Does the Bulgari Octo Finissimo Steel truly belong with the big hitters? We put two Trinity Watches next to it to find out….
While I have my loupe on and shirtsleeves turned up, consider this article an appointment with a hypnotist. Because, in my opinion, there is a pressing need to reset the preconceptions of the ‘Holy Trinity’, and to call out the desire created by inaccessibility for what it really is: which is FOMO. Not being able to have things. How it makes us want to have things. But the three-watch comparison we have created here is not a setup with a predetermined outcome. Perhaps, after all, we should leave existing structures of worship intact. Perhaps the ‘Trinity’ is timeless? Untouchable? The Bulgari Octo Finissimo in satin-polished steel that emerged in January this year is the perfect contender to shake up the dream team duo. Finally, there is a more casual, and more capable, steel version of the Octo Finissimo priced to sell, with its virtual gloves on, ready to contest the Sports Integrated Championship belt. The contender will go up against the two icons, the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Ref.15202 (not pictured in the hand, that’s a 15500) and the Patek Philippe Nautilus 5711, at double and four times the price. A tall order? Let’s see… The case of the Nautilus…
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It might be a coincidence, or it might be provenance. But what was once a supplier of professional tool watches for the masses has slowly but surely become the undisputed king that wears the crown among luxury brands. Rolex dominates auction catalogues, while holding and appreciating in value for the lucky owners, and is only readily available for most on the grey market – with commensurate premiums and markups attached. While the financially fortunate are able to succour to these higher prices, and in the process skip the enigma that is the Rolex “wait list”, most everyday consumers are left in a vexed position if they want to buy any of the current collection. It’s simply not an option, without a long and established relationship with your local AD that is. So, the burning question: are there any bargains left in the Rolex catalogue? And are they actually available? Let’s take a look at four candidates. Rolex Datejust – smooth bezel, Oyster bracelet configuration Rolex Datejust models are a staple within the Rolex catalogue, with ladies models supposedly racking up the most sales for the brand each year – take that, patriarchy! Bringing it back to the subject at hand,…
For a kid growing up in rural Victoria, Australia, England always seemed closer than the 16,000 or so kilometres away that it was in actuality. We had to sing God Save The Queen once a week. There was a picture of the Queen in our classrooms, and my dad had a serious penchant for English literature. The only books in my childhood house were about steam trains and wars that England won. Little England, for real. The bedtime book most favoured, Paddington Bear. So, in my mind over the years, I’ve dreamed of the place. When I could finally visit it, in my early 20s, I was not disappointed. The people reading books on the Tube. The markets. The accent that makes everyone sound so blooming intelligent. The apologising for everything. The shitty weather. London felt like home. Which is why, 20 years later, I am quietly overjoyed to be opening an office in my second favourite city (I do quite fancy Melbourne, where I live and where T+T is based). It’s a humble beginning, very much like ours in 2014. Where back then it was a couple of people sitting in a small office one floor above a laneway…