Thom Sweeney designers: 'Tailoring and watches go hand in hand'

“I got my first real watch in 2007 when I got married,” says Sweeney. “It was a really simple Rolex Datejust in silver. I started researching and reading and [watches] became a bit of an obsession.”

He continues: “[Tailoring and watches] go hand in hand, when you start making clothes for yourself it’s a really natural thing to get into. I’ve built my collection based on my outfits.”

Thom Whidett and Luke Sweeney's watch wardrobe

Patek Philippe 18ct gold Calatrava

“This one has sentimental value, it was a gift from my wife for my birthday. I’m still a novice but Patek Philippe is the next level up from Rolex in terms of investment. It’s the ultimate for a watch collector.

"This is a great piece, it’s a dress watch with a black strap, it’s incredible and special, and it feels great with a tux. The level of work that goes into these things is incredible. It was new when I got it but people think it’s vintage, it’s got an understated, vintage look to it.” — Luke Sweeney

Vintage Omega Seamaster 1960s

“I bought this watch during my old flatmate’s stag do in Amsterdam. It was our second day and I wanted to do something productive, so I randomly walked into a watch shop (probably when I was a bit drunk) and bought this 1966 Omega Seamaster.

"It was made in the year England won the World Cup but that wasn’t the reason I bought it. I also liked it because it was slim and understated, it went with everything.” — Thom Whiddett

IWC Portugeiser

“This was a 30th birthday gift to myself, it was the first proper watch that I bought. I didn’t wear them before that, I didn’t see the point if I couldn’t wear a nice one. I wear it as a casual piece now.

"At the time IWC seemed like the watch, it wasn’t too blingy or too big. It just seemed a bit understated for a new watch, and relatively small. It seemed like a watch I could wear in the future.” — Thom Whiddett

1972 Gold Rolex Datejust

“All-gold Datejusts with gold faces are hard to come by. I’d been looking for one for about a year, with the box and papers they’re very hard to find. There’s a dealer from Sheffield whom I’ve worked with in the past, he called me and said he’d found one and that was that!

"This one’s got a black leather strap; it’s kind of understated. I can’t wear all gold as it looks too pretentious. It’s a really cool watch, and because it’s vintage the gold has become a bit distressed, it looks like its got history.” — Luke Sweeney

1978 Vintage Rolex Red writing Sub Mark VI

“When you read the watch collector’s rule book you learn that the Rolex Submariner is a good starting point for a collection. This is a great watch, I wear it casually, it goes with blazers and trousers and knitwear; it’s a beautiful piece. The Mark 6 has become a real collectors’ item.

"When I bought mine it was an investment piece and over the years it’s gone up in value. I put a brown suede strap on it but I’ve got the original strap (it’s really important to keep the original strap when you collect vintage watches). The only one I’ve kept the original strap on is Daytona. Most of mine have leather or Nato straps.” — Luke Sweeney