A good watch serves a whole bunch of functions. The right one will: be a reliable lifelong buddy on your wrist, reflect your style and interests, tell a riveting story, and find a second life as a cherished heirloom for future kids. The most difficult part of putting together a stellar watch collection is knowing where to start. We had a wonderful opportunity to speak to Fiorella from Instagram @fiore.watch.diary about her love of watches. Full interview below:
Fiorella, what triggered your interest in collecting watches?
F: Since I was a young girl I have always had an interest in watches, I remember being very excited when I received my first Flick Flack from my parents at 9 years old and since then I have never stopped wearing a watch. However, my real passion for collecting watches started when I was working at Richemont for IWC Schaffhausen and I was introduced to the beautiful world of watchmaking and haute horlogerie.
What was the first “real” watch you purchased? Do you still own it?
F: My first “real” watch was a gift from my dad when I turned 25, a Tag Heuer Carrera with mother-of-pearl dial and diamonds on the bezel. My first “real” or luxury watch purchase was an IWC Portofino 37 Moonphase (one of my favourite complications) with a gorgeous green alligator strap. I still have both watches.
Fiorella, what do watches mean to you? Jewelry, status symbol, something else perhaps?
F: Watches for me are beautiful mechanical and handcrafted pieces of art that one wears around the wrist. It is both a tool and a jewel. For me it completes my outfit and gives me confidence. Of course, it can be a status symbol, but I wear them because of how they make me feel: confident and happy.
Do you have a favorite genre or era of watches that you are more focused on or interested in?
F: Not necessarily, I like watches from all eras. I am particularly interested in watches with a timeless appeal and that have a solid movement. I also prefer watches that are versatile and can be dressed up or down and prefer larger case sizes that are 37mm up.
What was your recent watch acquisition? and what prompted your decision to get this watch?
F: I am in the process of acquiring a Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso. This timepiece for me means classic elegance, timeless design and transmits all the watchmaking heritage of the maison.
Three watches for the rest of your life… go.
F: A Rado Captain Cook, an IWC Perpetual Calendar and an AP Royal Oak Skeleton.
What is your favorite piece in your collection and what special meaning does it hold for you?
F: This tends to vary but I am absolutely in love with my Captain Cook, the high-tech ceramic dial is stunning, and the rice grain style bracelet is so comfortable. It is also an extremely versatile timepiece that works well with many outfits. It also holds a special meaning because I started wearing this timepiece in a moment of a lot of changes and uncertainty in my life so it also reminds me that change can be good.
What is the hardest aspect of maintaining a big watch collection?
F: Wearing all the watches! Haha and always wanting more!
What is your favorite thing about this industry?
F: That it is an industry with so much history, tradition, and craft. Moreover, I have met some of the most kind and interesting people in it.
Something you wish we would see more of in the watch industry?
F: I think something that we have started to see more in the industry and that I love, is that the watch brands are building closer ties with customers, whether it’s through social media or by offering incredible experiences that make customers feel closer to the brands and develop stronger relationships with them. I would also like to see more women in the industry, and watches not being labelled for men or women, which is slowly happening.
Fiorella, anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
F: I started my watch blog during the pandemic as a way to express my love for timepieces and I am so grateful to the watch community for their acceptance, love and appreciation. I have met wonderful individuals. I am also thankful for this opportunity and of being able to share what I love, and I hope I can encourage some women to take more interest in watches and watchmaking.
