ABOUT US
Chris Steele: The Architect of Luxury’s Next Evolution
Few names in the luxury industry command the level of expertise, vision, and influence that Chris Steele does. A seasoned sales and marketing strategist, brand director, and startup specialist, Chris has spent decades shaping the way high-end products are introduced, marketed, and sold. Whether pioneering the pre-owned luxury watch market in the U.S. or launching groundbreaking collaborations for global brands, his track record speaks for itself.
From Startup to Market Disruptor
Chris’ career is a masterclass in turning ambitious ideas into commercial success. In 1997, he was handpicked by TechnoMarine to lead its U.S. sales and marketing operations from a modest garage in Beverly Hills. Under his direction, the brand skyrocketed from a mere $8,000 in monthly sales to an astonishing $5 million per month, ultimately crossing the $90 million annual revenue mark by 2000. His ability to blend innovation with sales strategy made TechnoMarine one of the most sought-after brands in the competitive luxury watch world.
Recognizing his exceptional talent, Nokia tapped Chris in 2002 to spearhead the North American launch of VERTU, its ultra-luxury mobile phone brand. With handcrafted phones priced between $5,000 and $80,000, Chris was instrumental in legitimizing luxury mobile phones as a viable category. By 2004, his strategy had increased sales by 300%, securing over 50 retail partnerships with high-end jewelers and watch dealers.
Shaping the Future of Luxury
Never one to rest on past success, Chris launched Chris Steele Partners, LLC in 2005, a consultancy dedicated to crafting elite sales and marketing strategies for brands looking to redefine luxury. Over the years, he has left his mark on the U.S. market for brands such as TAG Heuer, Christian Dior, U-BOAT, Chronoswiss, Valentino, and P-Zero Pirelli Watches, to name a few. His ability to merge traditional luxury with cutting-edge technology also saw him advising Everledger, a blockchain startup bringing transparency and provenance to the diamond industry.
One of his most notable ventures was in 2006 when Chris curated the first-ever vintage watch program at Barneys New York, bringing iconic pieces from Breitling, Omega, Patek Philippe, and Rolex to the high-fashion space. This initiative became the highest dollar-per-square-foot sales driver for multiple locations until Barneys’ closure in 2019. Expanding beyond Barneys, he curated vintage timepieces for Maxfield, Mitchell’s, Neiman Marcus, and an elite clientele that includes Bruce Springsteen, Julianne Moore, and Pharrell Williams.
Revolutionizing the Watch Industry
Chris’ leadership extends beyond retail—he is a master of brand revitalization. When BENRUS sought a revival for its 100th anniversary in 2018, Chris took charge as VP of Sales & Marketing, overseeing the reissue of legendary collections like the 3061, Type-1, and Sea Lord. Under his guidance, BENRUS became the Official Timepiece of the New York Mets, complete with a limited-edition collection celebrating their 1969 World Series Championship.
A New Era: Vintage Syndicate NYC
In 2022, Chris took his passion for luxury and heritage to the next level by co-founding Vintage Syndicate NYC, a concierge service for pre-owned and vintage luxury. Supplying prestigious retailers like Saks Fifth Avenue, Maxfield, and a network of collectors, Vintage Syndicate seamlessly blends exclusivity, curation, and expertise, catering to those who demand the rarest and finest in vintage watches, jewelry, and accessories.
Chris Steele is not just a figure in the luxury industry—he is a visionary architect shaping its future. From building brands from the ground up to redefining how luxury is bought, sold, and collected, his work is a testament to innovation, refinement, and an unrelenting passion for excellence.
Mad Dog Madigan: The Mastermind Behind Immersive Worlds and Luxury Experiences
Few creative forces have shaped immersive storytelling, branding, and live event design as profoundly as Mad Dog Madigan. A visionary creative director, experiential architect, and luxury marketing pioneer, Mad-Dog has spent over three decades crafting worlds that captivate, inspire, and redefine how audiences engage with art, commerce, and culture. His name is synonymous with elite experiential events, bespoke branding, and high-end luxury activations, making him a global powerhouse in immersive storytelling.
From Hollywood to World-Building
Mad-Dog’s journey into creative excellence began in Los Angeles under the legendary comic artist Neal Adams, where he mastered the art of branding, merchandise, and entertainment marketing. His expertise shaped some of the most recognizable pop culture phenomena, including Men in Black, Batman, and Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, helping transform them into global marketing sensations.
While conquering Hollywood, Mad-Dog also served as Editor of National Lampoon, injecting his signature wit and visual storytelling prowess into the publication’s cultural legacy. His ability to blend satire, design, and storytelling set him apart as a creative powerhouse.
Bringing Worlds to Life: Burning Man & The Edwardian Ball
Beyond film and branding, Mad Dog’s influence has extended into some of the world’s most renowned live experiences. As Creative Director of the world-famous Edwardian Ball in San Francisco, he has helped shape the spectacle, stagecraft, and immersive storytelling that define this iconic event, where Gothic elegance, theatrical performance, and fine artistry merge into an unforgettable experience. His artistic leadership has made the Edwardian Ball a beloved tradition and a pinnacle of immersive event production.
