Talking Watches With William Massena

It was when he was chief operating officer of Antiquorum that I first met William - introduced by a mutual friend - and to say I was intimidated would be an understatement. This imposing, well-educated, bi-lingual true connoisseur had built quite a reputation for himself as the enforcer of Timezone - almost the true-life watch snob - a ball-breaker of the highest order. And William is all that, certainly, but he's also one of the most genuine, caring, and insightful men in the entire industry. He has seen it all, and owned it all. His influence on watches only grew when he accepted a position as a jury member of the Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Genève, and today, I am proud to welcome my dear friend, and someone from whom I have learned so much, to HODINKEE. This is your official Talking Watches with William Massena. For the full story, go here: www.hodinkee.com/articles/Talk...

[@SpaghettiKillah]

" I became a watch collector pretty late...6 or 7 years old " Savage af 😂😂😂 Instant Hall Of Fame

[@casadistortion]

SpaghettiKillah hahaha you couldn’t have said it better 🤣

[@christopherwarren4719]

And his first watch was/is gorgeous, such an impeccable start.

[@apegrasshoplizard]

I bought my first watch, a jumbo Patek Nautilus automatic, when I was 8.

[@rikoflishas]

This is my favorite Talking Watches episode, this guy knows so much and has a genuine interest for the watchmaking industry. Thank you Hodinkee

[@darrenalexis3488]

i dont mean to be so off topic but does anybody know a trick to log back into an Instagram account? I was dumb lost the account password. I would love any tips you can give me!

[@marshallkorbyn2410]

@Darren Alexis Instablaster ;)

[@80sruler]

Not sure why any of these get a thumbs down. You're watching these as an enthusiast and these guys are telling their story One of my favorite episodes

[@AnselmClinard]

This guy might be one of my new favorite collectors to follow. His history with watches and what he admires is so similar to mine and my interests. His sensibility is really refreshing and grounded in a pure love of watches.

[@greaterbayareahero1401]

Ben is such a gentleman and a great interviewer. He never interrupts and really lets the audience appreciate and hear the guest.

[@KarimElfouly]

Hands down, best collection I have ever seen! Started very well and then just grew from there.

[@lichang1755]

'everytime something hurts Swiss watch industry so hard. It'll come back. And come back strong ever.' This is the what I like to hear during this pandemic time.

[@JonathanDMoya]

Rich parents!!!!!!! I on the other hand always wanted a Breitling since I was 13 ....bought my NAVITIMER @ 29 yrsld. I just got my first ever Omega Speedmaster Moonwatch , this past Tuesday. I'm 35 yrsld, and putting down 8K on a timeless masterpiece is truly an honor to have a wonderful historical movement on your wrist!

[@orlando124431]

This guy says it all, when talking about the future of the watch industry: Too many complications and too expensive. The current philosophy is not through survival by encouraging a new generation to buy, its expecting the older generation, and the mega rich to continue buying garish pieces that alienate an entire potential group of buyers who might have a watch to compliment their smart phone. How many graduates can afford 90% of his collection new? Not many, and that's sad because as a tool, they are supposed to be affordable. When you buy a Rolex, Patek etc you are paying for expensive marketing and ads that only push up the bottom line! What you should be paying for is the piece itself. Cost is in the eye of the buyer, I get it, but for self preservation of the industry, there needs to be better access if it is to survive!

[@orlando124431]

meh..I disagree. the prices have been pushed up to cater for an emerging nuevo rich. in the 90s a Rolex would cost 2/5ths of what it does today. Nothing has changed, especially in the steel variety. if anything the price of steel went down. A lot has to do with the price of the Swiss franc which is too strong, even for the Swiss. while your point is valid, I don't think it gets to the crux of the issue which is that the watch companies have gotten greedy of the Arab and Chinese market. however, with those slowing down they are bring down prices for the traditional markets that have been more consistent and will continue to be so.

