We’ve said it before, watch collectors come in all sizes and types. From all sorts of personalities, styles, and tastes. While it is interesting to see what Hollywood celebrities and professional athletes like own when it comes to watches, there is nothing more rewarding than to see the watch collection of that normal guy or gal that we can relate to as mere mortals.

Our friend @ilikerolexes is a unique watch collector that strives for the best when it comes to his watches, firearms, and his cars. A humble, friendly, and straight shooter —literally speaking. With a soft spot for Rolex and Patek Philippe, this collector has turned into a serious Rolex gem-set grail hoarder. Yes, a watch hoarder with an endless appetite for only the best timepieces and grails from mainly Rolex and Patek Philippe.

Now, you’ll hear straight from him all that he wants to share about this fantastic watch collecting hobby that brought us together in the first place.

When Did you Start Collecting Watches?

I have been interested in watches from an early age. My dad is big into watches and I became interested in them for as long as I can remember. My first real watch was an Omega Speedmaster Day-Date Chronograph ref. 35205300 when I was in the 7th grade. I thought it was the coolest watch ever. When I graduated high school in 2005, I received as a gift my first Rolex. It was a two-tone Rolex Submariner ref. 16613 with a diamond-serti dial. I had this watch until 2008 when I bought my first gold Daytona with a diamond dial ref. 116528 that I still have today. Back then, this was my ultimate watch. I always loved Daytonas and this watch was the start of a crazy watch journey that just got better and better.
For all collectors starting, here’s a word of advice: I regret trading my Sub and Omega every day. They were part payment for the gold Daytona. You should always hold on to your first watch. I’ve learned my lesson. Now, I do not sell any of my watches.

How Long Have you Been Watch Collecting?

Technically I’ve been collecting since 2005, which is when I got my first Rolex —the previously mentioned two-tone Submariner. However, when I purchased my first full gold Daytona in 2008 I was hooked, fast forward, the collection is pretty fun and eclectic now. So it’s been 12 years of a crazy awesome ride.

What are your Favorite Brands?

My favorite brands are Rolex, Patek Philippe and Omega. Rolex makes incredible watches, from a normal Oyster Perpetual to off-catalog pieces. The finish, quality, and function are perfect throughout all the models. Rolex is my go-to and favorite brand hence my IG handle @ilikerolexes.
Patek Philippe is one of the oldest watch manufacturers in the world with an uninterrupted watchmaking history since its founding and is one of the few family-owned brands. They have a distinguished history and have maintained their standards and tradition since their founding.
Omega is classic, they have certain staples in their collections that are iconic like the speedster line which is my favorite. They are also reliable and beautiful watches. I respect and enjoy when companies stick to their heritage, Rolex, Patek Philippe, and Omega are a perfect example.

Which of Your Watches Do You Consider Special and Why?

A vintage champagne diamond dial Rolex Day-Date President ref. 18238 is really special to me because it was handed down to me by my father. Some watches will always have a higher personal value than others in my collection. Most of the newer special pieces I have acquired represent a special milestone or accomplishment in my life. In this category falls the Patek Philippe Calatrava ref. 5180/1R Squelette and my Patek Philippe Grand Complication ref. 5270/1R.

The Rolex GMT-Master II SARU ref. 116758SARU will always be special because it was my first gem-set piece. This watch really opened my horizons to start collecting gem-set watches. Before buying the SARU, I never thought I would have liked watches with bling, but I’ve found out that I love them. Lastly, the Patek Philippe Nautilus ref. 5980/1R is crucial in my collection because it was my first Patek Philippe. This watch introduced me to the brand and gave me a big appreciation and admiration for Patek Philippe.

Can You List the Brands and Watches You’ve Owned In your Watch Collecting Journey?

Omega and Rolex were the start of my watch collecting journey. In Rolex, I’ve pretty much collected the entire sport model lineup. I know that sounds ridiculous when I say it out loud. My favorite off-catalog pieces I own include the White Gold Submariner ref. 116659SABR, the Yellow Gold Day-Date ref. 228398TRU, the Yellow Gold GMT-Master II ref. 116759SARU, the Yacht-Master ref. 116695SATS, the Rolex Daytona Platinum ref. 116576TBR, and the Cellini TBR.

I had a phase with Audemars Piguet but while I think they make unique and beautiful looking watches, I only have two AP watches in my collection. The Royal Oak Offshore ‘Brick’ ref. 26470OR.OO.1000OR.01 and a Royal Oak Offshore 44 mm ref. 26401RO.OO.A002CA.02.

Patek, of course, will eventually catch any serious watch collector’s eye. I have a variety of sport and dress models.Some of my favorite Pateks I own in my collection right now are the Perpetual Calendar Chronograph ref. 5270/1R, Nautilus Travel Time ref. 5990/1A, Nautilus ref. 5712R, Nautilus Chronograph ref. 5980/1R, Aquanaut Travel Time ref. 5164A and the Calatrava 5180/1R Squelette.

I’ve also collected a few pieces from Tudor recently and really love them. The Blue Pelagos and the Black Bay Fifty-Eight are still in my collection. Recently, I’ve gotten back into Omega and some other notable brands that I either bought or inherited from my family include Jaeger-LeCoultre and Universal Genève.

Why Do You Buy Certain Brands and Watches?

First of all, I buy what I like or what I think is unique, not just based on a brand. I try to not follow trends, which today is very complicated since social media and the internet have really created some strong trends. Yes, there are many watches that I like that are currently hot because of this exposure in the world of collecting watches, but at the end of the day, I will buy something because I love it.

I have favorite brands and tend to keep up with their new releases. I like to buy from brands that stick to their tradition. I strongly believe that watches make a statement about you. Watches apart from being functional tools on our wrists, are a great way to express yourself. They can say a lot about your personal style and lifestyle. I’m always trying to find a watch that helps showcase who I am.

Which is Your Grail Watch you Wish to Own One Day?

My grail pieces fall into two categories, new and vintage. In the vintage world, my grail piece would be a Yellow Gold Rolex Daytona ref. 16568 EMRO with a pavé diamond dial, emerald markers, and a beautiful emerald-set bezel. This particular watch was released in the 1990s.

Yellow Gold Rolex Daytona ref. 16568 EMRO Image from Phillips Watches

Now, talking about modern watches, I think many people already know that my current grail is the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona Everose Rainbow ref. 116595RBOW. I’ve wanted this watch since it was released and I can only pray I can get one. What can I say, I’m a sucker for beautiful gem-set pieces.

How Many Times Do You Switch Watches During The Day?

It depends on the day. I try to start my day off strong with a watch that expresses my current mood or how I feel. Now, choosing what watch to wear also depends on what meetings I am having or who I have to meet up with during the day. I never wear a watch at the gym, so I usually change after that. On an average day, I will change my watch twice, not more than that.

If You Had to Keep and Wear Only One Watch From Your Current Collection to Wear for the Rest of Your Life, Which One Would That Be?

For years I would’ve given you the same answer to this question, a stainless steel ceramic bezel Rolex Daytona ref. 116500LN. It’s a fantastic piece, easy to wear, great for daily use, scratch-resistant bezel, and still shows that you’re a serious watch collector.
However, recently I acquired a Patek Philippe Aquanaut Travel Time ref. 5164A and I think it would be my new forever watch unless I get a rainbow Rolex Daytona, which would change the whole game. Now back to the Aquanaut, It has a simple GMT feature that is pretty practical if you travel a lot, and its not a flashy watch. Its stainless steel, which can make it easy to wear daily. It’s even easier to wear since its on a rubber strap. It’s probably the most comfortable watch I currently own.