An avid horology connoisseur and one of the world’s top watch collectors, Kuwait-based Abbas behbehani’s extraordinary journey with watches has started at the early age of 15: « After school I used to go to my father’s work, at some point he was the biggest watch distributor in the world, with ‘West End’ brand under his umbrella, I’ve undoubtedly inherited his passion for watches ».
Growing up in a family that worked in the watch business, Abbas, a mechanical engineer with eight years of experience in Kuwait oil company has started collecting timepieces almost four decades ago with a very modest priced 25 $ Omega as his first possession followed in the early 1980s by a perpetual calendar Audemars Piguet which decades later remains his favorite complication.
More than 1000 watches extravagantly displayed in a custom-made room in his house designed by the luxury watch winders and cases Buben & Zorweg, he loves wearing his timepieces instead of locking them up as several collectors do.
« I’m not necessarily attracted to complicated watches, I love readable simple designs, the complications shouldn’t be on the outside, i buy what I like and rarely ever sell a watch ». His large collection consists of breathtaking pieces of Audemars Piguet, Rolex, Vacheron Constantin, Patek Philippe and many others. « I love the history of the brand, its aesthetics and the people behind it » A warm light-hearted person with an acute sense of humor, his love affair with watches and unique taste position him as one of the top watch collectors globally « You don’t decide to become a watch collector, your passion drives you there ».
Inaugurating 2022 with his spectacular taste, Abbas shared with us two unique custom-made timepieces from his vast collection:
Patek Philippe Grande Complication 5971P
This one-of-a-kind custom-made Patek Philippe 5971P Chronograph, has a manually wound perpetual calendar and leap year indication as well as minute recorder and moon phases. Powered by an outstanding calibre CH37-70 Q, this 39 mm stunning masterpiece comes with a large platinum case studded with magnificent blue sapphires. A unique legacy of craftsmanship and timeless beauty.
Patek Philippe Nautilus 5724G-010
A stunning 18k white gold custom-made self-winding wristwatch, studded with blue sapphires with power reserve, date and moon phases. This 42 mm timepiece is powered by a 240 PS IRM C LU calibre with a breathtaking blue alligator strap.
