Alfredo Paramico is a distinguished Italian watch collector, highly regarded for his extensive and meticulously curated collection of luxury timepieces. Born in Naples in 1969, Paramico began his career in investment banking in New York and later moved to London, Milan, and Madrid. He transitioned into the world of horology with a passion that led him to amass a collection worth millions of euros, featuring some of the most rare and exquisite watches in existence.
His collection prominently includes models from brands such as Patek Philippe, Longines, and Rolex. Noteworthy pieces include a Patek Philippe Reference 1518, a white-gold single-button chronograph, and various rare Longines models like the limited edition “Swissair” and the Longines A7 made for the US Army. Paramico also manages Precious Time, a unique investment fund focused exclusively on vintage and collectible watches.
In this interview, Alfredo shares a memorable experience from his youth when he bought a watch from a collector, remarkably setting the purchase price himself. Interestingly, despite his deep appreciation for timepieces, Alfredo does not wear his watches. Additionally, he recounts the pursuit of his favorite watch, a quest that spanned an impressive 20 years, underscoring his enduring passion and dedication.
If you could describe yourself in one sentence, what would it be?
I am a prominent but humble watch collector with a keen eye for details, dedicated to curating an exquisite collection of timepieces that celebrate craftsmanship and history.
What watch do you use more often? Daily?
I am sorry to disappoint you and I am absolutely aware that it might be shocking... I never wear the watch...
How did your collection evolve through the years?
I have always thought that in life, regardless of what we do for living or regardless of what we are passionate with, we have to update knowledge and, as a consequence, accept a change in our taste. I call this process evolution...
During the last years I have been attracted by the watches produced between end of the 80's and beginning on the 90's. After the quartz era, which literally lead to the collapse of the Swiss watchmaking industry, few (but extremely talented people), made the huge effort to produce highly complicated watches based on the mechanical movements. Names like Jean Claude Biver, Daniel Roth, Franck Muller, Svend Andersen, Vincent Calabrese, Michel Parmigiani, Francois-Paul Journe, Philippe Dufour, gave birth to an incredible era of watchmaking.
I am also attracted by young independent watchmakers like Theo Auffret, Rexhep Rexhepi.
Can you share with us a unique story behind a watch in your collection?
About twenty years ago, I developed a strong friendship with one of the greatest and most important collectors of the time, a textile entrepreneur from the province of Parma. The highlight of his collection was a Patek Philippe reference 1518 in steel, which for many still remains the Holy Grail of watchmaking. During a spring auction session in Geneva (an unmissable event for watch enthusiasts like us), we spent the entire afternoon and dinner talking about the watch.
Of course, he knew about my interest, and I believe that, beyond being proud of it, he saw in me an ambitious young man with good taste, striving to climb the ranks rapidly. Around midnight, he asked me to write on a piece of paper from the Hotel des Bergues the amount I was willing to pay and the payment terms. It was a significant amount, so he would certainly grant me some leeway.
I clearly remember realising immediately that this was the classic once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. A too-low offer would have discredited me in his eyes, while a too-high offer might have scared him off and made him reconsider selling. I think I wrote at least ten different offers before making the final decision.
I handed him the note after more than fifteen minutes, and he withdrew to a part of the hotel lobby to reflect. When he returned half an hour later, shaking my hand and signing the note himself, I felt like the happiest man in the world. I had just spent money I didn't have, but I felt happy. I remember walking along the lake until the early hours of the morning, not wanting to go to sleep and end the magic of that night.
One of your first purchases that still holds a particular value to you?
Without any doubt a stunning Gerald Genta Grande Sonnerie in platinum with platinum bracelet. I literally chased this watch for twenty years all over the world. It means everything a watch collector can desire. An incredible mechanism, a terrific design, an extremely rare timepiece being the only one known in platinum with a platinum bracelet.
What are the next steps for your collection?
As said my collection is always open to future creations by talented watchmakers who can leverage technology and materials to craft watches of excellent quality.
Do you collect anything else? Tell us about it.
I like art, design and cars but cannot be considered a collector at all... I do collect rare sneakers... This is the consequence of my thirst for curiosity and my desire to understand the new generations.
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