A Watch Is More Than Just a Pretty Face

As collectors look to make their grail watches stand out, they're turning to unique vintage bracelets and paying thousands on thousands for straps on the secondary market.

- CAM WOLF

FOR TOMMY CABRERIZO, a Miami-based collector, landing one of his dream watches from Richard Mille was just the start of the fun. Soon after, Cabrerizo found himself deep in the wormhole of authorized dealers and secondary market sellers to find the perfect complement to his new timepiece. Because, when it comes to a watch, the bracelets and straps can be just as important, historic, and beautifully designed as the head. "It's part of the chase," Cabrerizo says. "The same way I was excited to receive the RM 67-02, there's that same build-up leading up to getting the straps-that same high."

Cabrerizo is already planning a trip to Geneva, mapping out how he'll come home with a few extra bands. To get any of RM's coveted strapswhich come in fabric and rubber across a Crayola factory's worth of colours and sell between $500 and $1,300 (40,000 and 1 lakh) at retail-Cabrerizo will need to bring his watch with him to the store or else he'll be turned away. If he's looking for something a little more rarefied, he'll pay a premium. The more desirable RM straps, made for its blue-sapphire tourbillon, sell for $5,000 on the secondary market.