[@nataliacapone]

orlando124431 brilliant

[@vateriel7]

very well said

[@SpaghettiKillah]

orlando124431 I agree with you...very good analysis. The well know brands (Rolex, Omega and so on) have been pushed away from middle-class into the nouveau rich class. Having said that, now that the chinese market pretty much collapsed they're bringing down the prices. Rolex just lunched the AirKing or whatever is called that costs like 3-4 k $ And please don't forget that there are HUNDREDS of amazing watches from 500$ to 3k $ that the middle class can tap into. Hamilton has amazing watches for 1k $ or under ( ETA movement, sapphire glass, open-heart, open back ). There has NEVER been a better time to be a watch collector or just consumer.

[@JoseLuisHinojosa-ug8wc]

orlando124431 , e.g. At the begining era of Rolex Submariner , these are considered a watch tool whiose prices suround USD 700, absolutely afordable for many people, after the Quartz era they becomes in a luxury pieces.

[@evandrocosta1393]

This guy knows what he's talking. Amazed. Great Ep.

[@Robert.Dickson]

My favourite 'talking watches' episode. Love his passion.

[@ohtopihlajamaki4486]

My god that datograph is amazing!

[@12sin8]

That Laurent Ferrier is a thing of beauty... actually scrap that, his whole collection is a thing of beauty!

[@Mgoblue2486]

This dude's first two watches ever were an Omega and a Rolex....

[@youraveragepasser-by7367]

He got that Omega when he was 7....

[@Walterliquori]

Little shit

[@zekevfab]

Omega and Rolexes were not that expensive at the time. A submariner was $200 (or $1400 in today’s dollars when adjusted for inflation) in the 1970s. Not cheap but certainly not inaccessible.

[@bencritchley2005]

@@zekevfab inaccessible for a 7 year old 🤣

[@Theo-ul8qm]

I think he's Swiss, so maybe it was part of the culture back in those days for children to get watches like this. He got a simple Omega Seamaster, might be the same as a child getting an apple watch today.

[@jasonmai1384]

still my favorite episode. The sheer depth and diversity of the collection is amazing.

[@Chu_Strums]

An Omega 120 Seamaster at 7...? :O

[@mrartdeco]

It used to be very cheap...

[@youraveragepasser-by7367]

He's Swiss and back then stuff was cheap

[@kenlimfornication]

@@youraveragepasser-by7367 For perspective, how cheap is cheap?

[@youraveragepasser-by7367]

@@kenlimfornication probably a month's salary. Pretty affordable compared to nowadays where you'd have to work for years

[@magnusberger6762]

@@youraveragepasser-by7367 I won’t give my kid a watch worth a months salary…

[@malekdabbous7629]

“..I’m surprised why De Bethune watches don’t have a 5 yr waiting list” I went online to check them out and a watch is around $100k 😂

[@youraveragepasser-by7367]

Tbf pateks and rolexes have long waiting lists too

[@malekdabbous7629]

@@youraveragepasser-by7367 right but Rolex retail is $15

[@robinh2923]

despite the re-uploads, great vid to rewatch. total respect for this guy and his outlook towards watches, and support of the tiny independent producers!

[@dipro001]

This was most likely the most enjoyable interview on Hoodikee so far. My much respect for the geneuine passion and knowledge of the guest. I laughed a lot in certain parts as well.

[@maxrichardbraun2176]

Refreshing to hear such a connoisseur acknowledge mistakes he's made in the past (quartz Datejust vs. 1019)

[@belessbutbetter]

“In a way, I aspire to be a guy with one watch.”

[@swan1542]

The best thing I heard in all the episodes I’ve seen so far

[@AdamMurrayLive]

I absolutely agree with him. I was thinking the same thing the other day that I envy the guy who has just one watch and he's content with it. That guy is truly lucky.

[@seanjustice4831]

This was a great episode, he is a true collector, very diverse, was buying Lange early on, also some amazing independents. We need more Talking Watches!!!!

[@marcjudge680]

Probably the greatest collection I've seen.

[@jpchavez9371]

Love this episode. A diverse collection of meaningful, purposeful pieces. Bravo!

[@vidhyutgadia4566]

one of the best in this series so far

[@sbsb4995]

A true collector who understands. And a great guy.

[@globalbondfan1]

For me idk what it is but this is the most, “real”, collector in talking watches so far.

[@antjrice1]

I love this edition and have lost track of how many times I've watched it. I think WM represents the best side and sentiments of this hobby in this video.

