Coffee Corner Watch Talk Tackles A Possible Case Of Mistaken Watch Identity

Plus an astronomically priced Gérald Genta painting, a dizzying Bell & Ross chronograph, and a lightweight luxury announcement

Lex Stolk

April 25, 2022

comments 22

I hope you enjoyed a sunny weekend somewhere outside. And even if you stayed at home in front of the TV, the weekend was very eventful for the avid sports fan. There was MotoGP action from Portimão in Portugal, the Merseyside derby between Liverpool and Everton at Anfield, and Formula 1 action from the Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari in Imola, Italy. Plenty to talk about in the coffee corner, but maybe you also want to throw in some watch-related stuff. Well, if the F1 topic lingers on a little too long, you could mention a case of possible mistaken watch identity, the first topic in this episode of Coffee Corner Watch Talk. Anyway, enjoy your coffee and have a great start to your work/watch week!

Let’s start the week with a riddle. Please tell me who the odd one out is — Rafael Nadal, Lando Norris, Amir Khan, Charles Leclerc, or Mark Cavendish? Do you have an idea? Let me help you. They’re all athletes, but one is a tennis player, there’s a cyclist and a boxer, and two are F1 drivers. Another thing they all have in common is that they all were once robbed of their watches — I’ve written about the dangers of this before. And four of the five guys I mentioned got robbed of their ultra-high-ticket Richard Mille watches. The odd one out got robbed of a Franck Muller watch. You guessed it — the poor guy I’m talking about is Olympic medalist boxer Amir Khan. He was robbed of his diamond-studded $94,000 Franck Muller Vanguard Chronograph watch at gunpoint in London last week. And I have a possibly slightly controversial theory as to why that happened.

The Richard Mille RM 67-02 that Ferrari F1 driver Charles Leclerc was robbed of last week in Italy

Coffee Corner Watch Talk tackles a case of possible mistaken watch identity

I believe the reason why thieves stole Amir Khan’s Franck Muller is, in essence, a case of mistaken identity. Mistaken watch identity, that is. A Richard Mille is the “it” watch for professional athletes, rappers, pop stars, and other prominent, high-profile figures. That’s why we see often watches by the hyper-exclusive brand plastered all over celebrities’ social media accounts. Combine that with the fact that a Richard Mille is highly recognizable because of its tonneau shape and often exuberant dial design, and it makes for a watch that’s easy to spot. And an easy target, at that.

Amir Khan, his wife Faryal, and the exuberant Franck Muller watch that thieves stoles last week — Picture via Instagram @amirkingkhan

Now have a look at the Franck Muller Vanguard Chronograph. Not only does it have a distinct tonneau shape but also rose gold and flashy diamonds to top it off. The untrained eye could easily mistake the “FM” for an “RM”. The result of that was sad for the boxer and his American influencer wife Faryal, who was with him during the incident. But I can’t help wonder what the robbers thought when they found out they risked some serious punching over a Franck Muller instead of a Richard Mille.

Gérald Genta’s hand-painted design for the Nautilus sells for US$727,000

Everything connected to the Patek Philippe Nautilus turns to gold. At Sotheby’s second installment of the “Gérald Genta: Icon of Time” sales series, the designer’s hand-painted design for the original Nautilus got hammered off at US$727,000. The painting reached that astronomical price after a heated duel between ten bidders from all over the world. The paper Nautilus was the highlight of an auction that featured 100 original designs from the personal archive of the legendary watch designer. There were designs of never-before-seen private commissions and a selection of other innovative and unique watch designs. And each paper design was paired with a unique NFT — how very modern.

If you want an original Genta too, the “Gérald Genta: Icon of Time” auction series continues with lots in the Important Watches sale in Geneva on May 10th. The auction will feature Genta’s very own Royal Oak, as well as four oil paintings of his.

Coffee Corner Watch Talk tackles a dizzying Bell & Ross BR 03-94 Multimeter

Spring is in the air. And since spring is such a colorful season, why not bust out a multicolor watch? The Bell & Ross BR 03-94 Multimeter sure is colorful, but it’s also quite intriguing. The matte black ceramic case measures 42mm in width with a height of 12.8mm. It’s the stage for a dial with colored indicators for three tachymeter zones, one pulsometer zone, and one asthmometer zone. Furthermore, the minute track is painted in white on the flange, and the hour and minute hands got a white Super-LumiNova treatment.

