Collection
In this captivating 'Collectors Profile,' Cookies introduces readers to Andrea, a distinguished Australian-Italian gentleman whose sartorial elegance and profound horological knowledge have made him a recognized figure in Sydney's luxury watch scene. Cookies meticulously documents Andrea's journey and insights, offering a rare glimpse into the mind of a seasoned collector and industry professional. This article delves into Andrea's personal connection with timepieces, from his early Flick Flack to his current A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 Moon Phase, providing a rich narrative that resonates with both new enthusiasts and long-time collectors.
It is a cold morning in Sydney and amidst the crowd of the city, I spot the silhouette of a European gentleman, with a proper wooden umbrella, dressed in a 3-piece suit. He walked elegantly, and towards a major high horology house.
Andrea, what watch are you wearing today?
Today, I am wearing a A. Lange & Söhne Lange 1 Moon Phase in Rose Gold.
How did you discover this hobby?
I have always worn a watch for as long as I can remember, from the blue Flick Flack I wore when I was 6 years old, through different Casio, Swatch and Seiko.
I always said that I could leave my home naked, but that I had to have 2 things with me at all times:
my house keys and my Watch.
In 2008 I bought my first “serious” watch.
A Rolex reference 16710 which I still have and wear in rotation.
My uncle, as a collector of Rolexes, was instrumental in the choice. I still remember his advice to search for a used one and pay a little more for it, in order to have it in good conditions and with cover box and papers.
Please tell us about your collection.
Let's say that since that first purchase, I have bought a watch every year, and unfortunately sometimes not just one.
Of course, I started out with the most emblazoned and mass-produced brands.
Now I try to stick to Timepieces that reflect more quality, money value and certainly the antithesis of mere social media speculation.
In your years of working in the watch retail market, what thoughts do you have of it? Where is the market headed to now?
It is a very fascinating market and I am proud to be part of it.
As everyone is different (or at least that would be the real beauty), so are the buyers.
There are those who are genuinely passionate about mechanics, there are those who only see the purely economic and status symbol side, there are those who follow fashions, there are those who are collector's enthusiasts, there are those who have extensive knowledge and are truly geeks but then in the end they never buy.
In short, the types of buyers are many.
It's just a great pity that the more time passes, the more I seem to observe a homogenisation in tastes and thoughts. But then again, this discourse is also applicable to a thousand other sectors and environments.
As a result, the market will always be in the hands of those who mass produce and choose the toy/brand/model of the moment, for those most susceptible to fashions and trends.
If you could only keep 1 watch, what would it be?
Most likely my very first good watch purchased that I mentioned above.
The Rolex GMT Master II #16710 is not only my baptism in this sick world of collecting, but according to my tastes, it is also one of the best watches out there in terms of:
Size, Wearability, Legibility, Accuracy, Versatility, Complication, Reliability, Retain & Gaining Value, Style, and History.
Which watch are you keenly eyeing as your next acquisition, and why?
I would love to add a 5035 Patek Philippe in white gold.
I miss an Annual Calendar in my collection, and I think it would be rightful go for the Creators of this complication.
I definitely prefer this reference to the current one, mainly because I like the even gentler and more refined 37mm size of the previous model and then because obviously as a first generation it got the aura of the classic future collector's piece, not to mention that in my opinion there are still examples around with an absolutely decent price.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to start in this hobby?
I don't want to be here saying the usual things like buy what you like and not what others like, and blah blah blah...
Rather not to make the mistake I see so many beginners make.
Calm down the impulse to buy, buy less, wait, and buy better, which will surely pay off in the long-term game. As I said at the beginning of this interview, the journey is long.
Many times, it is complicated and annoying, but many other times it is smooth and fantastic.
We all know that the “exit watch” does not exist and that the watch we buy today will certainly not be our last.
Thanks for sharing. And I always appreciate opinions and advice about this hobby.
I recalled Tom Selleck. Nice sleek piece. Looks better in the older version.
He’s got good advice. I wish I listened to him, and bought less but bought better.
This thread is active on the Horological Meandering forum with 7 replies. Share your knowledge with fellow collectors.
Join the Discussion →
