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Subexplorer · 17 March 2011, 01:36 PM

Firenze, Italy: A Hotel custom made for us!:

Taking advantage of our recent trip to France, together with my wife we decided to make a short scapade to Italy, to pay a visit to our niece living in Milano, and also to make a stop at Firenze, a place which we didn´t know before.
We discovered a wonderful, awesome place, with beautiful landscapes, and a strong heritage of Art and History. In this town you don´t need to enter a Museum to enjoy those precious cultural treasures, as they are in each street, in each corner, in each building. But of course, there are many museums to continue the enjoyment!

Of course, in Firenze we can also find many “horological atractions”, from the big boutiques offering high end watch brands, to the small shops along the famous “Ponte Vecchio”, offering amazing high quality jewelry, antiques… and watches.
Including a small but well supplied shop dealing with vintage watches, which included a nice collection of vintage Rolexes.

As you may know, Firenze is also the birth place of a well known cometed brand: Panerai. Their small boutique is kept with its almost identical original façade, and is located in the very same city center, at the Piazza San Giovanni, across the Baptistery, and a few steps from the famous Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore.

Unfortunately, during the few days I stayed in Firenze, being holidays, the shop remained closed, to my disappointment, as I intended to visit its own museum. I just had to accept it and could only take some pictures of the shop closed doors, to testimony my visit!

Not very far from the Piazza (in Firenze, everything seems to be close), I found a very special place. It is a 5 star Hotel, which looks as it has been specially made for us TRF members.
Well, I didn´t stayed there, but I managed to visit it and took some pictures.

I found it very interesting, and requested some information about its history.

The building is located on the corner front of Piazza di Santa Maria Novella, in the number 24 of the street of same name, facing the Basilic of Santa Maria Novella, another iconic and historic monument of this city.

I was told that this Hotel belongs to a Rich Italian businessman, who happens to own some important investments in his Country, among them, a famous Italian Blue Jean factory. Obviously, this man is a passionate watch lover, specially fond of three high end brands: Rolex, Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin.

Such his passion, that his Hotel decoration is completely related with the watches of his devotion, and as you can see in the photos, the pictures hanging on the walls, watch maker instruments showing in displays, are located in several corners of the entrance hall, lobby, etc. (in the bathrooms, for example, the water faucet knobs have the shape of the Rolex winding crown!!).
Several Rolex wall clocks, similar to those seen at the AD shops, are displayed in the premises.

As you can see, the cristal doors at the Bar Entrance have the shape of the famous “Mercedes” hands of the Submariner Rolex!!

Another detail: Each floor, is given the name of a different watch brand: Rolex floor, Vacheron floor, and Patek Philippe floor. Then each room has no number, but the name of a model of each Brand. I would love to be lodged in the Rolex floor, room Submariner, according with my own horological passion!

To those friends wishing to know more about this place, I suggest to visit the link:
http://www.hotelorologioflorence.com/index.php

In this web site, it is shown some samples of the Hotel owner personal collection.
I was a bit disappointed not to find en exhibit of this collection within the Hotel, as you may think after visiting the web site.
Anyway, I find this place very nice and interesting, and I think it will be a nice place to stay during a visit to Firenze, specially for us watch lovers. This is truly a thematic place designed for watch fanciers.

I hope you´ll like these pictures and information, and I do not hesitate to commend a visit this beautiful and fantastic City, and of course, this Hotel.
I wish you´ll enjoy my Pictures and report.
Best cordial regards, Abel.

Kanger · 17 March 2011, 01:44 PM

That is just way cool man

MonBK · 17 March 2011, 01:46 PM

It's a beautiful hotel Abel and I love your review of it.

Here are a few additional pictures.

And at Christmas time it looks like this.

nch209 · 17 March 2011, 01:59 PM

Nice!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Lion · 17 March 2011, 02:07 PM

Abel, thank you for sharing pictures of your trip and that hotel sure looks like a beautiful place to stay...

TRW · 17 March 2011, 02:09 PM

Thank You for Sharing Your Vaca Pic's Abel,and Thx Mon for Contributing.Awesome Pics Guys,Thx.

sleddog · 17 March 2011, 02:10 PM

Wow.....Now that's a must stay location!!!

Thanks for sharing Abel, and for the extra pics MonBK!!

Dr. Robert · 17 March 2011, 02:21 PM

Thanks for all the great photos!

