As the founder of Menta Watches, and one of the world's foremost vintage watch experts, Adam Golden is the go-to vintage dealer for many of the most important and distinguished collectors of our time. What's more, he's a collector in his own right with a truly outstanding roster of rare and important pieces.

In Bezel's exclusive interview, we sit down with the globally renowned watch dealer to explore his introduction to the world of watches, his transition from collector to dealer, plus the most prized watch in his personal collection.

In Conversation with Adam Golden

Bezel: How did you get into watches? 

AG: When I was young, my father bought himself a Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso Duo, and I was immediately drawn to it. Over the years, I ended up wearing it more often than he did, and when I graduated from law school, he generously gifted it to me.

‍Bezel:  How did your collecting tastes evolve from there?

AG: My tastes evolved by virtue of necessity and where I was located. When I first got into collecting I was living in Russia, and as a result was largely focused on modern watches;  collecting tastes there are extremely modern-focused. As I got deeper into the game I began to dabble in all things vintage, reading up on the histories of notable watches and manufactures. That led to making smaller vintage purchases here and there when I was back home in Miami. 

Eventually I made my first big purchase in that realm – a Rolex Daytona Ref. 6262 “Azul,” which I traded an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore and Panerai Luminor Marina for. From there I went deep down the rabbit hole. 

Bezel: At what point did you decide to make the jump from collecting to dealing watches? 

AG:  My progression from collector to dealer happened when I found out my wife was pregnant with our first child. From that point on, I started to take watches far more seriously and formed my own business. Fast forward one year later, and I left my job practicing law to sell rare and important watches full-time.

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

AG: At present, it would have to be my Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Ref. 5402 “A-Series.” I’ve owned many of these over the years, but this one has the most incredible tropical dial, and I’ve always been a huge fan of this model. It wears perfectly, and it’s absolutely timeless.

Bezel: Is there one watch that’s eluded you to date that you’d love to one day own or help place in a collection?

AG:  I’ve been fortunate enough to acquire and offer several of my “grail watches,” including a Rolex Daytona Paul Newman Ref. 6265 “Lemon”, or more recently another Rolex Daytona Ref. 6263 Paul Newman retailed by Tiffany & Co., but my true grail would have to be Patek Philippe’s Ref. 1518 in stainless steel. One day!

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

AG: Always.

A. Lange & Söhne Datograph Up / Down “Lumen” Ref. 405.034

Patek Philippe Split-Seconds Chronograph Ref. 5370P-001

Rolex Day-Date 40 Ref. 228239-0055

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Bezel: Why do you continue to enjoy collecting watches? 

AG: Part of my job is the constant hunt, which keeps things interesting literally every day. Some of the new releases are cool, but there is nothing like hunting down an old and rare vintage piece. It’s not something just anyone with money can buy, and you need to have a lot of knowledge and patience, so the payoff is much more rewarding.

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- Isaac Wingold, Senior Editor

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