In which I Say Yes to a Grail
Some months ago I had a chance to purchase a 1990s 18k solid gold and steel manual wind monoface Reverso from my trusted vintage girl. It was a whole lot of money and I ended up letting it go. I had a deep conversation with my then significant other that the money could be better used elsewhere. We had plans to travel, put up a business, etc. I was fine with that decision. Life had other priorities for me and I accepted that eventhough I really really wanted a Reverso.
But as the old joke went, how do you make God laugh? Make a plan.
Several weeks ago, my life partner and I decided to call it quits. Well, she decided. I had no choice but to accept. You can't force people to want you. Again, life had other things in mind for me. But with her gone, so did all our plans. The travels supposedly in our future were for her, not for me. I certainly am not in the mood to spend thousands of dollars on a trip intended to make someone else happy by myself. And the business plans we had would have to take a backseat until I can figure out what I really want to do with my life.
A few days ago I got a call from my vintage girl that someone wanted to buy the Reverso. I told her I will take it since suddenly I have the cash for it. She was glad as she sourced that watch for me specifically. She also agreed to accept my 1940s JLC aviator as a trade to cover a portion of the payment, which made things easier financially. I didn't need three JLCs so I was happy to part ways with it for the Reverso, my dream watch.
So I now have a Reverso. It feels like a revenge purchase. A sort of fuck-you to a woman I spent a good part of a decade caring for. Maybe it is. I just know that this is a milestone purchase in which I attempt to start fresh at the age of 48. It's not easy and it certainly is not fun. The watch does spark joy but in a lot of real ways it doesn't. It won't bring her back and it won't make up for the 8 years I spent with her. It won't make her feel bad about abandoning me, nor do I want it to. I just... I don't know.
What the watch does do or will do is remind me that I have to march forward. I have to get out of this quicksand somehow.
It's a beautiful piece and I'm glad I have it now. That's all there is to it.
I've got a god-shaped hole in my life that I'm trying to fill in futility with watches.
Hang in there dude. Stay strong! Beautiful piece btw, congrats on that.
What a beautiful watch to mark the next chapter in your life. Sending lots of hugs and healing your way. ❤️🤗
Hold strong friend. When one door closes another door opens. The end of one journey but the beginning of another.
I don't know if I should say that I am sorry first or congratulate you first. It is a beautiful watch. Focus on the positive.
Congrats to the reverso, I knew it would end up in your possession 😉let’s have some wine on the meetup on me 😁
Beautiful watch. Keep your head up, one foot in front of the other, and before you know it you'll be turning the page (and your watch) on that old chapter and will be ready to engrave the other side of that Reverso with a whole new story.
What a story!
A few things:
Congrats on the watch! One of my grails for sure.
If she did not do you wrong or betray you - cherish the good times! We learn from every person in our lives. I live by the philosophy that everything happens for a reason and soon you will find out why this had to happen.
If she did you wrong - well fuck her! The ultimate revenge is to be heppy and not caring about revenge at all!
Good luck!
Absolutely beautiful piece. Congrats! In the end it is just a lifeless object and won’t fill the woman shaped hole in your heart - but it can bring you some joy and diversion in tough times. And ‘reverso’ is rather an apt name…right now it sees you flipping from happy together to alone - but hopefully also the other way around again sometime soon. I wish you well!
Awful way to find the resources for a watch, sorry to hear that!… but what a watch!! It really could be the universe telling you to flip your mood, watch and ex?! 🙃🙂
Very nice watch.
Life is a book of chapters, some chapters are not as good as others. But what a hell of a way to start your next chapter, doing something for you = excellent.
Beautiful - take heart that things can always get better
Beautiful watch. Live and be well. Wishing you all the best in the new year.
I'm sorry that happened. Life can really throw us a curve ball, but please do hang in there!!
Be strong brother 💪🏻 the world is full of people to meet and find your true partner in life 🫶🏻
And that is a great way to cheer up and allocate those funds for your own pleasure 💪🏻
Look up. Smile. And say, "Next."
In the here and now, pare. Suportahan taka!
Most times in life there is a silver lining, but sometimes it's hard to find, I'm glad you found yours.
Many thanks to all the well-wishers and congratulations. I appreciate all the moral support. I'm fine. Everything's fine.
Vintage girl and her partner currently getting me drunk.
Take care of yourself brother, that watch is stunning 😍
Congratulations Pare! Enjoy the watch and the benefits of being single in the meantime. 😊
Damn, that's a bit of a mindf*ck... Somehow that watch will always be attached to her. But also your growth as a human being. So actually that watch is like life: love, light, peace and a little go f*ck yourself... Congratulations!
Enjoy the watch because it's awesome but consider being really cautious about spending money when you're in a vulnerable emotional state. If only we could buy our way into feeling better but sadly it usually doesn't work that way...
Really is an awesome watch. And every watch has a story, that vintage piece may have had several heart wrenching stories before it found your hands. Now you have added a chapter to its life, what you make of it next is up to you. Good luck fellow watch enthusiast.
We signify moments in our lives and remember them with objects. For example the first car we bought. That's a milestone. The first pair of shoes we got for a new job. Sometimes it's to celebrate an achievement. Sometimes it's to mark a transition, happy or sad.
Thank you for sharing your story. Hang on there. I've been through similar stages (with different outcomes).
Congratulations on the piece. Best of luck with the next chapter of life my friend.
Brother, your post reaffirmed my belief and trust in True Love - for watches !!!!!! 😀 - Any woman who lets go of a man who loves JLC reverso doesnt deserve that man and must spend rest of their lfe with a smartwatch loser!!!!! On a serious note, hang in there and just know that most of the times, objects last much longer than people unless those people are truly special and the bond is timeless - The rest comes and goes and soon you will be with someone who values you and your love for good things in life -As and when u r ready do send her the picture of your watch with a message "Thanks for making this purchase easier" )) 🙌🙌🙌
Been there, I feel for you.
Seems you have a good philosophical grasp of the situation. Take the extra time you now have to reflect, hone and improve. Ask yourself, "Would I date me?"
And like you said in your post, God has a plan for you - and He does not reveal all things at once. Be patient and thankful as you move forward.
Elegant way to move on 💪👍
I've always found when life gets me down, a little retail therapy turns my frown around.
It's a beautiful watch, Sir. Stay positive 🤓