Camille Guille: Exploring Watches, Emerging Trends, and Collecting Insights
Camille Guille, is a watch enthusiast and sales director for GMT Magazine. She has worked for Vanity Fair France, L’Express and Vivienne Westwood. She started her Instagram account @perpetual.girl in 2018 where she constantly shares her passion for watches, she has almost 13k followers.
In this interview, Camille Guille shares her unexpected entry into the watch industry, her first watch, emerging trends, and offers advice for new collectors.
Behind the Dial with Camille Guille:
Grailzee: What first sparked your interest in watches, and how did you begin your journey in the industry?
Camille Guille: My journey into the watch industry began somewhat by chance. I was working at Vanity Fair France in the advertising department, and I had basic knowledge of watches when I first arrived in Geneva. However, my first interview in the city was with GMT Magazine, which offered me a role right away. That was my entry into the world of horology. Also, attending watch fairs was a great initiation, and that’s when my fascination with timepieces truly began.
Grailzee: Could you tell us about your first watch? How did it influence your career path in the watch world?
Camille Guille: The first watch I bought after starting work in the watch industry was the Furlan Marri Mr. Grey, before they won the GPHG Challenge prize. It’s a quartz-powered piece, which was an interesting choice for me at the time. This watch marked my entry into the world of collecting timepieces, and since then, my appreciation for fine watches has only grown.
Grailzee: Out of all the watches you’ve encountered, which one stands out the most in your memory? What unique qualities make it so unforgettable?
Camille Guille: One watch that really stands out for me is the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Frosted Gold, created in collaboration with Carolina Bucci. It’s such a beautiful piece—the way it plays with light thanks to Carolina’s frosting technique is just mesmerizing. It’s incredibly stylish and unique, and I’ve had a big crush on it since I first saw it. The combination of design and the way it interacts with light makes it unforgettable. It made me appreciate the Royal Oak even more.
Grailzee: From your perspective, what trends are likely to redefine the watch industry over the next five to ten years? What advice would you offer to new collectors venturing into horology?
Camille Guille: I think one trend we’ll continue to see in the watch industry is the growing appreciation for small-size vintage watches. It’s a trend I believe is set to continue, especially as people rediscover the elegance and style of these timepieces.
When it comes to venturing into the watch world, it depends on the budget, the personality, the watches this person already owns, the purpose of the purchase. Will this piece be sold in 5 years or will they keep it for their children? If this new collector is Mark Zuckerberg, then it’s not the same advice. Ask yourself if you will still wear it in 1 or 2 years. If you know you won’t, then watch the 2nd market price if you’re not Mark.
Grailzee: What do you enjoy most about sharing your passion for watches on Instagram?
Camille Guille: I created this account to share all the beautiful pieces I am lucky to see and wear during press releases. I love when followers ask me my opinion on watches they plan to purchase. The other day I chatted with a woman working in Finance in NYC asking for my advice about 2 specific watches. I helped her by sending pics and videos of all the different versions of her top 2 watches that I got to wear. And in the discussion, we found out she enjoys a 3rd option that she finally bought. I enjoy sharing my insights with the Watchfam, I have good friends thanks to this community.*Please note: The watches featured on her social media are not part of her personal collection; they are showcased solely for vlogging purposes.