A veteran of Quebec’s fashion industry showcases the diversity that over 20 years of watch collecting can bring.

There are many ways to build a watch collection over time. Often, collectors employ a very specific and focused strategy, others choose a more liberal approach; adding new pieces that speak to them, bring joy in the moment, or align with a personal achievement. Eric’s robust collection is a great example of the latter, and today we will explore the watches that he brought to show to us at his office in Montreal. From Breitling to Omega, Tudor and Montblanc, Eric’s collection reflects his diverse career leading the information technology revolution at some of Canada’s premier fashion and jewelry companies.

Seiko Dual Time Alarm Chronograph – H357-5109

Most collector’s journeys begin with a quartz watch, or more specifically a quartz Seiko watch. Eric’s interest in watches was sparked at a young age by his Father, and this Seiko Dual Time Chronograph sets the stage for the rest of his collection, which started to expand once he began his career. This Seiko screams vintage, with major “mystery drawer in your childhood home” provenance. The “dual time” functionality comes from the 3 hand dial and the LCD screen situated just above. Interestingly, this watch’s model cousin, the “H357-5040” was featured in the Bond film “For Your Eyes Only”!

Breitling B-1 – A68362

The first luxury watch that became part of Eric’s collection was the Breitling B-1, a true Swiss tool watch built for both pilots and adventurers alike. Multi-functional, rugged, chunky and a mesmerizing blue dial all help to make this watch stand out in Eric’s collection. The slanted bracelet links and Breitling wing logo are iconic to the brand’s design ethos. From the dial text reading “Breitling B-1”, we can tell that this is the reference A68362, the second generation of this model line. It was produced from 1999-2003, which also aligns with Eric’s purchase date. When asked which was the favourite watch of his collection, Eric immediately chose this Breitling, mentioning that it brings joy to him each time he looks at it.

We also need to take a moment and reflect upon the beauty of this watch’s rear case design, which features a turbine inspired caseback.

Breitling Superocean II 44

The Breitling train continues for Eric with arguably one of the most strikingly designed dive watches to hit the market. The Superocean II 44, with the 44 standing for its hefty case diameter, offers a “feast for the eyes” dial layout strategy. You want numbers? Yes.
Strapping this watch on gives you the feeling that you can dive to the deepest depths of the ocean without breaking a sweat. This is Eric’s go-to watch for vacation, where he enjoys taking it in the water and snorkelling.

Tudor Pelagos

Whereas the previous Breitling dive watch was overt ruggedness personified, Eric’s Tudor Pelagos is a more refined tool. The inky black dial, stark white hands and indices, and satin-brushed titanium case and bracelet give Eric a more stealthy choice for a watch that can do almost anything. When speaking with Eric, he offered us quite a “hot take” in that he is not the biggest fan of Rolex, which goes against the grain of the majority of the watch industry at large. He instead opted for the Tudor Pelagos because it spoke to him more than any other model. We tend to agree with Eric, the Pelagos gives us the perfect diving watch out of any other model that either the Crown or the Shield produces. Bonus points for Eric as well, as this model version features the less cluttered dial text, eschewing the newer four liner for the simplicity of two.

Bulova Precisionist Chronograph – 96B175

When interviewing Eric, we noticed a definite proclivity to big, tough, and toolish watches with multiple functions. His Bulova is no slouch in this category! This behemoth chronograph uses Bulova’s 262khz quartz movement, which offers a continuous-sweep seconds hand and incredible accuracy. Additionally, this chronograph can time to 1/1000th of a second! The pop of yellow on the chronograph hands also add a bit of fun to this otherwise brutish watch.

Montblanc Meisterstuck Star Chronograph – 7038

Every good collection needs a tasteful dress watch, and Eric’s choice falls on the whimsical Montblanc Meisterstuck Star Chronograph. This watch, which was a gift to Eric, blends his love of chronographs with the elegance of a petitely sized, breguet-numeraled dress watch. At just 36mm across (40mm including the onion crown), this is one of the smaller watches in his collection. It is quite a gorgeous piece, with the chronograph sub-registers discretely overlapping the 3 and 9 numerals.

Birks Airmaster Pilot Watch

Eric spent two years as the VP of Information Technology at Birks Canada, one of the country’s leading jewelry and watch stores dating back to 1879. During his tenure at the company, he was exposed to many luxury timepiece brands, but it was an in-house model that caught his eye in particular. Birks offers a line of self-branded watches, which are manufactured in Switzerland. In the case of the Airmaster pilot watch, the movement comes from a historic swiss brand; Alpina, of which is evident once we turn the watch over.

A very unique aspect of this watch is the “hunter” style pocketwatch cover that opens to reveal the watch movement. Inside we can clearly see the Alpina movement powering this lovely watch. Eric fell for this model because it reminded him of his Grandfather’s pocketwatch which we will discuss next.

Waltham P.S. Bartlett Pocketwatch

This stunning early 1900’s Waltham pocketwatch was given to Eric by his Grandfather, who was a Notary. The company Waltham was a historic watchmaking powerhouse, hailing from Massachusetts.

The movement is signed “P.S. Bartlett”, who was the foreman of Waltham’s plate and screw department until 1864, and features 17 jewels. The case has developed a lovely reddish-copper tone.

Omega Geneve Dynamic – 135.0033

Last, but certainly not least, is Eric’s Father’s Omega Geneve Dynamic. This is a standout piece from the collection, and is in absolute mint condition. Once you see the watch in person, you truly come to appreciate how the teal colour of the seconds hand pops against the silver and navy blue dial. The design is very unique, with a UFO shaped unishell case (case opening on dial side), and a blue rally perforated strap, this is an Omega that was truly ahead of its time.

Curator’s Conclusion

From rugged tool watches, burly chronographs, pocketwatches and vintage inspired pieces, Eric’s collection is incredibly comprehensive. Over 20 years his collection has grown to include some standout models, what will come next? We asked Eric this question, and being a large James Bond fan, perhaps an Omega will be next on the table? He also mentioned his curiosity for JLC, Panerai and Hublot. Aside from watches, on the horizon for Eric is a brand new Mustang convertible GT in electric blue, which would go extremely well with his Omega Geneve Dynamic, what a sight that will be!

-Mister Wrist(er)