Speake Marin collector Antonio Follari talks about his first model, what he loves about the brand, and his perspective on its future direction.
Could you define your style and lifestyle for us?
I am a dynamic person, a traveler, a music and concert lover, but above all, a watch enthusiast with a passion for high-end timepieces.
What does Speake Marin represent to you ?
Design innovation and mechanical reliability.
What was the first Speake Marin watch that sparked your interest in collecting the brand?
It was the Ripples Original, the first all-steel casual-chic model introduced in 2022. I was immediately captivated by its design and its original dial with hand-engraved and satin-finished horizontal ripples.
Can you share a memorable story about acquiring one of your favorite Speake Marin timepieces?
After I bought the Ripples Original, I saw the Ripples Anniversary version with the solid gold dial. I immediately knew I wanted to add this model to my collection as well. It is a limited edition created to celebrate Speake Marin’s 20th anniversary, and I didn’t want to risk missing out on it while it was still available.
A distinct form and style
If you had to pick one word or characteristic to describe the essence of Speake Marin watches, what would it be and why?
The small seconds positioned at 1:30. Even though the brand isn’t as well-known as older and larger brands, this feature, which appears in all its models, instantly identifies a Speake Marin.
What sets Speake Marin watches apart from other luxury watch brands in your opinion?
It’s the company’s quest to maintain its own form and style, along with the use of innovative skeleton calibers and bold colors.
As a collector, do you focus on specific Speake Marin collections or are you interested in the entire range?
The whole range is interesting to me. Each collection is the expression of a path that has involved a specific study of each model and its introduction to the market. Ripples is the model that first caught my attention, so I started my Speake Marin collection with that.
« Speake Marin is good at listening to its customers »
How do you perceive the evolution of Speake Marin watches over the years in terms of design and craftsmanship?
Speake Marin has invested time and effort in the development of its finish and decoration, which is absolutely outstanding. The same applies to technical innovations, such as the integrated micro-rotor and the new, ultra-thin skeleton caliber SMA07 with a frequency of 36,000 vph. Speake Marin is also good at listening to its customers and the enthusiasts who wear its models. That is important to its evolution if it wishes to achieve a significant margin of success. I think we are able to point out the problems we encounter or think of improvements that could be made. Visits to the manufacture provide a better understanding of the reality and value of the brand, and create a more fluid relationship with customers.
Are there any particular features or complications in Speake Marin watches that you find most captivating?
The Minute Repeater Carillon with the sapphire crystal case and the Openworked Tourbillon models are quite captivating.
« I admire the brand’s desire to reinvent itself »
Can you describe the process you go through when adding a new Speake Marin watch to your collection?
Keeping the relationship between the brand and the collector alive is an important incentive for encouraging collectors to pursue new additions to their collections through fresh proposals.
What do you think attracts other watch collectors to the Speake Marin brand?
Fresh design, the brand’s desire to reinvent itself, the brand’s seriousness, its history, and of course, the reliability of its products.
How do you see the future of Speake Marin watches in the luxury watch market, especially considering the evolving tastes of collectors?
Tastes are in constant evolution, and it is always very personal. Learning to listen to those who breathe watchmaking every day and appreciate it and want to own exclusive and exceptional timepieces is the key to a successful future.
Interview with Mr.Antonio Follari.