RedwinGV · 17 March 2011, 02:28 PM

Nice find. I wonder who thought up that theme? Truly unique and entertaining.

aero · 17 March 2011, 02:30 PM

Have a nice Dinner at 13 Gobbi, at Via della Spada ( I thtink that`s the name) telling to the guys there that Captain Roger from Brazil sent you there. Try the Bistecca Fiorentina, a giant steak very tasty and a fiorre di zucca ( fried flower of pumpkin) and whatever you can eat. Place is confusing but outstanding. drink a bottle of a wine called Argentiera, Bolgheri.
I go there once a month. Worthes the time waiting for the table! And go check the stores at Ponte Vecchio. You will find good stuff there .

Enjoy Firenze ! Impossible not like this place.

EE33 · 17 March 2011, 02:34 PM

Awesome photos, WOW!

rolexsweep · 17 March 2011, 02:55 PM

WOW never knew a place like this existed! thanks for sharing...

bewithabob · 17 March 2011, 04:33 PM

Thank you for such a wonderful story and a great review and photos of this grande statement of a hotel. Memories flood back as I have been to Firenze many times, but not since 2000...always to visit and stay with a very dear friend of mine Roberto, and his wife Mina who lived there with his daughter. I have many fond memories of him and his family, we would sit for hours over lengthy leisurely scrumptious meals at Il Latini, which was owed by one of his good friends, telling stories over pentathalon course dinners and endlessly flowing Brunello, and knowing that we were always completely happy together...ecco? Shall we drive to Talimone on the coast or to Venicia for a weekend... or to Rome... He passed away unfortunately, and returning would not be the same with out hearing his voice and the embrace of his warmth and companionship...

Gerardus · 17 March 2011, 05:20 PM

Thanxs for sharing, i like this a lot.

onryo · 17 March 2011, 06:04 PM

Wow, just wow. That is awesome. Every time I think I've seen it all, something like this comes along. Thanks for the pics!

bayerische · 17 March 2011, 06:07 PM

Seriously cool hotel!!!

esspee1200 · 17 March 2011, 06:07 PM

went to Firenze in 2007. very awesome place. literally drank a Peroni on the Duomo Church steps along with the rest of the locals. btw, great hotel!! a bit quirky, but something that will get us watch nuts posting!!

acce1999 · 17 March 2011, 06:18 PM

Very nice! Thank you for sharing those fine pictures with us!

Best,

A

esspee1200 · 17 March 2011, 06:20 PM

BTW, why is the door so small on the last picture? woah...

mike · 17 March 2011, 06:25 PM

Wow! What a place.

Paulie 50 · 17 March 2011, 06:32 PM

[QUOTE=Lion;2374482]Abel, thank you for sharing pictures of your trip and that hotel sure looks like a beautiful place to stay...[/QU

That goes for me too.

GeoGio Greece · 17 March 2011, 06:38 PM

What a hotel !!!

Thank You Abel, really nice to know.

travisb · 17 March 2011, 06:46 PM

Looks like a cool place to stay indeed. Thanks for sharing this.
One day my wife and I will definately be planning a trip to Italy.

youngr · 17 March 2011, 06:57 PM

wow that place is amazing

Watchonisto · 17 March 2011, 07:06 PM

buz-lh · 17 March 2011, 09:59 PM

What a cool place. Thanks for sharing the pics and story. You would think it should have a Panerai floor in Firenze.

TheDude · 17 March 2011, 10:07 PM

Cool hotel! That might just turn my opinion around about Florence... :)

That blows that the boutique was never open. I was there about 10 years ago.

Subexplorer · 17 March 2011, 11:04 PM

Thank you MonBK for your wonderful set of pictures which add a lot to this thread!!

I´m sure you have enjoyed a nice stay at Firenze, being lodged in this Hotel.

I look forward to return to Firenze next year, and of course will try to get a nice room at the Hotel L´Orologerie!!

Thank you firend!! Best cordial regards, Abel.

Subexplorer · 17 March 2011, 11:07 PM

Hello Friends!!

How nice to enter the Forum today, and find so many nice comments in this thread!!

It´s always so pleasurable to share experience with so many friends here, having same passion for watches, travel and pictures.

I´m so happy to know you liked the thread, enriched with MonBK own pictures!! You have made a Great Day for me today!!

Thank you friends!! You are GREAT!!
Best cordial regards, Abel.

johnbeth · 17 March 2011, 11:08 PM

Awesome photos! Thanks!

