“I like classic watches with a twist”

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“I like classic watches with a twist” - Fine Watch Club
1 minute read
Invited to Zermatt by the Fine Watch Club, collector Carlo Impagliazzo talks about his passion for fine watchmaking, by telling us about his favourite watches

What’s your favourite watch?
It’s a Venturer in red gold from H. Moser & Cie that I bought around five years ago. I wear it often. First, because I appreciate the highly sensual case design, with its curves and sense of movement. I also love the work on the dial: it’s a fumé design with a magnificent brown gradient. I love all the details, in fact, from the faceted hour markers that bounce the light in different directions when you move your wrist, to the incredibly slender hands that appear to prolong the line of the indexes. Then there’s the movement finishes, which are simply breathtaking. It’s an extremely elegant watch. It might look traditional at first glance, but if you focus on the details it’s actually highly complex. It’s a perfect reflection of the wealth of watchmaking creativity. 

“I like classic watches with a twist”

What was the first watch you bought?
The very first watch I bought was a 1975 Rolex Cellini. The tonneau-shaped case and dial are made from red gold. It’s not the type of watch you see very often but it suits my taste: classic, with a twist. 

What will your next purchase be?
Almost certainly a Parmigiani, particularly since they revised their collections. Over the last two or three years, their design has evolved considerably. They’ve modernised, and I must say that the Tonda PF is a triumph. The entire collection is a synthesis of the kind of style I love: minimalist and elegant. I think I’ll go for something without complications, but I do pay close attention to the movement. I remember when I first discovered watches, I wasn’t at all interested in the mechanical side. Today, it’s fundamental for me. In the beginning, I viewed my watches as essentially functional objects. I wasn’t particularly into watchmaking. But when I began working as an artistic director in the watch industry I started to see watches in a different light. My tastes have changed! 

“I like classic watches with a twist”

 

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