A Matter of Passion
In my recent post I talked about how I found a stunning Breitling chronograph ca 1938 for sale, only to be devastated when I found out that it was not factory original. It had been modified. A frankenwatch of questionable value. Well, guess what? I bought it.
It took a lot of thinking, a lot of pondering back and forth, a lot of emotions. Talking to the seller did not dispel many of the question marks. But in the end, I could not forget the love I felt for it from the moment I first saw it. This purchase was not a business decision, not a form of investment (no watch purchase can be, as I see it). It's a matter of passion. It just fits my style so well.
It came on a rather horrible, cheap strap that did not fit the dial at all, so today I went and got a fitting set for it: a pair of rich brown straps made from real alligator leather. Yes, another economically horrible decision, but compared to the richness of the tones none of the cheap straps even came close. This just frames the watch perfectly. A cherry on top of the extravagant cream pie.
Now I need to slow down my purchases of unnecessary consumer goods for a while. This is all a rather silly waste of money. But it is fun.
Swedish guy with a Master's degree in Japanese and an interest in traditional culture and aesthetics.
I think you made a good decision. Ultimately these objects are meant to be enjoyed by their wearers, not meet a set of criteria imposed by other enthusiasts.
Beautiful watch.
I think you made a good decision. Ultimately these objects are meant to be enjoyed by their wearers, not meet a set of criteria imposed by other enthusiasts.
Beautiful watch.
Thanks! Yes, sometimes it's okay to just have a bit of fun.
Behold! The Frankenstunner!
You chose wisely.
Well done! Your wrist, your $ and your happiness - nothing else matters 🤙❤️👌
Well done! Your wrist, your $ and your happiness - nothing else matters 🤙❤️👌
Thanks! Yes, no intention to sell in the future, so no need to get too hung up on resale value.
Breitling watches should never leave their owners! Never let it go because it mesmerised you 😍
I'm never going to tell another collector what they should like/ enjoy.... that said, originality is important to me.... I've got one altered piece.... I never wear it!
Seeing others being true to what they want borders on being therapeutic. Congratulations!
Awesome watch
A beauty! What all had been modified from when it was new? I think it’s important to remember that this fixation on originality is relatively new; watches used to get worn, broken, and fixed with the parts available.
[*not trying to knock those of us who only want totally original pieces, just lending some perspective*]
I think you made a good decision. Ultimately these objects are meant to be enjoyed by their wearers, not meet a set of criteria imposed by other enthusiasts.
Beautiful watch.
Buy what you enjoy and please you. Not the other way around.
I'm never going to tell another collector what they should like/ enjoy.... that said, originality is important to me.... I've got one altered piece.... I never wear it!
I understand that. I do wish it had not been modified. But on the other hand, if it had been original it would have commanded a much higher price, and I would be more worried about wearing it. The pain of damaging it or about getting mugged would sting so much harder.
A beauty! What all had been modified from when it was new? I think it’s important to remember that this fixation on originality is relatively new; watches used to get worn, broken, and fixed with the parts available.
[*not trying to knock those of us who only want totally original pieces, just lending some perspective*]
A pretty big modification. It at some point had the dial replaced with one from another Breitling model from the same time period.
Well, on that band it's a beautiful looking frankenwatch, so wear in good health 👍
Wow what a cool piece
Really neat looking piece and as long as you love it, that’s what matters. Wear it in great health for many years to come 🥃