Welcome back to an original aBlogtoWatch feature, “My First Grail Watch.” In this series, we ask prominent people in the watch industry about the first timepiece that they lusted after. Today, we’re speaking with Serge Michel, who is the owner of Armin Strom, an independent watch brand that we’ve featured on these pages quite a bit.
aBlogtoWatch (ABTW): Who are you, and what is your relationship to the watch industry?
Serge Michel (SM): Serge Michel, Owner of the independent watch brand Armin Strom.
ABTW: When did your fascination with watches start?
SM: As a child, being one of the first Swatch-Club collectors. I asked my parents for my first watch at 6 and, by the age of 10, I owned about 12 models. I would wear a favorite for a few months and then be ready for a new one. Of course, the one with the transparent case back was my most favorite.
ABTW: What was your first grail watch?
SM: That’s hard to say, as I’ve fancied so many watches over the years. Right now, it’s the Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Grand Tradition Gyrotourbillon.
ABTW: What drew you to this particular watch?
SM: It’s got it all, especially the complexity and esthetic aspect of the movement.
ABTW: So, then, the big question – did you ever get one?
SM: So far I do not possess one. Right now I’m happily sporting our Tourbillon Earth and building my collection of Armin Stroms. I believe part of the passion of the watch industry is to constantly seek new innovations and designs.
ABTW: Was there ever a time where it was “the one that got away”?
SM: Not yet, but I consider myself still young!