Where Vintage Ads, Birth Year Datejusts, and Watermelon Dials Took Center Stage
On a warm summer evening in New York City, watch lovers and design enthusiasts gathered for an intimate and nostalgic experience that felt part gallery, part horological speakeasy. Hosted by Ad Patina and Analog:Shift, the event was a celebration of style, storytelling, and the beauty of time—both measured and remembered.
A Nostalgic Vibe from the Start
The venue, subtly lit and thoughtfully curated, was lined with framed vintage watch advertisements from the golden age of print. These weren't just ads—they were artifacts, sourced and curated by Ad Patina, known for elevating old-school marketing into collectible wall art. Guests moved from piece to piece like they were in a time capsule, reliving the eras that gave birth to modern watch culture.
The Birth Year Datejust Moment
One of the most talked-about segments of the evening was the Birth Year Datejust showcase. Analog:Shift brought a carefully selected range of Rolex Datejusts from various birth years—a concept that resonated deeply with both seasoned collectors and newcomers. Guests huddled over the displays, sharing stories about their own birth years, the watches that defined their childhood memories, and the emotional pull of owning something mechanical that ticks in sync with their life.
The Datejust, with its classic proportions and iconic fluted bezel, offered a deeply personal entry point into vintage collecting. And with knowledgeable staff on hand, many attendees found themselves seriously considering their first (or next) meaningful acquisition.
Watermelon Dials & Colorful Conversations
Adding a punch of unexpected vibrancy to the evening were the watches affectionately dubbed "Watermelon Dials"—pieces with bright green and pink colorways that have become cult favorites among style-forward collectors. These watches, rare and visually arresting, sparked conversation about the evolution of color in watch design and how today's collectors are embracing individuality more than ever.
Whether you were there to find your next watch, frame a classic Omega ad for your home office, or simply share a drink with others who understand the thrill of a ticking movement, the event was a reminder: collecting is about more than value—it's about connection, context, and the stories we tell through objects.
A Perfectly Timed Collaboration
This collaboration between Ad Patina and Analog:Shift wasn’t just about showcasing products—it was about building a community. A shared appreciation for heritage, aesthetics, and analog craftsmanship tied it all together.
In an era of digital everything, this analog affair reminded us why we’re drawn to the tactile, the historical, and the imperfectly human. Whether it was a tritium-lumed dial or a long-forgotten ad headline, everything had a story—and for one night, those stories came alive.
