Jeweller discovers a treasure chest of faves

Glenn Peachey. Photo / Babiche Martens

Discover the gems among jeweller Glenn Peachey's favourite things.

International watch buyer and part-owner of Partridge Jewellers Glenn Peachey has a penchant for European collectables and an obvious appreciation for craftmanship - whether it be the handcraft of a luxury watch or a well-tailored Italian suit. He visits Europe twice a year to attend watch fairs in Basel and Geneva (Switzerland is a favourite place), buying new watches from luxury brands such as Cartier, Rolex, Chopard and Patek Philippe, as well as purchasing stones for Partridge's jewellery. With around 23 years in the trade - he started out selling jewellery on a cruise ship to "rich Americans" - Peachey has an expert's take and appreciation for the luxury market. He shares with Viva a few of his favourite things.

10 FAVOURITE THINGS

1. Ermenegildo Zegna suit

It's comfortable, fits my body well and, like all Italian clothing, is beautifully constructed. John and the team on Queen St know what I like but try to get me into a style outside my comfort zone. Luckily for me they always get it right.

2. Omega Seamaster Planet Ocean watch

This beauty, worn by Daniel Craig in the new James Bond movie, is my new weekend watch. It features a liquid metal bezel and blue ceramic dial, and you can open the case back to see the movement within.

3. Santoni shoes

Handcrafted by master Italian shoemakers, my collection of Santoni shoes tends to grow every time I travel to Europe. It's hardly necessary, considering each pair will last a lifetime.

4. Japengo

This restaurant in Maui serves the most incredible Japanese food I've ever eaten. I discovered it at the Hyatt in Maui last year while my partner and I were taking a winter break. It was so good we went back three times during the 10 days we were there. The highlight would have been the Spider - made up of soft shell crab, kaiware, tobiko snow crab and spicy mayo.

5. New Chums Beach, Coromandel

My favourite spot in the entire world, it's so peaceful. If you haven't been, don't go. I want to keep it that way.

6. Argyle pink diamonds

Well, I've got one on my wish list. The colours are amazing and look even better when set with white diamonds to really show them off. They're incredibly rare so maybe I'll buy one as an investment stone, or for my partner (if she's lucky).

7. Nespresso coffee machine

Absolutely the best way to get a coffee hit at home and in the office - it's my one addiction. If I can't be bothered making it myself, I head to Melba Espresso on Vulcan Lane or Queen St. These guys make great coffee.

8. Jaeger-LeCoultre Amvox Chronograph watch

Well I couldn't afford the Aston Martin, so settled for the Amvox Chronograph, designed in collaboration with the British carmaker, as the Aston Martin for my wrist. Very easy to wear, and a great talking point at a restaurant when talking about the Swiss watch industry and the direction it is going in, towards more complex internal engineering.

9. Blackberry

Judging by the dramatic slide in Blackberry's financial performance, they're obviously not very fashionable anymore, but I really like using mine and have no plans to change over to an iPhone.

10. Chateau d'Yquem

An amazing sticky dessert wine. I was offered this at the Basel World 2011 fair last year and have not stopped thinking about it since. It's so sweet, but also extremely smooth.

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