This is my favorite category, to the point where I’ve ‘almost’ made a promise to myself to only buy watches when I am traveling. There is so much more meaning and memories.
I have several in my collection but here is one favorite :
First, a Rolex 16610 (2002, holes case, but SEL) which I bought in Rome while visiting my daughter who was studying in Italy. My other daughter was with me at the time. This one ticked several boxes. It was originally sold in Rome — my favorite city— from Bandiera & Bedetti, who I understand brought the Rolex brand to Italy. It’s a truly complete full set with the original credit card slip and everything.
My wife and I are in Italy pretty much every summer and this one has returned on holiday. The vintage dealer whom I purchased it from was a true gentleman. His shop is a stone’s throw from the Vatican, and it is so cool, with a hooded door in the floor that opens the hen he presses a button. We talked watches for a very long time and he was proud to show me many of his treasures, and I am happy to have bought this from him.
I happen to love that this watch lived its life in Rome, and that it’s vintage, but useable. I swim in the sea with it, which is a pleasure.