Ben Dunn from Watch Brothers London: I search for watches with a rich history

Ben Dunn, Watch Brothers London. Photo: Singapore Watch Club

With a passion for special, unique watches, particularly neo-vintage pieces from the '90s and '00s, Ben Dunn has risen to prominence. He has quickly emerged as a role model and style icon, boasting a collection filled with many classics.

We caught up with Ben to discuss his company, his perspective on the future of the watch industry, and to gather practical tips on watch collecting.

Tell us a little about your background and how you got into the watch industry?

My background is in design. I spent nearly ten years working for startups and large tech companies in London before taking the plunge to work full-time with Watch Brothers London. There are many connections between the two worlds, from brand design to the small tweaks on different models – it's all about the details!

What was the idea behind Watch Brothers London and how has the company evolved since its inception?

Honestly, my fascination with watches grew as I began to discover and learn more about the industry. Eventually, I reached a point where I couldn't find the information I needed. That's when Watch Brothers London really took off. I began publishing my own articles about relatively unknown models, neo-vintage pieces, and smaller watches. The small details between watches and their various references were often misquoted, leading to costly mistakes for both sellers and buyers. I think my background in design drew me to these details, and I'm still obsessed with them today.

Selected classics from the Watch Brothers London collection. Photograph: Tim Vaux

”Brothers”, is your brother involved?

The 'brothers' part is interesting because Watch Brothers London actually started as an old Instagram account that I shared with two roommates many years ago. After the account sat unused for several years, I decided to repurpose it when I began writing about watches. Therefore, although I do have a brother in real life, Watch Brothers London right now is just me and my dog!

What is your favourite watch amongst your personal collection and why?

Currently, I own only one watch privately, as I have gradually sold almost everything else to finance the business. The watch is a Blancpain reference 5335 in yellow gold. It's an extremely interesting and rare model that went unnoticed until fairly recently. In fact, I acquired this watch by trading a modern Rolex Daytona directly for it. The watch features a beautiful cream-colored dial with a fantastic movement. A special detail is that the case was made by the legendary case maker Jean-Pierre Hagmann.

Ben's private Blancpain reference 5335 in yellow gold. Photo: Tim Vaux

What makes a watch interesting and how do you identify a future classics?

In my opinion, preferences vary from person to person. Personally, I favor smaller watches because I have a small wrist, and I appreciate timepieces that aren't immediately recognizable. I enjoy the mystery and thrill of the hunt, constantly seeking out models with a rich watchmaking heritage that have fallen out of the spotlight. This allows me to delve deep and truly grasp the unique characteristics of each watch, which I find incredibly exhilarating

A Gerald Genta 3019.4 in incredible condition. Photo: Tim Vaux

What advice would you give to someone who is new to the world of watches and wants to build their own collection?

Buy watches that you love to wear on your wrist—that's the most important thing. Taste varies, and good design is available across all price ranges. While it's valuable to consider others' opinions and be inspired by their choices, remember to build your collection based on your own preferences, not theirs.

1990's Ebel 'El Primero' Chronograph 5134901 in rose gold. Photo: Tim Vaux

How do you see the future of the watch industry, especially given the ongoing digitisation and popularity of smartwatches?

Honestly, I haven't given it much thought. I used to work in high-tech environments, but I actually enjoy relaxing with analogue stuff. They give me peace of mind. I'm not saying there's anything wrong with digitisation; Watch Brothers London was largely built on social media. However, it's important to remember that not everyone wants to go full speed with their VR headset on. If you use new technology in a way that best suits your needs and goals, you'll enjoy yourself more and achieve better results.

Final question, if you had €5000 to spare, which watch would you look for?

There are many options in that price range, but I would go for a Ulysse Nardin San Marco Blue Ref: 133-77-9. It's an incredible watch for the money with a great history and craftsmanship behind it. In addition, the chance of running into someone else with a similar one is minimal.

1995 Ulysse Nardin San Marco Blue Flinqué Enamel 133-77-9. Photograph: Tim Vaux

We thank Ben for the interview and wish him the best of luck in the future.