Ep #49: The Watch Collector Talks Mainstream vs Independent Watches with Ollie Al-Falah
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Welcome back to your favourite watch-related podcast.
Have you ever considered giving up on the generic world of mainstream watches? Well, hold that thought! In this latest episode, our guest is a collector deeply immersed in the mysterious world of independent watches but still retains a love for the watches from where it all began.
Join us with Ollie Al-Falah, YouTube's "The Watch Collector", who loves a mainstream brand, but became so engrossed in the independent watch world that he ended up investing in the company he bought his first high horology independent watch from, UK-based The Limited Edition.
Find out how HYT was his gateway drug into this weird and wonderful rabbit hole and how he moved on from Casio, Omega, Rolex, (and Animal!) to Bulgari, Czapek and the incredible Laurent Ferrier, with its world-famous finishing.
This episode shows how these artisans of the watch world really do challenge the norm, awaken our inner risk-taker, and perhaps bring out the peacock in all of us (to an acceptable and tasteful degree of course!).
So buckle up and enjoy the ride as we delve deep into the symbiotic coexistence of mainstream and independent watch brands.
First up are the wristwatch checks: Ollie is wearing his Laurent Ferrier Grand Sport Auto. Next, Parm has the Atelier Wen Millésime. Finally, Andy wraps things up with the Gagà Laboratorio Labormatic Bauhaus.
Now we take a look at the watches from Ollie's early days of collecting. First up is the very first watch he owned—the Casio Calculator Watch with a TV remote function. Next is the Animal Watch, a digital-analog model featuring an Anilight lume. Finally, we see the watch that captured his attention around the age of 13 or 14: the Omega Seamaster 300 Pro James Bond (GoldenEye), which he finally received for his 25th.
The brand that sparked Ollie's passion for independents is HYT. It all began with the HYT Green Skull Limited Edition, marking the start of his journey with The Limited Edition. Further examples of why Ollie holds this brand in high regard include the HYT Moon Runner and the Conical Tourbillon Black Eklipse.
Taking a look at the first watch Ollie picked up from his AD: the Rolex Hulk (Ref. 116610LV)!
We finish off today’s show notes with the four watches that represent Ollie’s current journey: the Laurent Ferrier Grand Sport, the Salmon Czapek Antarctique, the Patek Philippe 5728 Nautilus, and the Bulgari Octo Finissimo Skeleton. See the videos of each below.
The Laurent Ferrier Grand Sport
The Czapek Antarctique Salmon
The Patek Philippe 5728 Nautilus
The Bulgari Octo Finissimo Skeleton
Thank you for tuning in! As always, let us know your thoughts on the show and the topics discussed in the comments below. Until then, we’ll talk to you on the next one.
