Hi there, could you give a brief introduction of yourself? Do you remember your very first watch? What was the story behind it and how did it come to possession?
Hi I am Daryl also known as ldygunner85 on Instagram. I am rather active in Instagram and I love taking pictures of my watches and sharing it with the watch community! I have been into collecting watches on a more regular basis since 6 years back when I acquired my first luxury timepiece. This then lead me to a road of no return; I guess fellow watch collectors would know what I mean! My favorite brands from the luxury segments are Rolex and Patek Phillippe.
I also like to collect Seiko watches which I do acquire every now and then as they are very fun pieces to own, though it is not as affordable as it used to be especially with their limited edition models. My first watch as far as I remember was a Casio digital watch and the few others that followed were also Casio digital watches which were sort of rewards for attaining certain academic grades in primary school from my grandmother. It then progressed with Swatch watches which I had a few of them which came in the form of Christmas and birthday presents. It did not go beyond Swatch until my passion got reignited 6 years back when I purchase my first luxury watch.
How did the passion for luxury watches come about and what is it about watches that draws you to them?
Some people will call it materialism but I truly believe that a luxury timepiece is more than the premium you pay. It can be anything from its brand heritage, movement, look, finishing and the potential for value appreciation in the future though I do not really have any intention of selling my pieces! As Patek Philippe would say ‘You never actually own a Patek Philippe. You merely look after it for the next generation’
Personally for me, what really draws me to watches are the looks, finishing and how well it sits on your wrist.
At random times of the day, I would just spend minutes admiring the watch on my wrist on that particular day. It does serve as a way of relaxing while at work!
These days I also try to think of my luxury timepieces as an investment, so I do not feel that I am spending too much on watches!
That being said, the investment portfolio is doing quite well given how crazy the prices of sort after models have gone up these days!
Tell us more about your very first luxury watch story. How did you come to own that piece?
After spending a few years in the workforce, I started harboring thoughts of owning a luxury watch after accumulating a decent amount of savings. The first brand that would come into most people’s head would be a Rolex. When one of my cousins allowed me to try on the Rolex Submariner he had (ref. 16610). I was really impressed with it and really like how the watch looks on my wrist. Concurrently I also had another friend who was into luxury watches and we would frequently visit watch boutiques and pre-owned watch dealers together on weekends to try out watches.
After 6 months of research and window shopping, I decided that my first luxury timepiece would be a brand-new Rolex Submariner (ref. 116610LN). I was introduced to someone from Emperor Watch & Jewelry at Hilton Hotel and made my purchase there.
Let’s talk 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?
I currently own quite a variety of brands in my collection like Patek Philippe, Rolex, Panerai, Girard Perragaux, Tudor, Casio G-shock and Seiko watches. I guess up till now my favorite timepiece is still my Rolex Submariner (ref. 116610LN). I would often tell my friends that if I could only choose 1 watch from my collection, the Rolex Submariner would be my choice because of its versatility, evergreen design and that solid feel on the wrist. To me as well I will always remember it as my first luxury watch and a milestone in life.
I have talked quite a far bit about my Rolex Submariner so I will pick my number 2 favorite in my collection which is the Patek Philippe Aquanaut (ref. 5167a). I picked this watch up in a preowned watch dealer’s shop when the watch was dated 8 months old about 3 years ago. The irony of me picking this piece up was that I wasn’t a fan of it at the start. As time went by I began to appreciate its design, the dial which is unbeatable and its sleek design which makes it a really great piece and that finally lead to my purchase. I purchased it preowned as most ADs had a waiting list and after deciding I did not like to wait! I am glad I went ahead with my purchase back then as prices have shot through the roof in the preowned market for it and its pretty much unknown how long you have to wait for a brand new piece in an AD.
What will your next watch acquisition be?
My aim in the next 2 to 3 years would be the acquire the ‘Holy Trinity of Watches’ which currently I am lacking in my collection are timepieces from Audemars Piguet and Vacheron Constantin. I guess I will prioritize an AP Royal Oak as my next acquisition!
Thank you Daryl for sharing your watch story and collection with us! We hope you will be able to continue the growth of your "investment porfolio" For more pictures of his collection, you should definitely check out his Instagram and give him a follow!