[@xfilecity]

Great episode, one of my favorites. I don't understand why people must say something about someone's wealth or if they have a silver spoon. Who cares if his family has money, the man has a great love and passion for watches. People on these comments should stop being bitter and enjoy the stories these guests have to share with us. Salute to you Mr. Massena

[@teaparty54]

I greatly respect this guy - something so incredibly genuine and non-egotistical about him in this video. "I greatly aspire to be that guy with one watch" -- there's something so human, admission of a struggle, that's really rare in these videos.

[@dragonmaster7841]

Arjun Thakkar please. He moderates a "watch forum" like he owns the world. Major douche.

[@rudyelizondo1935]

Very extraordinary and entertaining, I love it. The home story and growth of a collector is extraordinary. I wish I could afford these beautiful watches but I will settle for my Seiko for now. At least your show shows me the beauty of the world of watches and interesting accomplished people.

[@hrlloyd28]

love this one, definitely one of the better episodes

[@kevinllamas6014]

Best episode so far.

[@KingMinosxxvi]

By far the best talking watches

[@sbui66pip]

This guy is insightful with a great collection. Whatever you say about him, he has his finger on the pulse of the watch industry. This video was made in 2016, and looking back on the 3 year watch bubble craze.... he was completely right. People look at a watch and don't ask "what does it do" but "how much does it cost?"

[@mattashley04]

Alta Vista...wow...we have come a long way. LOL.

[@ratdammooo]

One of the best videos on KZbin.

[@Boswd]

Could quite be my favorite episode.

[@wqsnsr8]

Nice collection,humble guy..like it

[@vostokcountryclub1733]

Great episode. Great insights.

[@maxismunchies6302]

“I’m not into underline collecting... or Comex letter collecting.” Finally I hear somebody say it! Lol.

[@R0lan6]

One of the best. 👍👍

[@simmonfoster1334]

The A. Lange & Sohne datograph flyback is my dream watch

[@Reference-ev4nu]

Great watch but a bit thick. Should check out the 1815 chronograph

[@Sakurazuki139]

"I aspire to be a guy with one watch"... exactly! Now I mostly wear 1 watch 😰😁

[@jonboy8181]

This guy is fantastic!

[@gusmanbhai]

Very interesting interview!

[@ABESHEKSHETYY]

Great guy so blunt loved it 👍🏽

[@MrVoayer]

Great character ! Great watches ! And some sad facts !

[@josiasalvarado6410]

Best talking watches ever

[@SachinMayi]

My favorite collection so far. Would love to mimic.

[@sinngsg9]

The Sinn EZM1 you got to love them :)

[@alessandro-j4110]

Good to see Varys from Game of Thrones has an unexpected hobby

[@howdepressing2495]

LMAO

[@MultiTictock]

watching this years later, I appreciate the non "celebrities" (film etc) except Daniel Kim, that was great

[@Mitchcumstien]

My fave so far.. this guy is cool

[@inkeduped5005]

Great video great conversation. One glaring edit issue however, they discussed the A. Favre, yet showed the H. Moser he was wearing, yet never mentioned. (@ 9:35 to 9:44)

[@Geoffrey150]

Ooff.. Amazing collection. A punch in the stomach as John C Mayer would say :)

[@jorgerivera2198]

Great video such an interesting guy.

[@nk2ti]

Second favorite video after Jean Claude Biver, Dammit Swiss know their watches.

[@jjlwis]

I blame Kevin for the re-uploads

[@luisalfonsog2997]

oh yeah! beautiful watches

[@MartlRS]

Love that Minerva Chronograph

[@gencahmeti1058]

He makes my day, on top of all "things" he showed the "Sinn", telepaticly the same love as mine!!! ( missing Jaeger Lecoulter, whyyyyyyyy? :D)

[@runningwithshemp]

I'm newish to watch collecting have to agree Sinn's are grossly underappreciated by the watch aficionados who inhabit the luxury market. More original dial designs, excellent fit and finish and seems to king of hill for price to valve (like the 556i)

[@peterroda3441]

This is the petrolicious of watches!

