In the heart of Geneva, amidst the whirlwind of Watches and Wonders, a gathering at Coffee Up café became the epicenter of attention for watch enthusiasts. This unassuming spot, nestled in the city's core, played host to a diverse crowd of collectors, insiders, and industry luminaries. The occasion? A celebration of Loupe This' partnership with Collectability, the Patek Philippe resale platform. The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation as the likes of Phil Toledano, Mike Nouveau, and Eric Ku, all stalwarts of the watch world, converged on this singular address from 5 to 7 p.m. The event was a testament to the allure of Patek Philippe, with Collectability's founder, John Reardon, revealing a game-changer: the ability to purchase Patek Philippe watches under $30,000, a revelation that sent ripples through the crowd.
But the real intrigue lay in the eyes of the collectors, who were eager to share their insights on the week's new releases. Among the myriad of timepieces, a few stood out, each with its own unique allure. Fred Savage, founder of Timepiece Grading Specialists, was captivated by Parmigiani Fleurier's TondaPFChronograph Mystérieux, a watch that exuded understated elegance. In his words, 'Parmigiani does the opposite of showing off; they reinvent the chronograph, the GMT, and even the perpetual calendar, all while maintaining an air of simplicity.'
Eric Ku, co-founder of Loupe This, was equally enthralled, singling out Audemars Piguet's Établisseurs Galets as his favorite. The watch, with its shaped movement and pebble-like bridges, was a testament to the brand's commitment to tradition and craftsmanship. Ku noted, 'The whole idea of the Établisseurs line is about doing cool things the old way, with different craftsmen collaborating. It's not motivated by financial reasons.'
Peter Orlov, a London-based collector, was smitten with Zenith's G.F.J. Calibre 135, a limited edition piece with a tantalum case and a black onyx dial. The watch, with its natural diamond indices and mother-of-pearl subdial, was a stunning example of the brand's craftsmanship. Orlov remarked, 'Zenith knocked it out of the park for me. The tantalum case is tricky to work with, but the result is stunning.'
Giancarlo Rosselli, founder of The Watch Society, was in awe of IWC's Schaffhausen Big Pilot's Watch Perpetual Calendar Ceralume. The watch, with its luminescent dial, was a nod to the brand's love for lume. Rosselli added, 'IWC knocked it out of the park with everything they did. The Ultra-Thin and Dual Times in titanium were incredible.'
Asher Rapkin, co-founder of Collective Horology, was taken by Armin Strom's Minute Repeater Resonance 12:59 and Niton Prima. The Minute Repeater, with its resonance and Westminster minute repeater, was a testament to the brand's understanding of collectors' preferences. Rapkin observed, 'The complexity felt simple and integrated, rather than forced. It represents serious high watchmaking and a major step forward for Armin Strom.'
Stephen Pulvirent, founder and principal of Rime & Reason, was enamored with Bulgari's Octo Finissimo 37 mm. The watch, a 21st-century icon, was a clear standout, with its beautiful proportions and iconic style. Pulvirent mused, 'The Octo Finissimo is one of the very few 21st-century watches that I feel 100 percent comfortable calling iconic. It's one we'll still be talking about 10, 20, 50 years from now.'
In the end, the gathering at Coffee Up was more than just a party; it was a microcosm of the watch world, where tradition met innovation, and craftsmanship was celebrated. As the sun set over Geneva, the buzz of conversation and the clinking of glasses filled the air, a testament to the enduring allure of horology. From the understated elegance of Parmigiani to the innovative spirit of Armin Strom, the event was a reminder that in the world of watches, there's always something new and exciting to discover.
