I was on a mission. Alarm at 3:30, early flight out of Malaga, full portable studio packed, straight into it. This time I was shooting in Amsterdam Vintage Watches territory.
I landed in a city just stepping into its first real warm day of the year. People out along the canals, energy everywhere, that shift you feel when winter finally lets go. Amsterdam was wide awake, and I was there for one reason.
One specific watch was waiting for me.
I've recently started working more closely with Collectors Gallery, who collaborate closely with Amsterdam Vintage Watches, and this was one of those assignments where everything lines up. No time to waste. Straight from landing into setup, lights on, and into the work.
The Watch
Then you get that moment. The first time handling the watch.
Rolex 6062 "Stelline". Read more on Collectors Gallery →
Some pieces you just shoot and move on from. This wasn't one of them. You take a second, then another. It makes you slow down without even thinking about it. The kind of watch you don't expect to come across, and probably won't again.
Rhythm
The rest of the time moved fast. One watch after another, constant flow, different eras, different stories passing through the table. Reset, shoot, move on. That rhythm you get into when everything just works.
Look Up
In between, you look up and realize where you are. The city, the light, the people. Amsterdam doing its thing. The shop felt the same way. Not really a shop, more a space built around what they care about. Watches, history, cigars, a bar in the corner. Nothing forced, just natural.
Out
Thirty-six hours, and it was done as quickly as it started.
I really appreciate this kind of assignment. Already looking forward to the next one.
And Amsterdam — unreal time. Definitely a city I'll be coming back to this summer.
More on the watch soon.
