Watch collecting has a tendency to span all walks of life; from banker or accountant, all the way through to some of the most niche professions imaginable. Our latest subject falls closer to the latter category, having made a name for himself tattooing clients who commission his artwork to be displayed on their skin, for life. We caught up with Verona-born, Mo Coppoletta (@mo_coppoletta) at his London-based tattoo parlour to talk about his introduction to the arts and collecting independent watches.   

  

Where did you grow up? 

I grew up in the countryside outside the city of Verona, up until the age of 27, after which I moved to London.

 

What was it like growing up over there? 

It’s a very privileged part of Italy, so unfortunately I can’t pride myself in having a troubled background, turning it into art [laughs].

 

[Laughs] Right, so a reasonably typical upbringing then? 

Yes, I would say it was a very smooth upbringing with nice friends and family with good values around me. There was a good sense of family sticking together in our household, with both parents, very typically Italian for the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s.

 

What was there to do as a kid in the countryside there?

Well, I didn’t draw, so I can’t even pride myself in that either [laughs]. The old story, “I was born with a pencil in my hand”

 

[Laughs] So, what did you do?

I did a lot of things. I played in bands, I collected antiques with my dad, all sorts. I did a year as a postman so I could buy a Harley Davidson, while I was s