The plethora of chronograph scales means this watch could be instrumental to a runner, a cyclist, a race car driver, or even a doctor — the pulsometer can measure a patient’s heartbeat, while the asthmometer can indicate the number of respiration per minute — spelled incorrectly on the dial because it reads “5 breathes” instead of “5 breaths”. But I guess the Bell & Ross BR 03-94 Multimeter is, most of all, a trendy and appealing watch for people who also like, for instance, the Mido Ocean Star Decompression Timer 1961. The BR 03-94 Multimeter is a limited edition of 500 pieces with a price of €5,600. If you order it now, you will have it on your wrist in June.

Find more info about the Bell & Ross BR 03-94 Multimeter on the brand’s official website.

Lightweight titanium luxury later this week

In case you’re wondering why I’m wearing a Blancpain Air Command Flyback Chronograph in Grade 23 titanium, that’s because I’m currently working on an article about lightweight luxury. More and more high-end watch brands are putting out exclusive watches in titanium. Titanium seems to be getting more popular and more widely accepted as a luxurious material. The days of titanium being dull and gray, boringly instrumental, and only good for technical tool watches seem to be in the past. I will have a look at offerings from Grand Seiko, Laurent Ferrier, A. Lange & Söhne, and Blancpain, of course. Expect the article to drop on Friday.

Until then, enjoy the many other articles from us here at Fratello, and have yourself a great work and watch week!

Please find and follow me at Lex Stolk • Instagram

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Coffee Corner Watch Talk Tackles A Possible Case Of Mistaken Watch Identity

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MJTUK says:

Apr 25, 2022 at 10:16

Ill start off the comments with a controversial comment, i have little sympathy with these so called ”stars’ who flash their wealth then moan that some opportunist robs them. Perhaps they should buy a good quality watch that is less of a target, any watch around the £3/4k mark will be a fantastic reliable watch, but is unlilkely to be a target.! Then they could put their wealth to good use (there is plenty of opportunity for that in the world at the moment!).

Love the B&R watch.

Reply
1. RR
  WatchesSwiss says:
  
  Apr 25, 2022 at 10:33
  
  I often thought it would be nice to have a non-government organisation where one could donate watches to for a good cause. My wife and I have many watches that we could donate. These are watches that are not worth the hassle of selling, not of collector’s interest, etc. For example, I have an 18k gold, 80 year old UG watch. This hand wound watch works but is not worth restoring. It’s not museum quality and watch dealers will only give me €200-500 for it. My wife has an old double signed Tiffany watch, and dozens of lower cost Swiss watches like Ebel, Certina, Tissot, Swatch, etc. that we wish we could donate towards a good cause. Even our local Salvation Army house only wanted certain brands. Anyone know of such and organisation?
  
  Reply
  1. Brian-Waller says:
    
    Apr 25, 2022 at 15:08
    
    Goodwill puts watches up on their online auction site. Have seen all manner of vintage Omegas, Bulovas, etc. They’re US based. Wonder if the guys from the Ukraine watch auction would hold regular events to benefit that or other good causes like environmental or animal rescue.
    
    Reply
    1. RR
      WatchesSwiss says:
      
      Apr 25, 2022 at 16:09
      
      Thanks, Brian. We don’t have any Goodwill branches here in Switzerland. Our local version of the Salvation Army is quite picky with what they will accept. If they feel they can’t sell it quickly, then they’ll turn it down. My wife’s colleague tried to donate a two month old, hardly used “pinkish” couch. They said no thanks as it would not sell.
      
      Reply
      1. Arnold says:
        
        Apr 25, 2022 at 23:34
        
        I believe many non-profits/charities lacks competence, thus they fail to understand what’s before them. Consequently they are unable to capitalise. There’s been several stories about valuable designer furniture sold for nothing. Personally I like litterature, and have found several first editions worth 2-400 times what I paid.
        
        Reply
        
        SS
        Stuart Sullivan says:
        
        Apr 26, 2022 at 12:12
        
        I’ve thought about this stealing of expensive watches and it seems to me if your going to flash it around in certain public places then your just inviting trouble.
        Agree that one should not be robbed of any personal property
        In a public situation but thieving
        Of all kinds of property has been on the rise for years everywhere.
        
