Worth
“A person’s worth is measured by the worth of what he values.” -Marcus Aurelius
There is a lot of truth in that. To me these mechanical wonders we adken our wrists with are sometimes akin to works of art, or at least very beautiful. I love the complications , but I also love the watch face without the extra “bells and whistles.” In the end though, what are they actually worth. I’m not just speaking of the excellent or exorbitant price tag range. I’m talking about the “bigger picture.” While I think there is extremely high value in passing on watches to our sons, daughters, relatives, and friends, et cetera, there is another certainty in our lives: Our lives will one day end.
In the 1990’s, there was a company in the US (I think they were based here) called “No Fear.” One of their slogans has stuck with me thirty years later: “He who dies with the most toys…still dies.” Now, that’s some cool stuff to put on the back of a t-shirt when you’re 15, but it is still the truth at 46.
So, to me, what is “worth” it? Again, only my opinion, but my children are worth it. I value my wife “beyond rubies,” for all she does for our family and me (even though she can be a SUPREME A-Hole 😆). My mother and my siblings. Also of “value.” The memories I make with my family? Beyond valuable. Priceless.
Where am I going with this? I don’t know, man. It’s early. I worked out at 4am and was on the road by 6:30 am to work all day and come home later tonight. I am not ridiculing or mocking people who can drop any amount of money on a high end luxury watch. I’m not making fun of people who are on the homage/climate train, either. I will rock a $20 watch one day and a $1500 the next. Whatever. Could I go right now and drop the amount of cash needed to get an AP, Patek, Rolex, etc? Honestly? Yes. However, I don’t want to find myself beaten to death with a pipe, dumped in a ditch, THEN divorced by the same person (you know who I am referring to!)?
Value and worth are not synonymous. That’s pretty easy to see. It’s different for everyone. I am simply thankful I have them both, in this instance, figured out.
Oh, and that’s my cool Spinnaker. 😆
Christian. Husband. Father. Early Riser. Reader. Lover of Baseball. I also throw weights around.
I think I get what you're saying, 'worth is relative'. However I would suggest 'legacy' is also appropriate. This year I bought my grandson an affordable mechanical watch for Christmas as he had shown interest in my collection. If I can pass on the spirit of watch collecting to another generation, and maybe he will too, then the legacy may continue.
Love the watch too 😍
Gotta give a ❤️ for the Marcus Aurelius quote.
Agree, material things are only worth the feelings they provoke.
Different perspective myself, I chose not to have children & so did my sister, so I don't feel any responsibility to pass anything down to anyone. I buy my watches for me and wear them hard.
For me my watches are a "momento mori" and prompt me to enjoy every moment of this transient existence. If that means wearing an expensive watch inappropriately but it brings joy, then go for it. 😉👍🏻
Totally get it man. And that Spinnaker is cool!
It’s weird how moments occur in our lives that just put things into focus.
Trauma, tragedy, success, failure, etc. not sure what it was, but yeah, when the kiddos showed up, seeing the family all together for a random meal, or laughing over a silly board game with a 2 year old just refocuses the world.
I had watches stolen that had sentimental value to me, from people I’ve lost over the years, and in the end, the memories are still there…just the watches are gone.
I think what we value so long as it’s the value WE put on the things versus what the price tag is, says it all.
I also believe that’s why much of this community is amazing, they get it. We celebrate the person “getting the call” just as much as someone who figured out how to change the strap on their dad’s Timex for the first time. I think what we all seek here is “joy” - thanks for the post brother!
I think I get what you're saying, 'worth is relative'. However I would suggest 'legacy' is also appropriate. This year I bought my grandson an affordable mechanical watch for Christmas as he had shown interest in my collection. If I can pass on the spirit of watch collecting to another generation, and maybe he will too, then the legacy may continue.
Love the watch too 😍
Oh absolutely. I totally get legacy. Like I said, there is extreme value in having something to pass on when the time comes. I’m trying to pass on the love of watches to my nine year old right now. He liked my G-Shock, and wanted one. He got a Baby-G for Christmas and hasn’t taken it off yet (except to shower lol). I also bought one for my six year old son who has worn his except for bath time. So, I may get one (or two) who have the “bug.” 😆
Gotta give a ❤️ for the Marcus Aurelius quote.
Agree, material things are only worth the feelings they provoke.
Different perspective myself, I chose not to have children & so did my sister, so I don't feel any responsibility to pass anything down to anyone. I buy my watches for me and wear them hard.
For me my watches are a "momento mori" and prompt me to enjoy every moment of this transient existence. If that means wearing an expensive watch inappropriately but it brings joy, then go for it. 😉👍🏻
And all of that is acceptable, too (though you don’t need me to tell you that of course)! It’s all in the “ eye of the beholder,” as it were. 🙂
Totally get it man. And that Spinnaker is cool!
It’s weird how moments occur in our lives that just put things into focus.
Trauma, tragedy, success, failure, etc. not sure what it was, but yeah, when the kiddos showed up, seeing the family all together for a random meal, or laughing over a silly board game with a 2 year old just refocuses the world.
I had watches stolen that had sentimental value to me, from people I’ve lost over the years, and in the end, the memories are still there…just the watches are gone.
I think what we value so long as it’s the value WE put on the things versus what the price tag is, says it all.
I also believe that’s why much of this community is amazing, they get it. We celebrate the person “getting the call” just as much as someone who figured out how to change the strap on their dad’s Timex for the first time. I think what we all seek here is “joy” - thanks for the post brother!
Couldn’t have said it better myself, bro. This community is a pretty awesome and positive place. I’m glad you and your family are safe, and that you’re back!