Issue #7 – Julien Torretto from Ottotoi
Everything is for sale except our soul...
Inside This Week’s Full Set:
We catch up with Julien Torretto—founder of Ottotoi and one of the most visually distinct watch curators in the game. From his fashion-forward instincts to the beauty of imperfection, this is collecting at its most personal.
The Watch That Started It All
For Julien, it all began with a rebellious impulse. “My very first Rolex still gives me chills,” he says. “I had no budget, no knowledge—just instinct. It was an Oysterquartz with a ‘Buckley’ dial. Offbeat, a bit rebellious. That mindset shaped how I collect to this day.”
That watch launched his obsession with horology, refining his eye and establishing his taste. It wasn’t about hype—it was about connection. “I got completely obsessed with that reference,” he recalls. “It taught me how to look closely, notice details, and understand what makes a watch special beyond just brand or value.”
No Copy-Paste Curation
Julien’s inventory isn’t dictated by spreadsheets or trends—it’s about what moves him. “I only buy what I truly love and believe in,” he explains. “That’s my strength, but also my challenge. I want to stand behind every piece.”
Lately, he’s excited about shaped watches and jewelry-style pieces making a comeback. “These are exactly the kinds of watches I love personally,” he says. “It’s a rare moment when personal taste and market demand truly align.”
He also notes a cultural shift: “We’re finally past the ‘investment watch’ mindset. People are buying watches because they feel something—not to flex or speculate. That’s how it should be.”
Dressing from the Wrist Up
Before watches, there was fashion. Julien spent years in the clothing industry, and it shows. “That’s where I learned to love design, craftsmanship, and aesthetics. Now, I often dress based on the watch I’m wearing.”
To him, watches and clothing are two sides of the same coin. “They’re both about identity, subtle codes, and timeless choices.”
A steel Datejust? “It’s like a perfectly tailored white tee—timeless, versatile, always right.”
Perfect Imperfections
Julien’s eye is dial-first. “That’s the face of the watch. I love both flawless condition and evenly aged patina—it’s all about character.”
He’s drawn to pieces that feel lived-in but intentional. “There’s beauty in a perfect kind of imperfection. It tells a story without trying too hard.”
Bracelets also play a key role. “They have to be well thought-out and well executed. Design matters.”
Collecting with Personality
Julien treats his stock like a personal collection. “If I like it, someone else will too. My mission is to find that person. And if it takes time to sell? Even better—I get to enjoy it longer.”
Each watch he sells has passed a personal litmus test: “Would I wear this? Do I love this? If yes—then it belongs in Ottotoi.”
The One That Grew on Him
“I used to think the Patek Neptune was awful,” he laughs. “Then I saw it on a friend’s wrist, and boom—it just clicked. Now I think it’s stunning.”
His takeaway? “You have to see a watch in person. And your taste evolves. Some designs take time.”
It’s a reminder that watch appreciation, like any art form, is a journey. “What turns you off today might be your obsession tomorrow.”
Watch Hill to Die On
Julien doesn’t hold back: “If you love watches but say Rolex is overrated, you’re not being honest.”
In his view, most admired designs trace back to Rolex innovations. “You don’t have to be a fan, but you have to give them credit. They set the standard.”
Inspired by Culture
Beyond horology, Julien draws from music and cinema—especially ‘90s and early 2000s hip-hop culture. “The Sopranos, Scarface, Paid in Full—those visuals shaped my aesthetic.”
A Piaget Polo? That’s not just a watch—it’s Ace in Casino. A Day-Date? “Tony Soprano. Every time.”
It’s about building a visual language that resonates. “It’s not just nostalgia—it’s reference. It’s identity.”
What’s Next for Ottotoi?
Julien’s building more than a business—he’s building a brand. “I still have tons of ideas. I want Ottotoi to live beyond watches.”
That includes side projects, creative drops, and even merch. “Something cool is dropping soon. It’s gotta have cultural weight, not just horological.”
If Julien has his way, Ottotoi will be more than a shop—it’ll be a universe.
📍 Website: otottoi.com
📷 Instagram: Julien Toretto