Like many great stories, this one starts with a watch to remember…
In the age of endless digital distractions, there’s something enduring about a traditional wristwatch. It symbolises the connection between the owner and something meaningful. It’s mechanical, intricate, and beautiful; somehow, it transcends time.
For Simon Franklin, a man who has spent decades surrounded by extraordinary wealth—rare cars, fine watches, and the glamour of exclusive clubs—there is one watch that surpasses all others. It isn’t a Rolex, Patek Philippe or a Vacheron Constantin. It is a humble mechanical Swiss dive watch given to him by his father, who once acquired it from an unexpected encounter with a Russian sailor.
“I was six years old,” Simon recalls, his voice softened by nostalgia. “My dad was a police officer, a plain clothes detective, based in Southampton, and he met this sailor during an investigation. The man was from a Russian ship, and for reasons I’ll never fully know, he wanted to trade his watch for British cigarettes. Dad obliged, and he gave it to me as a present.” That’s where it all started, and he still has every watch he’s ever owned.
Simon tells the story with a warmth that underlines its significance. While many of us attach value to a watch through price tags and brand prestige, this small dive watch is valuable for different reasons.
“It’s probably not worth much in monetary terms, I can find very little information about it at all,” Simon explains. “But to me? It’s invaluable.” To this day, it sits alongside his most extraordinary pieces—watches that any collector would covet—but none resonate with him like this modest gift from his father, a reminder of love, sacrifice, and simple beginnings.
HUMILITY AMONG WEALTH
Simon Franklin is not your archetypal collector or investor. He is a gentleman standing firm in the corporate world—humble, grounded, and endlessly curious about the human stories behind everything. His career, built on breaking his limitations, has taught him that value is not directly derived from material possessions but from character, humility, and relationships.
“I’ve been fortunate to be around extraordinary wealth,” Simon says, pausing to reflect. “I realised early on that wealth doesn’t mean what you think it does. Some of the people I most admired were the ones who didn’t need to show it off. They were humble. They treated people with respect. That’s what has stuck with me.
CHROME TEMPLE: A COLLECTOR’S VISION
This philosophy, passed down by his working-class upbringing, is evident through Simon’s work today. He helped establish Chrome Temple, an investment fund that deals not in spreadsheets or stocks but in supercars—rare, exquisite machines that are works of art as much as they are vehicles.
The fund allows its members to collectively own pieces of automotive history, giving them access to objects of passion and beauty that might otherwise remain unattainable. The appeal is as emotional as it is financial.
Simon believes Chrome Temple has something special to offer. “It’s about the irreplaceable qualities of the car. Unlike most modern vehicles that roll off an assembly line by the thousands, these are often one-of-a-kind or from a limited production run. It could be a model with a specific engine design, a bespoke interior, or a history that adds to its allure. Cars like these resonate deeply with people—they evoke the kind of passion you can’t put a price on.”
Chrome Temple also fosters a sense of belonging—a community of like-minded individuals who share a love for rarity, performance, and legacy. “It’s as much a club as it is an investment fund,” Simon adds. “Members get access to viewings, exclusive experiences, and insights that connect them to the stories behind the cars. It’s a chance to be part of something exceptional without needing to take on the complexities of full ownership.”
As the world moves faster, Chrome Temple’s approach feels refreshingly deliberate. In a market driven by instant gratification, Simon and his team offer something timeless—a chance to preserve beauty, celebrate heritage, and invest in memories that get richer with time.
THE REAL MEANING OF WEALTH
Financial lessons, for Simon, are inseparable from life lessons. He learned early that wealth is not freedom—freedom is freedom. “Success, for me, is having the freedom to do what I want,” he says simply. “If I want to travel, I can. If I want to take my dog for a run in the forest, I can. If I want to take a day off with the family, I can. That’s real wealth.”
The answer, like the man himself, is refreshingly uncomplicated. Simon’s career—marked by courage, independence, and a refusal to follow the herd—embodies the same principle. “I’ve always done it my way,” he says with pride.
While many of his peers took traditional paths, Simon built businesses, took risks, and trusted his instincts. He has spent much of his professional life without a ‘real’ job, preferring instead to consult, advise, and create.
LESSONS FOR THE YOUNGER SELF
Simon paused thoughtfully when reflecting on what advice he would give to a younger version of himself. “Ask for what you want. So many of us are afraid to ask—afraid of rejection or looking foolish. If I could go back, I’d tell myself to ask for the business, ask for help, ask for opportunities. It’s amazing what can happen when you just ask.”
He elaborates further, reflecting on the mindset that often holds people back. “We create invisible barriers and limitations for ourselves,” Simon explains. “We assume we’ll hear ‘no’ before we’ve even asked the question. But the truth is, people are often willing to help, collaborate, or give you a chance. The act of asking shows courage and initiative. Even if the answer is no, you’ve lost nothing—you’ve simply learned, grown, and shown your intent.”
For Simon, this lesson isn’t just about business—it’s about life. Whether asking for advice from a mentor, requesting support from a friend, or seeking opportunities that feel out of reach, asking is a form of empowerment. “I think back to all the times I didn’t ask,” he admits. “Moments when I let fear or pride stop me. And I wonder what could have been different. If you never ask, you never know. It’s as simple as that.”
A GENTLEMAN’S LEGACY
Simon is unique in the world of rare cars, watches, and investment opportunities. He is a gentleman, shaped by his father’s lessons and the humble beginnings of a working-class English family. And he is a collector of moments—a man who sees meaning where others see price tags.
The Russian sailor’s watch, given to a policeman, passed to a boy, and worn by a man, reminds us of this truth. Watches are not just tools for telling time. They tell stories. They mark journeys, relationships, and values. For Simon, tremendous success is not measured by what he owns but by how he lives. It’s about freedom, humility, and an enduring appreciation for what truly matters.
And if you happen to see Simon at an event, take note of his wristwatch. It might not be the most expensive in the room, but it will undoubtedly be the most meaningful.
