Collecting watches - a bit childish
A couple of weeks ago I gave my input to a question from Pete_NSOW ”What about this hobby is fun? - for you”
My first point was a very mature statement that watches are my only jewelry. My second point was that I like to handle my watches. To wind them, to set time and date, to change the strap, to choose and put them on for the day. Then I went on with some more points describing what I liked about watches like interact with other enthusiasts, the hunt for a new watch etc. All very true things that I find fun with watch collecting.
After my reply I felt something missing but I couldn’t put my finger on it. It has bugged me. I realised that it was more to the physical contact with my watches than to wind them, change strap etc. It was more to it than that. I love to take them out from the box. To maybe take a subset out and lay them together. It could be vintage from the 60s or pick a sport watch from each cathegory I own in front of me on the table. Pick them up, feel them, maybe give them a polish, study them and maybe compare them. Then I realised that I’m playing. This is the 6-7 years old me playing with my Dinky Toys cars. It is the same feeling inside. The floor in the playroom is replaced with a mature persons table. The crash tests performed with the cars is cancelled but the rest is very much the same. Instead of pick out my watches I then picked out the sport cars to play with. Next time it maybe was the ambulance and police car. Different toys but almost the same play.
My conclusion is that, however my original reasons was true, I missed the maybe most important point why watch collecting is fun, for me. The fact that the watches allow me to continue to play and bring back, or show, the kid still inside of me.
I collect new as well as vintage. I have a weak spot for 50s and 60s Omegas. Besides from those I consider myself allround.
So true!
It’s the same way when my colleagues at work start talking about watches, i get all excited i lose track of time (like a kid)
So true!
It’s the same way when my colleagues at work start talking about watches, i get all excited i lose track of time (like a kid)
Lucky you with following watch geeks at work👍
Agree fully👍My personal list in the original post was longer.
I do the same as you. When I'm relaxing watching TV I often bring out a watch box and just "play" with the watches, setting them, wiping off fingerprints, admiring them, etc.
I think that one of the reasons that I like chronographs as much as I do is that they provide an opportunity to interact with the watch (ie-play with the watch) other than just setting the time or winding it. I'm constantly finding useless things to time with them, simply because I enjoy doing so.
I think that everyone needs something to keep the kid in them alive. I like the expression "we don't stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing".
I do the same as you. When I'm relaxing watching TV I often bring out a watch box and just "play" with the watches, setting them, wiping off fingerprints, admiring them, etc.
I think that one of the reasons that I like chronographs as much as I do is that they provide an opportunity to interact with the watch (ie-play with the watch) other than just setting the time or winding it. I'm constantly finding useless things to time with them, simply because I enjoy doing so.
I think that everyone needs something to keep the kid in them alive. I like the expression "we don't stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing".
Yes this is playtime. Rest of the time I just adulting, doing adult stuff.
a) Who doesn't like shiny objects?
b) Watches are nostalgic, almost an act of defiance, as I reject that smartwatch at the same time.
c) I don't play with my watches a whole lot, to be honest, but I like looking at the watch I'm wearing, remembering situations and places where I may have worn this watch, or places that I may go with it. Really just viewing the watch as a gateway from the future to the past, unable to catch that ephemeral moment that is the present.
a) Who doesn't like shiny objects?
b) Watches are nostalgic, almost an act of defiance, as I reject that smartwatch at the same time.
c) I don't play with my watches a whole lot, to be honest, but I like looking at the watch I'm wearing, remembering situations and places where I may have worn this watch, or places that I may go with it. Really just viewing the watch as a gateway from the future to the past, unable to catch that ephemeral moment that is the present.
We all find our own appreciations in the hobby. Yours feels very valid👌I also find myself staring at anything except the time.
As someone who still occasionally plays with actual toys, I would agree that watches can be somewhat of a more expensive and grown up toy. But for me, they also satisfy a more sophisticated appreciation of engineering and craftsmanship in a way that playing with an A-Team or Back to the Future toy set just can't. But like any hobby, when it stops being fun, I'm out.