[@crh7742]

"The French lose wars but make great military watches" haha! True.

[@kevin.feng1]

When he had your dream watch at 6 years of age haha great video

[@backtoids]

that leica iii pretty slick too

[@jason2800]

I wonder why he's surprised he owns a Navitimer?...it's beautiful.

[@looplop]

"I aspire to be a guy with one watch!"

[@kevinkelly6524]

I love seeing watches wicks and dings

[@sbsb4995]

smart guy.

[@reverb508]

My first watch was a Jurassic Park Lost World watch from Burger King. Almost an Omega Seamaster.

[@LightSnackProductions]

classic

[@relocatedhypno3498]

2:35 i love the oysterquartz watches

[@TheYtrucksFB]

Reupload?

[@sharinglungs3226]

I’m not a Patek guy but I love that watch at 4:54.

[@northpole6060]

i am that guy, and the watch is casio f-91w for life :)

[@watchcurtisn]

I think most of us aspire to be someone with one watch... but perfectionism is tricky. I so badly want to sell them all, keep one, and forget about it.

[@opulenceluxury8548]

The guy on the right is being played by the method actor Paul Pluto.

[@0zymanndias773]

Opulence Luxury hahahahaha dead on

[@JohnstonPettigrew]

two years old....but still a great comment.....respecktos.

[@tryhardfps_]

Best one

[@haydensmind9262]

I can’t imagine having that many watches I’d feel so bad not wearing them all.

[@tobyt684]

Why was H. Moser shown on the wrist when a different watch was being discussed?

[@jarradmoore6939]

This fella is cool....I like him

[@mengai1967]

Why has this been repeated?

[@FaensOldemor]

+mengai1967 They are probably not making enough from their extremely overpriced and self-hyped shop

[@sergiofacchinetti2954]

12:56 I disagree I’m 14 and my siblings and friends all love watches at school half the people are into watches so in my opinion the introduction of more stylish watches (less complications) actually brought back attention to older ones and more of a younger demographic

[@Reference-ev4nu]

The Apple Watch has brought a new generation into mechanical watches and in a way saved the Swiss watch industry

[@RubyMarkLindMilly]

Type 20 is so cool

[@Sakurazuki139]

I aspire to be a guy with 1 watch... yes! me too! :))

[@shuiguigmt890]

Man, I wish I was content with just one watch...

[@moosehak]

To be fair though, the Oysterquartz is a lovely watch ❤

[@craik7]

you're missing a Seiko

[@nk2ti]

He's swiss, he can't wear a Seiko.

[@FacitOmniaVoluntas.]

Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy He has no Problem buying a German watch

[@robbraden3266]

"In a way I aspire to be a guy with one watch."

[@brucew.5292]

I would like to know the maker of that overcoat, beautiful burgundy hue.

[@bullishgentleman]

What military Watches to buy?

[@jonultime]

I limit myself to a 10 watch collection. I either have to sell something or not buy it at all.

[@nicksparky1191]

Please try and get together with Michael Blakey

[@howdepressing2495]

If I had money, I would like to have a watch for every brand lmao

[@BWo-bb1yw]

i thought i was alone too...

[@first264]

Dude had an Omega Seamaster at 6/7 WTF?

[@hiems5647]

right? i had a fucking quartz swatch for 30€ watch at that time😂

[@first264]

@@hiems5647 You lucky bastard! 😆 I think at age 6 I just had some crappy quartz childs watch with "to" and "past" printed on the dial to help tell the time, can't even remember the brand!

[@hiems5647]

@@first264 Ah man, but at least we were lucky enough to get any watch! Sadly lost the swatch when we were moving when i was 10, would've liked to keep it to be honest.

[@first264]

@@hiems5647 True, that is a shame, older Swatches can be worth a fair amount of money now

[@hiems5647]

@@first264 Yea and it got emotional value since it was my first watch

[@randallmilton]

First watch at 6 years old.. Speedmaster

[@g-shack3655]

An Omega at 7 years old?

[@malemus123]

anti-left crusader back then it wasn’t that expensive

[@BWo-bb1yw]

i, remember rolex surrounding their lume, this made them fancier than the 6309- xxx seiko l had,