benjaminnv
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Q: How did you get into watch collecting?
Going from one classic Frederique Constant with stamped guilloché dial as a daily to a choice of two by adding a Max Bill. That let the lid off. I started researching and becoming more knowledgeable stumbled on the burgeoning microbrand scene. More recently that has truly fuelled the transition from interest into collecting.
Q: What was the first watch you ever owned?
I believe it was unbranded. A rectangular gold tone quartz with classical white dial and black Roman numerals, from the cheap aisle of some basic store. I was darn proud to own it. As a kid, I wore it everyday and amazingly it didn't break and only needed a new strap occasionally or a battery change. I may still have it, though it's not running due to not changing that battery. It was certainly an odd style to want as a kid. Very classically styled yet relatively small. I was certainly into Roman numerals just for the excentricity and antiquity of them. Never understood the IIII instead of IV at the time though.
Q: Do you have a watch with a particularly interesting story behind it?
Not anything personal and I own no vintage pieces which might have history. I think desing authenticity is pretty cool any day of the week though.
Q: What is one piece of advice you have for someone just getting into watches?
Do not be persuaded to spend big on established brands to experience quality, satisfying and interesting watch design. Chances are you can have good and enlightening experiences within a budget you are relatively comfortable spending initially.
Q: What brands have been getting your attention lately?
The list is long and can change daily, unless truly contemplating a purchase, especially since I love high quality microbrands. Pitzmann, Direnzo, and Wise have received a lot of my attention this year (2023), because they each seem to be putting out truly convincing watches with inspired designs that are very competitively priced among their peers and certainly compared to the established players they match for style and quality.
Q: What is your grail watch and why?
I don't really think grail watches exist, or if they do, this only applies to very few people on very particular quests. For reasons I fidn difficult to explain to myself, I'm keen to try and possibly own a Horage Autark Jura at some point. I'd call this a latent aspiration. I find it already a little too expensive to just slap onto my wrist daily, which I think is a prerequisite to a good watch. There are many woefully expensive pieces I have an interest in, but would likely take the pleasure out of wearing a watch. I try not to waste time hypothetically sifting through these options in case I come into some inexplicable fortune.
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