If you love something, let it go
I recently added a watch and needed to move one on as I have a strict “one in, one out” self-imposed rule. Crazy, I know.
I debated for a few weeks about donating to @Mr.Dee.Bater ‘s Charity Watch Aution or to a charity watch raffle with @Edge168n, 2 of the greatest things ever to come out of this forum. But I instead, maybe selfishly, went antoher way.
I met up with a old friend a few months ago who was in town with his family. Like many men, I often neglect old friendships as I get older and busier, but he and I alway pick up right where we left off as soon as we’re together. This time he came with his 2 sons, the oldest who was around 13. As we talk through dinner he tells us he feels a little awkward, doesn’t have many friends, and is into things most of his peers aren’t. He really likes technology and science and reading and studying. I tell him I was the same and it’s ok to be different as I didn’t find my groove until much later in my education and professional training. He also really like his G-Shock and all of the functions. I play dumb so he shows me everything because he’s so excited and I can’t stop smiling. He then asks about my watch, my chronograph I think, and I explain a little about mechanical watches and how they work, etc. We end the night saying we can’t let life get in the way and need to get the families together more, like most men, but I can’t stop thinking about his son and his budding watch fascination.
So I decided that I might feel better seeing this kid wearing my watch than I would getting a “sold” email from EBay or Reddit. I bought my Seiko SPB313 shortly before my wife and I had twins and it’s been a lovely companion ever since. I took it hiking in Washington and it survived WC Scavenger Hunt. It’s lasted through sleepless nights with infants, long work hours, and outlasted sweat and tears and blood, not all of which were mine. Like all Seiko, it kept on trucking along and took every knock in stride.
I write this post not seeking praise or congratulations, I’ve done nothing unique or special. Many of you have passed on watches without recognition and I am only one of many. I just hope this maybe encourages one of you to do the same with something well loved, like mine, or seldom worn. Maybe this watch will spur him down the rabbit hole into these stupid toys we’re all so fond of. Maybe it just becomes a tool for daily life. Either way, it’ll have a new story with someone else and I couldn’t be happier.
Chatting online with hot babes all day
I am sure he will treasure the watch. I also like encouraging others, particularly younger people to enjoy a watch.
Now you are someone who truly understands the value of time, and spending it well….
I can't believe you condemned that poor young man to a lifetime of collecting and contemplating tiny extremely expensive Rube Goldberg machines. Think of all the things he could have done with that extra pocket money. You didn't even get a picture of the kid Schwartzkopfing. You monster.
More seriously, I relate to all of this entirely too much.
Maintaining friendships is hard...and happily married dudes with kids are the absolute worst. My advice? Stick everyone into a CRM system or put them into a calendar for check ins. Otherwise people fall through the cracks and it's always a shame.
And maybe the best thing in the world as a teenager is knowing that there are adults out there in the world (that you're not related to) who actually care about you.
You're a good egg, bud.
#justgooutsideandtouchgrass
Now you are someone who truly understands the value of time, and spending it well….
Thanks mate
I can't believe you condemned that poor young man to a lifetime of collecting and contemplating tiny extremely expensive Rube Goldberg machines. Think of all the things he could have done with that extra pocket money. You didn't even get a picture of the kid Schwartzkopfing. You monster.
More seriously, I relate to all of this entirely too much.
Maintaining friendships is hard...and happily married dudes with kids are the absolute worst. My advice? Stick everyone into a CRM system or put them into a calendar for check ins. Otherwise people fall through the cracks and it's always a shame.
And maybe the best thing in the world as a teenager is knowing that there are adults out there in the world (that you're not related to) who actually care about you.
You're a good egg, bud.
#justgooutsideandtouchgrass
I honestly did, for a fraction of a second, think “you daft b***tard, this is a terrible hobby! What are you doing?!” But it IS fun and I wouldn’t have met the sad lot of you on here so that would be no fun either.
Yeah I truly must make an effort with the friends. It won’t always be this hard once the kids are a little older but nothing prevents heart disease and depression like the boys.
Wonderful story and I agree that this is way more satisfying than selling it off! I bet he will cherish that watch for quite some time, and once he becomes more knowledgeable about watches in general, he’ll realize how nice of a piece this Seiko is.
This also reminds me of a friend that I’ve recently made while vacationing in the Caribbean. Thr last time I was there, he complimented one of my watches (cheap Addiesdive explorer homage) and really liked it. I was super close to giving it to him on the spot, but then I realized I’d probably be doing him a disservice because the watch has a stupid Rolex styled screw caseback—a real painful way to change a battery for a non watch person. I’ll likely bring a few watches (that I’m happy to let go) down the next time I visit.
Very cool! That kid has got the coolest watch of anyone his age!!!
Very cool!! You’ve invested in a future horologist and Watch Cruncher! Cheers!
Very cool! That kid has got the coolest watch of anyone his age!!!
He honestly probably does! I didn’t think about that.
So you said bye to the 313. But you did good, you are forgiven 👍
So you said bye to the 313. But you did good, you are forgiven 👍
I’ll take that
Great deed and yup, he’s now the cool kid with a slick watch.
My best buddy got a seiko chrono in around grade 9 or 10 and I had to get one shortly thereafter!!
Great read on a Friday afternoon. Your act of generosity will be paid forward time and time again I'm sure. It looks fantastic on him.
Well done!
Great read on a Friday afternoon. Your act of generosity will be paid forward time and time again I'm sure. It looks fantastic on him.
Well done!
Thanks brother
Thanks brother
Just noticed you're a fellow Texan and you own a JM. Did you pick it up at their store? I went some time back when the Strat-O-Timer was still in design. After a few months do you still enjoy it? It's been on my short list for sure...
Just noticed you're a fellow Texan and you own a JM. Did you pick it up at their store? I went some time back when the Strat-O-Timer was still in design. After a few months do you still enjoy it? It's been on my short list for sure...
I’ll DM you in a few