What people wear on their wrist says more than what they wear on their sleeve.
Horologists know this.
It is all about the attachment to craft, to memory, to the moment it was given and who gave it.
In the latest story published by premier watch retail company Vintage Grail, on June 14, 2025, former Ayala Corporation president and CEO Fernando Zóbel de Ayala and his daughter Katya Zóbel de Ayala let their wrists do the talking.
Katya wore a vintage Rolex Air-King Precision, while Fernando sported the iconic Patek Philippe Nautilus 3700/1—a model revered by collectors for its timeless design and rarity.
Though Vintage Grail did not disclose the exact value of the watches, collectors and enthusiasts were quick to speculate.
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According to Chrono24, one of the world’s largest online marketplaces for luxury watches, Katya’s Rolex typically ranges from USD3,000 to USD 5,000 (~PHP170K to PHP283K), depending on condition and provenance.
Meanwhile, Fernando’s Nautilus 3700/1—a classic “Jumbo” design from the 1970s—is valued far higher, with current listings ranging from USD90,000 to USD150,000 (~PHP5M-PHP8.5M), given its coveted status among vintage Patek collectors.
But to the Zóbel de Ayalas, price is the least interesting thing about these watches.
KATYA'S FIRST ROLEX
Katya received her Rolex for her 18th birthday a few years ago. Her first vintage timepiece became her initiation into the quiet, deliberate world of watch collecting.
"I loved the size, which I think is 34mm," she shared.
"I have always appreciated watches, but being given my first one by my dad definitely brought my interest to a completely new level. It sparked my own passion for watch collecting, with very different budgets, of course."
Growing up, Katya often accompanied her father during his visits to watch stores.
"Although at a young age I didn’t completely understand the value of collecting watches, I could see how meaningful watches were to my Dad.
"From that point on, they became important to me as well," she said.
They regularly exchange thoughts on vintage finds, modern releases, and sentimental favorites.
Katya has started acquiring her own pieces—each chosen not for status or hype, but for emotional resonance.
She said, "More than just the time, each watch carries special memories of what I liked about it and where I got it from."
Fernando echoed the sentiment: "Katya and I like exchanging thoughts about pieces that we like. I feel that this interest really started after she received her first gift."
It’s a tradition he has kept with all his children—celebrating each of their 18th birthdays with a meaningful, lasting keepsake.
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THE WATCH THAT STARTED IT ALL
Fernando’s own passion for watches began in London during his teenage years.
"In my teens, my parents were based in London and I really enjoyed going with them to Portobello Road," he recalled.
"I would always spend time in the vintage watch stalls. One particular stall had a vintage military watch which my father could see I really liked. He bought it for me as a gift. I still have it.”
That first watch came from a street market, unlike the luxury boutiques where his kids’ watches would be purchased.
And that, to Fernando, made all the difference.
"I don’t want my children to dwell too much on material things," he said.
"But I do want them to appreciate the pieces that bring special memories, like the watches."
While that timepiece sparked his passion for watch collecting, the Nautilus is the watch that best represents his enduring legacy.
According to Katya, "That is the watch that I see him wear the most. It is so elegant, simple, and classic."
But she was quick to add that each piece in his collection tells a different story.
"Each watch reflects a unique part of him. I enjoy looking through his collection, hearing about the history behind each one."
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