For Camille Guille, watches aren’t just objects of design or tools for timekeeping—they’re emotional signposts. As the Sales Director of GMT Magazine and Lady by GMT, and the voice behind the Instagram account @perpetual.girl, Camille brings a fashion-world sensibility and editorial eye to watch collecting. Her early career in Paris at fashion houses like Vivienne Westwood and Paul Smith laid the groundwork for a deep appreciation of detail and design, while her move to Geneva in 2017 plunged her into the heart of Swiss watchmaking.

In this latest edition of Come Collect, Camille shares the story behind her first watch, her views on the intersection of fashion and horology, and how she uses her platform to make the watch world feel more inclusive, especially for women.

In Conversation with Camille Guille

Isaac Wingold: Let’s start at the beginning. How did you find your way into the world of watches?

Camille Guille: After working in fashion in Paris, I moved into the press industry, and eventually landed in Geneva in 2017 to become the Sales Director of GMT Magazine and Lady by GMT. That’s when I really entered the watch world. It felt like discovering a whole new universe—full of traditions, craftsmanship, and a really dynamic, passionate community. I started my Instagram, @perpetual.girl, in 2018 after documenting so much during the watch fairs. I wanted a place to share it all.

IW: Did your background in fashion influence the way you approach watches today?

‍CG: Absolutely. Design is everything to me—proportion, color, finish. I’ve always had a strong visual sense, and that comes from my time in fashion and from my mother, who’s an artist. I love métiers d’art, enamel dials, and anything that shows real artistry. And I think you can see that in the kinds of pieces I gravitate toward.

‍

IW: Do you treat watches as part of your personal style?

CG: Yes—completely. Sometimes the watch comes first, and I build my outfit around it. Other times, it’s the last thing I put on, but it still changes the entire mood. It’s like perfume in that way. You wear it for yourself, but it also subtly signals something to others.

IW: What was your first watch?

CG: A Dior Malice in steel with a quartz movement. My mother gave it to me for my 18th birthday. The bracelet was removable, so I could match it to different outfits—very fashion-forward for me at the time. For my civil wedding, I wore it with a white strap to match my Vanessa Bruno dress. But for the church ceremony, I didn’t wear a watch. I just wanted to enjoy the moment without checking the time.

‍

IW: And what’s the watch you find yourself wearing the most these days?

‍CG: A two-tone Rolex Datejust that I bought recently in London from Kate, also known as @theshrewshop. It’s in perfect condition, and Kate was so kind and helpful. I wear it almost every day—I actually use the date function a lot. And even when I rotate to other watches, I always love coming back to it. I think many collectors know that feeling.

IW: How would you define your taste in watches today?

CG: It’s a mix. I still appreciate bold, disruptive pieces thanks to my time at Vivienne Westwood, but I also love the elegance of classic design. One of my favorite references is the Audemars Piguet Perpetual Calendar Ref. 25548. It’s timeless and refined—exactly my style. I’d choose something like that over a big Offshore any day.

‍

IW: Has your perspective on watch media evolved as someone who’s also worked in fashion editorial?

CG: Yes, very much so. Fashion editorials have always told stories—they connect outfits with emotion, setting, and context. Watch media, by contrast, tends to be more traditional and focused on specs. At Lady by GMT, I try to bridge that gap. I write a section called “Fashion week” where I pair haute couture looks with watches and jewelry—a complete styled moment. I’d love to see more of that for men, too, not just in fashion magazines like GQ. Watches don’t have to live in a vacuum.

‍

IW: Your Instagram celebrates watches without labeling them as “for men” or “for women.” Has that always been intentional?

CG: Yes, absolutely. I post watches for everyone. Gendered language in watch marketing still bothers me—there’s no reason a woman shouldn’t wear a 40mm piece or a complicated watch. In some female IG accounts, you can see comments saying, “This watch is too big for a woman.” My account is meant to normalize seeing all kinds of watches on all kinds of wrists.

IW: You’ve also been vocal about watch safety, particularly for women.

CG: It’s something I think about a lot, especially living in Geneva. Watch theft is a growing issue here, though it’s rarely mentioned in the press. A while ago, I posted about wearing a silk scarf over your watch when you’re in public spaces like the metro. You can reveal it when you feel safe. It’s practical and stylish. I’ve been trying to come up with a similar solution for men.

‍

IW: Do you think there’s a right or wrong way to approach building a watch collection?

CG: I don’t think there are any rules. Personally, I prefer to keep things simple. I only own a few watches, and I like that I can actually wear all of them. I’m not someone who wants a huge safe full of pieces I never touch. It’s more about how a watch fits into my life than chasing the next thing

IW: Is there a dream watch on your radar right now?

CG: My dream watch right now is a something fitted with a black opal dial—Piaget, Vacheron Constantin, Chopard, or Audemars Piguet, but I try not to obsess over new watches. The less temptation, the better!

‍

IW: Do you remember a moment when you felt like you truly appreciated watches?

CG: Yes—my first SIHH. I was suddenly sitting through presentations on tourbillons, listening to watchmakers talk about complications! But it was incredible. I remember seeing early MB&F pieces and being completely fascinated. It was a little overwhelming, but it’s also what made me fall in love with the industry.

‍

About Bezel

Bezel is the top-rated marketplace for buying and selling luxury watches. We give you access to tens of thousands of the most collectible watches from the world's top professional sellers and private collectors. Every watch sold goes through our industry-leading in-house authentication process, so you can buy, sell, and bid with confidence.
‍
Download the Bezel app on the iOS App Store or start searching for your next watch today at getbezel.com.

‍