Watch browsing with the wife - illuminating!

My wife and i have taken a short holiday this week, and to wile away the morning at the airport, I suggested we go look at Watches of Switzerland. It was a chance for me to share what I've learned about watch brands and show her some of the designs I like. It proved to be quite fun and illuminating about our respective tastes and what actually appeals to non-enthusiasts.

We first passed by the Seiko display. She instantly gravitated toward the Alpinist (SPB121), or as she put it, 'that gold one'. I'm very proud of her, as the Alpy (SPB210) is the pride and joy of my collection (though she didn't remember that this is basically the same as my watch). Our tastes align.

I took her to Tudor, which I described as Rolex junior (she asked about Rolex as it has that cache to everyone). I showed her the Ranger, which I quite like. She found it a bit '70s' and 'a bit plain'. Couldn't understand why people like it. Interestingly, she was not at all a fan of the BB58 - 'the circles and lines [indices] look a bit primary school'. She did like the black bay chrono. Turns out she likes chronos. I hate chronos.

We looked at Oris. I was heartened to find that she liked the full bronze Big Crown Pointer. It's one I've been eyeing as a possible watch for my 40th in a couple of years.

At Omega, she was drawn to the Aqua Terra, which proves the wide appeal of the design.

When we got to our destination (Barcelona), we walked past a watch store on La Rambla and I asked to pause at the window, as I saw Grand Seiko. I've never seen these in person. She said 'I don't see what's so posh about these'. I'd heard that photos don't do GS justice and there's nothing like seeing them in person. I have to confess I didn't feel the magic I expected to feel on seeing them live. My bank balance rejoices.

Finally my wife liked the look of JLC watches with their mini dial inlays. The price less so.

Often we collect watches without anyone to appreciate our choices but ourselves and this invaluable community of fellow enthusiasts. We remind each other that nobody cares about our watches as much as we do. We're lucky if our partners politely tolerate the hobby. I'm incredibly lucky that my partner actively engaged with it all, brought her own aesthetic taste to it, and shared my enthusiasm. It does mean I will probably never buy a Tudor now 😂, and I've realised Grand Seiko won't bring me more joy than my current watches. But the ringing endorsement of an Oris bronze Big Pointer makes me very happy!