In Conversation with Juan Montoya

Celebrated as one of the world’s most acclaimed and prolific interior designers today, Juan Montoya is well-known for his exceptional taste. A consignor in our upcoming Watches auction this April 17, Freeman’s | Hindman’s Gemma Sudlow, sat down with Mr. Montoya to discuss his collecting interests and how his work as an architect and designer influences his personal collecting habits. 

 

Gemma Sudlow: How does your background as an architect and designer influence what you look for in a watch?

Juan Montoya: As an architect and designer, I always look at the mechanics, precision, and beauty of the watch. Those elements are evident in the watches I’ve amassed in my collection.

Lot 32 | ROLEX, REF. 16520 STAINLESS STEEL ZENITH 'DAYTONA' WATCH | Estimate: $20,000 - 30,000

GS: Is there a common thread in your collection, or did you look at each watch individually?

JS: I generally try to look at each watch as an individual piece. This practice has led me to collect a wide variety of timepieces. 

Lot 43 | ROLEX, REF. 1503 18K YELLOW GOLD 'OYSTER DATE' WATCH | Estimate: $8,000 - 12,000

GS: Did you build your collection with attention to the fashions of the time, or were you looking at longer-term investment trends in the market?

JS: I build my collection based on the solid beauty and history of the watch itself. I am most fascinated with the mechanical and precise qualities of the watches I collect, which is reflected in the classic styles amassed in my collection.

GS: What was the first watch that you purchased for your collection?

JS: A Rolex 1940 and a Cartier 1925

Lot 56 | CARTIER, STAINLESS STEEL AND 18K YELLOW GOLD 'BALLON BLEU' WATCH | Estimate: $3,000 - 5,000

GS: Have you ever considered designing a watch?

JS: No, I’ve never considered designing a watch. I think of watches like tattoos; they’re permanent things of beauty and should not be trendy. 

GS: Are there any design features or watches you are particularly drawn to in your collection?

JS: I am particularly drawn to the gold Rolex, which is mechanically intriguing and beautiful. 

Lot 53 | IKEPOD, STAINLESS STEEL 'HEMIPODE CHRONOMETER' WATCH, BOX & PAPERS | Estimate: $3,000 - 5,000

GS: In this digital age and world of fast fashion, can you end with a quotation about your thoughts on luxury and taste and how you find space to create?

JS: A watch has to be timeless and exquisite in detail.