11 DAYS OF LONDONERS: Day 7 – Bill Prince, one of the most stylish gentlemen in the watch industry
Time+TideEditor’s note: A few months back, we announced that former Editor of GQ Australia, Mike Christensen, was to be our first European Editor. In this series, ‘11 Days of Londoners’, Mike will be sharing the stories of a few notable local collectors, starting on Day 1 with King Nerd, and with a stellar lineup still to come. Lastly, you might ask, why 11 days? That, friends, will become clearer over time …
Bill Prince served as the Deputy Editor of the British Edition of GQ for 23 years and aside from his interest in all things horological, Bill is also a former music journo and has interviewed everyone from Mick Jagger to David Bowie and Elton John. He is also a member of the Grand Prix d’Horlogerie de Genève Academy – further proof of his standing in the watch business.
I buy watches …
Because they represent the intersection between engineering, aesthetics and design. Rather like a fine wine, a great watch reflects the successful combination of a number of discrete disciplines, in service to the creation of a genuinely beautiful yet functional object. There’s a reason why the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak “Jumbo” is currently the most coveted male accessory on the planet.
If I was to describe my personal style it would be …
Many years spent around the menswear industry has taught me that personal style is about developing a palette rather than a persona: for me that means blue, grey, green and (a little bit of) brown. From there, I take direction from the occasion …
The watch I’m wearing today
My “daily beater” – a 36mm Rolex Oyster Perpetual. Reliable, robust, yet usefully discreet, it’s the perfect delineation of the qualities outlined above. [Bill is such a fan, he also has a summer version of the piece.]
Tell us an entertaining watch-related anecdote
I lost my first “decent” watch – an Oris – in the cleft of a plushly upholstered Cadillac Eldorado (not my own). Stupidly, I’d taken it off and placed it in my trouser pocket, from where it must have sunk down between the seat and back rest. No amount of searching (or tracking the seat back and forth) could dislodge the watch and when the car was returned, the watch went with it. Fortunately I was able to consult my friend [creative director, US Esquire] Nick Sullivan, who advised I start looking for a replacement immediately. It was then I found a time-only IWC Portuguese released to celebrate the company’s 125th anniversary, and the real journey began …
Bill’s favourite watch from 2020 is …
I’ve yet to see it “in the metal”, but the new Bulgari Aluminium looks an absolute belter – a chic dress/sports at an approachable price.
Someone you know who has an admirable watch collection
George Bamford has a collector’s eye and a connoisseur’s appreciation that finds a truly contemporary outlet in his own designs.
Follow @billprinceinc to cash in on more of Bill’s watch insights.