Aussie John is Living a Watch Collector’s Dream
Doesn’t every fancier of fine watches fantasize about being able to buy any model he or she ever wanted? Unfortunately, acquiring luxury watches is an expensive habit, one that requires unlimited funds but there’s one savvy Australian businessman who has managed to amass an enviable collection over the last 20 years—and he’s not afraid to share.
John Symond of Sydney is known as “Aussie John” and his rags-to-riches story sounds like a fairy tale come true. Symond defied his modest beginnings to build a multibillion-dollar home loan business that has allowed him to indulge his passion for timepieces.
On the day he was visited by the International Business Times, Symond wore an IWC Portuguese Minute Repeater from his current collection which consists of about two dozen pieces from his favorite brands: IWC, Patek Philippe, Hublot, Audemars Piguet, Ulysse Nardin and Breguet. “I am an impulsive purchaser of watches,” he explained. “I respect history and track record. But I often buy on impulse.”
Such a selection allows Symond to pick a different watch for every day of the week and any occasion.” If I am wearing a sports watch, it can make me feel energized. But if I’m wearing my suit, I wear cufflinks and a jacket, and then I want something that sits nicely. I want something elegant and with a sense of fineness about it.” He added, “I don’t wear watches with diamonds or sparkly bits. I like simplicity and elegance.”
Symond often gifts friends and family with pieces from his collection. He stated that he sometimes “feels guilty” about the number of watches he owns. “I love to see other people wearing a watch I give them, especially if I know they wouldn’t spend that sort of money themselves,” he stated. “I also buy brand spanking new watches as gifts. That’s a special gift. Watches are very good for that.”
Why can’t we all have a friend like that?
