The Billstone Curator
Way Better Than A Sock Drawer
There comes a point in watch collecting when the little three-watch travel roll stops being charming. You’ve accumulated Rolexes, Omegas, Tudors, maybe something obscure enough that you enjoy explaining it to people who didn’t ask. Tucking these investments in the sock drawer doesn’t work either because we all lose socks!
Let’s talk about the Billstone Curator 18 Watch Briefcase.
The Curator 18 is essentially a first-class lounge for your watches. Designed to hold 18 timepieces, it takes the traditional watch box and gives it the executive-briefcase treatment: structured, substantial and considerably more sophisticated than the faux-leather Amazon special hiding in your closet. (we all have one)
The first thing you notice is the presentation. Billstone understands that if someone has spent serious money assembling a watch collection, he probably doesn't want to store it in something that looks like it came free with a set of steak knives. The Curator feels appropriately luxurious without screaming for attention.
Inside, the watches are individually separated and cushioned, which becomes particularly important with larger cases, protruding crowns and bracelets that have a nasty habit of introducing themselves to the watch sitting next door. An 18-watch collection can easily represent six figures (or considerably more) so proper spacing isn't exactly an extravagance.
I also like the briefcase format. A traditional wooden watch box is handsome until you actually need to move it. Then you're walking through the house or watch show carrying it like a waiter delivering a tray of cocktails. The Curator's handle and case construction make moving the collection considerably easier and, importantly, more secure, plus it looks great.
My only caution? Fill it! Because if you end up staring at the ‘available’ slots, you know you are calling your AD, or in my case, “my guy”. Watch collectors don't tolerate empty slots particularly well.
The Billstone Curator 18 isn't inexpensive, nor should it be. This is storage designed to complement what's inside rather than merely contain it. It’s beautifully executed, practical, appropriately indulgent and just understated enough. If your watch collection has graduated from hobby to obsession, the Curator 18 gives it the home it deserves.
Comments