A Comprehensive Guide to Vintage Swiss Watches - A Collector's Treasure

In his amazing book, "A Comprehensive Guide to Vintage Swiss Watches," author, archivist, historian, and collector Aashdin Billimoria offers an immersive journey into the world of vintage Swiss timepieces. This 341-page coffee table book, filled with personal anecdotes and detailed insights, serves as an essential guide for both seasoned collectors and newcomers to the world of luxury watches.

The Author’s Passion for Watches

Aashdin Billimoria’s love for watches began at an early age, nurtured by a family of avid collectors. His passion and dedication are evident throughout the book, which is a culmination of 40 years of collecting and studying vintage watches. Billimoria’s early memories include receiving his first watches, a Titoni Airmaster and a Favre Leuba Twin Power, during his Parsi initiation ceremony, setting the foundation for a lifelong obsession.

The Heart of the Book

The book features 19 meticulously crafted chapters, each focusing on different categories of vintage watches. These include Wrist Alarms, Patina, Official Timekeepers of the Summer Olympic Games, Chronographs, Double-Signed Watches, Civil Aviation Watches, Presentation Watches, Commemorative Watches, Watches That Grow on You, Character Watches, and Country Specific Watches. Billimoria’s extensive personal collection, which constitutes about 90% of the watches featured, offers readers an intimate look at some of the rarest and most unique timepieces.

Highlights and Rare Finds

Among the gems highlighted in the book is an 18K solid-gold Universal Genève Polerouter Day Date, designed by the legendary Gerald Genta and featuring the Scandinavian Airlines Systems logo on the dial. Another notable mention is the Jaeger-LeCoultre Futurematic, the world’s first watch without a winding crown, known for its innovative six-hour power reserve indicator sub-dial. The book also delves into the historical significance of various models, such as the Junghans Olympic ‘Bullhead’ and the Longines Conquest Monopusher Chronograph, both launched to commemorate the 1972 Munich Olympics. Billimoria enriches these descriptions with historical images and advertisements, providing context and enhancing the narrative.

The Author’s Journey

Billimoria’s journey as a collector is filled with fascinating stories of acquiring rare watches. His first significant watch was a Hegde and Golay Pink Panther, followed by a West End Watch Sowar Prima and an Alba quartz watch during the Quartz Crisis. Over the years, his collection grew through relentless hunting at flea markets, online forums, and e-commerce sites. One of his favorite acquisitions is the 6138 Seiko Yachtman ‘UFO,’ which he hunted down for its specific birth year and month. Another cherished piece is the Rolex ‘Wide Boy’ Day Date with an exotic day wheel in Italian, bought from an unlikely seller in Albania. These stories highlight Billimoria’s dedication and the lengths he goes to secure unique timepieces.

The Author’s Philosophy

Billimoria emphasizes buying watches that bring joy and resonate with his personal taste. He prefers pieces with a story, often eschewing mainstream brands for lesser-known treasures. This philosophy is evident in his collection, which includes a mix of vintage, neo-vintage, and contemporary pieces from brands like Breitling, Heuer, and Omega. The Value of the Book Priced at INR 9,700 ($120 USD, £95 GBP),

"A Comprehensive Guide to Vintage Swiss Watches" is not just a book but a treasure trove of horological knowledge. Billimoria’s expertise and passion make it a valuable resource for anyone interested in the intricate world of vintage Swiss watches. The book’s inclusion in the libraries of the Horological Society of New York and the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors USA underscores its significance in the field.

Conclusion

Aashdin Billimoria’s "A Comprehensive Guide to Vintage Swiss Watches" is a must-read for luxury watch enthusiasts. The book beautifully captures the essence of vintage watch collecting, offering readers a glimpse into the author’s personal collection and the broader world of horological history. Through detailed narratives and exquisite imagery, Billimoria invites readers to appreciate the timeless beauty and intricate craftsmanship of vintage Swiss watches. For those looking to deepen their understanding of vintage watches or simply indulge in the luxury of fine timepieces, this book is an invaluable addition to any collection.

• To purchase a copy, the author can be contacted via his Instagram handle @aashdin.billimoria.