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Business man Gianni Agnelli spotted wearing Cartier

Remembering Gianni Agnelli: The Man and His Timepieces

Gianni Agnelli, founder of the Fiat Group, was known not only for his business acumen but also for his impeccable style. And a large part of his signature look was his collection of wristwatches, which included many models that he had personally customized to suit his taste.

In one rare shot captured by photographer Franco Rubartelli, Agnelli is seen wearing a pocket watch converted to a wristwatch. This specific timepiece is a Cartier Couteau in yellow gold, worn strictly over the cuff. But it was not just a one-of-a-kind item in his collection. Agnelli actually had several watches that had undergone this modification, all of which were initially inherited from his father.

According to Agnelli, he made these alterations to ensure that he could wear and appreciate the watches that his father had left him. But beyond sentimentality, it also speaks to his desire to blur boundaries and create something unexpected. Agnelli's watches were not just functional timekeepers, they were also an extension of his personality.

In many ways, Agnelli's approach to watch customization embodies the qualities that made him such an icon in the world of style and business. He was confident, compelling, and always willing to take risks – both in his personal life and his professional endeavors. And while he is no longer with us, his legacy lives on – through his company, his family, and his unparalleled taste in timepieces.