speedmaster Moon (321 of course) in great conditions were sold by around US$ 100.00 and there are many and more.
Constellations and other gold cased ones, because of the gold, were a (10-20%) higher.
Rolex Daytona, yes the Valjoux ones, were rejected by all.
Who could want a mechanical watch, hand wind and without date?
If I had a good crystal ball ...
Q. What "worlds of wisdom" would you give a persons that is starting to collecting watches today? Read a lot.
Get informed (books, Internet) before doing any serious acquisition.
This can minimize your frustrations, that will happen from time to time, because is impossible to know everything even about a single brand.
Establish a good relationship with a great watchmaker and with serious sellers.
Try to hold your emotions during a "hunt" cycle.
I know that is hard to hold but try to remember that watches are made in multiples.
Think that another will show up later (Easy said than do).
Q. What annoys you most about this hobby? The sad fact that I need to keep all of my good pieces locked on a bank safe and I cannot wear.
I keep dreaming about the day where anyone can wear a good watch without being converted on a target.
Q. What makes you want to continue? Friendship.
I made few great friends based on this hobby and I enjoy, probably more than my watches, those informal meetings, full of information sharing and jokes.
Q. What mistakes have you made? Several, hundreds, a lot all of those mistakes were based on the emotion of the moment.
You are hunting, a piece pops up, adrenalin ... mistake.
Q. What other brands, besides Omega excites you? Zenith, JLC and others.
Q. What is your grail watch that you still don't own? You don't have enough paper to make a list.
Then the phone line went dead.
End of interview.
Thanks to all that had the patience to follow this series and a warm thank you to Mr. G. for sharing with us his beauties and words of wisdom.
Cheers,
Nilo
