India Watch Weekend 2025: The FutureGrail Conversation

At the heart of the watch world, there’s a subtle yet profound journey that every collector embarks on—shaped not just by a love for the craft, but by an appreciation for rarity, history, and craftsmanship. At the India Watch Weekend 2025, collectors and watch enthusiasts gathered to share this passion and enhance their knowledge on the art of watch collecting. FutureGrail, an online auction house for treasured timepieces gave collectors valuable insights on building a unique watch collection. 

Hosted at the luxurious Four Seasons Mumbai, the discussion featured top experts: Ali Nael, CEO, Arnaud Tellier, Head of Curation, and Mohsin Rizvi, COO of FutureGrail, a premier investment advisory for high-value timepieces. This thought-provoking dialogue explored the investment potential of watches, how to identify future grail pieces, and the art of curating and preserving collections. The session was further enriched by live showcases of exceptional timepieces, sparking awe among collectors. Through these conversations, India Watch Weekend offered a rare glimpse into the emotional and financial value of horology, making it an unforgettable session of the event. 

One of the standout moments came when Ali Nael, CEO, FutureGrail spoke passionately about a piece close to his heart: the Patek Philippe reference 3970 in platinum. "A watch that I collected 15 years ago is now becoming a very important timepiece," Ali explained, sharing that only 10 examples are known in platinum from the second series. He and his team have owned eight of the 12 pieces over the years, underscoring the rarity and immense potential of these watches.

He continued, "We always believed in the rarity and importance of these pieces. Now, of course, these watches are worth two to two and a half times the price that was 10 years ago. So we wanted to highlight the importance of a reference, a perpetual calendar, chronograph, and certain metal and variations. These could always resonate with collectors for many years to come."

In Ali's view, it's not just about acquiring a watch but about curating a collection that transcends fleeting trends. As he noted, "Once they go into collections, they usually stay for many years. And that's why they become rarer and more valuable." The focus on long-term preservation adds a unique layer to the collector’s journey both emotionally and financially.

The Philosophy of Collecting: Beyond Investment

The notion of watches as investments is something that is not always considered when purchasing a watch. This reflects a broader trend among serious collectors, who see their acquisitions as pieces of history to be preserved and cherished. Ali echoed this sentiment, remarking, "Most important is really to choose what you love and go with what you really like." For collectors like him, it's less about the immediate value and more about the passion behind each piece.

Ali also noted the importance of considering the long-term horizon when buying watches with investment potential. "I always look at the watch if I’m buying it from an investment point of view at a five-year or eight-year horizon immediately," he explained. "I don't care too much about how much I paid for it today. I just need to have that piece in the collection."

In this philosophy, the value of a watch is secured the moment it enters the collection, not just when it's sold.

Navigating Trends in Watch Collecting

When it comes to trends, the experts were united in their opinion: they are secondary to the personal tastes and values that guide serious collectors. "I think we need to differentiate between heavy marketing of retail pieces and how you choose to collect," Ali said, emphasizing that successful collectors don't follow trends. "We are trend setters, that's for sure. We look at fundamentals. How many watches have been made? How rare is it? Is the caliber rare? What kind of variations?"

In fact, trends seem to be more of a fleeting influence rather than a guiding principle for those dedicated to curating a collection. Ali explained, "We don’t follow trends. We look at the fundamentals. You should look at the fundamentals when you are making informed decisions." This approach leads to a collection built on long-term value and personal connection, not on the whims of the moment.

The Role of Museums and Private Collections

At the heart of these discussions was the idea of curating collections with care, passion, and an eye toward preserving a legacy. FutureGrail’s museum and private sale platform offer a unique combination of retail, auctions, and access to some of the most exquisite pieces in horology. His collaboration with Arnaud, a former curator of the Patek Philippe Museum in Geneva, brings decades of expertise to the forefront.

Arnaud shared details of one of the most extraordinary automaton watches ever created—a piece known as The Moses, which dates back to around 1810. This pocket watch, which tells the biblical story of Moses striking the rock to give water to his people, is one of only five examples known to exist. "It’s probably one of the most complex ever made in the field of automaton watches," Arnaud explained. "The watch with the small Jacquemart at six o'clock strikes the elapsed time, the quarter, and the hours. It’s an extraordinary piece."

For both Ali and Arnaud, their work is more than just about transactions—it’s about educating clients and collectors about the beauty and historical importance of these timepieces. Their collections are a testament to their commitment to preserving the history of watchmaking and curating pieces that will be treasured for generations.

Collecting with Passion

The FutureGrail session at India Watch Weekend 2025 was a masterclass in the art of watch collecting. From discussions on the emotional and financial value of timepieces to insights on rare pieces like the Patek Philippe reference 3970 and the Moses automaton, the experts brought a wealth of knowledge to the table. Ali and Arnaud’s deep understanding of horology, combined with their passion for curating exceptional collections, left a lasting impression on attendees.

What stood out most was their unwavering commitment to curating collections with foresight, passion, and an appreciation for rarity. They emphasized that collecting isn’t just about trends or investment; it’s about finding pieces that resonate personally and building a collection that will stand the test of time. Ali aptly put it, "Most successful collectors follow their heart."

As India Watch Weekend 2025 concluded, it was clear that the future of watch collecting is in good hands guided by visionaries who understand not just the craftsmanship of the timepieces, but also the legacy they leave behind.