Roy Davidoff: A Deep Dive into the World of Vintage Watches
Roy Davidoff is a horological consultant based in Geneva, Switzerland, with a specialization in vintage watches. Alongside his brother Sacha, he co-founded ROY & SACHA DAVIDOFF SA, a company dedicated to sharing their extensive knowledge and passion for vintage timepieces. Roy brings a wealth of experience in watch design, sales, and training, having worked with esteemed companies such as Bovet, Fleurier, Jacob & Co, and IWC.
In this interview, we sit down with Roy to discuss his journey into the world of watches, his predictions for the vintage watch market, and more.
Behind the Dial with Roy Davidoff:
Grailzee: What sparked your passion for vintage watches, and how did your first watch influence your career path?
Roy Davidoff: My obsession for vintage watches was ignited during my childhood. I vividly remember a story my aunt told me during the winter of 1980/1981, when I became mesmerized by the watches displayed in a store in the Swiss mountains. I promised myself that one day I would own them all. This passion truly took hold in 1989 when my father gifted me his 1970 Omega Speedmaster MKII Racing.That first watch not only marked the beginning of my collection but also steered my career towards vintage watches and horology.
Grailzee: What is one of the most memorable watches you've handled, and what makes it stand out?
Roy Davidoff: One of the most memorable watches I’ve handled is the Duke Ellington Patek Philippe 1563. While working as a viewing assistant at Phillips during Aurel Bacs' first tenure in the early 2000s, I had the privilege of examining this exceptional timepiece. I was captivated by its waterproof case and rare split-seconds chronograph, which remains one of my favorite complications to this day. It’s truly a masterpiece in the world of horology.
Grailzee: How do you see the market for vintage watches evolving over the next five to ten years?
Roy Davidoff: I believe the vintage watch market will continue to thrive, driven by a growing appreciation for early independent brands that are likely to gain more recognition as collectors seek unique, less commercialized models. Additionally, we're seeing a strong comeback of smaller case sizes, which reflect when watchmakers actually used the correct proportions between movement and case sizes.
Grailzee: What are three essential watches listed on Grailzee right now?
Roy Davidoff: Three standout pieces currently on Grailzee are the Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 33M with a blue dial , the Rolex 16803 two-tone blue Submariner, known as the "officer's watch," which brings back memories of my time in Miami, and the Racing Omega Speedmaster Professional with a grey dial. This watch's design and color scheme remind me of my 1970 MKII racing dial.
Grailzee: What advice would you give to someone just starting their journey into collecting vintage watches?
Roy Davidoff: For those beginning their journey into collecting vintage watches, my primary advice is to focus on "Condition, Condition, Condition." Always ensure you buy from a reputable seller. Trust and quality are paramount in this industry.