Quintessence
I was watching a GQ Magazine interview with Jerry Seinfeld on YouTube, in which he discusses the objects he can’t live without. In the video, he describes various items he cherishes. He said that these items all had “quintessence” - which he defined as when an item is “perfect in itself”. Examples of quintessence among the items he showed in the video were the classic red Swiss Army Knife, or the basic plastic Bic pen.
It led me to think - what is the quintessential watch? What is the most “watch” watch? If you looked up the dictionary definition of a watch, which watch would be pictured? Is it a specific watch? Or is it a specific set of features?
Pictured here is the Rolex Explorer. In my own collection, I would say this represents quintessence in watches. But is it the best example of that? Are there better examples of the quintessential watch?
For what it’s worth, in that video, Seinfeld showed his own Breitling Cosmonaute 24-Hour watch, which to him seemed to be quintessential. I’m not sure I’d agree that the slide rule on the Breitling is part of quintessence, but ok, maybe for him it is.
Lifelong watch lover. Learning more every day about this hobby. See more photos on IG @morebillablehours
G shock square! Can’t think of a more quintessential watch. Especially with the solar and radio time updates.
(This photo seemed appropriate.)
Was just watching this too! Must also agree with you on the Rolex Explorer. Also would add my Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical as well.
You could probably argue the quintessence of the wrist watch is the Patek Calatrava, most things we associate with the wristwatch (as opposed to pocket watches and clocks) first appears here:
You might also be able to make the case that F91w is the quintessence of quartz timekeeping.
Saw this video, and it really took me down a rabbit hole wondering which of my watches I would call quintessential. I came to the conclusion that all of them are quintessential when they are on my wrist. I choose them for a specific reason and they all get the job done when I need them to.
The Explorer is incredible and for watch enthusiasts it is probably The Watch. But I think for most people, including many of us, a DateJust is the quintessential watch, the one that does it all, a true "one watch for a lifetime" watch. If I could only wear one watch for the rest of my life I'd probably pick a DJ.
For me the quintessential watch probably would be Timex:
but if someone said, luxury, or swiss watch, I'd probably have to agree it would be a Rolex.
Given that definition, any two hand watch is quintessential.
I think it was William Gibson who said the Explorer is "the Platonic Ideal of a watch" , and I'd agree with that.
I don’t really appreciate Breitlings the way some better educated people do. I get understand that but Nike Shox?? Come on now - if you want better looking trainers/sneakers, there are plenty. If you want better feeling ones, there are plenty. If you want ones which have historical/nostalgic value, there are plenty. If you want ones which are combination of any of the above - there are plenty.
The Shox were hands down the most uncomfortable trainers/sneakers I ever wore and I tried to like them. I can’t believe they’re bringing them back now too!
G shock square! Can’t think of a more quintessential watch. Especially with the solar and radio time updates.
(This photo seemed appropriate.)
Have you stolen my collection? 😂😂
Love it! I'm a huge fan of Seinfeld, and had to watch that video after your post.
I'm over here about to make a Bialetti coffee as I do every day with a Victorinox in my pocket.
Here's one of my most quintessent watches, the Weiss American Issue Ti 42, white dial.
It's not a space watch, but it's legible from space lol. The movement, which is based on a 6497 is loud like a pocket watch, and I like that. It reminds me I'm wearing a mechanical watch.
Honestly though, I'm stuck between it and my Standard Issue Dive watch. Growing up, I always had a watch with a dive bezel. I use it daily to time things not unlike the chronograph sienfield prefers. With the bezel, I like that I don't have to worry about bumping a pusher accidentally. It's a little less refined, but a little more hardy.
Overall, The basic 12 hour field watch is my go-to design. I don't need the 24 hour markings that can make the dial a little more busy like with the marathon GSAR, or Luminox Navy Seal and similar designs.
Weiss really nails it for me.
G Shock, Pilot/Field style watch or:
Needs, wants and tastes or purely personal
I don’t really appreciate Breitlings the way some better educated people do. I get understand that but Nike Shox?? Come on now - if you want better looking trainers/sneakers, there are plenty. If you want better feeling ones, there are plenty. If you want ones which have historical/nostalgic value, there are plenty. If you want ones which are combination of any of the above - there are plenty.
The Shox were hands down the most uncomfortable trainers/sneakers I ever wore and I tried to like them. I can’t believe they’re bringing them back now too!
Those shoes are butt and that watch is a hard pass in my book. Agreed.
I love the Mondaine pictured above.
But for me it would probably be my IWC Mark XX or my Laco Augsburg - because for me the flieger design is the ultimate in simplicity and legibility.
(Although I am clearly going through a "boring watches are best" phase...)
Agreed!
I have a Cosmonaute....it's absolutely perfect