Member Spotlight: Andrea Casalegno
Andrea Casalegno
Chapter Leader of RedBar Milano
https://www.instagram.com/redbarmilano/
1. What was your introduction to horology?
When I was 16 and I got my first watch, my grandfather’s watch - obviously a vintage. Then I found out that the family of a good friend of mine has been into watches for generations. [I asked] them about watches and about watchmakers, as I was super ignorant. They taught me so many things about horology and brought me to BaselWorld... I owe them a lot, and i’d like to thank them so much for everything they made for me!
2. What was your first watch?
My first watch was a simple Swatch, but I didn’t know how to use it… My first serious watch was an Omega De Ville from the past, with an outstanding floreal dial and the first watch I bought was a Speedy from 2007.
3. What fascinates you most about watches and/or horology in general?
Creativity, history, design, and luxury. I love horology, and not just watches: a watch is an object, horology is an art and a whole world. I love the culture behind it, I love the events, the people and the emotions that a man can feel looking at a watch. I remember going around in the Patek Museum, almost jumping for the happiness I was feeling looking at the old calendars and automatons... Life is about emotions. Watches convey them so well and always put a smile on my face.
4. What are the kiss, kill, and marry of your collection?
I’d surely kill my Franck Muller because it’s so big. I’d kiss my Speedies, and I’d marry my Datejust as it’s my 18th birthday watch, and it’s perfect in every occasion. But i’m a vintage guy, so I’d also marry all my vintage Tissots!
5. Name one watch that got away.
I have no regrets. I keep them all!
6. What watch do you wear most often?
Probably my first Tissot, bought in Marrakech or my triple calendar bought completely NOS in Geneva.
7. What is the first thing you notice about a watch?
The harmony of the dial and the size as the case. I like classy watches, symmetrical dials, and small cases. My type is the 40s Calatrava style!
8. How were you introduced to RedBar Group?
I discovered it on Insta almost four years ago. It was cool, and I wanted to have something like that in Italy too. I tried to establish a chapter for years, but nobody answered me. Last year, I met the leader of RedBar Switzerland… who helped me to get in touch with the group. We’re here now!
9. How has RedBar affected you as a collector?
I think that we’re just at the beginning of our adventure. I hope we’ll organize more events in the future, in Italy and around Europe, meeting other people and collectors. For the moment, my status of collector hasn’t changed, but as I said this is just the beginning.
10. Outside of collecting how has RedBar impacted your life?
It made me meet many people in Switzerland and a few in Italy. I like the spirit and the internationality of the project. Hope this will lead me far!
