Issue #6 – Werner Watches with Simon Werner
Chasing Irreplaceable Beauty in the World of Vintage
Inside This Week’s Full Set:
We sit down with Simon Werner of Werner Watches to talk about instinct, collecting with intention, and the emotional gut-punch of letting go of that one watch you should’ve kept. From NOS Cartiers to Piaget cuffs, Simon's vision is rewriting the rules of taste—and this year, he’s going brick-and-mortar.
Built on Instinct, Backed by Vision
Simon Werner doesn’t just deal watches—he curates them. He’s been in the game since he was legally allowed to start a company, and since then, his instinct has become razor sharp. “You’ve got to know your stuff, of course. But in the end, instinct is everything,” he says. “Watches should bring joy. If you overthink it, you kill the fun.”
His focus? Aesthetic-forward vintage—think late-20th-century Cartier, jewelry-style Piaget, neo-vintage APs and Pateks. “I go for the watches you don’t see on every wrist.”
Cartier’s 2021 Glow-Up
The most memorable deals? They’re not just about the watches, but the energy. “When Cartier exploded in 2021, the market was wild. Rare stuff was everywhere,” Simon recalls. “It felt like anything was possible. That era was unforgettable.”
Regrets? A Couple Heartbreakers.
Even the pros slip up. “I let go of a NOS Cartier Santos Carrée in full gold—literally untouched. Huge regret,” he says. “Also a white gold Piaget Polo cuff with a matte onyx dial. Brutal.”
But Simon’s learned to hold onto the ones that really matter. “Money can be replaced. Some watches can’t.”
Condition is Everything
While the market flips between hype cycles, Simon stays steady. “Design speaks louder than specs. And within aesthetic watches, nothing matters more than condition.” A rare piece in tired shape? Pass. A sleeper in crisp condition? Add to cart.
Jewelry Vibes Are Back
The collector mood is shifting. “People are tired of the stainless-steel sports watch uniform,” Simon says. “They want personality. Individuality.” Enter: gem-set cases, moderate sizing, gold, funk.
There’s also a quiet boom in complicated neo-vintage. “It’s under the radar… but not for long.”
It Started with a Grail
At 16, Simon was already collecting. At 18, he founded Werner Watches. But it wasn’t until he scored his grail—a Vacheron Constantin Overseas 42042 with a white guilloché dail—that he knew this was more than just a hobby. “It hit me: this is what I want to do, full stop.”
It’s Always Been About the Design
Simon’s inspiration goes beyond horology. “Watches are part of a bigger story—design, history, aesthetics.” He’s also into classic cars and mid-century furniture. “It’s all connected through visual language.”
What’s Next for Werner Watches?
Big year ahead: Simon’s opening a physical boutique in Frankfurt and expanding his team. “It’s time,” he says. “I’ve built this carefully—and now I want to share it in a new way.”