Vintage grail holds private sale of collectible watches
The countries premier watch retail company Vintage Grail successfully launched its first exclusive private sale of coveted collectible vintage watches and special eye-catching modern timepieces. Ultra-rare vintage Rolex watches, grand complications and rare limited editions were all showcased at the chic Manila House Private Members Club. Catering to collectors and those eager to learn more about watches, a special event was hosted by Vintage Grail co-founders Franco Varona, Jesse Maxwell and Paolo Martel last month.
This exclusive event, dahlings, served as the venue for a fireside chat with international watch expert Michael Young, founder of Hong Kong-based Classic Watch Repair, and local watch collector and Rolex enthusiast Albert Tolentino. Grail seekers were given tips on the watch collecting trade like what to look for in buying a vintage watch, as well as market trends.
Tolentino encouraged collectors to focus on rarity and quality: “I think both avid collectors and those just starting should try to acquire untouched pieces. These are unpolished pieces with their original dial, hands, bezels and bracelets. Always be on the lookout for sports Rolex watches, especially the earlier produced ones.”
Guests were then invited to ask questions and engage the speakers in discussion. Aprés the talk, Michael Young also held private consultations with guests and shared some valuable insight on select vintage timepieces.
However, the real stars of the show were the watches, which were readily available for guests to admire and acquire. Among the notable timepieces on display were a Vintage Rolex “Paul Newman” Daytona reference 6241, a sought-after Daytona with a Panda dial reference 6265, a trés popular rare Rolex Military Submariner reference 5513, two “Double Red” Rolex Sea-Dwellers, and vintage Rolex watches that were once retailed and stamped by Tiffany & Co. Other marvels included selections from which most of the old-wealth personas must have: Patek Philippe and Audemars Piguet, no less.
Franco also shared how more and more Filipinos are gaining interest in vintage watches. “This event is a testament to how the local tastes are becoming more refined. The attendance was double than what we expected, which shows how much interest there truly is in Manila to learn and acquire quality vintage watch pieces,” he said. “The right vintage watch holds value, as well as real estate or blue-chip stocks, except you can wear it on your wrist without being too overt about your investment. We look forward to being a thought leader in investing in luxury vintage watches, and to be the center of the vintage watch revolution in the Philippines,” he added.
Soon after the successful inaugural sale, Vintage Grail celebrated superior craftsmanship, design and creativity with a second event for 10 Days of Art, dubbed “Timeless | Horology and Artistry.” The show was held alongside Art Fair Philippines, in partnership with that gorgeous boutique Lanai and Philippine Tatler, naturellement, dahlings.
The sale showcased desirable timepieces from Rolex, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet and IWC, together with several works by renowned artists — from Picasso to Lee Aguinaldo, Fernando Zobel and Ang Kiukok. Also available were priceless examples of fine jewelry featuring dazzling diamonds and large colored stones.
Horological offerings included two ultra-collectible vintage “Rolex Daytona reference 6265s, Perpetual and Annual Calendar Chronograph grand complications from Patek Philippe, as well as limited- edition Nomos Glashütte watches produced for the Philippine market. With Vintage Grail’s access to a comprehensive network of watch collectors, reputable dealers and specialists with extensive knowledge in both vintage and modern watches, finding that grail timepiece has never been more attainable,” explained young successful achiever Paolo Martel, no less.
Needless to say, with some of best brand watches in the world and a dash of bling-bling, the whole show was a fantastic success, dahlings.
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For inquiries, follow Vintage Grail on Facebook /vintagegrail and Instagram @vintage.grail, or email at info@vintagegrail.com.
It’s my party, dahlings, at manila house
Hosts of the event: Linda Ley, Mellie Ablaza with the celebrator Maurice Arcache, Nini Licaros, Josie Yu
There was a time when one celebrated one big bash of thanksgiving for being blessed with another year in life, right? Nowadays, close friends all want to jump into the arena of giving a birthday party for their close pals. So it seems, dahlings, that a belated birthday celebration is the “thing” these days with the celebrant finding time to be hosted by many of his groups of friends with a dash of acquaintances in towns. Well, palanggas, I was one of those caught in the web when with Cosmo Manille’s creamy lunch bunch and the afternoon tea set, distinguished for their charitable causes and fund-raisers, leading my fifth (and last for now) celebration, dahlings.
Super party organizers and dedicated hosts for the last seven years were the hostesses with the most led by Nini Licaros, plus women of stature like Mellie Ablaza, Agnes Huibonhoa, Mabel Abano, Connie How, Tina Cuevas, Agile Zamora, Josie Yu, Linda Ley, Yoly Ayson and Joel Cruz who didn’t make it. They made the event super fun for all the invitees who could not say “no,” dahlings, to the special invitation, which was held at the Members Only Manila House. Nini added a new touch to the celebration by holding it at the walkway, palanggas.
I watched with interest as some of the society women went back for seconds and even thirds, which prompted me to ask one of them, “Don’t you eat at home?” and she just smiled and said, “It’s my first meal today” and continued to dig into the dishes. Oh, well.
And with that, I’d like to say “thank you” all the hostesses and friends for remembering me three months after my real birthday. Don’t you just love it?
Oh, yes, they even ran out of the superb ukoy from the Filipino restaurant. That’s how good it was, palanggas.