John

17 March 2011, 01:36 PM	#1
Subexplorer 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Real Name: Abel Location: Down South Watch: Rolex Submariner Posts: 2,234	Firenze, italy: A hotel custom made for us!! Firenze, Italy: A Hotel custom made for us!: Taking advantage of our recent trip to France, together with my wife we decided to make a short scapade to Italy, to pay a visit to our niece living in Milano, and also to make a stop at Firenze, a place which we didn´t know before. We discovered a wonderful, awesome place, with beautiful landscapes, and a strong heritage of Art and History. In this town you don´t need to enter a Museum to enjoy those precious cultural treasures, as they are in each street, in each corner, in each building. But of course, there are many museums to continue the enjoyment! Of course, in Firenze we can also find many “horological atractions”, from the big boutiques offering high end watch brands, to the small shops along the famous “Ponte Vecchio”, offering amazing high quality jewelry, antiques… and watches. Including a small but well supplied shop dealing with vintage watches, which included a nice collection of vintage Rolexes. As you may know, Firenze is also the birth place of a well known cometed brand: Panerai. Their small boutique is kept with its almost identical original façade, and is located in the very same city center, at the Piazza San Giovanni, across the Baptistery, and a few steps from the famous Cattedrale di Santa Maria del Fiore. Unfortunately, during the few days I stayed in Firenze, being holidays, the shop remained closed, to my disappointment, as I intended to visit its own museum. I just had to accept it and could only take some pictures of the shop closed doors, to testimony my visit! Not very far from the Piazza (in Firenze, everything seems to be close), I found a very special place. It is a 5 star Hotel, which looks as it has been specially made for us TRF members. Well, I didn´t stayed there, but I managed to visit it and took some pictures. I found it very interesting, and requested some information about its history. The building is located on the corner front of Piazza di Santa Maria Novella, in the number 24 of the street of same name, facing the Basilic of Santa Maria Novella, another iconic and historic monument of this city. I was told that this Hotel belongs to a Rich Italian businessman, who happens to own some important investments in his Country, among them, a famous Italian Blue Jean factory. Obviously, this man is a passionate watch lover, specially fond of three high end brands: Rolex, Patek Philippe and Vacheron Constantin. Such his passion, that his Hotel decoration is completely related with the watches of his devotion, and as you can see in the photos, the pictures hanging on the walls, watch maker instruments showing in displays, are located in several corners of the entrance hall, lobby, etc. (in the bathrooms, for example, the water faucet knobs have the shape of the Rolex winding crown!!). Several Rolex wall clocks, similar to those seen at the AD shops, are displayed in the premises. As you can see, the cristal doors at the Bar Entrance have the shape of the famous “Mercedes” hands of the Submariner Rolex!! Another detail: Each floor, is given the name of a different watch brand: Rolex floor, Vacheron floor, and Patek Philippe floor. Then each room has no number, but the name of a model of each Brand. I would love to be lodged in the Rolex floor, room Submariner, according with my own horological passion! To those friends wishing to know more about this place, I suggest to visit the link: http://www.hotelorologioflorence.com/index.php In this web site, it is shown some samples of the Hotel owner personal collection. I was a bit disappointed not to find en exhibit of this collection within the Hotel, as you may think after visiting the web site. Anyway, I find this place very nice and interesting, and I think it will be a nice place to stay during a visit to Firenze, specially for us watch lovers. This is truly a thematic place designed for watch fanciers. I hope you´ll like these pictures and information, and I do not hesitate to commend a visit this beautiful and fantastic City, and of course, this Hotel. I wish you´ll enjoy my Pictures and report. Best cordial regards, Abel. __________________ 50 Years of ROLEX Passion! Grail Rolex: 5508 c. 1959 "Bond" Sub.

17 March 2011, 01:59 PM	#4
nch209 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Real Name: Nathan Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 2,775	Nice!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! __________________ nch209

17 March 2011, 02:07 PM	#5
Lion "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2009 Real Name: Leo Location: Midwest Watch: GMT-II 16710 PEPSI Posts: 21,461	Abel, thank you for sharing pictures of your trip and that hotel sure looks like a beautiful place to stay... __________________ SS GMT-II 16710 PEPSI(Z-serial#) THE ONLY DIFFERENCE BETWEEN MEN AND BOYS IS THE PRICE OF THE TOYS!!! MontBlanc Meisterstuck Doue Silver Barley MontBlanc Meisterstuck Solitaire Doue Signum Proud Card Carrying Member of the Curmudgeons.....Yikes!!!

