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  [Watches](/style/watches) 

 



 /  19 March 2025  

#  Alistair Guy Shares His Life In Watches &amp; Favourite Timepieces  


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From teenage-friendly Swatches to a 40th birthday Rolex, Alistair Guy has a rich history with watches. So, who better to tell us about his current favourites, styling tips and the trends he has his eye on? From The Audley in Mayfair, Alistair shares his insights – plus, the new and vintage timepieces worth having on your radar…  
 

 



 

 

 

 

  Photography: Victoria Adamson 

 

 

 

All products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however we may make commission on some products.

 

 

 

 [ ![](https://media.slman.com/zQP5CQB4t_qJYNm_EjmSpK0bk90=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F03%2Fsl-man-editorial-180325-alistar-watches-1.jpg?itok=sssfmRN-)

 

 ](https://www.instagram.com/alistairguy/?hl=en) 

 

 

 

 

## How did you first get into watches?

The Snoopy watch was my first official timepiece – it was, and still is, an icon. Then, it was onto Swatches because they were relatively cheap, colourful and stylish. That’s when I started to understand the joy of watch collecting – I loved it when they started releasing new models, designs and twists on the classic. I remember one watch, for example, popped out the strap and you could swap them over.

## What are your current favourites?

For my 40th, I bought a mid-90s Rolex [Datejust](https://www.rolex.com/watches/datejust). That was one I always wanted, and it gives you the feeling that you've succeeded in life somehow, you know? You barely notice it on your wrist, it’s so comfortable – although that did mean I had an accident while climbing up a rock in Joshua Tree. I scuffed it but I don’t regret it. If you can't wear your watch when you *want* to wear your watch, then what's the point? Another favourite is a 20-year-old Seiko [Diver 7S26-0040](https://www.chrono24.co.uk/seiko/ref-7s260040.htm). I once met a guy on the Isle of Wight over Christmas who was trading them. He had a really small collection of Seikos and he was telling me I should get one because they're doing lots of reissues. He told me to get the 7S26-0040. It probably needs a service, but it’s already doubled in price.

## What draws you to watches?

For me, it’s the design. A lot of brands are going back to the archives and adding a modern twist, which is exciting. A good example is the [Omega x Swatch Speedmaster MoonSwatch collab](https://www.swatch.com/en-gb/bioceramic-moonswatch-collection/bioceramic-moonswatch.html). Omega redesigned it as a ceramic watch, making it of more interest to collectors – plus, it’s light; it’s the same material they use to make synthetic bones.

 

 [ ![](https://media.slman.com/nadgQc-m4PPzC8L8S63l2aSx__w=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F03%2Fsl-man-editorial-180325-alistar-watches-2.jpg?itok=r67j8_N0)

 

 ](https://www.instagram.com/alistairguy/?hl=en) 

 

 

 

 

 

## How do watches play a part in your outfits?

What we did on this shoot was created outfits around a watch. I also did that with the [Rado](https://www.rado.com/en_gb/) during fashion week, using blacks, oranges and reds. It’s an interesting way to construct a look. You can pick up on the colours and textures of the watch and play with it.

## What do you like about the contemporary watch scene?

I like that a lot of designs are going more rectangular. I don’t like big watches. Anything over 40mm or 41mm for me is too big. That’s why the Cartier [Tank](https://www.cartier.com/en-gb/watches/collection-watches/tank) has come back into fashion. Before, the Tank had gone off the radar because it was so small. People have wanted blingy, big watches for the last ten years, so it's nice to see watches getting smaller and squarer again.

## Finally, any styling tips you could share?

The more you wear a leather strap, the more real it becomes. The patina starts to develop and get a personality. However, when you *change* a strap, it makes the whole watch different. I changed my [Bell &amp; Ross BR05](https://www.bellross.com/uk/en-gb/our-watches/our-watches-urban/BR-05-AUTOMATIC) watch from a rubber to a metal strap, and found I could immediately wear it every day. If you’re not happy with your watch, try changing the strap first.

