Tick & Talk with Marko Palikuć: Gaddafi's Rolex, pilot's Heuer Bundeswehr and rare triple zero Submariner
Watches have been my passion for many years. Because of them, I have met people who share the same, and sometimes even more serious, attitude towards collecting. That's how I came across Marko quite by chance. In the conversation, we quickly realized that our circles overlapped, that is, we know the same people, and we even buy watches from some of them. This shows how big the world of vintage watches is, but at the same time how incredibly small it is, especially in Croatia.
My first impression of Marko is that he has the kind of passion that can't be faked. Every piece in his collection has a story about how it came into his hands. One, for example, traveled from Libya to Zagreb and was supposedly a gift from Gaddafi. The second was a gift. To Dinamo players. There is also Heuer which were once given to JNA pilots, as well as Submariner a reference that was produced for the shortest time in the history of this model. These are pieces that make even the most experienced collector stop, pick up the watch and ask that favorite question: “"Where did you get this?"”
His collection is not the result of random purchases, but years of research, contacts and instinct. One of the places where he finds future specimens is Facebook the group he leads, which today numbers almost 6,000 members.
We spoke with Marko as part of our new Tick & Talk series. Below we present what we found out.
You can find out more exclusive interviews about watches at DART.hr.
Can you briefly introduce yourself to us?
Marko Palikuća: My name is Marko, I am 26 years old and I am a student at the Faculty of Law in Osijek. I am a big fan of watches, especially vintage models that I collect myself.
Mark's story with vintage She began her lessons as a child, with her father, who lived his passion for antiques every day. Almost every Sunday, they would visit fairs together, browsing the stands and stopping to look at objects that might have seemed ordinary to others, but had a story to tell. My father was particularly attracted to pilot watches, which was only natural considering he was a pilot himself. It was through these trips that Marko began to develop a sense for the details, mechanisms, and aesthetics of old watches.
After a few years, he became completely interested in watches himself and, with his father's help, started his own collection. His father gave him a dozen watches as a gift, which became the foundation of his future interest. Among them were models from brands such as Darwil, Cortéberta, Marvin, Omicron, Seika i Dox.
Marko studied every watch he received thoroughly. He researched their history, gathered information, and learned about the mechanisms and context in which they were created. He has maintained this analytical, patient approach to this day, transforming his initial curiosity into a lasting and serious commitment. vintage hours.
What watch sparked your passion for collecting?
Marko Palikuća: Believe it or not, my passion for collecting started back in 2017 when I Phillips sold at auction Rolex Cosmograph Daytona reference marks 6239 which he was wearing Paul Newman.
“That watch opened up my passion for collecting and my devotion to the brand.” Rolex, and by a lucky coincidence I also had the opportunity to meet the gentleman who bought it. He treated me to a few useful tips that greatly helped me in my further development in terms of knowledge and collecting.” – Marko Palikuća
How many watches do you have in your collection today and which ones would you particularly highlight?
Marko Palikuća: Today I have 9 watches in my collection, and I think each one deserves to be mentioned: Rolex GMT-Master reference number 16753 from 1984, Rolex Submariner Date, reference number 168000 from 1988; Omega Speedmaster Professional, reference numbers 145.022-69ST from 1970 and Heuer Bundeswehr, reference numbers 1550SG from the 1970s. There are also Omikron with the old Dinamo coat of arms from the late 1960s, International Watch Company (IWC) in 18-karat gold from the first half of the 1960s and Cortébert from 1973 with box and papers.
Is there a watch in your collection that has a special story?
Marko Palikuća: Heuer Bundeswehr The 1550SG was given to me by my father and it remains in my collection and will always remind me of it. The model was produced from 1955 until 1990. Bundeswehr was founded in 1955 as the unified armed forces of Germany, which at that time served to defend West Germany. As the leader of NATO forces and located on the so-called borders of the Soviet Union, Bundeswehr was one of the most modern and best-equipped armed forces of its time. Due to its efficiency, the watch was a very useful instrument for pilots, and research has shown that it also reached other branches of the army, such as artillery. It is also interesting that JNA pilots were also issued with it.
There are various variants of this watch, and the differences are of course in the details on the dial. Specifically, this model has the so-called. T-only dial, which can be seen when you take a closer look at the watch. It is robust and durable, and with a diameter of 43 mm and a thickness of 13 mm, it sits perfectly on the wrist. The watch is adorned with a very high-quality, and perhaps the best chronograph mechanism of its time – Valjoux 230 s flyback function. If you are wondering what is the difference between a chronograph and flyback chronograph, the difference is that with a regular chronograph caliber the mechanism must be stopped before it can be reset, while with flyback A chronograph mechanism can be reset while it is still running, making it particularly useful for measuring successive events at short intervals. Heuer The 1550SG is a watch that speaks volumes, and over time it has become an icon of pilot's watches.
