Because they are scarce and dear, many idiots with money collect Breguet watches, although they are people who cannot distinguish between a fine watch and one worth ‘two and six’… Yet these stupid people, who spend their money without deriving any pleasure, have a use in the world. In the case of such a collector he preserves much that is of value from destruction for the enjoyment of the present and future generations.”
The mordant comment was derived from a century ago by Sir David L. Salomons (1921), whose collection of 87 Breguet’s original masterpieces were dubbed the largest and most varied of the kind
When browsing those well-preserved vintage pieces in Antoine de Macedo’s watch store at the heart of Paris, Salomons’ observation seems still relevant even a century later.
L’horlogerie Antoine de Macedo was a magnet to the vintage horology Aficionados. The founders Antoine has been running his watch business for over 30 years. What’s very particular about this store is its extensive and well-curated collections of vintage watches. Almost every watch in the store has seen and chosen by Antoine himself. “All the watch we buy I check the watches, and give it a service, repair it and to display it in the window.” Said Antoine. And he only chose watches that are interesting, that are of excellent quality and are very special in some way.
Antoine’s offers more than vintage pieces. Having a dedicated vitrine in the antechamber to display Laurent Ferrier’s masterpieces, Antoine de Macedo’s watch boutique is an official retailer of Laurent Ferrier, one of the greatest independent watchmakers in the world. Antoine also has a very close relationship with Mr Ferrier, who would come to the store roughly every year to hold events and meet his clients.
An article with a great historical depth!
Dear Giovanni, Thanks for the kind comment!