Collector Check-In: Paul (@aircooltime)

Paul (@aircooltime on Instagram) found his way to Palm Beach recently and is the subject of our second “Collector Check-In”. After first becoming interested in collecting watches decades ago and making a few purchases of vintage Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin watches, Paul dove headfirst back into the hobby about three years ago. He has a voracious appetite for knowledge and for originality around dials and cases, and has driven more than a few dealers wild with his questions! At the same time, Paul has also become friends with many other collectors and has brought new enthusiasm to the hobby.

Paul brought two watches for his trip to Palm Beach: a Rolex “Zenith” Daytona Reference 16520 from the late 1990s to serve as his “beater” in the intense Florida humidity and a Patek Philippe reference 565 in steel for dressier occasions. Some may call this the perfect two-watch collection! As a case nut, I was particularly impressed with the beautiful lines on his unpolished reference 565. The reference 565 was one of the first water-resistant watches made by Patek Philippe and blends that dress and sport DNA into one of my favorite time-only models.

Paul saw an unpolished Patek Philippe reference 2508 in yellow gold on bracelet on Eric’s wrist and was particularly astounded. It’s no surprise that he has sent a few text messages to Eric since his visit about whether he could buy it, but it is not for sale!

Paul is known for having a few outstanding gilt sport Rolex models you should also see on his Instagram:

Thank you, Paul, for visiting us while you were in Palm Beach!