The second watch I would like to highlight is Rolex Submariner Date 168000, which is known among collectors as „"triple zero"“. This is the reference produced in the shortest time. Submariner Date model, and it was produced for only 7 to 9 months (from mid-1987 to early 1988). It is believed to have been produced ca 7,000 copies and it is a model that heralded change. It is identical to its predecessor (reference 16800), but differs in that it is made of 904L grade steel and is the first Submariner made of this type of steel (Rolex had previously used 316L grade steel in Submariner models). The watch is equipped with the caliber 3035, and the next reference, 16610, which was produced from 1988 to 2010, had the caliber 3135. Rolex Submariner Date 168000 tells a story to those who are willing to explore.
It's not often that someone has a Rolex that was a gift from one of the most controversial leaders of the 20th century, Gaddafi. How does it feel to have such a watch?
Marko Palikuća: Ah, the story sounds incredible. Namely, it's about Rolex GMT-Master reference marks 16753 better known among collectors as Root beer, Tiger Eye i Clint Eastwood. It is the first GMT-Master made in steel-gold combination with its reference. I came across it in a somewhat unlikely way. I responded to an ad on Facebook for a golden IWC with a caliber of 89. During the price negotiations, the seller, seeing my profile and noticing that I had Submariner in the cover photo, stated that he also has one Rolex for sale. I never thought they would send me this watch.
Inquiring about the origin of the watch, I learned that it was the watch belonged to the seller's father who was a military attaché in Libya in the 80s and that the watch was a gift from Gaddafi. Unfortunately, I can't prove the seller's claims, but I like to live in the belief that the claims are true. Except that it's about Root beer model, for me as a collector the most beautiful part of the watch is the so-called. nipple the dial is in perfect condition and shines fantastically in the sun. And finally, this model was worn by Clint Eastwood in the movies Firefox, Tightrope and The Line Of Fire which gives it additional meaning to me.
Without thinking, he says that he Rolex favorite brand. For him, it is a house that does not deviate greatly from tradition and where great attention is paid to every detail in order to obtain a perfect product. He believes that their watches are made to withstand all conditions, they are grateful to wear, and the mechanisms are long-lasting.
He often talked to people who Rolex they hadn't had their watches serviced for eight years, and the watches still kept perfect time. In his opinion, Rolex Watches have become a way to commemorate great achievements and create memories that last forever. As an example, he says that his father bought a Submariner Date, reference number 126610LN, which they will give him when he graduates from college. Given that his studies are taking longer than planned, they often joke that by then the watch could become vintage.
Watches are serviced as needed, most often by, according to him, one of the best watchmakers in Zagreb, Mr Ivo Samardžić. He does a perfect job every time, and he has never left the workshop dissatisfied; his attitude towards the client, the quality of work and communication are always at a high level.
First watch, current watch and watch you would like to have in the future?
“"My first watch was an old one Seiko 5 Automatic, I am currently wearing Rolex GMT-Master 16753, and in the future I would like to have Rolex Cosmograph Daytona 6241.” – Marko Palikuća
The biggest challenge he faced as a collector vintage watches was the scarcity of literature and the difficulty in recognizing defects in watches. Over the years, he made numerous mistakes, but he tried to improve his knowledge every day by reading literature in order to avoid them in the future. He always tries to study as much as possible, listen to more experienced collectors and absorb their experience. He was especially helped in his education by Mr. Zapata, according to him the greatest expert on vintage Omega classes in these areas, to whom he is extremely grateful for every advice and help provided. Tick & Talk s Zapatto read here.
You have an unlimited budget, which watch would you choose?
Marko Palikuća: Uh, what a question! Just one? Rolex Daytona 6241.
You have to choose 3 watches with a budget of €5,000, what are they?
“Universal Geneve Polerouter, Enicar Sherpa Jet and vintage Omega Constellation.” – Marko Palikuća
You are the admin of the Facebook group Hrvatski satovi with almost 6,000 members. Can you tell us more about it?
Marko Palikuća: Whether it's sports, cars or art, it's important to have a hobby that distracts you from everyday stress. When I was finishing high school and preparing for college, I fell in love with watches and wanted to share that passion with others. That's how the group was born in 2021. Croatian watches, with the goal of bringing together watch lovers, educating them, and creating a place where everyone is welcome, no matter what watch they wear. Today, I am the proud admin and founder of the group, which has almost 6,000 members, and the principles are respect, kindness, and decency; from time to time we also meet in person, sharing knowledge and passion for classes.
It is often said with vintage watches that “dial is king.” Do you agree with that and why?
“"If the dial is king, the case condition is queen."” – Marko Palikuća
Marko Palikuća: Of course, the dial is the most important segment of the watch, but I would not underestimate the importance of the condition of the case. For us collectors, everything should be finished and perfect starting with the dial. It is not uncommon to see a watch with a dial in good condition, but with a pre-polished case or a distorted one groves on the case. This is not desirable for vintage watches.
If someone is starting with a budget of €300–600, which model would be an ideal first vintage watch?
Marko Palikuća: My warm recommendation would be steel Omega Geneve, it didn't matter if it was an automatic or a fan. A quality watch, they can be found with dials of various colors, it wears very nicely, and the mechanisms are very grateful in terms of service and parts.
We are grateful for the opportunity to speak with Mark and share the story behind his collection. For more exclusive interviews about watches, visit DART.hr.
Source: DART.hr
Photos: Tatjana Bukvic
