Michael Shanlikian is a watch collector with a niche. Aren’t we all? But “Shani,” as he’s sometimes called, specializes in what many enthusiasts might view as the pinnacle of the craft: the independent watchmakers of high horology. He has a particular affinity for F.P. Journe, but his scope is broad and his insights on the discipline are deep. He told Revolution about his journey with watches, his perspective on collecting and about some of his most prized acquisitions.
Michael Shanlikian, please introduce yourself to Revolution readers.
My nickname is Shani, that’s my Instagram handle, but I go by Mike or Shani. By profession, I’m an accountant. I’m from Detroit, which is the Motor City, and I’ve been in the automotive industry for most of my career, over 24 years now.
How about a quick wristcheck?
I’ve got on a De Bethune DB28XP. I love it, I like De Bethune a lot. I visited their factory in 2017 and met Denis Flageollet back then.
What are your tastes in watches? What drives you as a collector?
I think it starts with aesthetics and the dial. I like watches that are more classic in nature. So that means a dial that’s visually appealing, a dial that’s well proportioned, a dial that’s timeless in that you can wear it every day
