An Unforgettable Afternoon in Geneva with Kevin O'Dell—The Man Behind Theydid
One example of Kevin's visionary approach is his relationship with F.P. Journe’s Elegante. Originally designed for women, Kevin requested a smaller version tailored to his taste. He was one of the first to commission this piece, eventually picking it up at the Miami store. The boutique even asked to keep it for an event, ultimately selling a few other customized pieces to collectors inspired by Kevin’s initiative. This anecdote speaks volumes about his influence and foresight. Fun fact: Kevin’s knack for customization doesn’t stop at watches—he’s also known for re-tailoring women’s pants to better suit his style. Just another example of his unique approach to fashion and design.
Despite living across the Atlantic in Virginia, Kevin’s influence extends well into the watch industry. He’s refreshingly direct, never afraid to voice his opinions, which only adds to his appeal. My wife and I had the pleasure of meeting Kevin and his wife during their first visit to Switzerland. Naturally, we dined at Le Bologne in Geneva—a must-visit for anyone seeking an extraordinary culinary experience. The food is nothing short of spectacular, and their wine pairings never disappoint.
During our lunch, amid lively discussions about fashion and watches, Kevin casually pulled out his watch pouch, unveiling an exquisite collection. Each piece was in pristine condition, from Universal Genève to Blancpain. One piece, in particular, caught my eye—a stunning A. Lange & Söhne originally intended for women, which Kevin rightly argued looks perfect on a man’s wrist. This reminded me of the days when men’s watches ranged from 33mm to 36mm, worn by the likes of New York’s Mad Men as they sealed the next big advertising deal.
Our shared passions for food, fashion, and, of course, watches made for an unforgettable day. Kevin even introduced me to an incredible chocolate shop in Geneva (Guillaume Bichet) that I had never visited before. We lost track of time, completely absorbed in conversation and exploration. Later, we even stumbled upon a local watch shop where Kevin discovered a beautiful vintage Audemars Piguet, which he sold on Instagram just two weeks later.
Kevin is a true inspiration for collectors, encouraging us to seek out unique pieces beyond the mainstream. His knowledge of Cartier is particularly impressive, and his commitment to research is unparalleled. He has a way of making the vintage watch world engaging, often expressing his unfiltered thoughts about the Swiss watch industry—especially when something falls short. Kevin isn’t your typical watch dealer; he embodies what platforms should strive to be: authentic, passionate, and unmotivated by profit alone. If you’re looking for exceptional watches with a touch of curation, I highly recommend following his Instagram account.
To good friendship and shared passions.