Louped: Wes Wynne

Meet Wes Wynne of Collector’s Corner NY (CCNY). Known for his focus on top condition vintage and neo-vintage pieces, Wes is part of our growing community of verified Dealers shaping the future of watch commerce on Collected. 

Tell us a bit about yourself.

I was born in NYC and spend a lot of time between there, CT, and RI. In my free time I enjoy photography, playing guitar, cooking, and relaxing with my rescue dog, Linda.

Linda, Treat Supervisor at CCNY

How did you get into watches or start dealing? What do you think sets your approach apart?

I took an interest in watches when my grandfather passed and I inherited his watch–a 1976 Rolex Date. It’s by far my most sentimental piece and I wore it on my wedding day a few years ago. Ever since that moment my fascination with horology grew and to this day it remains my favorite subject to research.

On Wes’ wrist: his grandfather’s 1976 Rolex Date; On Amelia’s wrist: Rolex Datejust MOP. Photo by Martin Reardon.

I’ve been lucky to have some very interesting work experience, particularly at Sony Music for 6 years where I sat on the Marketing Team, focusing on data and marketing strategy. It was an intense role but I’m grateful for the opportunity as it helped me launch my own business and leverage an analytical approach to the watch market.

What kinds of watches do you specialize in or gravitate toward?

My main focus has been sourcing top condition pieces in the vintage and neo-vintage eras. I do some modern sourcing as well but I find that anything over 20 years old that’s discontinued tends to feel much more special. I like to offer a wide range of brands and price points, but the last few years my focus has been offering more Patek Philippe and Cartier as I believe those brands still have a lot of opportunity for both collectors and dealers.

Left: Patek Philippe Perpetual Calendar Ref. 3940J, Right: vintage Cartier Tank Louis with elongated crown available on Collected

Any advice for new collectors or those thinking of buying their first watch?

Do your research on the one model/reference you’re looking to get into first. The more educated you are the better off you’ll be. Find some more experienced collectors to help guide you. Save and get into a piece that has some liquidity/equity if you decide to move on. Don’t buy what you think other people are going to react to, just buy for your personal interest.

What’s something you wish more collectors understood about the secondary market?

I think more folks should know that vintage can be the most rewarding area as long as it's done correctly. Especially if you’re someone with an innate curiosity and a bit of patience. It’s a unique combination of history/provenance, the effect of time making each piece age its own way and the thrill of treasure hunting.

Does a watch ever make it to your personal collection, and if so, how do you decide what not to sell?

I’ve been pretty disciplined about what I’m looking to keep. In general, if I have an opportunity to acquire a watch I’m looking for in top condition, I’m willing to pay tomorrow’s price for it. I’m a firm believer that condition helps derive more enjoyment out of a watch and it's hard to find that at a discount at this point in the market’s evolution, regardless of being in the biz. I’ve also noticed that certain pieces with more sentimental value have stuck around and I’ve been lucky to get some exceptional watches through friends which is even better for me as a collector, first and foremost.

What’s one watch that’s currently listed on Collected you’re most excited about and why?

I have a remarkably beautiful Rolex Explorer ref. 1016 with a “tropical gilt” dial. It's easy to see why collectors covet these types of watches so much and this example offers immense enjoyment on the wrist with its golden luminous material and range of color from “dark chocolate” to “milk chocolate” in direct light.

Rolex Explorer Ref. 1016 available on Collected

What else are you into (beyond watches)?

My other main hobby is cars and I have a passion for early to mid 2000’s cars in the last of the “analog” era. Just like the hobby of watches, cars are nostalgic and can help bring great people together. I find a lot of therapy in the adventure of a drive, be it short or long and, similarly, looking at cars as pieces of mechanical art.

Wes’ 2007 Porsche 911 997.1 Turbo, GT Silver Metallic/Sand Beige. Photos by Ryan Friedman Motor Cars.

Where can people follow along with you outside of your profile on Collected?

On Instagram @collectors.corner.ny and be sure to join my mailing list on collectorscornerny.com for the latest inventory and updates.