At Burning Man—now a globally recognized cultural phenomenon—Mad-Dog’s creative signature has become a staple of the festival. His work includes massive, hand-crafted 3D signage that greets thousands of attendees at the entrance to Black Rock City each year, as well as bespoke installations that have become defining symbols of the festival's immersive landscape. His ability to merge art, storytelling, and experiential design makes him one of the most sought-after creative directors in the live event space.
The Architect of Immersive Luxury
Mad-Dog took his talents to New York City, where he played a pivotal role in rebranding and relaunching Rockefeller Center’s "Top of the Rock" observatory, transforming it into a must-visit luxury destination. His ability to blend history, prestige, and cutting-edge experiential marketing has made him a go-to creative force for projects that demand both sophistication and innovation.
His work at Barneys New York, where he partnered with Chris Steele to curate elite vintage watch collections, helped introduce rare and highly sought-after timepieces to an exclusive clientele. Over the next decade, their work became the gold standard in curated luxury collectibles.
From there, the duo pioneered luxury experiential marketing for brands like VERTU, the world’s most expensive mobile phone, designing immersive campaigns that catered to ultra-elite consumers. Their shared passion for blending craftsmanship, storytelling, and exclusivity shaped new industry benchmarks in luxury product launches and branding.
A Global Leader in Experiential Events
Today, Mad Dog Madigan is a creative titan in the world of experiential branding, live event production, and luxury marketing. From designing large-scale immersive environments to curating high-end activations for art, fashion, and entertainment, his work continues to set the gold standard for experiential storytelling. Whether directing large-scale events, shaping world-class brand identities, or designing installations that leave a lasting cultural impact, his visionary approach remains unparalleled.
Mad-Dog Madigan doesn’t just create events—he builds worlds that redefine the limits of imagination, creativity, and luxury.
The Start of a 30-Year Creative Bond
It was during this dynamic period that Mad Dog met Chris, a meeting that sparked a creative partnership spanning three decades. Their first foray into vintage watches began at Barneys New York, where they introduced exclusive timepieces to its elite clientele. Over the next decade, they supplied rare and highly sought-after vintage watches to Barneys' most discerning customers, solidifying their expertise in luxury collectibles and deepening their network within the world of high-end timepieces.
Their next major collaboration was with Vertu, the world’s most expensive cell phone at the time, where they helped shape high-end marketing and experiential luxury campaigns that catered to the ultra-elite.
As Chris took his expertise further into the luxury space, the two continued to collaborate, setting new standards for luxury marketing, product launches, and immersive retail experiences. Their shared vision for merging fine craftsmanship, exclusivity, and storytelling shaped many industry-defining projects.
FAQ
WHAT MAKES VINTAGE SYNDICATE WATCHES UNIQUE?
Our watches are carefully curated for their history, craftsmanship, and timeless appeal.
HOW DO I KNOW IF A WATCH IS AUTHENTIC?
Every watch is rigorously authenticated by our experts to ensure genuine quality.
CAN I VIEW WATCHES IN PERSON BEFORE PURCHASING?
Yes, you can visit our shop at Saks Fifth Avenue’s flagship store in New York City.
DO THE WATCHES COME WITH A WARRANTY?
Yes, each watch comes with a 1-year warranty covering material and workmanship defects.
ARE THE PRICES ON YOUR WEBSITE FINAL?
Prices are subject to change due to market fluctuations; please check the latest prices online.
WHAT PAYMENT METHODS DO YOU ACCEPT?
We accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and wire transfers.
IS IT SAFE TO PURCHASE WATCHES ONLINE FROM YOUR WEBSITE?
Yes, our website uses secure transaction processes to ensure your data is protected.
HOW IS SALES TAX CALCULATED ON MY PURCHASE?
Sales tax is calculated based on the shipping address and local tax laws.
WHAT IS YOUR RETURN POLICY FOR WATCHES?
We have a 7-day return policy post-receipt, subject to our authentication process. Read more on our Watch Return page.
HOW DO I INITIATE A RETURN?
Fill out a return form on our website and follow the outlined procedure.
ARE THERE ANY FEES FOR RETURNING A WATCH?
There may be an authentication fee for processing returns.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO PROCESS A REFUND?
Refunds are processed upon successful authentication, typically within a few business days.
CAN I EXCHANGE A WATCH I PURCHASE FOR ANOTHER?
Exchanges are possible; please discuss with our concierge service.
HOW DO YOU SHIP YOUR WATCHES?
We use trusted carriers with insured shipping for all orders.
CAN I TRACK MY ORDER?
Yes, once shipped, you will receive a tracking number.
DO YOU SHIP INTERNATIONALLY?
Yes, we offer international shipping; please check our website for details.
ARE CUSTOMS DUTIES INCLUDED IN THE INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING COST?
Customs duties are not included and are the responsibility of the customer.
HOW DO I CARE FOR MY VINTAGE WATCH?
We provide care instructions with each purchase and recommend regular servicing.
CAN I REQUEST ADDITIONAL PHOTOS OR DETAILS OF A SPECIFIC WATCH?
Absolutely, contact our customer service for additional information.
WHO CAN I CONTACT FOR FURTHER QUESTIONS?
Our concierge service is available to answer any questions. Reach us at concierge@vintagesyndicateNYC.com