One of the best things about being a watch collector is meeting amazing people. Part of that is the inspirational stories that they have to tell. So, today we spoke to Marco Ragaglini behind DonMarcoTime about his own journey with watches and how he got into dealing vintage watches.
Marco Ragaglini
Andres Ibarguen: Have you ever worked as a watchmaker? When did your passion for watches begin?Marco Ragaglini: At around 20 years old I bought my first important watch. I’ve never worked as a watchmaker but I was smitten by vintage watches. Even today they are still hold most of my interest both as a collector and as a dealer. I believe this passion started when I was 14 years old when I wanted to purchase a very particular Swatch that at the time cost 50 thousand lira, unfortunately out of reach for the son of a blue-collar worker.
AI: Do you have a physical location or how do you sell watches?
MR: I don’t have a physical store because right now I operate as an individual, so dealing to my personal contacts or over the internet.
AI: For how long have you been using social media? Do you see it as a useful sales channel?
MR: Since 2006 I’ve been buying and selling on eBay and it is only since 2019 that I’m on Instagram. In a few months it has given me a lot of visibility.
AI: Do you find that online sales are easier today with respect to 5 or 10 years ago?
MR: Today there is many more online sales channels, but I find that even 10 years ago you could do very well on eBay. Much better than today.
AI: What type of future do you think online watch sales, in particular vintage watches, has? Could you do everything over the internet or will there always be a need for that personal touch?
MR: It will take time to inspire trust in a client that can’t see you physically, but the path is becoming even more clear for this to become the reality. If you are serious and you sell with attention to detail, clients will appreciate this, buy from you again, and even give you good publicity.
AI: Are the clients you meet online different than those you meet in person?
MR: In person I really only deal with my friends that have bought watches from me for a long time. In reality I haven’t sold that much because I love my watches and often times it is hard to let them go. I’ve sold straps, clasps, and crowns simply to finance my own collection.
AI: Is there any aspects that you find more challenging of selling online in contrast to selling in person?
MR: In person there is always the emotional aspect that can be transmitted with by know-how, savoir-faire. Online, if you introduce yourself with a courteous hello and politeness in descriptions and greetings, the clients will appreciate it and understand that they are in contact with someone who is trustworthy and professional.
Marco’s gilt dial Rolex Submariner ref. 5513
AI: In your opinion, what does a person look for when they’re buying a vintage watch? What does it mean?
MR: The majority of requests that I receive are from people who inherited a vintage timepiece from their grandfather or their father and then lost it or had it stolen. They want to buy a similar one so as to continue to have that spiritual connection with their loved one.
AI: What are the plans that you have for the future of your business? Do you plan to continue focusing on growing your online presence?
MR: The difficulties with having a physical store are numerous. You need to find a good location with a lot of foot traffic, which unfortunately means paying a high rent; you need to have employees, another high cost – not to mention taxes. The nice thing about selling online is that you avoid all of these issues.
AI: Of all the watches you’ve had, which was the most intriguing?
MR: It is certainly the Lanco 1305 with a honeycomb dial. Beautiful, elegant, full of history.
AI: On a personal level, do you have a favourite watch?
MR: I have many because my tastes change frequently. I still really like that Lanco I mentioned above, among models in the higher end I really like the Franck Müller Casablanca, and the watch I am currently wearing, among my favourites, is a modern Bvlgari Octo. Extraordinary.
Marco’s Bvlgari Octo
AI: As an online business did you perceive any affect during the lockdown in Italy?
MR: My online business, made up mostly of my Instagram profile, saw a strong increase in followers and a lot of requests for information. A good number of those requests turned into sales.
Thank you for sharing with us, Marco!