GMT KOREA Magazine: Eric Wind Vintage Interview on Patek Philippe

GMT KOREA Magazine recently interviewed Eric Wind on vintage Patek Philippe timepieces.

I am a collector based in Wisconsin, USA. Since 2010, I have contributed articles to the watch web magazine Hodinkee, and in 2017, I founded Wind Vintage, a business dedicated to selling top-quality vintage watches and offering advisory services.

Although I didn’t inherit a Patek Philippe timepiece, I do have fond memories of receiving a vintage Hamilton Neil watch from my grandfather. About a year ago, I came across a Patek Philippe pocket watch—Reference 783—entirely by chance. This model is an exceptionally rare creation by Patek Philippe’s legendary designer Gilbert Albert (1930–2019). It belongs to the Montres Golf collection, which includes References 782, 783, and 799. These watches feature an integrated chain designed for easy carrying in one’s pocket while playing golf.

As golf became increasingly popular in the mid-20th century, it also became apparent that the shock from a golf swing could potentially damage a watch movement. In response, pocket watches designed specifically for golfers became a trend. The integrated chain allowed golfers to check the time effortlessly on the course while also reducing the risk of losing the watch. One of the most distinctive features of this watch is its so-called “parachute dial,” a segmented dial design seen in some of Gilbert Albert’s other works as well. My Ref. 783 features a double-signed dial, co-branded with Gübelin, a renowned retailer based in Lucerne. The case back bears the No. 2 mark from the Poinçon de Maître (Master’s Mark of Quality), indicating that the case was crafted by F. Baumgartner SA—the same casemaker behind many waterproof Calatrava references and the legendary Ref. 2526.

Among the Patek Philippe watches I own, the one with the most personal significance is Reference 42. This rare model features a sector dial and the retailer signature of the prestigious Beverly Hills- based Brock & Co. It was the very first Patek Philippe I added to my collection, gifted to me by my wife to celebrate our fifth wedding anniversary and my birthday. The case features a unique hinged construction rarely seen in wristwatches.

Since many vintage Patek Philippe watches have been excessively restored, I always emphasize the importance of patience and prioritizing a watch’s condition above all else. I also encourage collectors to stay open-minded about various references and case materials. Personally, I find the Ref. 3940 and Ref. 3970 from the 1980s to be exceptional choices for serious collectors. And when it comes to pocket watches, the Ref. 600 stands out as a uniquely captivating timepiece with value unmatched by any other.