There’s no denying that 2020 was a tumultuous year, and that we’re by no means out of the woods yet, but it wasn’t all doom and gloom. We’ve kept on trucking, and saw an exceptional assortment of watches come and go through the doors of European Watch Co. much like we would on any other given year. Taking a bit of a look back at the brighter elements of 2020, we asked our team to tell us which watches stood out to them the most in the last 12 months; this is what they told us.
Albert Ganjei: Owner – FP Journe Octa Lune PT Salmon Dial
“As F.P. Journe prices heat up and become almost unreachable, this to me is the signature watch of the company – simple, elegant, and all the right colors.”
Joshua Ganjei: Owner – Patek 3971R Tiffany & Co.
“Perfect execution and design, a unique piece in outstanding original condition, did not even appear to be worn! All original case lines and details intact, hallmarks and lugs perfect and sharp, outstanding balance on the dial and complications, wearable everyday size – a true home run of a watch!”
Robert Reustle: Sales – Patek 5235G
“While the annual calendar has been a staple complication from Patek Philippe since they introduced it in 1996, regulator watches are not something they are known for. The 5235g combines these 2 complications in a perfectly sized case with a beautiful dial. The vertical brushed finish and engraved “Patek Philippe” logo give the piece a pseudo-industrial feel while it’s blued hands and art deco fonts still maintain it as an elegant dress watch. Add to that a unique caliber with a micro rotor and you have something very special that still largely flies under the radar. One of my favorite modern references from Patek Philippe.”
Ivana Bozikovic: Sales – Cartier Crash
“It was a challenge picking just one out of the many amazing watches that we sold last year, but for me, one piece that made my heart skip a beat was the Cartier Crash. The elegance and unique case design is something one could admire forever. It’s simply timeless.”
Justin MacDowell: Sales/Operations – FP Journe Chronometre Bleu Byblos LE
“Compared to some of the other Journe watches we’ve been lucky enough to list for sale this past year, the Byblos is actually pretty simple. In essence, it’s just a standard Chronometre Bleu with a modified dial, but that partially open-worked/scalloped dial showing off a highly-decorated rose gold movement really turns it into something so much more. Add in the fact that there are only 99 of them in the world, and I’m sold!”
Amy Reddy: Sales/Service – Rolex Daytona 116508 YG/Diamond Dial
“Elegant twist on a classic sport watch, and who doesn’t like a little bling! I LOVE the Daytona in gold, it’s just perfection.”
Brad Tetrault: Sales – Jaeger LeCoultre Master Memovox Timer LE
“The Memovox line has resonated with me since I was young. I was first introduced to this mechanical alarm watch by my Grandfather, who was a watchmaker by trade. JLC did a fantastic job aesthetically pairing the stunning blue dial with crisp silver accents. The applied dot lume markers reminds me of the Snowdrop and dressier styles from the 1970’s and the two crowns serve as the signature of the Memovox design. I love how the alarm resonates more like a bell than the vintage models, which buzz and vibrate. At 40mm, it wears perfectly in every situation!”
David Alves: Photography – Omega Speedmaster Apollo XIII “Silver Snoopy”
“As soon as I saw this piece in person, it became an instant favorite. By pairing all the best elements of the classic Speedmaster with playful touches and a unique aesthetic, Omega created a watch that I would never want to take off. It also flies under the radar and is “just another Speedmaster” unless you’re in the know. (Plus Snoopy glows!)”
Philip DeCicco: Sales – JLC Tribute to Reverso 1931 Ultra Thin US LE
“Simple, clean, and elegant with the smoothest of designs. Black dial, Art Deco, minute track, Casa Fagliano strap. Perfect size, manual wind. Less is truly more!”
Tony Shum: Sales – Patek Philippe 1578
“This vintage Patek expresses its beauty in many different ways. From the 35mm yellow gold case with fancy downturned “spider lugs”, to the silver dial with its petite secondes register and applied baton indices. This reference came with 3 different movements, with the “Antimagnetic” Caliber 27AM400 found in this example being the rarest. Truly a lovely timepiece inside and out.”
Daniel Lind: Watchmaker – Patek 5320G
“Of all the watches I’ve seen this past year, I would have to say the Patek 5320G is one of my favorites. The traditionally themed styling is very appealing, and the clarity of the dial with its “Patek” methodology of dial geometry really works for me. I love watches that are sophisticated and classic without being needlessly complicated. The leap year aperture is another detail I appreciate as it lets those “in the know” understand what they are looking at while at the same time keeping the dial uncluttered. An extremely wearable watch powered by the Patek Cal 324Q? Love it!”