In Bezel's exclusive interview, we sit down with the agency partner, digital creator, and NYC nightlife fixture to explore his introduction to the world of mechanical watches, his love of heirloom pieces, plus the most prized watch in his growing collection.
Perhaps best known as @nydoorman, Mike Tommasiello is multi-hyphenate shaking up the worlds of digital marketing, nightlife, and fashion through his Instagram, as well as his creative agency N°9.
In Bezel's exclusive interview, we sit down with the agency partner, digital creator, and NYC fixture to explore his introduction to the world of mechanical watches, his love of heirloom pieces, plus the most prized watch in his growing collection.
Bezel: How did you get into watches?
NYD: I'll be the first to admit that I initially didn't understand the value or appeal of wearing watches when we’re all attached to our phones 24/7. However, through my work, I was able to start writing about watches and connecting with not only prominent collectors, but also some of the more noted watchmakers themselves. I once had the opportunity to talk to Patrick Dempsey about some of his favorite TAG Heuer pieces, as well as the famed Monaco – that’s when I really started to get into the heritage and cultural significance of the different pieces and houses, as well as the movements which power them, and the ingenuity that takes to execute. From that day on I stopped looking at watches as something used to tell time, but rather a piece of iconography, akin to an amazing piece from a fashion house.
Bezel: Personal style and watch collecting most definitely go hand in hand – how would you describe your own tastes as a collector?
NYD: I really collect what I love so my style runs the gamut both for my watches and my clothing. I tend to fixate on one particular item at any given point until I end up getting it, so I end up with a lot of things that I love for a whole lot of reasons.
Bezel: What was your first watch and what’s the story behind it?
NYD: My first watch was a vintage Patek Philippe Calatrava in yellow gold, dating back to 1947 (around the year when my dad was born). I wore it on my wedding day because the plan is to pass it down to my son or daughter one day. The moment it finally arrived, I knew without a shred of a doubt that this watch was going to outlive me, and I found myself immensely proud to have something that could be passed down. It's an incredibly simple but elegant Bauhaus style watch that’s absolutely perfect.
Bezel: Can you tell us a little about your most prized heirloom?
NYD: Before I was born, my dad was in the police force in Argentina, and was awarded this medallion necklace in 1979. He generously gave it to me, and I now wear it daily. At some point I’ll pass onto my son or daughter.
Bezel: What’s your favorite watch in your collection?
NYD: That would have to be my vintage Rolex Submariner Date Ref. 1680. It’s fitted with a faded “ghost” bezel insert, which are incredibly hard to find as dedicated collectors will know. Naturally, most aren't exactly willing to part ways with great examples, and so when I found one I knew I had to have it.
Bezel: Were you at all intimidated by the prospect of acquiring it?
NYD: Absolutely. It’s SO hard knowing if a piece is authentic given how advanced the fakes are getting. If you don’t know what you’re doing, you can end up making some costly mistakes. That’s why I genuinely enjoyed working with the concierge team at Bezel – the experience in-app was as close as I’ve ever gotten to an in-store purchase, from the standpoints of both general communication, and perhaps more importantly, expertise.
Bezel: Can you share 3 must-have watches listed on Bezel right now?
NYD: I would LOVE to own a two tone Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, along with a Rolex Daytona “Panda,” and a Patek Phillippe Aquanaut.
Bezel: Why do you continue to enjoy collecting watches?
NYD: I love creating memories with something tangible that’ll one day be passed down to the next generation for all-new memories to be made with. They’re just so intrinsically attached to so many of life’s most significant moments.Because they are one of the ultimate symbols of human genius. I just want to be continually amazed by creativity and beauty.
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- Isaac Wingold, Senior Editor
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