Q&A: Somlo London
17 June 2024
The time is ticking down to the opening of The Treasure House Fair, and as part of this we are delighted to welcome back Somlo, London’s leading experts in vintage and antique pocket watches. With over 400 years of horology to discover, Somlo curates everything from complicated Patek Philippe perpetual calendar wristwatches to early ‘pre-balance spring’ pocket watches.
Why have you chosen to participate in The Treasure House Fair this year?
The Fair represents a wonderful opportunity to display a broad range of vintage wristwatches from some of the finest brands of the 20th century, such as Patek Philippe, Cartier, Vacheron and Constantin and Piaget. However it also gives us the unique chance to showcase our collection of Antique pieces which are not generally on view for the public. This museum-worthy selection of watches contains treasures whose intricate works can no longer be produced as the knowledge of their manufacture has been lost to history.
What are you most looking forward to exhibiting during the Fair?
One of our highlights is going to be a Patek Philippe pocket watch from the turn of the last century. Combining several complications including a perpetual calendar, minute repeater and chronograph, this watch is one of the loftiest achievements of the brand and an exquisite example of its core ethos and dedication to pristine form and function.
It is also the 150th anniversary of Piaget this year so in honour of that we are bringing a gorgeous selection of vintage bracelet watches with stone dials and intricately engraved cases. These watches have been wildly under-appreciated for a long time and are now rising in value as people realise the quality of the workmanship.
How did you first learn about The Treasure House Fair?
We were contacted by the original founders of Masterpiece and asked if we wanted to take part. As the only exhibitor that specialises exclusively in watches, we felt that it was a great opportunity and an event that the London social calendar sorely needs.
What advice would you give to people visiting the Fair for the first time?
Unlike many other fairs, Treasure House does not have areas specifically associated with different categories such as Jewellery or Old Masters. This encourages visitors to really go around the entire exhibition and discover what each stand has to offer. The smaller size of the fair makes this an achievable goal in a day or two - so do not be afraid to spend some time at every exhibitor.
Below: Daniel Somlo, who joined the family business in 2016. His father, George Somlo has been running the watch business in Mayfair since 1977.
Why have you chosen to participate in The Treasure House Fair this year?
The Fair represents a wonderful opportunity to display a broad range of vintage wristwatches from some of the finest brands of the 20th century, such as Patek Philippe, Cartier, Vacheron and Constantin and Piaget. However it also gives us the unique chance to showcase our collection of Antique pieces which are not generally on view for the public. This museum-worthy selection of watches contains treasures whose intricate works can no longer be produced as the knowledge of their manufacture has been lost to history.
What are you most looking forward to exhibiting during the Fair?
One of our highlights is going to be a Patek Philippe pocket watch from the turn of the last century. Combining several complications including a perpetual calendar, minute repeater and chronograph, this watch is one of the loftiest achievements of the brand and an exquisite example of its core ethos and dedication to pristine form and function.
It is also the 150th anniversary of Piaget this year so in honour of that we are bringing a gorgeous selection of vintage bracelet watches with stone dials and intricately engraved cases. These watches have been wildly under-appreciated for a long time and are now rising in value as people realise the quality of the workmanship.
How did you first learn about The Treasure House Fair?
We were contacted by the original founders of Masterpiece and asked if we wanted to take part. As the only exhibitor that specialises exclusively in watches, we felt that it was a great opportunity and an event that the London social calendar sorely needs.
What advice would you give to people visiting the Fair for the first time?
Unlike many other fairs, Treasure House does not have areas specifically associated with different categories such as Jewellery or Old Masters. This encourages visitors to really go around the entire exhibition and discover what each stand has to offer. The smaller size of the fair makes this an achievable goal in a day or two - so do not be afraid to spend some time at every exhibitor.
Below: Daniel Somlo, who joined the family business in 2016. His father, George Somlo has been running the watch business in Mayfair since 1977.