        For myself if I had the wherewithal to own such watches and wanted to wear them in public I would think very carefully as to where I’m going to be and what time of the day it is.
        
        One last thing perhaps take a second watch with you there easy to stash on oneself and swap around as needed, a bit impractical yes but you just might get to keep your treasure.
        
        Reply
2. HW
  arcadelt. says:
  
  Apr 25, 2022 at 11:08
  
  Thanks @mjtuk, saved me from having to say it. Moreover, these watches get stolen and a week later they have another one on their wrist…no doubt provided by the same watchmaker.
  
  Reply
3. Brian-Waller says:
  
  Apr 25, 2022 at 15:15
  
  Maybe they make some poor choices with the flashing of the bling watches on Instagram and all that. It still doesn’t justify the theft, especially with weaponry involved. It may be tough to feel too sorry for them considering their wealth and fame but they’re victims all the same. We’re dancing a little close to the old, and incorrect, saw of saying she was asking for it by the way she dressed. It could just as easily be one of us being held up for a sub or a DJ.
  
  Reply
4. NP
  Neil0627 says:
  
  Apr 26, 2022 at 23:33
  
  I would not call a person who robs someone at gunpoint an “opportunist.” I would properly refer to that scum as a criminal.
  
  Reply
Warky says:

Apr 25, 2022 at 10:50

Looking very sharp in that camo Lex.

B&R not my favourite watches but this is one of their better releases. The IWC Top Gun Mojave would look superb with that too though😍

Reply
1. dave says:
  
  Apr 25, 2022 at 11:18
  
  He’s a sharp and stylish guy, our Lex, isn’t he?
  
  Reply
  1. Sinara says:
    
    Apr 25, 2022 at 11:58
    
    Yes, Dave, he is! Join the fan club.
    
    Reply
2. Lex says:
  
  Apr 25, 2022 at 13:41
  
  Thanks, Warky. I was also quite impressed by the B&R’s dial. Wish it was in a different case though. Or a beige Mojave case for that matter. Good idea!
  
  Reply
  1. PM
    Chifley says:
    
    Apr 26, 2022 at 00:08
    
    And nice to see the two spelling errors (“Breathes” and “Fonction”) corrected on the B & R website.
    Great article.
    
    Reply
LeFred says:

Apr 25, 2022 at 14:09

Hi,
Where is that super cool camo jacket from?
Thanks,
F

Reply
1. Lex says:
  
  Apr 25, 2022 at 16:16
  
  The “super cool camo jacket” is from Levi’s, and it’s actually more a shirt than a jacket. Bought it a few years back.
  
  Reply
  1. Warfighter says:
    
    Apr 25, 2022 at 23:35
    
    Looks like it’s made with the same material as my old ACU’s. According to military nomenclature it’s a jacket. The reason being is that you wear a shirt under it. Kind of like the way you are in the pictures. Typically it’s worn with a t-shirt. Although they do issue other shirts for cold weather.
    
    Reply
Mario says:

Apr 25, 2022 at 14:10

Very cool article, great pictures, thanks!

Reply
1. Lex says:
  
  Apr 25, 2022 at 16:22
  
  Thanks, Mario, and I will tell Bert you liked his shots.
  
  Reply
Chaz_H says:

Apr 25, 2022 at 21:00

Khan’s stolen FM makes me wonder: Has there been an article written yet on THE MOST EXPENSIVE ETA7750 based watches?

Cheers.

Reply
SS
Stuart Sullivan says:

Apr 26, 2022 at 11:12

I’ve thought about this stealing of expensive watches and it seems to me if your going to flash it around in certain public places then your just inviting trouble.
Agree that one should not be robbed of any personal property
In a public situation but thieving
Of all kinds of property has been on the rise for years everywhere.

For myself if I had the wherewithal to own such watches and wanted to wear them in public I would think very carefully as to where I’m going to be and what time of the day it is.

One last thing perhaps take a second watch with you there easy to stash on oneself and swap around as needed, a bit impractical yes but you just might get to keep your treasure.

Reply
theirimin says:

Apr 27, 2022 at 13:06

A fair thought Lex, but I reckon it was stolen because of the eye piercing glint from all those diamonds. It’s a bit like walking in public holding a fistful of cash. Bound to attract the wrong sort of attention.

Reply