You can tell a lot about a man from the watch he’s wearing. Luckily for us, the gents featured here know what to choose when it comes to the best wrist candy out there.
STEFANO PILATI, designer
What watch are you wearing?
A 1925 Santos de Cartier. The first edition.
Tell us about it.
I see it as unique for the dimensions, the proportions and the rarity. In the past the fashion for watches was unbelievably small, yet perfect and elegant on men’s wrists.
How did you come to own it?
I bought it! I swear I didn’t steal it! I used to visit a shop in NYC that doesn’t exist anymore on the same block of the hotel I’ve stayed in for years. Very raffinée [refined] owners and a chic collection of jewellery. During one of the visits, when normally I would have looked for cufflinks or tuxedo shirt studs, [something] for my mother or for a gift, I saw it and bought it.
What’s the story behind it?
The private provenance is unknown. I bought it at a vintage jewellery shop. And it was not expected. It was a very spontaneous, instinctual purchase. I was not looking for it, or a watch specifically.
Stefano wears 1925 Santos de Cartier watch by CARTIER
What do you love about it and why is it your favourite?
I love the fact that I own, wear and appreciate it. It’s the reason I see myself as being so attracted to an old design vs today’s new versions, or even men’s watches in fashion nowadays. Cartier’s Santos evolution in design has changed so much, as well as customers’ demands and attitudes. It’s a fun and beautiful discovery, and a chic possession in my opinion.
When do you wear it and what do you wear it with?
It has two straps: one in grey lizard and one in black satin. The first was meant to be worn with winter suits. The black satin was for tuxedo attire. I love the grey lizard more than the satin. I started to wear it in a less strict way… and I’ve lost the black one! I guess the grey became, obviously, more precious and I can use it more. Undoubtedly, it became the chic-est of my watches. What would be a dream watch for you to own? None, as we should live much more spiritually.
Photography by Vitali Gelwich and production by Sonya Mazuryk. Taken from 10 Men Issue 63 – Classic, Craft, Nostalgia – out NOW. Order your copy here.
