Often, the phrase “he/she wrote the book on that” is used euphemistically. In the case of Nick Foulkes, however, it is meant literally: he penned the iconic, officially certified tome on Patek Philippe and has since written two factory-authorized books on Rolex — one on the Submariner and the other on the Datejust — with many more to come. He has also helmed Vanity Fair’s watch magazine, On Time, with flair and distinction, contributed to innumerable publications on luxury and horology, and even appeared multiple times on Vanity Fair’s Best Dressed List, such is his tenth-dan black-belt mastery of the sartorial arts.

Nicholas Foulkes

Indeed, there is no greater expert in the world on subjects such as bespoke tailoring, shoemaking, shirtmaking, haute horlogerie and the Cuban tobacco. He was voted the Habanos Festival’s Man of the Year and is so revered in Cuba that he is, apparently, under serious consideration for sainthood as “El Foulkes, Patron of the Medio Tiempo Leaves.” But it’s not merely his expertise that earns him his credentials; it is his ability to bring these subjects to life through an unparallelled and deeply expressive command of the English language that makes him unique.

Foulkes has also proven himself to be a brilliant leader of people in his capacity as President of the GPHG Jury for half a decade, bringing a wonderfully refreshing air of transparency and oratorical élan, not unlike that of the British Parliament, where spirited debate is the rule rather than the exception. As President of the Jury, he has shown how much he cares for the entire ecosystem of the watch industry and works tirelessly to protect its interest.

Nicholas Foulkes

Finally, it is perhaps in his capacity as a friend that Nick Foulkes has been most exemplary. Beyond his professional brilliance, he is widely admired for the loyalty, warmth and integrity he brings to his friendships. In my own experience, he has stood beside me through my professional and personal ups and downs. At the most challenging moments, he would check in frequently or seek to uplift me with his wonderfully dry humor, belied by genuine care.

Few would expect this from an individual whose presence can be formidable or intimidating to strangers, yet he is undeniably one of the kindest and most remarkable people I know. And while he is renowned for his legendary facility with the English language, it is his communicative ability through the medium of friendship that truly defines him as a great man — one of the best that I know. For this reason, and for all the achievements outlined above, he is Revolution magazine’s 2025 recipient of our Lifetime Achievement Award.