 

 

 

 [ ![](https://media.slman.com/MF8InJeoHyAa57a4MWBKGdBh5p8=/1920x0/smart/filters:no_upscale()/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F03%2Fsl-man-editorial-180325-alistar-watches-3.png?itok=lELob2Z_)

 

 ](https://www.instagram.com/alistairguy/?hl=en) 

 

 

 

 

 

---

 

## *Inspired? Here are Alistair’s top watches to know...*

 

 

 

 [ ![](https://media.slman.com/xy_8e7gdphpHKPbborQW6eQdUhs=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F03%2Fsl-man-editorial-180325-alistar-watches-4.jpg?itok=aKNx0Vow)

 

 ](https://www.iwc.com/gb/en/watch-collections/portugieser/iw358313-portugieser-automatic-40.html) 

 

 

 

## IWC Shaffhausen Portugieser Chronograph 

  

 

Most watch geeks want to have an IWC in their collection – the brand has a real history and longstanding sponsorship with Mercedes F1. It’s always good to have a leather strap in your collection too. The original Portugieser came about after two Portuguese businessmen requested IWC make a large wristwatch with pocket watch chronometer accuracy in the late 1930s. In 1993, the Portugieser was then reissued to mark the brand’s 125th anniversary and collectors loved the larger case size and chronograph. IWC is always a brand to have – I have a Portofino and love it.

Visit [IWC.com](https://www.iwc.com/gb/en/watch-collections/portugieser/iw358313-portugieser-automatic-40.html)

 

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 [ ![](https://media.slman.com/SFy7svKM8nG6H5FIEv47ANfyEp8=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F03%2Fsl-man-editorial-180325-alistar-watches-5.jpg?itok=kHvSPQBm)

 

 ](https://www.watcheslondon.com/current-collection/f01xntktez8bii97zh9lu9f3er56tn) 

 

 

 

## Cartier Tank Louis Watches of Switzerland 100th Anniversary 

  

 

When I was growing up, we had family friends in Mallorca who we’d visit on holiday. The father owned a shoe factory in the 1980s and over the years, he treated each of his family to a Cartier Tank. Because of that, I always saw a Cartier Tank as a beautiful object someone would wear daily. The Cartier Tank Louis Watches of Switzerland 100th Anniversary edition from [Watches London](https://www.watcheslondon.com/)’s collection has this great combination of a blue alligator strap, blue hands and a blue crown against the 18k gold casing. There are only 100 in the world.

Visit [WatchesLondon.com](https://www.watcheslondon.com/current-collection/f01xntktez8bii97zh9lu9f3er56tn)

 

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 [ ![](https://media.slman.com/J5wBjRpqhRlvwPxe2-ebedCyYgI=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F03%2Fsl-man-editorial-180325-alistar-watches-6.jpg?itok=y_bmvlHY)

 

 ](https://www.tissotwatches.com/en-gb/T1424641633200.html) 

 

 

 

 

 [ ![](https://media.slman.com/MaiAbr1yirQSXbLA7XO41iv8nUI=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F03%2Fsl-man-editorial-180325-alistar-watches-7.jpg?itok=lANlP-1k)

 

 ](https://www.tissotwatches.com/en-gb/T1424641633200.html) 

 

 

 

 

 

## Tissot Heritage 1938 Automatic 

  

 

This watch looks very old, almost like a pre-war 1930s aesthetic. It has a sandblasted dusty rose-gold dial and generally, I think it’s a good everyday watch. The dial is also very easy to read thanks to the Arabic numerals. It’s versatile, has a reliable automatic movement and just looks so classic.

