Member Spotlight: Edson Elguer
Edson Elguer
Chapter: Madrid
Instagrams: @redbarmadrid and @eelguer
What was your introduction to horology?
I first got interested in watches as a freshman in college. Some of my friends had Rolex watches for their 18th birthdays, and that’s how I got bit. From that moment onward I followed the typical path. First. staring for countless hours at shop windows, then my wife gave me an Omega Seamaster Professional as an engagement present. I continued to read about how mechanical watches work, about the history and heritage of different brands. And finally some six years ago, I was lucky enough to start building my own collection.
What was your first watch?
It was a present from my father when I was like six years old. A manual winding white dial with black numerals. I remember it had a red leather strap but it got lost at some point, so I don’t have it anymore.
What fascinates you most about watches and/or horology in general?
Like the most of us, I love the looks and craftsmanship quality of a good watch from a very wide range of brands. But what really makes me think these items are worth loving is the manufacturing process, especially when talking about the movement of a watch with hundreds of minuscule pieces, gears, levers, and screws all perfectly fit. Since I’m more a vintage watch guy, trying to imagine how watchmakers managed to create such complex machines of such small size 50, 70, or 100 years ago is quite fascinating.
What are the kiss, kill, and marry of your collection?
I love every single piece in my collection, so if I’m allowed I’ll do this with watches I do not own. Kiss: Rolex 1803 in white gold with a dark dial. Kill: Hublot Big Bang. Marry: Patek Philippe 570.
Name one watch that got away.
A Gallet Multichron with Valjoux 72 that I bought at an auction in Dubai. I sold it recently to support my latest acquisition.
What watch do you wear most often?
I like to change my watch everyday, but must confess that my new GMT Master ref. 1675 from 1971 is getting 100% wrist time since I got it two weeks ago.
What is the first thing you notice about a watch?
One of the things that always makes me smile is trying to find out what watches are the people around me wearing. In the short distance, such as RedBar meetings, condition is probably the first thing that catches my eye.
How were you introduced to RedBar Group?
I found out about RedBar Group on Instagram. This social network is a great way to get introduced and learn about watch collecting.
How has RedBar affected you as a collector?
Well, since I contacted Adam and other members at the ‘headquarters’ to talk about creating the Madrid chapter, I’ve been able to interact with a lot of collectors, brands, and retailers that have positively enriched my knowledge and understanding of this world.
Outside of collecting how has RedBar impacted your life?
Oh, RedBar has had a great impact in terms of my widening my circle of close friends, guys with whom I share other passions besides watch collecting, like sports cars. I’ve also met people with whom I have developed professional relationships. But I would say that the most significant impact will be once we have the chance to launch the charitable activities of our chapter.
