Collectors and connoisseurs gathered for an exclusive evening of horological discovery as Phillips in association with Bacs & Russo and Vintage Grail hosted Phillips Watches in Manila at The Peninsula Manila, an intimate cocktail on watch collecting.
The event marked a milestone collaboration between Phillips Watches—renowned for its world record-setting auctions—and Vintage Grail, the Philippines’ foremost destination for rare and collectible timepieces.
Established in 2018 by young businessmen and watch collectors Paolo Martel, Jesse Maxwell, and Franco Varona, Vintage Grail was born from an opportunity to serve the growing demand for luxury timepieces.
“Partnering with Paolo Martel and his team felt like a natural fit,” said Thomas Perazzi, deputy chairman and head of watches, Phillips Asia. “We share a profound passion for horology. This event introduced the local community to an international perspective on watch collecting, fostering a deeper appreciation and understanding of this sophisticated craft.”
The evening’s highlight was a candid fireside chat covering a wide range of topics, from global collecting trends and the resurgence of vintage references to the growing appeal of independent brands and advice for building lasting collections.
“We still have people who love the big brands—Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin, Audemars Piguet—but lately we’ve seen a growing market for independent watches,” said Martel. “We also see a lot of people gravitating to vintage Cartier, Rolex Day-Date. The collecting community enjoys this because the entry level, from a price point of view, is very accessible.”
Adding depth to the evening’s conversation was a distinguished lineup of exceptional watches, handpicked for their design excellence, technical precision, and storied background. Highlights included examples from Richard Mille, the military-issued Rolex “MilSub” Ref. 5513/5517, the angular Cartier Tank Obus, and the vibrant Rolex Day-Date 36 “Puzzle.” Also on view was an extremely rare museum piece vintage Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar ref. 2497J. and other models from Audemars Piguet. Rounding out the display was the Rolex Daytona Ref. 6240, a grail-level chronograph for collectors.
To extend the experience, collectors were invited to schedule one-on-one appraisal sessions at the Vintage Grail Lounge. These by-appointment consultations offered complimentary valuations, with expert insights on provenance, condition, and market potential.
“The watch market is experiencing continuous growth, particularly in Southeast Asia,” said Perazzi. “We’ve always known there was a cluster of serious collectors in the Philippines. During this visit, we had the chance to meet them, see their incredible collections, and begin fostering deeper relationships.”
