FROM A HUMBLE Seiko automatic chronograph - a beautiful piece that still forms part of his collection - the legendary watch collector and November 2022 cover personality Laurent Picciotto would recall that seminal moment when his father took him to the "Les Temporelles" gallery on Place Vendôme in 1974. The 12-year-old was transfixed by "the Royal Oak my father chose. It had a futuristic air about it. It was the watch of the future."
In 1987, Picciotto finally jumped waist-deep into the industry, opening his own boutique; and 30 years on, that address has become one of the epicentres of the worldwide watchmaking galaxy: Chronopassion. That "boy" would also become one of the "Fs" at Max Busser & Friends and a foundational investor of stratospheric brand, Richard Mille.
Befriending these pioneering brands at the dawn of the millennium, Picciotto spotted and befriended them all and they have proven disruptive to the industry he so loved. Speaking to Phillips on the eve of the auction of his collection, he said, "Some were more artists than watchmakers, for some it was the other way round; but they were all gripped by the same obsession - bringing something new to the world of watchmaking, as I had done 10 years previously." Today, as August Mentor for Watches, he advises the next generation of Augustmen on the hot watches to look out for.
HYT Moon Runner
This story is from the Issue 185 edition of August Man SG.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the Issue 185 edition of August Man SG.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Santos De Cartier: A New Era
Originally A Way Of Intertwining The Cartier Brand With The Daring Spirit Of Aviation, It Now Stands As An Icon Of Luxury And Elegance.
Reaching For The Stars
A tribute to the past, with a modern twist Omega reimagines the iconic, space-travelling Speedmaster CK 2998 for the contemporary collector.
Infinity Stones
In A Quiet Release, Hublot Unveiled A New Classic Fusion Range That Takes Inspiration From The Natural World-and I Love It.
The New Rules Of Corporate
There's A Lot More To G2000 Today Than Just That Black Suit.
A Clear Vision Of The Future
With the proliferation of its Myopia Centres, local eyecare brand W Optics is keeping Singaporeans clear-sighted for the future.
Paradise Foud
It's time to give tuning out its due. We all need a break from the group chat(s).
The Future Will Be Pixelated, Probably
What are the implications on one's lived experience as online life is rife with meaning and possibilities?
GROWING PAINS
AT MILAN FASHION WEEK, ONITSUKA TIGER UNVEILED ITS SPRING/SUMMER 2025 COLLECTION, WHICH TOUCHES ON A SUBJECT EACH OF US IS MORE THAN FAMILIAR WITH.
A Watch For The Global Citizen
Before you make your travel plans for 2025, get the perfect watch for the modern nomad.
MAKING INVESTING MORE DELICIOUS
FINANCE INDUSTRY VETERAN WALTER DE OUDE IS COMBINING HIS ERUDITION AND EXPERIENCE WITH THE STAR POWER OF HENRY GOLDING TO BRING US AN INVESTMENT PLATFORM THAT'S MUCH SWEETER THAN MOST.
