A selection of fine timepieces from Breguet, Patek Philippe, and Panerai.

‍

We asked six notable names to share with us their most prized watches and the stories that go along with them in light of lockdown.

‍

‍

Breguet Classique Ref. 3910

‍

Among the innovations in watchmaking are the guilloche dial and the tourbillon, both of which were invented by Breguet. As with Leica, Breguet has an authentic and genuine history that is envied by many companies. They share a heritage and history unmatched in their respective fields. Having a Breguet has a distinct style that I fell in love with immediately. I love its coin edged case, blued hands, and guilloche dial. True watchmaking, instantly recognizable and iconic.

‍

‍

Panerai Luminor 8 Days Titanium

‍

For me, watches have always been a passion, but I became fascinated by them when my wife told me in 2014, “When you become a director, I want us to go to the original Panerai boutique to buy a watch to mark the occasion.”

‍

The brand has always appealed to us for its simplicity, functionality, and Italian heritage. That's why we chose it. It was the beginning of my love affair with watches and a great experience for me to drive from our home in Warwickshire to my family home in Tuscany.

‍

‍

Franck Muller Crazy Hours

‍

I have a unique collection. I am passionate about the arts and design. I am always on the lookout for something unusual that stands out. My favorite Franck Muller watch is the Crazy Hours. It was considered his most complicated watch at the time. It jumps hours with all the numbers mixed up. I had trouble finding the original, but I finally found one from a watch seller down in Florida I buy watches from. Despite the fact that it was used, it was in pristine condition, as if it had never been worn before. Just from its sheer novelty, I enjoy wearing it every time.

‍

‍

Breitling B-2 Stealth Chronograph

‍

In the 1980s and 1990s, I worked on the B-2 Spirit program as a flight control engineer on the groundbreaking stealth bomber designed by Northrop for the United States Air Force. It is a beautiful watch that brings back good memories of working on the B-2 and meeting Stephen Hawking, one of the definitive voices on time. Having read Stephen's book, A Brief History of Time, I had the chance to meet him in Palmdale, California in 1996. A true gift he gave us that day was his perspective on space and time." I gave him a tour of the B-2 Stealth Bomber.

‍

‍

Audemars Piguet Royal Oak

‍

My main watch, which some people call the 'bust-down AP,' is the Audemars Piguet with diamonds. It was my first big-time watch when I first entered the NFL. Walking out with that watch was a statement piece for me. It was an opportunity to say that I had accomplished something big. I am an easygoing, laidback guy, but I enjoy that it has a youthful, flashy vibe. After achieving my dream, I wanted something special to commemorate it.

‍

‍

F. P. Journe Octa Lune

‍

Having always liked the story of F. P. Journe and the fact that they make their watches in-house, I’m always on the lookout for great F. P. Journe watches. While on holiday in Beirut a few years ago, I purchased my Octa Lune from Claude Sfeir, an extremely popular collector who has been selling some of the most important watches in the world. When an F.P. Journe boutique was opening there, I purchased it two years ago. It was easier to get P. Journe in the past, but now it has become as popular as ever. I wear it almost every day.

‍

‍

Patek Philippe 5712G

‍

I got this watch for my 40th birthday from my wife. She knew I'd been looking at it for a long time and that a 5712G is so difficult to find. It's truly a magnificent and unique timepiece. She was able to get it from our good friend Ruediger Albers at Wempe. I grew up in Germany and I know Wempe well. It's the watch dealer you first go to.

‍

Ruediger gave me a big hug when he unwrapped the watch at the boutique in New York. He presented the watch to me. It is one of my most precious possessions that will be passed on to my family one day.