An Unlikely Travel Companion
For my vacation from my new job, I got back to doing my old job (full time dad and husband). I also got to return to Korea since the COVID crazy-ness is finally... well, not settled but kind of being ignored now.
Regardless. For the trip I decided to bring only one watch as there are more than enough things to worry about with a toddler running about. And after weeks of deliberation, I decided to bring the watch that started it all, my Cle de Cartier.
It has honestly been fun dressing up and dressing down with the Cle. It's also the first time the watch has been running non-stop for an extended amount of time, as I used to reserve the watch for special occassions (despite what the dings and scratches might suggest).
My wife also decided to bring her watch as well, the Tank Solo.
It was also a pleasure seeing the watches of my father and my father-in-law, I think they both chose watches that fit their personalities very well.
It was weird being back in Korea after 3 years - so much had changed, yet so much remained the same. I guess the same could be said about myself as well.
Not much done related to horology during this trip. I guess I did buy a new set of straps but that's for another day.
I guess I was also surprised by how well the Cartier functioned over the trip, gaining maybe +3 seconds a day. It survived a few accidental encounters with the shower head, and general wear during the trip (mostly non-stenuous).
I guess of note, it was interesting to see G-shocks being displayed in the men's sections in department stores. Especially next to much more expensive fashion brands. I suspect this is because Korea still has a compulsory draft system for the army, where many men are exposed to G-shocks. The high end watch boutiques were also very very kind and accomodating, despite my non-purchase intent.
Looking forward to wearing my other watches again!
Armchair watch collector
Great photos and a lovely story. Your writing really drew me in and I felt like I was there. Love all the watches. I’m glad you had a memorable experience and that you could share it with the community.
Great photos and a lovely story. Your writing really drew me in and I felt like I was there. Love all the watches. I’m glad you had a memorable experience and that you could share it with the community.
Thank you for your kind comment, I wasn't sure if it was appropriate for WC but glad to hear it was good to read!
Looks like a nice trip! That Cartier is growing on me each time I see it 😍 There are several asian countries with hardcore G-Shock fandom, maybe South Korea is one of them 🤔
Great pictures and story. Glad your Cartier served you well on your trip. I've never been to Korea, but plan to go next summer.
Great story. Must been fantastic to reunite with your family. Was it still mandatory with masc on the flights in and out? Your photos brought back pleasant memories of my vacation trip.
Looks like you are getting fantastic weather! Enjoy!!
The Cle looks great on your wrist. Cool and casual yet elegant. Your comment on how well it keeps time is something I also found out while wearing my Santos during a weeklong trip. While it doesn't carry a COSC designation, I was surprised by just how well it kept time.
Looks like a nice trip! That Cartier is growing on me each time I see it 😍 There are several asian countries with hardcore G-Shock fandom, maybe South Korea is one of them 🤔
Thank you, yes it's a lovely watch! 😁 I mean G-Shocks deserve all the love but the stores just seemed out of place next.
Great pictures and story. Glad your Cartier served you well on your trip. I've never been to Korea, but plan to go next summer.
Thank you, it's a lovely place with rich history. Not without problems but that's talk for another forum 😂
Great story. Must been fantastic to reunite with your family. Was it still mandatory with masc on the flights in and out? Your photos brought back pleasant memories of my vacation trip.
Yes! Also still mandatory in public areas. Was thinking of your post when I was at COEX 😁
Looks like you are getting fantastic weather! Enjoy!!
Actually there was a typhoon that went by a week or so ago... but other than that, the weather's been nice to us 🙂 Thank you!
The Cle looks great on your wrist. Cool and casual yet elegant. Your comment on how well it keeps time is something I also found out while wearing my Santos during a weeklong trip. While it doesn't carry a COSC designation, I was surprised by just how well it kept time.
Thank you very much. When I first got it I couldn't see the more casual/sporty elements but I do see it now.
With regards to accuracy, I guess I was surprised Cartier cared about the movement, but on the flip side it was meant to be their flagship base movement so I guess it's not that much surprising. 😂
Amazing pictures, Korea is still on my bucket list of places to visit. Love the watches and your growing love of this particular Cle as well.
Thank you very much. When I first got it I couldn't see the more casual/sporty elements but I do see it now.
With regards to accuracy, I guess I was surprised Cartier cared about the movement, but on the flip side it was meant to be their flagship base movement so I guess it's not that much surprising. 😂
Cartier rides that line between sporty and dressy better than any manufacturer I know. The Cle is a fantastic example of it.
I think they've also been underrated as a movement house in recent years. Not super high complication stuff but much more in the Piaget line of thin capable three handers (which are non trivial benefits).
Amazing pictures, Korea is still on my bucket list of places to visit. Love the watches and your growing love of this particular Cle as well.
Thank you! I'm not sure if I'd call Korea home anymore but regardless it's a fascinating place.
And the Cle, I'm glad I brought it along, despite the lack of "robustness". 🙂
Cartier rides that line between sporty and dressy better than any manufacturer I know. The Cle is a fantastic example of it.
I think they've also been underrated as a movement house in recent years. Not super high complication stuff but much more in the Piaget line of thin capable three handers (which are non trivial benefits).
I do wonder about their movements, is it like the Swatch group situation with ETA for Richemont companies? I know the 1904MC has been used by Piaget, the 430P is in Cartier Santos Dumont, and I believe the 1904MC is used by VC as well.
I do wonder about their movements, is it like the Swatch group situation with ETA for Richemont companies? I know the 1904MC has been used by Piaget, the 430P is in Cartier Santos Dumont, and I believe the 1904MC is used by VC as well.
There is a lot of sharing in the group, there's no doubt, through Valfleurier. The 1904 is a particularly interesting movement because of the thinness (I think the calibre de Cartier diver was the thinnest 300M diver in the world at it's release at sub 11mm).
Cartier definitely borrows chronograph movements from Piaget among others.