Winding Down The Weekend
A weekly update on what to check out in the world of watches.
by Charlie Dunne
Richard Mille Robbery
Rocco Parascandola of the New York Daily News reported yesterday on the ongoing saga of people being robbed while wearing a Richard Mille. While Parascandola mentions that it is unclear that the 33-year old was targeted outside of his 4-star hotel for his timepiece, one can only point out that the RM seems to be analogous to a sign on one’s forehead that reads “Rob Me”.
I recall walking in downtown St. Augustine during 2018 and noticing a man in his 50s walking with his wife. On his wrist was a Richard Mille. I commented that I liked his watch, and immediately his facial expression turned to one of horror. I realized by pointing out that I was aware of his watch he had become incredibly uncomfortable about his safety. Perhaps it was some sort of ongoing nightmare of his that he would be bludgeoned with a U-BOAT, have the RM taken, and be left with the oversized-dive watch with him as a final act of disrespect.
Upon noticing his concern, I apologized. I emphasized that I didn’t mean to give him a fright and I was merely a watch enthusiast. He quickly realized I was not a threat and clarified he was embarrassed about his reaction. He stated he was just being “overly paranoid” and that interaction always stuck with me. Years later, it is quite apparent he was right to be nervous as it seems a RM robbery is in the news at least once a month.
My personal opinion on the matter is that the watch brand seems to invite all types of issues that detract from the enjoyment of the timepiece. While I can appreciate the aesthetics and brand cache, it is quite a sad state for the wearers who have to always look over their shoulders. Perhaps the Hublot should pass the torch to RM and give them liberty for a series of Bernie Ecclestone advertisements. Just a thought.
Image credit: @nycwatchguy
What I’m Watching
Rolex 'Cellini King Midas' reference 4015
Coming up at Wright's April 1t Watch Auction: The Chicago Edit is a variety of eclectic timepieces. One, in particular, is the Cellini King Midas reference 4015 with the red-mirror dial. This coral-colored offering is certainly not the typical aesthetic we associate with The Crown. The horizontally reeded case has an added flamboyance even for an asymmetrical wristwatch. With more acknowledgment comes more respect for the King Midas. Several have been popping up on social media, and perhaps the watch has a bright future ahead.
See the Rolex King Midas reference 4015 here.
Patek Philippe reference 3270/1J
One particularly cool Patek Philippe popped up on the IG story of Collectability in the form of a reference 3270/1J. While the discussion of watch designers’ integrated bracelet designs can be quite redundant, this one is a breath of fresh air. Gilbert Albert’s designs for Patek Philippe remain the most imaginative to this day. While I’m a huge fan of the Ricochet pocket watches by Eggly & Cie, it is hard to make a case against Markowski cases being the most important from the Albert era.
Find the Patek Philippe reference 3270/1J here. For a great resource on the most radical designs from Patek Philippe, read Tania Edward’s article ‘Gilbert Albert: The Genius Designer Who Changed The Face of Watchmaking’ from 2021.
Enicar Memostar alarm watch
Wes Wynne over at Collector’s Corner NY is making noise with the alarms this week. While his Croton/Nivada Grenchen Wanderer flew off the shelf, he added another ringer to the site in the form of an Enicar Memostar reference 298-01-01. For those in the know, Enicar’s history is really spectacular and was faithfully documented by Saturn’s Patron Saint Martijn van der Ven. Kudos to CCNY spreading the good word on the “undervalued” complication!
Learn more about the Enicar Memostar here.
