The evening began with a greeting from Tatler Managing Director, Irene Martel Francisco, who expressed her gratitude to all who could make it to the call. Meanwhile, host and Tatler Homes editor Stephanie Zubiri introduced Vintage Grail’s Paolo Martel and Jesse Maxwell, both of whom shared a warm welcome to the crowd. Making the night even more special, calling in from New York was Paul Boutros, Head of Americas for Philips Watches, who had a lot of insight about collecting and the latest market trends.

Whether you’re a long-time horology enthusiast or a budding collector, here are a few takeaways from the event that will guide you as you explore the intricate world of watchmaking:

“If I really like a particular piece, I don’t mind buying it in different finishes,” Duday Tuason shared. “I like the [Patek Philippe] Nautilus 7118[/1200R-010], it’s one of my favourites, [alongside] the [Audemars Piguet] Ladies Royal Oak, the Bvlgari Serpenti, the Cartier Pasha… I buy to use, so I make sure that [what I invest in] is comfortable [to wear].” Tuason further related that collecting is all about following your personal style and desires.

Although there are many trendy pieces springing up left and right, there are certain watches that truly catch your eye and fit your lifestyle. At the end of the day, it’s always best to go with pieces that you’ll love not only for the time being but in the foreseeable future as well. 

 “Keeping time is something everyone has in common,” Paul Boutros chimed in when asked about the different trends across the globe. From the perspective of an auction house, he further mentioned that “there are [still] subtle differences in different regions”.

“American collectors tend to prefer white metals, like stainless steel, platinum, and white gold. If we switch to Europe, the Italians tend to be the tastemakers – especially in vintage. They have a very strong interest in [this], more so than the rest of the world,” Boutros continued.

“Finally, Asia—I see a greater interest in modern watches and with regards to case metals, they prefer rose gold. There is also a significant interest in pocket watches, believe it or not. […] Numbers matter. Especially for limited-edition pieces, the serial number is important—they avoid the serial number 4 and love to acquire serial numbers with 8.”

Among the guests was businessman Steven Tan who mentioned that he’s always been interested in watches, researching them even as a high-schooler. For his graduation, his father gifted him a Rolex; a piece that surely holds a special place in his heart. Thus, he sees watches not only as collectables but as thoughtful presents for special occasions (to himself or others).

Earlier in the call, Boutros had shared photos of pieces from his own collection which included a Rolex Daytona "Rainbow". “I always thought [that iteration] was quite feminine,” Tan related, “but seeing Paul wearing it, makes me think differently.”

“What’s nice about watches nowadays, is that [there are fewer boundaries],” Zubiri gave her two cents. “I like wearing men’s watches; I enjoy the large faces despite having smaller wrists,” she added proudly.

[When building a collection], “try to pay a premium for the best and not seek a bargain”, said Boutros. Acquiring exceptional pieces requires an equally exceptional purveyor to help you in your journey as a collector.

“You don’t want to go to sleep thinking if what you [bought] isn’t original,” Tuason suggested similarly. Thus, when investing in something you’re truly passionate about, it doesn’t hurt to have trusted experts by your side – especially ones that share your level of passion.

Chris Lichauco, a long-time collector, shared that his love for watches began with exploring vintage pieces. “Like my modern first edition books, I was a completist. I collected JD Salinger books… [eventually], that [passion] also translated to my vintage Rolex collection. I [sought after] every variation of the sports models. The Rolex 5513, I wanted to collect [pieces] from 1966 to 1978,” he said. Despite his elaborate collection, Lichauco was careful to express that there are still pieces he dreams to call his own, among which is a [Chronomètre a] Résonance [by] F.P. Journe.

Much like Lichauco, many watch collectors are fueled by their deep interest of the craft and an inexhaustible sense of adventure. As intricate as the field of horology can be, it lends itself to passionate individuals who are willing to put in the time and effort in appreciating unique timepieces born by talented artisans.

If you’re anything like the individuals who joined Tatler’s virtual gathering, then you’d surely attest to the evening’s overarching theme: watch collecting, it truly is a love affair.

To know more about Vintage Grail, visit their website: vintagegrail.com. For more information about Tatler's virtual events, reach out to Nikki Martel via nikki@tatlerphilippines.com. 

Browse through their August 2021 catalog here.