Barcelona, Spain—Meet Wences Palau Fernandez, a Spanish Nokia superfan who has earned the title for the largest collection of mobile phones in the world. With an astounding 3,615 unique models, Fernandez has surpassed the previous record of 3,456 held by Andrei Bilbie Argentis from Romania.
A Passion That Started with a Gift
Fernandez’s journey into mobile phone collecting began with a special Christmas gift in 1999—a grey Nokia 3210. This gift ignited a passion that would grow into an extensive collection. His official foray into collecting began in 2008, driven by a desire to acquire all the Nokia models he had missed out on during his earlier years.
The Growth of a Collection
Initially, Fernandez’s collection was housed in a display cabinet. However, as the collection expanded, it quickly outgrew its confines, eventually taking over an entire room in his home. By 2018, Fernandez had amassed over 700 Nokia models and expanded his interests to include phones from other brands and even some prototypes that were never commercially available.
Diverse Collection of Brands
Today, Fernandez’s collection includes a wide variety of brands beyond Nokia. His inventory features models from Siemens, NEC, Motorola, Blackberry, Samsung, HTC, Apple, and many others. Among his prized possessions are limited edition models, such as the Nokia 3220 Star Wars Ep III collection, which includes versions themed around Yoda, Starfighter, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Cyborg, and Padawan.
Documenting a Passion
Fernandez has meticulously documented his collection on his website, Nokia Project Dream. His site chronicles the evolution of his collection and showcases the rare and exclusive models he has acquired. He describes his collection as a result of considerable perseverance and financial investment, acknowledging that it remains a work in progress.
A Museum in the Making
Fernandez’s collection, though still growing, is now considered by many to be akin to a museum. He highlights the challenge of acquiring every Nokia model ever manufactured—over 1,000 in total—and expresses his commitment to expanding his collection whenever possible.
Sharing the Collection
The decision to share his collection with the public was driven by Fernandez’s desire to showcase his dedication and the fruits of his labor. Despite not being fully complete, Fernandez felt it was time to reveal his collection to the world, emphasizing the significant achievement of amassing over 700 Nokia models and numerous other rare items.
Conclusion
Wences Palau Fernandez’s collection is not only a testament to his dedication as a collector but also a remarkable archive of mobile phone history. His passion and commitment to preserving and showcasing these technological artifacts make his collection a unique and valuable resource for enthusiasts and historians alike.
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