Nathan’s latest timepiece, a Panerai Luminor 1950 3 Days Power Reserve GMT (PAM 00321)

Today we’re speaking with Nathan. He is, by far, the most serious watch collector I have ever met. And not just because of his mind-blowing timepiece collection — more so because of his passion and knowledge about timepieces. Nathan has owned Audemars-Piguet, Rolex, Breguet and, most recently…Panerai. Here is my Q&A with Nathan.

Are you enjoying the current “boom” in watchmaking and the recent surge in popularity of mechanical timepieces? Or did you prefer when watch collecting was the realm of a small number of fanatic connaisseurs?

This surge is a reflection of the growing appreciation of the art of watchmaking by more and more people. Watches have evolved from tools of timekeeping to objects of great craftsmanship. The audience is much wider, and the choices are much richer. I therefore enjoy this environment very much.

What was the last timepiece you acquired and what is the next timepiece on your radar?

Last timepiece acquired: Panerai Luminor 1950 3-day power reserve GMT PAM 00321

Next (potential) acquisition on my radar: A. Lange & Soehne Lange 1 Timezone (yellow or rose gold)

Which “up-and-coming” brands are you following?

Panerai

Franc Vila

Greubel Forsey

Which brand have you never owned, but would like to own?

Blancpain

Patek Philippe (Nautilus)

A. Lange & Soehne

Which aspect of a mechanical timepiece do you enjoy the most?

The style, the statement that it reflects, the quality and ingenuity of the craftsmanship

My preferred feature is the second timezone and the world time

Was there ever one defining moment that got you “hooked” on watches?

I don’t remember specifically, but I received an issue of Robb Report in 1998, with a complete review on fine watchmaking. This is when the love story started.

How would you describe your taste as a collector?

My taste for watches is quite diversified. I like to have a collection with the following timepieces:

a dressy, simple piece, preferably with a black dial for evening wear and tuxedos

a diver piece (Audemars Piguet diver or similar)

a GMT dual time zone

a World Time (multiple time zones)

a chronograph

a perpetual calendar

a minute repeater

an equation of time

If you were going to design your very own fantasy timepiece, which features and functions would it have?

It would be a tourbillon, with a minute repeater, a perpetual calendar with world time(multiple time zones) – 43 mm diameter in rose gold

How many hours per week do you spend reading about watches or viewing watch-related websites?

3 to 5 hours

Would you ever wear a smartwatch?

Not as a serious watch, but only out of curiosity. I would probably only wear to the gym!