Best known within watch collecting circles as "IamCasa," Andrea Casalegno is an Italian journalist approaching the world of watchmaking from a highly knowledgable albeit youthfully enthusiastic perspective. In Bezel’s exclusive interview, we sit down with the Italian watch connoisseur to discuss his introduction to the world of watches, the friendships he's forged with watches, plus the most prized watches in his personal collection.

In Conversation with Andrea Casalegno

Bezel: How did you get into watches? 

AC: Despite always having been something of an old soul, I always thought watches were useless. That was until I saw a Vacheron Constantin Mercator and fell in love, finally understanding why people like them. The poetry, the emotions, the craftsmanship–so good.

Shortly after that, I inherited a few Omega watches from my grandmother, though they all needed their movements overhauled. First, I took them to Omega, and while their staff was amazingly helpful and deeply passionate, their services were unfortunately a bit too pricey for me. Next, I asked one of my classmates if he knew a good watchmaker, as his grandfather was formerly an importer of IWC for the Italian market, whose office was designed by none other than Gérald Genta himself. Fast forward two months later, and I was attending BaselWorld (2015), excitedly explaining the magic of horology to all my friends, and on my way to making a career for myself in the watch industry.

Bezel: Who would’ve thought that Genta dabbled in interior design! How has your proximity to the industry guided your approach on collecting? 

AC: Genta’s other pursuits definitely paint a broader picture of his creative genius.

I’d say that my proximity to the industry has made me far more appreciative of the friendships forged with watches. Since beginning to work in the industry, I’ve been gifted watches by friends, and even strangers, for the sole reason that they liked me and were familiar with my tastes. 

With regards to my own purchases, my proximity to the industry makes me approach collecting very carefully, always considering the story behind each watch, its past owners, and most importantly, the genesis of specific examples in question. 

Bezel: What was your first watch, and what’s the story behind it? 

AC: My first mechanical watch was an Omega De Ville with floral dial, that was originally sold in Japan, and is possibly unique. I’ve seen examples fitted with the same dial, though never one with the same case shape or finishing. It once belonged to my uncle–a man of taste, principles, creativity, and humanity. While I never met him, he’s highly regarded within my family, and we all celebrate his memory to this day. Needless to say, I’m quite proud to have started my collection with this piece. 

Having said that, the first watch I acquired that made me feel like a true collector was my Cartier Tank Louis–made in 1960, and fitted with a Paris dial.

Bezel: The significance of heirlooms simply cannot be understated. What other pieces do you most closely associate with your family?

AC: My family has never really been into watches to the same degree that I am. However, my nonna, who everyone called Lilly, was a very elegant, impeccable woman who used to wear a Universal Geneve that I now wear with pride. It’s a super slim, micro-rotor, time-only piece, secured to the wrist with a very sleek gold bracelet that she had made for it. I also got my grandfather’s watches from her, including an older Universal Geneve chronograph, along with a beautiful solid gold Eberhard. 

The last watch with family ties to have joined my collection is a Rolex Submariner Ref. 14060M. It belonged to another uncle of mine, who rarely wore it as it wouldn’t fit under his shirt cuffs. I’ll always remember seeing him wearing it with short sleeves in the summer months, and asking him to borrow it. As an Italian, the Submariner has always been the most iconic Rolex in my eyes, and my uncle being my role model makes this watch truly sacred. It’s almost impossible for me to wear it without tears, and feeling a sense of awe. 

Bezel: What’s your favorite watch in your collection and why?

AC: All of my babies are my babies! I have a three-digit collection and I simply can't get rid of anything. If I only had to pick one, I’d go for either the Cartier Tank Louis or my Andersen Genève “Communication” World Time. The Tank makes me feel like Warhol at the peak of his life, inspiring a sense of wonder every time I wear it. The Andersen, on the other hand, is truly one of the most perfect watches I've ever owned. 31 mm, cased in a subtly designed yellow gold case, fitted with a blue enamel and gold leaf dial, and equipped with a world time complication–what more could you ask for?

Bezel: Do you tend to favor smaller watches? What are your thoughts on the resurgence of more diminutive designs?

AC:  A friend of mine always says “small watches are sexier”, and I wholly agree. Back in the 30s and 40s, watches measuring 31 millimeters across were the standard, and I personally don’t see why they can’t still be appreciated today. I still wear 40 and 42 mm watches, as some are incredibly well-designed and proportioned, but I’d say 35 mm is my sweet spot for time-only watches, my favorite horological category.

Bezel: Can you share 3 must-have watches listed on Bezel right now?

AC: Piaget Polo “Lapis Lazuli” Ref. 81301 C581

This is an amazing watch. Such a nice dial and bracelet–very much so my thing. 

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Harry Winston Ocean Perpetual Calendar Limited Edition Ref. 200-MCAPC38

What can I say, I’m a sucker for all things Harry Winston, along with moonphase and perpetual calendar equipped watches. 

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Louis Erard x Konstantin Chaykin Le Régulateur Excellence Ref. 85248AA89.BGA091

In my eyes, this is one of the most genial collabs ever made. I own one, and will never tire of wearing it. 

Bezel: Why do you continue to enjoy collecting watches? 

AC: My excitement comes from the stories and the will to develop my tastes. I’m driven by people–whether it's what they know, what they don't know, what they like, or even what they dislike.

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- Isaac Wingold

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