1) Hi there, could you give a brief introduction of yourself? Do you remember your very first watch and what was the story on how it came to possession?
Hi friends at Global Watch Service, my name is Chris and I go under the moniker as LunetteVerde on Instagram and in watch forums. My favourite watch brand is Rolex and I primarily collect vintage Rolexes.
I actually still own my very first watch, it’s an ORIS F1 Williams carbon fibre dial. It was an impulse buy when I was a huge fan of Formula 1 GP motorsports back then. I still wear this as my daily beater watch.
2) How did the passion for luxury watches come about and what is it about watches that draws you to them?
It started with my Oris. I was fascinated by the mechanical built of automatic calibers and how skilful old watchmakers was back then without mass production equipment or CNC precision machines etc. After my interest was piqued, I started surfing vintage watch forums and bought my first Rolex 6694 with custom specialty UAE dial with my bonus back in 2004.
3) Tell us more about your very first luxury watch. What factors did you consider before deciding on that piece?
I was pretty much clueless what to get for my first Rolex. The watch dealer was kind enough to suggest to get an affordable piece (S$1.8k) that spotted a rare dial. During that time, Middle East custom dials were unpopular at that time. It made my watch stand out. I felt that it wasn’t about what I want but fate had it that it was a good advice.
4) Tell us more about your watch collection. What is your favorite watch in your collection and could you tell us the significance of it? Was it a milestone acquisition or does it have sentimental value?
My focus is mostly on vintage Rolex sports models. I recall the time when I bought my first sports model, it was a 16610LV Mark 1 full set. Hence my moniker “Lunette Verde”. My most admired sports model range is Rolex Sea Dweller 1665 with HEV as it was made to be a true tool watch.
The holy grail would be my Rolex 1665 Comex with Pisani dial as it was a very momentous purchase. With a fellow watch collector’s help, I managed to track down a Comex in UK – I flew the seller in to buy the watch directly. As there were around 300 pieces made solely for Comex, it was a bucket list checked for me.
5) What will your next watch acquisition be?
As you might have guessed, I’m looking for another Comex of course! Can’t get enough of it!
Thank you Chris, for sharing your watch story with us! Do give Chris a follow on Instagram if you like to see more photos from a vintage Rolex collector.