Visit [TissotWatches.com](https://www.tissotwatches.com/en-gb/T1424641633200.html)

 

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 [ ![](https://media.slman.com/Lf_tDHDimBVYdJZ6cPtc_BqU7Cc=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F03%2Fsl-man-editorial-180325-alistar-watches-8.jpg?itok=5gTMBnji)

 

 ](https://www.rado.com/en_gb/anatom-automatic-r10202309.html) 

 

 

 

## Rado Anatom Automatic 

  

 

I wasn't expecting to love this watch as much as I do. I wore it every day during London Fashion Week and fell in love with it. The original Anatom was launched in 1983 as a much smaller quartz watch with distinctive 1980s convex glass styling. This 40-year later reissue is larger in size and has a very precise Rado calibre R766 automatic movement, plus a sporty rubber strap. Between the ceramic edge and convex sapphire crystal, there’s this beautiful sharp edge. It just fits perfectly.

Visit [Rado.com](https://www.rado.com/en_gb/anatom-automatic-r10202309.html)

 

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 [ ![](https://media.slman.com/5fbJhjk-MWgnBkj2apjUgGT8nZY=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F03%2Fsl-man-editorial-180325-alistar-watches-9.jpg?itok=zOVRJmzs)

 

 ](https://www.watcheslondon.com/current-collection/patek-philippe-aquanaut-chronograph) 

 

 

 

## Patek Philippe Aquanaut Chronograph 

  

 

Out of all the watches we shot, this is the dream piece for me. It’s the first time I’ve worn a Patek Philippe and it’s a classic example of how a good watch just feels right. The 42.2mm ‘Jumbo’ case is affectionately known as ‘The Grenade’ because of the texture of the rubber strap and dial. It’s a sturdy-looking watch with the signature porthole design. Plus, among aficionados, this particular ‘khaki green’ colour is highly desirable.

Visit [WatchesLondon.com](https://www.watcheslondon.com/current-collection/patek-philippe-aquanaut-chronograph)

 

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 [ ![](https://media.slman.com/UmGoJUatWbcHj61DqEpmsILrl_Q=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F03%2Fsl-man-editorial-180325-alistar-watches-10.jpg?itok=gvml334I)

 

 ](https://www.audemarspiguet.com/com/en/watch-collection/royal-oak/15510ST.OO.1320ST.07.html) 

 

 

 

 

 [ ![](https://media.slman.com/0i0rOp0h-Rm592R4M3z8ReeT72s=/800x0/smart/https%3A%2F%2Fsw18.sheerluxe.com%2Fsites%2Fslman%2Ffiles%2Farticles%2F2025%2F03%2Fsl-man-editorial-180325-alistar-watches-11.jpg?itok=-p7DkSds)

 

 ](https://www.audemarspiguet.com/com/en/watch-collection/royal-oak/15510ST.OO.1320ST.07.html) 

 

 

 

 

 

## Audemars Piguet Royal Oak 

  

 

This watch just goes with everything. The iconic 1976 design was sketched by Gérald Genta and inspired by a traditional diver’s helmet. The graph-paper-like dial design is unique to Audemars and is known as the ‘Grande Tapisserie’. It’s a bit more obtainable than a Patek and because of its colouring, shape and the satin-brushed case, it’s a versatile piece. Audemars has an amazing VIP lounge suite on Bond Street which I recommend visiting.

Visit [AudemarsPiguet.com](https://www.audemarspiguet.com/com/en/watch-collection/royal-oak/15510ST.OO.1320ST.07.html?)

 

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## With special thanks to... 

 

Location: [*The Audley Public House*](https://theaudleypublichouse.com/); *follow them* [*@AudleyPublicHouse*](https://www.instagram.com/audleypublichouse/)  
Visit: [*Watches London*](https://www.watcheslondon.com/)*,* [*Tissot*](https://www.tissotwatches.com/en-gb)*,* [*Rado*](https://www.rado.com/en_gb/) *and* [*IWC*](https://www.iwc.com/gb/en/home.html)*.*  
Photographer: *Victoria Adamson*

 

 

 

 

All products on this page have been selected by our editorial team, however we may make commission on some products.

 

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