COLLECTOR PROFILE – RONI MADHVANI

If you’re into vintage watches odds are you’ve heard of Roni Madhvani (IG @roni_m_29).  Some may remember him from his appearance on Hodinkee’s “Talking Watches”, or WatchTime India’s “The Watch Hunter of Africa” profile.

Roni’s expansive collection is, in a word, unique, with nary a lollipop hand or Pepsi bezel in sight.  Among the grail level modern Patek chronographs and Gilbert Albert masterpieces is an ever growing expanse of some of the most unique and varied Audemars Piguet timepieces produced during the middle of the 20th century.  

Well, it’s been a few years, so we thought we’d catch up with him and see what’s new. 

JOSH:  Hi Roni, thanks so much for kicking off our new Collector Profile series.  We’re honored to have you as our very first guest.  For those out there who may not be familiar, could you tell us a little about yourself?

RONI:  I have been collecting seriously for some 3 decades and even before that had an interest in horology. I live in Uganda but travel a lot, and in the early days one was very cut off and relied on Auction Catalogues that arrived several weeks late and were the primary source of information. The spread of the internet took the passion to another level with access to information and attaining further knowledge.

J:  Was it vintage from the start, or were you initially hooked by modern pieces like many of us?

RONI:  My tastes and indeed what I started off collecting evolved over time as I think it does with all collectors.  Closely linked to it is one’s finances and what one collects.  In the beginning it was a mishmash of lots of things, but it soon narrowed to vintage and then led to where I am now, which is vintage watches based on design and form: Interesting cases, lugs, etc. Also the focus on Patek, Audemars and vintage Cartier.

J:  Since we saw you on Talking Watches back in 2016 your collection has taken a deep dive into some truly spectacular mid century Audemars Piguet.  What is it about AP of this era that attracted you?

RONI:  Indeed, and that shift towards vintage Audemars Piguet was driven by the increasing unaffordability of vintage Patek, and the fact they have become more difficult to find in pristine exceptional condition, something I feel strongly about in terms of building of collection.  The attraction of vintage Audemars is that during the 1940’s to the 1970’s they made amazing watches in terms of compilation, and in my particular area of interest – design.  They excelled in terms of quality, aesthetics and all other parameters.  Finally, I believe the time only watches from AP of this era have offered value for money, although more recently I recognize that other discerning collectors have felt the same and there is a move towards collecting them and prices have edged up.  The final attraction has been the limited production numbers, the appeal of owning a rare piece is in itself a big draw.  The variety of vintage AP time pieces is a big attraction to me too.

J: Tell us about a few of your favorite acquisitions in the last few years.  

RONI:  Every new acquisitions is exciting and it is really difficult to choose favourite ones!  It’s like choosing your favourite child!  But definitely some of the rarer and more eclectic Audemars top my list of late.

J:  Was there a specific moment or watch that put you on your current collecting path, or was it more of a gradual evolution?

RONI:  I think it has been a gradual evolution, and bearing in mind my focus and interest is in terms of design, so the appeal with the genre itself has widened.  For example, 5 or so years ago I would not have even looked at a watch from the ’70’s, a decade I disliked in terms of design, but recently I’ve added watches from this decade to my collection. 

J:  What characteristics in a watch attract you the most?  

RONI:  For sure design, design, design!

J:  Your love of the Art Deco style extends well beyond watches.  Tell us about some of your favorites makers.

RONI:  Unfortunately, my passion for collecting extends to far too many things!  Others include Art Deco bronzes by Maurice Prost and Raymond Delamerre, car mascots from the 1930’s and 1940’s, contemporary Indian and African art and a whole load more things!  I think I’m a bit of a gatherer!

J:  One thing modern brands are doing right?

RONI:  It is easier to talk of what they are doing wrong.  I feel there is a bit of a disconnect between the watch buyers and the brands, as they rely on agencies for feedback and there is a culture within their set ups where their front line staff who actually interact with customers are too frightened to give the customers feedback higher up the line, or the brands don’t have the culture or channels to want to listen to the people who spend their hard earned money on them and keep them in business.  Thus, in many ways I feel many new releases are out of touch with the persons who actually buy the watches. 

J:  One thing modern brands could do better?

RONI:  I find the traditional channels and routes in which brands advertise are so obsolete, irrevelant and boring. Does the fact a celebrity wears a watch in an advertisement influence my decision to purchase a particular watch or not? I think not. The rise and spread of social media has made watch buyers more knowledgable and savvy, and yet the communication for the brands have not really woken up to this fully.  Secondly, too much credibility is given by the brands to so called “influencers”.

J:  Is there a particular watch you find yourself wearing more than the others?

RONI:  A Patek 3417 anti-magnetic sees much wrist time. Whilst traveling a Patek 5131g and of late a Cartier Crash.  I like to change my watches daily.  No point gathering them if you don’t wear them. 

J:  Last question. Do you have a certain set of principles that guide your collecting?

RONI:  Always focus on quality and what you like and can live with.  Avoid the trends.

J: Thank you so much taking the time to chat Roni, it’s been our sincere pleasure. Until next time, and happy hunting!