As someone who still occasionally plays with actual toys, I would agree that watches can be somewhat of a more expensive and grown up toy. But for me, they also satisfy a more sophisticated appreciation of engineering and craftsmanship in a way that playing with an A-Team or Back to the Future toy set just can't. But like any hobby, when it stops being fun, I'm out.
Absolutely. There is a lot in common between my gold capped Constellation I have now and the Dinky James Bond Aston Martin back in the days.
I am often “playing watches”. That’s exactly the phrase I use when my wife asks what I’m doing. I’ll take the boxes into the living room and try on various combinations back to back to note the differences. Sometimes I’ll swap a strap.
Most of the time I’m fine knowing they’re in the box and seeing them once a day. Other days, I just want to play with them.... just like Hot Wheels. Great analogy.
I am often “playing watches”. That’s exactly the phrase I use when my wife asks what I’m doing. I’ll take the boxes into the living room and try on various combinations back to back to note the differences. Sometimes I’ll swap a strap.
Most of the time I’m fine knowing they’re in the box and seeing them once a day. Other days, I just want to play with them.... just like Hot Wheels. Great analogy.
Haha, I don’t play every day either. One has to keep up the appearance in front of the rest of the family. Sometimes it has to be more than one adult (the wife) in the room.
Like you and @tempus, I also love sitting in front of my watch box, pulling different ones out, fiddling with them, putting them on, etc. I like to take time and admire them the same way an art collector admires their paintings or sculptures. Except I get to fiddle with mine, and the tactile experience is a big part of it.
I also love putting on different watches in the morning and seeing which one feels right for that day. I’d feel weird admitting that if it wasn’t for the fact that I’m positive I’m not alone in this. A lot of times, I don’t even wear the watch I initially intended to. I’ll put it on, but often it just doesn’t feel right, so I put on another, and then sometimes one or two more. Then, at some point, I look down at my wrist and think “there it is; that’s my baby for today.” And I love how that’s unpredictable and often inexplicable. I just know when I’ve found the right watch, and knowing that I found it feels really satisfying.
Or maybe I’m completely off my rocker. If so, eh, I’m okay with it.
Like you and @tempus, I also love sitting in front of my watch box, pulling different ones out, fiddling with them, putting them on, etc. I like to take time and admire them the same way an art collector admires their paintings or sculptures. Except I get to fiddle with mine, and the tactile experience is a big part of it.
I also love putting on different watches in the morning and seeing which one feels right for that day. I’d feel weird admitting that if it wasn’t for the fact that I’m positive I’m not alone in this. A lot of times, I don’t even wear the watch I initially intended to. I’ll put it on, but often it just doesn’t feel right, so I put on another, and then sometimes one or two more. Then, at some point, I look down at my wrist and think “there it is; that’s my baby for today.” And I love how that’s unpredictable and often inexplicable. I just know when I’ve found the right watch, and knowing that I found it feels really satisfying.
Or maybe I’m completely off my rocker. If so, eh, I’m okay with it.
Thanks! No it’s not the worst madness to aquire, maybe the best👍
Hmm, maybe I do the same, but it's more a game of dressing up for me. I have my sparkly shiny princess seiko, my "Get to the choppa!" Seiko, my Ripley-killing-aliens Casio, my exploring-the-depths-of-the-ocean Squale etc etc. Its probably just all playing too 😁
My obsession is a bit different. I don't take them out, group them, etc. In fact, after I buy a watch, the only time it's not in the box, is when I am wearing it.
For me, it's more like a woman with shoes or bags. I do the same thing with camera bags actually. I have so many because I can see a time when each of them would be perfect for what I am doing, where I am going, and what I need to carry.