17 March 2011, 02:10 PM	#7
sleddog TRF Moderator & 2024 SubLV41 Patron Join Date: Jul 2007 Real Name: Rob Location: Nearby. Posts: 24,931	Wow.....Now that's a must stay location!!! Thanks for sharing Abel, and for the extra pics MonBK!! __________________ He who wears a Rolex is always on time, even when late!! TRF's "After Dark" Bar & Nightclub Patron-Founding Member..

17 March 2011, 02:21 PM	#8
Dr. Robert 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Real Name: Bob Location: U.S.A. Watch: 1655 Posts: 64,285	Thanks for all the great photos! __________________ Founder & Card Carrying Member of the Global Association of Retro-Grouch-Curmudgeons

17 March 2011, 01:44 PM	#2
Kanger Banned Join Date: Jan 2010 Real Name: Daniel Location: North Carolina Watch: Sea Dweller Posts: 5,524	That is just way cool man

17 March 2011, 01:46 PM	#3
MonBK Banned Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Kingstown Posts: 58,279	It's a beautiful hotel Abel and I love your review of it. Here are a few additional pictures. And at Christmas time it looks like this.

17 March 2011, 02:09 PM	#6
TRW Banned Join Date: Apr 2010 Real Name: Tim Location: tennessee Watch: 16623 YM Posts: 3,630	Thank You for Sharing Your Vaca Pic's Abel,and Thx Mon for Contributing.Awesome Pics Guys,Thx.

17 March 2011, 02:28 PM	#9
RedwinGV "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Real Name: Joe Location: Northville, MI,US Watch: Smstr 600m BigBlue Posts: 412	Nice find. I wonder who thought up that theme? Truly unique and entertaining. __________________ RedwinGV

17 March 2011, 02:30 PM	#10
aero "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Sao Paulo Posts: 40	Have a nice Dinner at 13 Gobbi, at Via della Spada ( I thtink that`s the name) telling to the guys there that Captain Roger from Brazil sent you there. Try the Bistecca Fiorentina, a giant steak very tasty and a fiorre di zucca ( fried flower of pumpkin) and whatever you can eat. Place is confusing but outstanding. drink a bottle of a wine called Argentiera, Bolgheri. I go there once a month. Worthes the time waiting for the table! And go check the stores at Ponte Vecchio. You will find good stuff there . Enjoy Firenze ! Impossible not like this place.

17 March 2011, 02:34 PM	#11
EE33 "TRF" Member Join Date: Feb 2010 Real Name: Des Location: China Watch: 16613 16710 116520 Posts: 2,841	Awesome photos, WOW! __________________ *TRFs "after Dark" bar and NightClub Addict* Punctuality is the courtesy shown only by Kings Dalip: "GTG posts are worthless without pics, absolutely worthless"

17 March 2011, 02:55 PM	#12
rolexsweep "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Australia Watch: RG DD40 Posts: 1,149	WOW never knew a place like this existed! thanks for sharing... __________________ "Did you get that at retail?"

17 March 2011, 04:33 PM	#13
bewithabob "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Real Name: Bob Location: Dallas, Texas Watch: Daytona Meteorite Posts: 3,417	Thank you for such a wonderful story and a great review and photos of this grande statement of a hotel. Memories flood back as I have been to Firenze many times, but not since 2000...always to visit and stay with a very dear friend of mine Roberto, and his wife Mina who lived there with his daughter. I have many fond memories of him and his family, we would sit for hours over lengthy leisurely scrumptious meals at Il Latini, which was owed by one of his good friends, telling stories over pentathalon course dinners and endlessly flowing Brunello, and knowing that we were always completely happy together...ecco? Shall we drive to Talimone on the coast or to Venicia for a weekend... or to Rome... He passed away unfortunately, and returning would not be the same with out hearing his voice and the embrace of his warmth and companionship... __________________ meteor flying to Earth onto my wrist... 116509 Daytona Meteorite, 116520 Daytona Black, 116710 GMTIIC, 16013 DATEJUST, CARTIER SANTOS 100 W20090X8, IWC Big Pilot, IWC Top Gun "Everything works out in the end. If it hasn't worked out, it's not the end."

17 March 2011, 05:20 PM	#14
Gerardus "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Real Name: Gerardus Location: often in the air Watch: ♕ Posts: 12,142	Thanxs for sharing, i like this a lot. __________________ ♕126610 ♕126333 ♕116300

17 March 2011, 06:04 PM	#15
onryo Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Seattle Watch: GMT-Master II Posts: 410	Wow, just wow. That is awesome. Every time I think I've seen it all, something like this comes along. Thanks for the pics!

