The Man Who Lost (and Found) His Grail: Paul Blandford and the Tale of the Stolen MB&F HM9
Paul Blandford's journey revolves around his quest for the MB&F Horological Machine No. 9, which he considered his "grail watch." After a decade of collecting, he finally acquired the piece in April 2021, only to have it stolen during a mugging in February 2022. The loss deeply affected him, as he could not find solace in his other watches, which felt meaningless in comparison. His search for the stolen HM9 led him through a labyrinth of dealers and auctions, culminating in a two-year ordeal that included a stroke of luck when he found a similar HM9 for trade. Ultimately, his original watch resurfaced in Istanbul's Grand Bazaar and later at an auction house in Zürich, where it was seized by Swiss police. After extensive legal battles and the help of Art Recovery International, the watch was returned to him in June 2024. Despite temporarily owning two HM9s, Blandford chose to keep his original, which he describes as having a story etched in its scars, emphasizing the respect and reverence that true collectors should have for their prized possessions.
