Retired High School Guidance Counselor Travels to Europe to Purchase Commemorative Watch
In 2022, Joseph Barreto, a retired high school guidance counselor from East Harlem, embarked on a unique journey to commemorate his retirement. Several months after leaving his long-time career, Barreto received a special gift from his former students: money to purchase something meaningful to mark the occasion.
With this generous gift in hand, Barreto decided to travel to Switzerland to buy a keepsake that would remind him of his years of service. “Buying a watch in Europe is just a whole other experience,” Barreto shared. “They sit you down; there’s Champagne, there’s chocolate. It’s just an event.”
Having grown up in a blue-collar household, Barreto’s interest in high-end watches was a personal departure from his upbringing. “I’m a Puerto Rican from the Bronx — that’s not a Bronx thing, to get a watch that’s high-end,” he explained. Despite this, Barreto had developed a passion for timepieces over the years, collecting watches from various brands.
During a transformative trip to Europe in 2017, Barreto purchased a Rado Centrix watch, sparking a newfound love for luxury timepieces. As he delved deeper into the world of watches, Barreto began using online resources to educate himself, preparing for his retirement purchase.
Accompanied by his wife and son, Barreto embarked on a road trip across Europe, exploring different countries and considering various watch models. Ultimately, a visit to Omega’s boutique in Interlaken, Switzerland, led Barreto to discover the perfect watch for his retirement: a 42-millimeter stainless steel Omega Constellation with a unique grayish-taupe dial.
Now, with a collection of about two dozen watches, Barreto continues to cherish his retirement gift, a symbol of his years of hard work and dedication. His cousin, who accompanied him on his European journey, remarked, “It makes his wrist complete. Not only does it look good, it works with everything he wears. It works with how he carries himself.”
As Barreto transitions into retirement, he remains active in his community as the chairman of Somos New Jersey, a political action committee focused on Latino voters and representation. And with his new Omega Constellation watch adorning his wrist, Barreto is ready to embrace this new chapter in his life with style and grace.
