Collectors and connoisseurs gathered for an exclusive evening of horological discovery as Phillips in Association with Bacs & Russo and Vintage Grail hosted Phillips Watches in Manila—an intimate cocktail on watch collecting. Held at Old Manila in The Peninsula Manila, the evening brought together passionate collectors.
A Meeting of the Minds and Masters
The event marked a milestone collaboration between Phillips Watches—renowned for its world record-setting auctions—and Vintage Grail, the Philippines’ foremost destination for rare and collectible timepieces.
Established in 2018 by young businessmen and watch collectors Paolo Martel, Jesse Maxwell, and Franco Varona, Vintage Grail was born from an opportunity to serve the growing demand for luxury timepieces. By building a trusted network of collectors, reputable dealers, and specialists, the brand has become Asia’s foremost hub for rare and collectible watches.
“Partnering with Paolo Martel and his team felt like a natural fit,” said Thomas Perazzi, Deputy Chairman and Head of Watches, Phillips Asia. “We share a profound passion for horology. This event introduced the local community to an international perspective on watch collecting, fostering a deeper appreciation and understanding of this sophisticated craft.”
An Evening of Dialogue and Discovery
The evening’s highlight was a candid fireside chat featuring Thomas Perazzi and Paolo Martel, moderated by Franco Varona. The conversation unfolded before an engaged audience of both seasoned collectors and aspiring enthusiasts.
Discussions covered a wide range of topics, from global collecting trends and the resurgence of vintage references to the growing appeal of independent brands and advice for building lasting collections.
“We still have people who love the big brands—Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin, Audemars Piguet—but lately we’ve seen a growing market for independent watches,” said Martel. “We also see a lot of people gravitating to vintage Cartier, Rolex Day-Date. The collecting community enjoys this because the entry level, from a price point of view, is very accessible.”
He added, “Every month, we see 25% of our client base are new clients—and younger.”
Throughout the evening, guests were treated to a curated display of modern and vintage watches, complemented by flowing wine and spirits, and French canapés by Old Manila.
A Curated Display of Grail-Worthy Timepieces
Adding depth to the evening’s conversation was a distinguished lineup of exceptional watches, handpicked for their design excellence, technical precision, and storied background. Highlights included examples from Richard Mille, the military-issued Rolex “MilSub” Ref. 5513/5517, the angular Cartier Tank Obus, and the vibrant Rolex Day-Date 36 “Puzzle.” Also on view was an extremely rare museum piece vintage Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar ref. 2497J. and other models from Audemars Piguet. Rounding out the display was the Rolex Daytona Ref. 6240, a grail-level chronograph for collectors.
Showcasing Provenance and Expertise
Recognized as the leading auction house for collectible timepieces, Phillips shared its unmatched track record in the global watch market. Highlights from record-setting sales were discussed, reinforcing the house’s authority and commitment to collectors worldwide. “Collectors should always start with what they love—what they enjoy wearing,” Perazzi noted.
Martel echoed this, adding: “Sometimes, you buy watches you love, and after a year or two, you don’t want to wear them anymore. The moment you don’t enjoy the watch, you must consolidate. Buy better pieces. And you want to use those watches. What’s painful is when people buy watches and they don’t enjoy them.”
To extend the experience, collectors were invited to schedule one-on-one appraisal sessions at the Vintage Grail Lounge. These by-appointment consultations offered complimentary valuations, with expert insights on provenance, condition, and market potential.
Refining Taste, Building Legacy
“The watch market is experiencing continuous growth, particularly in Southeast Asia,” said Perazzi. “We’ve always known there was a cluster of serious collectors in the Philippines. During this visit, we had the chance to meet them, see their incredible collections, and begin fostering deeper relationships.”
For Martel, building a meaningful collection means striking the right balance—and grounding every purchase in passion.
“I think everybody has to have a mix,” said Martel. “You have to have a little bit of modern, a little bit of vintage, and some independent as well.”
He added, “A lot of people look at watches as an investment, and when you look at it purely as an investment tool, that’s when you get into trouble. It cannot be the main decision factor as to why you buy a watch. You have to do your research, you have to make sure you’re buying quality pieces that will stand the test of time. But it has to be driven by passion.”
