During last April's Monaco Watch Days, in anticipation of the highly anticipated Monaco Legend auction, we met Fabrizio Bonvicino and Claudio Freccia, founders of Italian Watch Spotter, a point of reference for Italian fine watch enthusiasts.
Italian Watch Spotter has been attending international auctions for several years now. What does it mean for you to participate in these events? Do you get used to them or does the excitement remain the same?
Fabrizio Bonvicino: "We started with Italian Watch Spotter in 2017, and already in 2018 we were participating in our first auction. Participating in these events allows us to see extraordinary watches up close and learn from experienced collectors and professionals. At first, attention is naturally captured by the iconic pieces, from Rolex's Paul Newman to Patek Philippe chronographs and chronocalendars. Then, as the years passed, our taste evolved toward more particular models: we also began to explore independent watchmaking and neo-vintage. It almost became a dopamine thing, of always looking for something new and different, but the excitement of attending an auction, every time, remains."
Claudio Freccia: "Absolutely, every auction is different and every season brings new extraordinary pieces. Of course, by frequenting this world regularly, some things can become a little more familiar and maybe risk falling by the wayside, but the desire to explore new watches and discover new rarities is always there. There's always that excitement that leads you to say, 'I really have to go to Munich, to Geneva, to New York, to Hong Kong to see what's going on this year.'"
You are young in an environment that is often considered more suited to more mature collectors. Do you feel like white flies compared to your peers?
Claudio Freccia: "I wouldn't really say white flies, because we see that young people's interest in watchmaking, especially vintage, is growing strongly. Certainly collecting can be expensive, so more easily attended by mature people, but you don't have to buy to get involved and learn. Attending auctions even just for personal passion allows you to see lots of watches, learn a lot and meet interesting people, all for free."
Fabrizio Bonvicino: "It's true, when we started, about eight years ago, seeing 18- to 19-year-olds attending major watch auctions might have seemed strange. Today it is no longer so rare. We see more and more interested young people like us in the hall. I think the fashion world has also influenced this change, bringing the watch back as a cool and desirable object. Before, you saw it as just an accessory, but today it has become a symbol of belonging and personality."
Do you personally know any young collectors? What exactly are they looking for in their collections?
Claudio Freccia: "Certainly yes, we know many young collectors. The collection always very much reflects the personality of the collector. Today, thanks to the greater availability of information, it is easier to discover strange or hard-to-find pieces. Currently, many are looking for the special object, something different, perhaps a prototype or a watch with unique features. They are not necessarily aiming for the iconic piece as the Paul Newman might have been. The goal now is often to have a unique object, even if it's less expensive, that tells something about the person who owns it."
Fabrizio Bonvicino: "That's right, there are also young collectors oriented toward the modern, to write the history of their watch from scratch. But vintage remains very interesting, because it offers the possibility of approaching brands that are difficult to access economically today, often guaranteeing superior craftsmanship qualities compared to current models. This is something that is very attractive to young people."
Despite the fact that your communication is very modern and aimed primarily at young people, you still manage to converse easily with more mature generations. How do older collectors react to your approach?
Fabrizio Bonvicino: "This is a very interesting question. With Italian Watch Spotter we decided from the beginning to put ourselves openly out there and show the work and study behind what we do. This approach has removed many barriers and created a good connection with even the most mature collectors. Some are more open and happy to interact with us, others perhaps less so, but in general there is a very positive relationship."
Claudio Freccia: "Exactly, and we ourselves often turn to more experienced collectors as teachers from whom we can learn. When you have this curiosity and desire to learn, you pose in an authentic and passionate way, and this is recognized by others. In watchmaking, there is a strong desire to communicate and share stories and information. We try to do this in a modern way, immortalizing stories that are in danger of being forgotten. It is a mutual exchange that enriches everyone."
So what is your role today in the Italian watchmaking scene?
Fabrizio Bonvicino: "We believe we play a fundamental role in connecting different generations, preserving valuable histories and knowledge. We have become a kind of bridge between the past and the future, trying to keep this cultural heritage alive."
Claudio Freccia: "Yes, we are trying to give voice to stories that might be lost, turning this knowledge into modern, accessible and engaging content, especially for the younger generation."
A meeting that once again confirmed how the world of auctions and watch collecting is experiencing a continuous evolution, and how Fabrizio Bonvicino and Claudio Freccia represent a positive example of young enthusiasts who are actively contributing to this transformation.
