Since the beginning of the year, the Fine Watch Club has steadily been gathering members across the globe (over 6,000 members now and counting) and providing unparalleled access to the behind-the-scenes of the industry’s biggest brands. But first and foremost, the Club is fostering a community of passionate watch enthusiasts and collectors. In a series of interviews, we get to know more about a select few of this diverse group of members, their collections and why they love watchmaking.
The first in our series is David Grunder, from Epalinges, Switzerland
What made you want to join FWC
Having been passionate for a number of years about watches—vintage watches for their history just as much as contemporary watches for their freshness and range—I have really come to appreciate the FWC’s approach to offer its members the possibility to share their passions with each other as well as enter the world of watchmaking through manufacture visits, which I have already had the chance to participate in, and meetings with professionals in the industry, all in a very friendly atmosphere. The FWC has given me the opportunity to learn, share and discuss as well as encourage my passion even more.
What first got you interested in fine watches?
In my opinion, a watch is an indispensable accessory for men as well as for women, and I think it’s important to appreciate this object for its everyday utility and its aesthetic aspects. For me, having a beautiful watch is the chance to wear an object that you can appreciate every time you look at it, and we look at our watches often in one day! A watch can be simple or come with complications, but that diversity makes them beautiful objects that I have become increasingly enamoured with.
What is your favourite watch in your collection?
Ever since my father bought me my first watch when I was a teenager, a Tissot Seastar Chrono, I have dreamt of one day owning a Rolex. Years later and after having annoyed my family and friends by consistently talking about watches here, watches there, I was incredibly lucky to receive (to my complete surprise) for my 40th birthday a magnificent blue Rolex Datejust 41. Every day I look at this watch and think about the people who took part in this present and become very proud.
In the past, I had the chance to own a Jaeger-LeCoultre Memovox Polaris II and I must admit that in terms of vintage, this watch is just marvellous.
Apart from the limited editions, what FWC activities and exclusive opportunities do you look forward to?
I had the change to visit the TAG Heuer Manufacture with members of the FWC and it was just incredible. I hope to one day be able to participate in the launch of a new model or to maybe go through the doors of one of the big watch fairs.
In the future, which brand would you like to see FWC work with to offer an exclusive limited edition?
I would love to find out more about the brand Blancpain and to give their watches a closer look. This manufacture has a deep history and I love the style of their dive watches like the Fifty Fathoms.
