Collectors Among Us is an ongoing series featuring some of our favorite watch collectors — and friends. In addition to finding out what makes their watch collection tick, we better understand their collecting philosophy as a whole, as well as uncover their other interests and how they intersect the world of horology. We all have a story that encapsulates our collecting journey — this one belongs to Salvatore Ambrosino.
Watches have a way of connecting people. I’ve yet to pinpoint precisely why. Could it be because these little mechanical objects intersect a host of industries? Is it the shared fascination of its connection to historical moments? Is it the personal connection? Or maybe it’s just plain and simple — watches are pretty damn cool.
Only this time, we chatted with a couple of microphones attached and recorded it with a few cameras.
There are multiple themes in Ambrosino's collecting journey. The seed was planted early on in his childhood when his father taught himself how to repair antique clocks. With the constant ticking and tinkering going on, there’s no surprise that Salvatore found an interest in watches as well as hand craftsmanship.
Omega is a mainstay in his collection: From the vintage DeVille and Constellation passed down from his grandfather to his Speedmaster Moonphase — a complication he has grown to adore and, coincidentally, one present in most of the antique clocks his father repaired — he owns several of them. His affinity for military design is also apparent in his collecting and aesthetic. From his first watch (a Cabela's field watch found in a Vietnam-era Alice pack) to his curated products —which include NATOs with hand-engraved buckles and charm necklaces inspired by a soldier’s dog tags — this sort of utilitarian design surrounds him.
Ambrosino's Tudor Black Bay 54 for The Armoury is emblematic of a journey filled with “full-circle moments." The L’Arte Nascosta story begins at The Armoury, and it seemed fitting to share his story under that same roof with this watch on his wrist.
The patron-artisan experience is everything and more to Amrosino, and it doesn’t take long to understand that Salvatore “gets it." And when I say “it,” I’m referring to why we all gravitate towards vintage watches.
As Salvatore eloquently put it, “They’re perfectly imperfect.”
CREDITS:
Guest Salvatore Ambrosino / salvambro
L'Arte Nascosta / lartenascosta
Host Thomas Calara / thomascalara
Venue The Armoury / thearmourynyc
Video Mark Salud / ma.dulas
Video Greg Pallante / gregpallante
Photo Michael Sawyer / sawyersalright
