“Have you heard about this Mahnaz Collection watch thing?” my friend Sarah asked over coffee last week. “Apparently, it’s not just about jewelry anymore. They’re curating vintage watches now, and some of them are insane!”
That one sentence got my attention. I mean, who doesn’t love a good vintage treasure hunt, right? Especially when names like Patek Philippe, Omega, and Jaeger-LeCoultre come up. And that’s exactly what Mahnaz Collection, a New York-based gallery known for rare, sculptural jewelry, is doing. They’ve stepped into the watch world—and trust me, it’s something you’ll want to know about.
The Allure of Vintage Timepieces
Mahnaz Ispahani Bartos, the gallery’s founder, didn’t start by specializing in watches. She’s been known for sourcing hard-to-find pieces by artists, designers, and goldsmiths. But, at some point, she realized, “If these creators also made watches, how could I not showcase them too?” And that’s how a whole new chapter for the Mahnaz Collection began.
Ispahani Bartos’s love for these timepieces isn’t just surface-level. Her teenage years saw her falling in love with a Grima-designed Omega watch gifted by her mother—a piece she still treasures to this day. Over the years, her expertise in jewelry translated into curating high-end watches, each with its own unique history.
Let’s put it this way. Imagine walking into a gallery and seeing a Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse, an Omega De Ville Emerald bracelet watch, or a Jaeger-LeCoultre Mystery piece with diamonds. Goosebumps, right?
“What’s the deal with that Golden Ellipse?” I asked Sarah as we scrolled through some pictures online. She shrugged. “Beats me, but I know I’ll never afford one.”
She’s not wrong—Patek Phillipe originals don’t come cheap. But for those of us who can only dream, replicas like a patek philippe replica really come in handy. Websites such as https://replicapatekphilippe.io offer replica Patek versions that keep the essence intact without making your bank account cry.
Stories Behind the Watches
What makes Mahnaz Collection’s portfolio so special is the history behind each piece. There’s an Andrew Grima Omega bracelet watch, an exquisite combination of sterling silver and a tropical dial, dating back to the ’70s. If you’re not familiar with Grima, he was loved by the British royal family for his avant-garde designs.
“Do you think Princess Diana wore something like this?” Sarah wondered, zooming in on the piece.
“Oh, for sure!” I said. “She was all about standing out. This would’ve been right up her alley.”
Here’s another gem—a gold-and-diamond watch handmade by Augustin Julia-Plana. This Spanish designer worked with names like Tiffany, Chopard, and more, specializing in unusual stones. Tragically, Julia-Plana passed away young, but his work leaves a lasting legacy—and Mahnaz Collection is ensuring people don’t forget that.
There’s also a mix of Italian flair and modern craftsmanship. Pieces by Ettore Sottsass, for instance, are sitting in Mahnaz’s vault, waiting for the perfect moment to be revealed. Can you imagine the excitement of discovering what’s behind those closed doors?
I joked about asking them if they had a fake Patek Philippe in the mix. “You know,” I laughed, “Just something to keep us plebs happy in the meantime.”
Sarah rolled her eyes. “Stop. If I can’t afford a real one, I’ll at least settle for a replica patek philippe. We’re all about the vibes, not the price tag.”
She’s got a point—whether it’s a patek philippe nautilus replica or another iconic design, replicas can help people enjoy the beauty without stressing about the cost.
Jewelry Meets Watchmaking
Mahnaz herself has a fascinating backstory. She grew up in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) in a family that deeply valued jewelry. Her grandmother gifted her diamond and ruby earrings when she was seven—though little Mahnaz ended up putting them on her dolls’ ears instead. Sadly, those heirlooms didn’t survive the chaos of a revolution, but the memories remain vivid.
This emotional connection to jewelry seems to translate into her passion for storytelling through timepieces. She goes above and beyond to research each piece’s origins. Museum-style exhibitions and detailed catalogs are standard practice at Mahnaz Collection, bringing a level of respect and depth to the vintage watch market that feels rare these days.
Take, for example, their recently debuted Italian collection. It was ten years in the making. Ten! That’s dedication. And it’s exactly what makes this gallery feel so alive—each piece isn’t just a watch, it’s a timestamp in history, meticulously preserved.
On the other side of things, for everyday watch enthusiasts like you and me, there are easier ways to tap into the charm. Sites like www.replicapatekphilippe.io allow you to snag a replica Patek and enjoy that same timeless aesthetic without needing an invite to some exclusive Madison Avenue event.
The Pieces That Steal the Show
To give you a taste, here are some of the standouts from Mahnaz’s debut collection:
- Omega De Ville Emerald Bracelet Watch by Andrew Grima. This one’s a blend of edgy materials and a playful dial.
- Patek Philippe Golden Ellipse. Understated yet iconic, it’s everything Patek stands for.
- Jaeger-LeCoultre Mystery Watch. Gold, diamonds, and a touch of magic. Enough said.
- Cazzaniga Watch with Piaget Movement. This one combines sapphires, diamonds, and insane craftsmanship.
- Gilbert Albert Platinum and Gold Watch. Swiss-made, manual-wind, and dripping in luxury.
“The mix of materials here is intense,” Sarah mused as we scrolled through the gallery’s highlights. “But it’s probably a million bucks per watch, right?”
“Closer to two,” I said with a chuckle. “That’s why we stick to replicas!”
A New Era for Collectors
What I love about this story is how it brings vintage collecting into focus. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or someone just starting out, Mahnaz Collection opens the door to a world of possibilities.
“Do you think they’ll start selling more affordable things, like, you know, not six figures?” Sarah asked.
I shook my head. “Probably not. But that’s okay. Replicas have our back. And honestly, half the joy is in the hunt, right?”
And that’s the beauty of it. You don’t have to own an original Patek or Omega to appreciate their timeless designs. Sometimes a well-crafted replica Patek Philippe is enough to capture the spirit of the thing.
At the end of the day, Mahnaz Collection isn’t just showcasing watches; it’s celebrating the artistry and stories behind them. It’s a gallery where history comes alive one timepiece at a time. And for me? That’s worth getting excited about—real or replica.
If you’re curious, check out Buy Here for some surprisingly stylish options inspired by iconic designs. It’s all about finding the piece that tells your story.
“Think they’d send us an invite to check out the gallery?” Sarah teased.
“Only if we show up wearing replicas and pretend we’re big-time collectors,” I laughed.
“Deal.”
