Mendel Watches is far from a traditional vintage dealer. With a sharp eye for rare and design-focused models, Mendel has built a company that resembles a curated gallery more than a watch shop. Each piece has its own story, and every deal is about more than just selling a watch.

– I truly value every watch I release onto the market, he tells.

One of the most memorable was a Piaget Emperador reference 9132 in white gold with a crazy lapis lazuli dial.

– If I had it today, I would’ve kept it myself – but it went to a passionate collector, and that’s enough for me.

The person behind Mendel Watches. Photo: Mendel Watches

The Hunt: Instinct Versus Experience

For Mendel, every truly good find starts with a feeling.

– It’s hard to explain, he admits. I always go with what I personally like and would consider wearing. Then comes the experience and the research – but every watch I’ve sold has started with pure gut feeling.

That instinct, however, rests on years of expertise. But the method is the same: buy what you love – the rest follows naturally.

Photo: Mendel Watches

The Watch He Never Quite Let Go Of

All watch dealers have a story about a watch they regret selling. But for Mendel, the philosophy is different:

– There’s always another watch, he says. As long as I can photograph it and immortalise it in my own style, I’m satisfied.

Still, there is one sale he remembers with some reflection.

– I slightly regret selling a Van Cleef & Arpels in the so-called ‘candy case’ format, designed by Gérald Genta. But it ended up with a good friend, and that means more to me.

Van Cleef & Arpels in Tank Style, design by Gérald Genta

Why Presentation is Everything

Mendel Watches is one of the most visually distinctive players on the market – and that’s no coincidence.

– For me, it’s all about presentation and storytelling, he explains. That’s why I arrange the images so that the accessories match both the watch and the era it comes from. It brings the objects to life.

It’s a strategy that works – every watch feels like a small time capsule, ready to be worn and given new life.

Rolex Cellini. Photo: Mendel Watches

The Return of Jewellery-inspired Watches

The watch world is constantly changing, and right now Mendel sees a clear trend: jewellery-like watches are back.

– People are braver, both in wearing something bold or very small, he says. It’s no longer just about investment. It’s about buying what you like – and actually using it. That’s something we’ve long advocated.

Photo: Mendel Watches

More Than Watches – A Lost Feeling

For Mendel, collecting is not just about the objects, but about capturing a feeling.

– I’m very inspired by a time when we lived a bit more freely, when we actually lived life instead of just pretending, he reflects. If you know what I mean?

That feeling shapes everything he does – from the selection of watches to the entire brand’s aesthetic.

Photo: Mendel Watches

What’s Next?

For Mendel Watches, it’s about more than just selling fantastic watches – it’s about building something long-term. The next step? Their own merch.

– I’m currently working on my first Mendel Watches collection, which will be released in November, he reveals. I can’t say too much yet, but I’ve been lucky enough to collaborate with one of the world’s best manufacturers. It’s going to be something really special.

Given his track record, there’s hardly any doubt.