Cover Photo: Courtesy of FutureGrail
Photo: Courtesy of FutureGrail
1 / 1
Tatler+
Get to know FutureGrail, the premier watch investment advisory firm that opens in Singapore this April
If you had invested in luxury watches ten years ago, some brands since then would have outperformed the stock market, real estate, or gold. It's no wonder that high-end watches have become one of the hottest new asset classes, eclipsing other passion investments such as artwork, wines, cars, and even jewellery. Every year, some US$560 million worth of luxury watches are bought and sold by the four biggest auction houses alone.
But obviously, not all watches and brands are alike and the challenge for collectors and investors is to know which quality timepieces to pick for their collections.
This is the need that FutureGrail was created to meet. It's an investment advisory company with a difference: started by watch collectors for watch collectors, the company, which launches in Singapore this month, specialises in rare and exquisite timepieces. The company advises both new and veteran collectors alike and also helps them acquire, sell and store the watches through its facility, services, proprietary auction platform, and network of watch experts and collectors.
Don't miss: Watches & Wonders 2023: Our favourite 10 watches
Above Peek into the newest hotspot for high-end watch collectors
FutureGrail was started by watch collector and investor Ali Nael, who serves as CEO, and his business partner Mohsin Rizvi, who is the COO. The company also recently welcomed the renowned horology historian Arnaud Tellier as Head of Curation. Tellier was head of the Patek Philippe Museum for 12 years and brings his unparalleled expertise and experience to the organisation.
“I saw a gap in the market when I became a serious collector,” says Nael, who has been collecting investment-grade timepieces since 2009. “It was a challenge getting accurate authentication and valuation for the watches, and finding secure, safe storage and space where I could enjoy the collection with fellow collectors. I also wanted to share my passion for rare and vintage watches with other collectors so I envisioned a members’ club that would offer all these services,” explains Nael.
Above Photo: Courtesy of FutureGrail
Above Photo: Courtesy of FutureGrail
Photo: Courtesy of FutureGrail
1 / 2
Nael is a specialist collector of iconic and vintage Patek Philippe timepieces and his passion for the maison led him to author a book on the brand entitled My Dream Collection in 2019. His substantial collection of over 200 historical pieces, dating back to 1800, is the foundation of the new FutureGrail Watch Museum, located in the company’s headquarters, which opens to the public this month. The Museum showcases some of the rarest and most historically-significant timepieces as well as antique hand-crafted bejewelled artefacts. In addition to its permanent exhibits, it will also host thematic exhibitions periodically to educate and inspire collectors.
Photo: Courtesy of FutureGrail
1 / 4
One of FutureGrail’s most novel and revolutionary offerings is a series of first-in-the-world online auctions where watches can be sold and purchased through fractionalised ownership and paid for with either traditional fiat monies or cryptocurrencies.
In case you missed it: From Canvas to Code: NFTs are Prized on the Auction Block
Fractionalised ownership has gained popularity with various assets, such as fine art, antiquities, wines and rare items. However, for the first time, this system is being employed for an online auction of rare watches. This innovative method of asset sales offers several benefits for both buyers and sellers. By breaking down the ownership of a high-value asset into smaller shares and making them available for purchase through fixed-price offerings and auctions, it enables a wider pool of potential buyers to participate in the market. Moreover, it lowers the barrier to entry, making it more accessible to investors who were previously priced out of the market. Additionally, fractionalised ownership allows asset owners to monetise their assets without selling them outright, retaining partial ownership while also fractional permitting investors to exit their investments more quickly and cost-effectively in the future.
Above Photo: Courtesy of FutureGrail
Above Photo: Courtesy of FutureGrail
Photo: Courtesy of FutureGrail
1 / 2
Shares of assets bought at FutureGrail’s auctions will be tracked on the blockchain and with NFTs, which will serve as digital proof of ownership and be used for all future buying, selling and transferring of the assets. The NFTs will carry details on the timepiece’s report, grading, and provenance for full visibility and transparency.
True to Nael’s vision, FutureGrail offers a comprehensive array of services. It has state-of-the-art secure storage vaults, which enjoy tax-free status. The vaults are protected by both FutureGrail and international security specialists, Malca-Amit and are fully insured. In addition, the club holds regular educational, recreational and business events, including talks and seminars by experts and industry leaders, cocktail receptions, B2B trade activities, and more.
FutureGrail’s Grand Opening will take place in Singapore on April 26-28, 2023. To book a visit, register online at futuregrail.com.
NOW READ
Auction house Phillips unveils its new Asia headquarters in Hong Kong with inaugural exhibition
Have you heard about the amazing Omega 14-second story?
Wristcheck’s Austen Chu on ageism in the watch industry and attracting Gen Z collectors