I justify a new watch in the same way :). Sometimes I buy one, just because I want it. For example, I am strongly thinking of getting this watch, because I want to own the IWC movement within it (and I am 99% sure IWC just made the entire watch). I have no practical reason to want it, other then I do :)
im glad someone makes this post. come to think im the crazy one lol. i put my watchbox in front of my work computer, sometimes so i can just watch or touch the watch when im working. kinda remind me of smeagol from lord of the ring. it is good to know there are "other" smeagol like me 😂
One of the things that I really like about WatchCrunch is posts like this. Part of the enjoyment that I get from watches comes from the personal introspection the hobby brings, and posts like this help me better understand my own thought processes. Knowing that other people have similar experiences seems somewhat cathartic.
One of the things that I really like about WatchCrunch is posts like this. Part of the enjoyment that I get from watches comes from the personal introspection the hobby brings, and posts like this help me better understand my own thought processes. Knowing that other people have similar experiences seems somewhat cathartic.
I agree. It’s cool reading through everyone’s perspectives and experiences with this!
As someone still brand new to watches/also saving for something specific, my experience so far is essentially all talking, drawing, and viewing online. which is like the complete opposite end of the spectrum from physically having one, a few, an entire collection.
Hmm, maybe I do the same, but it's more a game of dressing up for me. I have my sparkly shiny princess seiko, my "Get to the choppa!" Seiko, my Ripley-killing-aliens Casio, my exploring-the-depths-of-the-ocean Squale etc etc. Its probably just all playing too 😁
I’m sure it is. Role play?
My obsession is a bit different. I don't take them out, group them, etc. In fact, after I buy a watch, the only time it's not in the box, is when I am wearing it.
For me, it's more like a woman with shoes or bags. I do the same thing with camera bags actually. I have so many because I can see a time when each of them would be perfect for what I am doing, where I am going, and what I need to carry.
I justify a new watch in the same way :). Sometimes I buy one, just because I want it. For example, I am strongly thinking of getting this watch, because I want to own the IWC movement within it (and I am 99% sure IWC just made the entire watch). I have no practical reason to want it, other then I do :)
Thank you for sharing. There is no bad, or wrong, way to collect and appreciate watches👍
True Story 😎
im glad someone makes this post. come to think im the crazy one lol. i put my watchbox in front of my work computer, sometimes so i can just watch or touch the watch when im working. kinda remind me of smeagol from lord of the ring. it is good to know there are "other" smeagol like me 😂
I believe this forum is full of smeagols. We just come in different forms and shapes.
One of the things that I really like about WatchCrunch is posts like this. Part of the enjoyment that I get from watches comes from the personal introspection the hobby brings, and posts like this help me better understand my own thought processes. Knowing that other people have similar experiences seems somewhat cathartic.
Thanks! I like to point out that the inspiration came from Pete. His channel ”Not So Obvious Watches” is very much about challenge yourself with this type of questions. Many of his thoughts make you start thinking.
True Story 😎
Yes, for many it seems.
Thanks! I like to point out that the inspiration came from Pete. His channel ”Not So Obvious Watches” is very much about challenge yourself with this type of questions. Many of his thoughts make you start thinking.
His channel has been a favorite of mine ever since I first stumbled upon it. I don't always agree with what he has to say, but he always makes me think. I really wish that there were more YouTube channels like his. In any event, I appreciate you making this post, as well as all of the replies from the community.
Watch play is real. Sometimes I wear 2 watches on each wrist and end up wearing 4 watches at the same time on both wrists! Loupe time is even more exciting - there’s always something new one can find via the loupe - like dust, a scratch on the needle, focusing on the depth of the guilloche, or simply examining the logos….
rubbing the thumbs against the carvings on the metal case backs…..
putting the watch next to the ears to hear it tick, and then shake, repeat….
I could go on and on and right now anyone who isnt into this watch hobby may find this watch play a bit too much 🤣
(dont get me started on the watchporn both on computers and magazine racks at the bookstore)