17 March 2011, 06:07 PM	#16
bayerische "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2009 Real Name: Andreas Location: Margaritaville Watch: Smurf Posts: 19,879	Seriously cool hotel!!! __________________ Yeah, well, you know, that's just, like, your opinion, man.

17 March 2011, 06:07 PM	#17
esspee1200 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Silicon Valley Posts: 593	went to Firenze in 2007. very awesome place. literally drank a Peroni on the Duomo Church steps along with the rest of the locals. btw, great hotel!! a bit quirky, but something that will get us watch nuts posting!!

17 March 2011, 06:18 PM	#18
acce1999 "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: GMT+1 Posts: 2,711	Very nice! Thank you for sharing those fine pictures with us! Best, A

17 March 2011, 06:20 PM	#19
esspee1200 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Silicon Valley Posts: 593	BTW, why is the door so small on the last picture? woah...

17 March 2011, 06:25 PM	#20
mike "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Posts: 22,683	Wow! What a place.

17 March 2011, 06:32 PM	#21
Paulie 50 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Lancs. England Posts: 1,000	[QUOTE=Lion;2374482]Abel, thank you for sharing pictures of your trip and that hotel sure looks like a beautiful place to stay...[/QU That goes for me too.

17 March 2011, 06:38 PM	#22
GeoGio Greece "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Real Name: George Location: Athens, Greece Watch: es --> A lot ! Posts: 2,327	What a hotel !!! Thank You Abel, really nice to know. __________________ Rolex owner since 1971. 5513 and 16700 the loved ones. DJ WG Jubilee 16170 for wife - U series Oyster Perpetual WG 177234 for daughter V-series

17 March 2011, 06:46 PM	#23
travisb 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Aug 2009 Real Name: Travis Location: FL / NYC Watch: Yes.. Posts: 33,493	First time I've heard of this.. Looks like a cool place to stay indeed. Thanks for sharing this. One day my wife and I will definately be planning a trip to Italy.

17 March 2011, 06:57 PM	#24
youngr "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Real Name: Richard Location: England Watch: 16610 & 16710 Posts: 899	wow that place is amazing __________________ SS Submariner Date "V" SS GMT Master II Pepsi "D"

17 March 2011, 07:06 PM	#25
Watchonisto Banned Join Date: May 2008 Real Name: Alex Location: European Union Watch: AP, ROLEX, PP, PAM Posts: 4,344

17 March 2011, 09:59 PM	#26
buz-lh "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2007 Real Name: Buz Location: Atlanta Watch: Rolex Tudor Pam Posts: 5,108	What a cool place. Thanks for sharing the pics and story. You would think it should have a Panerai floor in Firenze. __________________ Buz The faster you move, the slower time passes, the longer you live. Peter Diamandis

17 March 2011, 10:07 PM	#27
TheDude "TRF" Member Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: DC Area, USA Watch: IIc,1680 Red,16660 Posts: 4,492	Cool hotel! That might just turn my opinion around about Florence... :) That blows that the boutique was never open. I was there about 10 years ago.

17 March 2011, 11:04 PM	#28
Subexplorer 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Real Name: Abel Location: Down South Watch: Rolex Submariner Posts: 2,234	Thank you MonBK for your wonderful set of pictures which add a lot to this thread!! I´m sure you have enjoyed a nice stay at Firenze, being lodged in this Hotel. I look forward to return to Firenze next year, and of course will try to get a nice room at the Hotel L´Orologerie!! Thank you firend!! Best cordial regards, Abel. __________________ 50 Years of ROLEX Passion! Grail Rolex: 5508 c. 1959 "Bond" Sub.

17 March 2011, 11:07 PM	#29
Subexplorer 2024 Pledge Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Real Name: Abel Location: Down South Watch: Rolex Submariner Posts: 2,234	Hello Friends!! How nice to enter the Forum today, and find so many nice comments in this thread!! It´s always so pleasurable to share experience with so many friends here, having same passion for watches, travel and pictures. I´m so happy to know you liked the thread, enriched with MonBK own pictures!! You have made a Great Day for me today!! Thank you friends!! You are GREAT!! Best cordial regards, Abel. __________________ 50 Years of ROLEX Passion! Grail Rolex: 5508 c. 1959 "Bond" Sub.

17 March 2011, 11:08 PM	#30
johnbeth "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Real Name: John Location: Australia Watch: Depends on mood. Posts: 9,536	Awesome photos! Thanks! John

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