Giorgia Mondani reflects on growing up in a leading Rolex family, her most meaningful watches, and the lessons she shares with new collectors.
Few people have experienced watch collecting the way Giorgia Mondani has. Raised in a home filled with catalogues, reference books, and visiting collectors, she absorbed the Mondani family’s commitment to careful research and accurate storytelling from the very beginning. Their books became essential tools for anyone serious about Rolex, and their work helped set the standard for how collectors assess rare and vintage pieces.
Giorgia has since built her own voice within the community. She brings the same respect for detail to her online presence, to the audiences she educates, and to the communication agency she founded in Genova. Her approach blends her family’s history with the curiosity and clarity that define the current generation of collectors.
In this edition of Come Collect, Giorgia looks back at the environment that shaped her, opens up about the watches tied to meaningful moments in her life, and shares the values she hopes to pass on to new enthusiasts.
Isaac Wingold: How did you first get into watch collecting?
Giorgia Mondani: I grew up in a family where watches were part of everyday life. My father, Guido Mondani, was already deeply involved in vintage Rolex when I was young, so our home was always full of books, catalogues, and collectors who visited from all over the world. I never had a moment where I stepped into watch collecting. I was surrounded by it since childhood, and over time it shaped my eye, my curiosity, and the way I understood what makes a watch special.
IW: What was your first watch, and what is the story behind it?
GM: My first watch was a Rolex Lady. My father gave it to me when I was twelve after winning my first tennis tournament.
IW: Is there a particular watch in your collection that holds a truly special story?
GM: Several pieces mean a great deal to me, and the ones tied to important moments in our lives stand out the most. One is the Rolex Day-Date Ref. 118238 that my husband Daniele gave me at our wedding. Another is the Patek Philippe Nautilus Ref. 5711/1A-010 that I gave him when our first daughter, Mia, was born.
I also have a unique piece that Artisans de Genève customized for me. It carries a lot of meaning because it reflects my family, my journey, and the passion that connects three generations of Mondani.
IW: What's one piece of advice you'd give to someone just getting started as a collector?
GM: Start with curiosity and patience, not pressure. Choose the watches that speak to you, not the ones everyone else tells you to buy. Study, ask questions, compare examples, and most importantly, buy from trusted sources.
IW: Can you share a few must-have watches listed on Bezel right now?
GM:
One of my favorite entry level Rolex models.
One of the most fascinating Cartiers.
A watch I own, and consider one of the most special.
IW: Your family is renowned for the Mondani books, considered essential reading for Rolex collectors. What was it like growing up in that world, and how did it shape your view of collecting?
GM: Growing up surrounded by Mondani books meant living in an environment built on structure and research. I saw my parents spend hours comparing details, studying references, and building relationships with collectors from around the world. That experience taught me to value accuracy, context, and authenticity.
IW: The Mondani name is almost synonymous with Rolex expertise. What is it about the brand that continues to captivate you and your family?
GM: Rolex has a balance of timeless design, reliability, and emotional resonance. Every model has its own story. Rolex has always been the watch of big challenges. My family has long admired the consistency of the brand, and the way it continues to evolve.
IW: As a prominent woman in what can be a male-dominated space, how have you seen the landscape shift for female collectors?
GM: The shift has been significant. Women aren't only wearing watches, they're studying them, collecting them, investing in them, and taking part in the larger conversation. There's more representation and confidence, and a growing interest in technical pieces that go beyond traditional feminine categories. I feel proud to contribute to that change.
IW: What excites you most about the future of vintage collecting, and are there any upcoming projects you are especially passionate about?
GM: I'm encouraged by the renewed interest in authenticity and storytelling. More collectors are searching for watches with history, originality, and real character. As for my own work, I am committed to sharing content that highlights the appeal of collecting and to developing initiatives that connect the watch world with new generations.
I also recently launched my communications agency in Genova, called the Giorgia Mondani Agency. It gives me a way to bring the experience and knowledge I've gained over the past fifteen years back to the place I love, where I live, and where my children are growing up.
Have someone in mind that you'd like to see featured? Interested in submitting a story of your own? Reach out to us at editorial@getbezel.com.
- Isaac Wingold
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.
Bezel is available to download on the App Store now. Please reach out to our concierge team if there is anything we can help you with!
©2024 Bezel Inc.
All rights reserved.