As February is the month of love, we spoke to our expert buyers to find out which timepieces sparked their love of horology, and which hold special meanings for them. These are their watch love stories.
Mark Toulson, Head of Watch Buying
Which is your most cherished timepiece?
It’s a Ulysse Nardin Maxi Marine Diver which I bought over ten years ago. It’s still in the current Ulysse Nardin collection but understandably has changed a little over time.
What makes this piece so special to you?
I think what makes it special to me is that it was my first “proper” watch. I’d worked in the industry a long time and seen many watches before settling on this. I liked it because it was a little under the radar and not an obvious choice.
As a brand they’d been around since 1846, suffered during the 1970’s quartz crisis and yet through the decades that followed remained innovative and relevant. For example, today we take for granted that many luxury watches contain silicon parts yet it was Ulysse Nardin who were the first to incorporate that material in a wristwatch way back in 2001.
Another factor was I’d met the then owner of the company – Rolf Schnyder, a hugely charismatic character who took over the company in 1983 when it had one employee and turned it into a hot house of innovative watch designs with many world firsts including the Astrolabium, the Planetarium Copernicus, the Freak and their incredible perpetual calendar which still takes some beating today.
In amongst his horological work he found time to be a skydiver, water-skier and compete on the bob-skeleton on the Cresta Run in St Moritz. He died in 2011 but was a force of nature and really lived “a life”!
What is your favourite thing about this timepiece?
I’d always loved the Diver collection for the clarity of its dial with its big, bold almost trapezoid hour markers and broad skeletonized hands with lume halfway along their length. There’s a power reserve at 12 o’clock and the sub seconds dial at 6 adds further interest along with the under the glass cyclops lens that magnifies the date. At almost 43mm it’s a big watch but it sits well on my wrist and is very comfortable thanks to its rubber strap.
The strap is particularly memorable as it smelled of vanilla when it was new, though sadly no more. I wear it often and it’s like meeting an old friend, comforting and so very familiar. I’m really proud to own it and that makes it very special to me.
Faye Soteri, Senior International Watch Buyer
Which is your most memorable timepiece?
My most memorable watch story started years before I worked in this industry – my Mum used to wear a steel and yellow gold Tank Francais, I always enamoured with it, always wanted to wear it and loved it on her wrist, now any Tank Francais is emotive for me – takes me back to being a little girl. I had no idea my love affair with watches would start then!
What makes this piece so special to you?
I knew how much it meant to Mum as it was a gift from my father. Ours wasn’t a home filled with lavish presents so when someone got something it was to be celebrated and cherished.
What is your favourite thing about this timepiece?
It’s an icon and true to the statement of being timeless. Even 30 years on it is an important part of the Tank collection. If you think about how many watches have come and gone in that time frame these models, these icons traverse generations.
Lisa Broun, Senior Buyer for UK
Which is your most cherished timepiece?
I have recently indulged myself with the new Rolex Oyster Perpetual 36m. I love the vibrancy of the new colour pops but opted to go for the beautiful silver sunray dial.
What makes this piece so special to you?
I have for so long wanted to invest in a Rolex model and last year when Rolex decided to enhance the OP collection I knew I needed this in my life!
What is your favourite thing about this timepiece?
This model is timeless, the 36m case size makes a bold statement but sits perfectly on the wrist.
Elizabeth Millward, Watch Buyer for the UK
Tell us, which is your most memorable/cherished timepiece/collection (if we still stock it, or similar, can you please provide product code):
Which is your most memorable timepiece?
Stainless steel Aquaracer, with a mother of pearl dial featuring 12 diamond dot’s in a 32mm case.
What makes this piece so special to you?
This was the first Swiss watch in my collection so it will always be special to me.
What is your favourite thing about this timepiece?
It is both sporty yet elegant with the mother of pearl dial and diamond hour markers so it can be worn for any occasion. I also love the size; it is perfect on my wrist at 32mm not too big or small.
These stories are a testament to how powerful the gift of a timepiece can be. Not only is it a beautiful gift, but the meaning behind presenting someone with a luxury watch is significant. They can be given to celebrate momentous occasions and milestones, and are often treasured for a lifetime. If you want to give the ultimate gift to a loved one and are looking for inspiration, we have our very own Virtual Boutique where one of our experts will guide you through the world of watches, and help you pick out the perfect one.
Start your own love story with Watches of Switzerland, Goldsmiths and Mappin & Webb in the UK, and Watches of Switzerland and Mayors in the US.
