Not every serious watch collector arrives with a larger-than-life backstory. Some, like Christian Bangert, come from quieter paths—suburban Connecticut, youth sports sidelines, and local tournaments. But look a little closer, and you’ll find a collector whose approach challenges easy assumptions about what modern collecting can be.
Bangert’s focus is less on status and more on substance, with a collection shaped by long-standing relationships with independent watchmakers. That includes figures like Simon Brette, with whom Bangert collaborated closely during the development of the Chronomètre Artisans.
When Brette accepted a GPHG award in 2023, it was Bangert, far from the industry spotlight, who received his deepest thanks. In this edition of Talking Watches, Christian emerges as a collector guided entirely by personal conviction, building a collection on connection, curiosity, and genuine enthusiasm rather than trend.
In the video, Ben and Christian chat over a wide array of watches, including a two-tone Rolex Submariner 16803, a Rolex Sea-Dweller 126600 “Esprit de la Mer”, an A. Lange & Sohne Lange 1 time Zone in yellow gold, a Ressence Type 3 S, an MB&F Split Escapement (ruthenium/white gold), an Urwerk 100V P.02, and an UR 101 T-Rex.
But we’re only getting started… up next, the two chat about the interesting and closely tied history of a pair of Roger Dubuis chronographs, then dive into a look at Christian’s impressive collection of independent pieces, including Holthinrichs Raw Bronze and Signature Ornamen, a piece unique Terra from Stefan Ketelaars, a pair of hand-made Origin Series from James Lamb, a Florent Lecomte Series 2 Prototype, a Maitres Du Temps Chapter 3 Piece Unique (with a hand painted dial featuring Buzz Aldrin by Andre Martinez).
Finally, they close on Christian’s close connection with Simon Brette, which includes a pair of Chronomètre Artisans, one of which is the first-ever example from the original Souscription Series.
Video Director/Executive Producer: David Aujero
DP/Camera Operator: Chris Wilmore
Photographer/Cam Operator: Shota Akiyoshi
PA: Paolo Simeti
Video Editor: Max Rosen
A Gallery Of Watch Shots & Behind The Scenes
