Grails that never were
Over the years some of my ‘grails’ have changed. These are the three I use to idolize. However, I ended up having a change of heart before I got the chance to aquire them.
With the Explorer and Santos I found another watch to scratch the itch. With the Breguet, I saw it in person and it just didn’t feel as special as the image I had in my head.
Theres a part of me that almost feels guilty letting them go, like I’m a phony if I don’t stay attached to what my ‘grails’ are. Very silly, I know. However, I feel like this is a natural process of learning and finding your identity as a collector.
What about you guys? What are some of your grails that never were?
16 comments
Sort by
David
Welcome to my WatchCrunch profile.
New York, NY, USA
Member since
Last active: 22 hrs ago
17.78 cm
Grand Seiko Omiwatari and Breguet Classique. The Omiwatari fell away when I saw it in person, and I ended up “switching” to the White Birch.
I love the Breguet in pictures, but just can’t see myself wearing it even if I were in a position to spend that much on a watch. I have the Escapement Time USD$62 homage, and it’s dandy.
Good lessons in waiting to see if something I think I love will fall out of favor.
Grand Seiko Omiwatari and Breguet Classique. The Omiwatari fell away when I saw it in person, and I ended up “switching” to the White Birch.
I love the Breguet in pictures, but just can’t see myself wearing it even if I were in a position to spend that much on a watch. I have the Escapement Time USD$62 homage, and it’s dandy.
Good lessons in waiting to see if something I think I love will fall out of favor.
Yeah I think the Breguet style clashes with my own. Kind of an old man watch, not in a bad way, just give it 20 more years and I may have one 😄
The Explorer is my current grail; what did you end up getting instead?
The Explorer is my current grail; what did you end up getting instead?
Ball engineer II pioneer
Hah, breguet as an old man's watch. Kinda true. I never really liked them, but now I'm older I'm starting to like them, including this exact Tradition.
Moonwatch, Lange 1, modern Explorer II. The Moonwatch is something I simply outgrew, it was the watch that got my interested in watches, and I own a Speedmaster Automatic that I love, but the Moonwatch itself just kind of fell by the wayside as I delved deeper and deeper into the hobby. The Lange 1, beyond being something I'll never be able to afford, simply isn't my style, it's too dressy, too serious, too "nice" for a man who spends as much time outdoors as I do, beautiful watch, a masterpiece with the big date, but not for me. And the heartbreak for me was the modern Explorer II, it wasn't until I tried it on that I realized how massive it is, it's huge and wears bigger than it measures, and it's too polished, it feels clinical and sterile unlike the last (5 digit) generation that feels rugged and capable and inobtrusive. But if they ever come out with another 39-40mm Explorer II I'll be the first in line at the local AD!
I don't have grails. Only those I can afford and those that I can't. Sure, a Tudor or a Grand Seiko would be nice, but since they're way out of reach, I don't even dream about them.
Also, a watch that costs more than my monthly wage would have to be literally perfect in my eyes - and those don't exist.
Right now I'm obsessed with something expensive, yet affordable...
Grand Seiko Omiwatari and Breguet Classique. The Omiwatari fell away when I saw it in person, and I ended up “switching” to the White Birch.
I love the Breguet in pictures, but just can’t see myself wearing it even if I were in a position to spend that much on a watch. I have the Escapement Time USD$62 homage, and it’s dandy.
Good lessons in waiting to see if something I think I love will fall out of favor.
Yeah I was also dreaming about the Omiwatari, on paper it seemed perfect. Spring drive, textured dial with no date window, and in a smaller case size. Just didn’t look that great on my wrist.
I won't call them grails, but "highly desirables". The Explorer and BB58 were those watches at one stage. And then I learned more, discovered more, found out what I really liked in watches and evolved. I think it's natural - to me they are still great watches, but not must haves anymore.
My grails haven’t changed yet. I’ve had them on my wrist enough to know that I will always want them.
I think “grail” watch should change as you learn and evolve, personally and as a watch enthusiast, as all things in life. Sticking to things out of principle might hold you back from growing. With watches, the purpose is to enjoy anyway, so do what makes you happy, as long as you are financially responsible.
Enjoy the journey! 🩶💪🏻
If grail means something almost impossible get and takes a long time and massive effort then this is mine it took me over twenty years of constant searching to find this 1980’s omega. So I’ve got mine now, well my wife has and wears it daily now 😊
if you mean a watch that is out of reach because it’s too expensive at the moment for you then it’s the gold speedmaster with the green dial
If it’s an exit watch the last good watch you are aiming for then I think mine would be the VC 56 or it might just be a seiko empror tuna depending on how my pension fund goes over the next few years
Or it could be a Cartier. Yep they change 😂
A Blue dial 3 hander vacheron overseas. I'd love to own one someday but there are days i think i am good with my current collection.
It is absolutely normal, tastes change over time and as you gain knowledge and experience. Enjoy the ride, including the detours and stops.
Moonwatch, Lange 1, modern Explorer II. The Moonwatch is something I simply outgrew, it was the watch that got my interested in watches, and I own a Speedmaster Automatic that I love, but the Moonwatch itself just kind of fell by the wayside as I delved deeper and deeper into the hobby. The Lange 1, beyond being something I'll never be able to afford, simply isn't my style, it's too dressy, too serious, too "nice" for a man who spends as much time outdoors as I do, beautiful watch, a masterpiece with the big date, but not for me. And the heartbreak for me was the modern Explorer II, it wasn't until I tried it on that I realized how massive it is, it's huge and wears bigger than it measures, and it's too polished, it feels clinical and sterile unlike the last (5 digit) generation that feels rugged and capable and inobtrusive. But if they ever come out with another 39-40mm Explorer II I'll be the first in line at the local AD!
Try a 16570, its 40mm and looks cooler in my view than the current model. I've had both, and do prefer the older watch. Holes case natch😁
Try a 16570, its 40mm and looks cooler in my view than the current model. I've had both, and do prefer the older watch. Holes case natch😁
Funny you say that, I wear a 16570 daily! It's a perfect watch, but it lacks few of the amenities of the later generation (honestly mostly bracelet and clasp)