For collectors and by collectors, 2ToneVintage started last 2018 as a private showroom with customers visiting by appointment only. Nael already had customers from over 30 countries around the world who regularly turn to him for advice as well as access to rare and otherwise unavailable vintage watches. The overwhelming response from clients across the globe urged Nael to expand the space and open it publicly.

"It's really about sharing my passion and the art and science behind all this," shares Nael. "I have spent many years attending world-renowned auctions and exhibitions, and have also had the distinct privilege of learning from some of the industry’s best experts in this matter. When someone comes into the store and is eager to learn and understand, I am thrilled to talk about my favourite topic and also know that it’s helping this person start on an incredible journey of great satisfaction!”

Nael was previously a successful oil trader in Southeast Asia but his penchant for watches led him to be a collector.

“I was fortunate to have had mentors and experienced collectors to teach me how to appreciate the value and beauty of such timepieces,” says Nael. “Knowing how to pick the right watch for its inherent value and beauty, is one thing, but it is a completely different decision-making process when a collector is evaluating the timepiece’s quality, originality, and provenance leading to a quality investment.”

Nael firmly believes that being educated about watches is more important than merely buying and selling them. Already, in the few weeks the flagship store has been open, Nael has been kept exceptionally busy imparting his knowledge to those who are new to vintage watch collecting, and who are eager to learn the ins and outs of what had started as hobby for him.

Nael believes that the 2ToneVintage flagship boutique is the first of its kind in Singapore, possibly in Southeast Asia as well. Thus far, owners of rare vintage watches have had to send their exquisite collections to Switzerland to have them repaired or serviced; costly logistics often takes up to a year. "As a collector myself, I was particularly struck by the challenges of maintaining a vintage watch collection in this part of the world given these restrictions, which is why I am especially determined to ensure that the pleasure of appreciating the value of vintage watches isn’t marred by logistical issues,” he says. 

Though considered as the dark horse of luxury investments, collecting vintage watches remains worthy of attention, especially with record numbers participating in 2020 alone. It is an industry that has grown exponentially since 2010 (to a value of approximately GBP2.5 billion), and one that is poised to continue growing as sentiment towards handmade works of historical significance gains traction amongst collectors during these turbulent pandemic times.

For more information, visit 2tonevintage.com