Last Friday I decided spontaneously to book my flight to Milan for the following day.
My main reason was the twice – yearly Antique and vintage watch fair in Parma- a city I had never been before. I decided to stay in Milan at the place I always chose since many years – the Principe di Savoia (the hotel choices in Parma did not really appeal to my taste).
I arrived on Saturday night in Milan and decided to visit the Bulgari Hotel – not because I enjoy the food there (although it was not bad) but rather because it is one of the few places in Milan where you can smoke a fine cigar in the own in-house ‘fumoir’.
One of the nice things in the Bulgari hotel is that they have wonderful pictures (see pictures below) of film stars who wore Bulgari jewelry in the 1960s – when Rome was perhaps almost as big as Hollywood in terms of production.
On Sunday it was off to Parma by local train. It was the last day of the watch fair, and while I knew it was not advantageous, I figured it was still better than not going at all. I was slightly wrong. When I did arrive on Sunday afternoon, the fair was already ‘closing down’. People were packing up.
The best and biggest watch dealers were not even there anymore and people were exhausted from standing on their feet since 9 days non-stop.
Nonetheless I saw some interesting things which I wanted to share. Warning – the report is very short. Expect a longer version in September.
First let me share some beautiful pictures that are hanging in the Bulgari hotel in Milan. One of the most beautiful pictures of one of the most beautiful women in the world wearing – what else but Bulgari: Anita Ekberg in the early 1960s.
Another Italian ‘goddess’ in the 1960s – Monica Vitti – wearing beautiful Bulgari jewellery – she also happened to be a friend of my fathers.
Arriving at the Parma Fair the next day: The first thing I noticed was- well Parma ham – everywhere at the Parma fair.
While the Parma fair has also a vintage watch section, the bigger attraction by far is antiques and furniture. Like this very rare 1930s vintage trunk from LV
Notice the addresses from the 1930s where LV had their stores. Today LV is 30 numbers further down the Champs Elysees.
Lets look at one or two watches- after all this is the reason I went to Parma. In proof that not all vintage Rolex does cost a fortune: This fine 1970s Rolex 1675 GMT Master which seems to have its original lume and very nice patina to the dial; not to mention a beautiful aged Bezel insert ‘raspberry’ – it was only priced at € 8′ooo and included punched guarantee papers.
Next I saw a very nice Daytona 6239 from 1965/66 with the rare ‘three line writing – all in different colors’. This dial configuration is not only rare but more attractive than when ‘Daytona’ is written around the middle sub dial.
The next watch was certainly a highlight. A very early 5xx xxx case Nr 5512 Submariner with a wonderful brown dial.
Notice the crown of the Rolex – typical for the early 5512 submariner (the shape is known as the ‘five fingers crown’ according to PP of RPR. The only negative was that the case number was almost impossible to read with a normal loupe.
The last watch we saw in Milan at a well known dealer. An almost NOS Rolex prince – a watch that is often overlooked by collectors.
What was very charming about this watch was the original box that the watch sat in.
It is indeed a short report. In September we will be sure to arrive on the first day like most collectors do and there will be more to report on. The last picture taken on the flight back to Zurich from Milan. Snow capped mountains together with a near cloudless sky, created an ideal picture moment.
