Watches for therapy
The last year of my watch madness has coincided with some awful family ill health and bereavements. Ongoing. Horrid.
I think it’s no coincidence - in a world gone mad - with shifting Teutonic plates - the hobby has helped me in two ways:
- In bad moments - when things are a little out of control - you have a little thing to look at that is working. A calming tick or sweep on a precise little dial.
- More generally - one can obsess over the details. Surf and watch and listen to all the content out there. A more relaxing thing to think about than some of the realities we all face.
Just try to avoid hitting “buy” when you are feeling emotional!..
Does anyone have any stories of how the hobby has helped or helps them?
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Justin
Fairly new to watch collecting. Super fast collecting journey! I've had a bit of everything, small gold pretty watches, large rugged watches, vintage British field watches. From Casio to Patek and eve...
London
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This hobby motivates me a little. I joke about how I’m LARPing as an adventurer or some such nonsense case to own different watches, but the truth of the matter is that I enjoy using a purpose built watch. When I go to work, I have a watch I strap on which prepares me for the day. When I need to wash dishes or want to take a dip in the hot tub, I put on my diver (and some color matching swim trunks). When I need to work outside, I put on my field watch. When I cook I wear a chronograph (or at least that’s why I tell my self I need a speedy pro), and when I work out I put on a G-Shock.
My watches motivate me to do things other than play on the internet or watch TV. I strap on my “necessary” equipment and get things Done.
It's nice to have a bit of down time, even if it's only for a few minutes especially when life gets really tough(and it sounds like it's tough for you at this time). Anything to take your mind off the nasties helps you reset and get ready for the next hurdle.
I also do this,angling my personal great reset. But I do like reading, researching, and chatting on here about watches, my 2nd reset. Good luck to you and I hope things get better for you soon.
It's nice to have a bit of down time, even if it's only for a few minutes especially when life gets really tough(and it sounds like it's tough for you at this time). Anything to take your mind off the nasties helps you reset and get ready for the next hurdle.
I also do this,angling my personal great reset. But I do like reading, researching, and chatting on here about watches, my 2nd reset. Good luck to you and I hope things get better for you soon.
Fishing looks great and relaxing. Though i wouldn’t want to catch one. Maybe I could try golf.
Fishing looks great and relaxing. Though i wouldn’t want to catch one. Maybe I could try golf.
Good idea,fresh air and a bit of exercise, get a couple of mates to join you or go solo, perfect
Fishing looks great and relaxing. Though i wouldn’t want to catch one. Maybe I could try golf.
Nothing in life is so bad that golf is the answer 😉
I think a couple years of isolation has everyone more contemplative than normal and some folks can deal with it better than others. Even pre-pandemic many of us turned to hobbies to get out of our own heads and watches defintely helps. This hobby has helped find others with similiar passions and interests.
I hope you have happiness and prosperity in your future and know this, you will move on and focus on the future and your life in the moment
I want this exact Grand Seiko!!! 🤦♂️🤣 I don’t know were this expensive hobby will take me…I also started it to relax and get out of the crazy reality we all face.
The last couple of years has taught me to hit the F**k it switch more often. One thing is certain is that with all the collective watches we have not one of them will be able to tell you when you will be in the dreaded box, so do things in life that you enjoy and stop doing things that make you unhappy.
To your point the collecting and knowledge gathering is the main focus. The personal interaction is the cherry on top, geeking out with other geeks!
I certainly believe that watches can be a form of therapy. It's hard to explain to those who aren't in our hobby, but it's one filled with genuine emotion and passion for the subject.
For me, watches are a pretty emotional topic.
I used to live in a 1 bedroom flat with my mother. We both shared a passion for watches and there were many we dreamed of owning.
Sadly, before I achieved success, my mother passed away. Every time I get to pull the trigger now on a watch we used to dream about, it's not just a personal milestone but I get the feeling I'm doing it in her memory.
It sounds silly and maybe materialistic to some but, I think there's a great deal of emotion and sentimentality in watches and it's one of the best parts of the hobby.
Our watches are wind up toys we play with so we have something to distract us and care for. When it works it purrs back at us but louder for those unholy quartz toys that zap us for licking the battery. My auto never zaps me..my preciousssss
Watch collecting has given me the hobby I’ve been searching for. An object for my dormant passion. A way to release stress by diving into the deep waters. Love it!
I had a couple of "vices" I was "withdrawing" from, and this habit certainly was a great, clean substitute. (sorry, can't share the juicy details)
If it helps you cope, this hobby can be good therapy, eh?
Stay strong, mate.
Hey, I'm so sorry to hear about the terrible times for your family. Life can be so cruel and hard.
Yes; watches (any hobby?) are a great escape for me. I remind myself that this is ok, even good, with a paraphrase from John Irving: "Life is serious, but watches are fun."
We all need a break, especially when it feels like there's too much to cope with.
Bon courage.