Watches - why?
Discussion
Now I know this is a sort of lions and Christians question, but genuinely can anyone please explain to me what is the attraction of watches?
I stopped wearing one around 25 years ago when I came to the realisation that the time was available everywhere, on phones, in your car, on your computer etc.
I get that they are fantastically intricate pieces of engineering, but why go to such lengths now when it really isn't necessary, and why wear them risking damage etc? Aside from specific occupations of course, but that must be a very small subset of enthusiasts.
I'm genuinely baffled and interested in your views. What do you get from having and wearing a (or often multiple) expensive watches? There must be something in it and it seems to overlap with car enthusiasm, but I just don't understand it.
I stopped wearing one around 25 years ago when I came to the realisation that the time was available everywhere, on phones, in your car, on your computer etc.
I get that they are fantastically intricate pieces of engineering, but why go to such lengths now when it really isn't necessary, and why wear them risking damage etc? Aside from specific occupations of course, but that must be a very small subset of enthusiasts.
I'm genuinely baffled and interested in your views. What do you get from having and wearing a (or often multiple) expensive watches? There must be something in it and it seems to overlap with car enthusiasm, but I just don't understand it.
Archie2050 said:
Now I know this is a sort of lions and Christians question, but genuinely can anyone please explain to me what is the attraction of watches?
I stopped wearing one around 25 years ago when I came to the realisation that the time was available everywhere, on phones, in your car, on your computer etc.
I get that they are fantastically intricate pieces of engineering, but why go to such lengths now when it really isn't necessary, and why wear them risking damage etc? Aside from specific occupations of course, but that must be a very small subset of enthusiasts.
I'm genuinely baffled and interested in your views. What do you get from having and wearing a (or often multiple) expensive watches? There must be something in it and it seems to overlap with car enthusiasm, but I just don't understand it.
Jewellery.I stopped wearing one around 25 years ago when I came to the realisation that the time was available everywhere, on phones, in your car, on your computer etc.
I get that they are fantastically intricate pieces of engineering, but why go to such lengths now when it really isn't necessary, and why wear them risking damage etc? Aside from specific occupations of course, but that must be a very small subset of enthusiasts.
I'm genuinely baffled and interested in your views. What do you get from having and wearing a (or often multiple) expensive watches? There must be something in it and it seems to overlap with car enthusiasm, but I just don't understand it.
An interest in the engineering.
Willy waving, for some.
I think for me it all started with my dad, as did my interest in motorsport, cars bikes engines and getting dirty and greasy etc For as long as I can remember I always used to look at my dads watches, which weren’t anything special except for his Breitling. I was just fascinated by them, so from a very young age I always had a watch. I remember having a blue strapped Snoopy watch, various digital Casio watches and a PopSwatch bought for me on holiday in Jersey in around 1989/1990.
I guess I don’t have a specific reason for liking watches other than my dad had them. I’m starting to become more interested in how various movements work etc and appreciate the design and engineering that goes into watches more and more as I’m getting older. I don’t however own any expensive watches, although I do own around 20. That’s not because I can’t necessarily afford them, but because I can’t justify spending out so much on one item that would just be for my use. I would however like to buy my grail watch (Omega Speedmaster) for my 50th, that isn’t until 2030 so I’ve got a few years to make sure I’ve put the money aside gradually to obtain that.
I guess I don’t have a specific reason for liking watches other than my dad had them. I’m starting to become more interested in how various movements work etc and appreciate the design and engineering that goes into watches more and more as I’m getting older. I don’t however own any expensive watches, although I do own around 20. That’s not because I can’t necessarily afford them, but because I can’t justify spending out so much on one item that would just be for my use. I would however like to buy my grail watch (Omega Speedmaster) for my 50th, that isn’t until 2030 so I’ve got a few years to make sure I’ve put the money aside gradually to obtain that.
hungry_hog said:
Not really about telling the time
Jewellery with a practical function
Status symbol
in a time when we have less need for them than ever before, they are more expensive than ever before
Thanks,Jewellery with a practical function
Status symbol
in a time when we have less need for them than ever before, they are more expensive than ever before
I suppose that was my preconception. The thing that baffles me is that I have buddies who share my car buying habits and who have large and very expensive collections but I have absolutely no desire for a watch. It's that disconnect that I find a little puzzling. You'd have less trouble in trying to get me to buy a bison.
There's 'nowt so queer as folk' I suppose.
My Grandad had an incredible collection of ivory. Ignoring the ethical issues, it was utterly pointless and served no function whatsoever but the workmanship and skills in carving it were incredible - they were impressive to look at. My Grandma collected Royal Doulton figurines, which is even more baffling. Some people collect trainers. Some people collect and hoard junk to the point that their house is full.
Point being is that people are weird and it’s easier to not even try to understand them. I have no idea why I collect and wear watches, I just really like them but I genuinely wish I could live with just one ‘nice’ watch - or, even better, not be interested in them at all!
Point being is that people are weird and it’s easier to not even try to understand them. I have no idea why I collect and wear watches, I just really like them but I genuinely wish I could live with just one ‘nice’ watch - or, even better, not be interested in them at all!
Archie2050 said:
Now I know this is a sort of lions and Christians question, but genuinely can anyone please explain to me what is the attraction of watches?
I stopped wearing one around 25 years ago when I came to the realisation that the time was available everywhere, on phones, in your car, on your computer etc.
I get that they are fantastically intricate pieces of engineering, but why go to such lengths now when it really isn't necessary, and why wear them risking damage etc? Aside from specific occupations of course, but that must be a very small subset of enthusiasts.
I'm genuinely baffled and interested in your views. What do you get from having and wearing a (or often multiple) expensive watches? There must be something in it and it seems to overlap with car enthusiasm, but I just don't understand it.
Do you not have anything you enjoy buying and owning?I stopped wearing one around 25 years ago when I came to the realisation that the time was available everywhere, on phones, in your car, on your computer etc.
I get that they are fantastically intricate pieces of engineering, but why go to such lengths now when it really isn't necessary, and why wear them risking damage etc? Aside from specific occupations of course, but that must be a very small subset of enthusiasts.
I'm genuinely baffled and interested in your views. What do you get from having and wearing a (or often multiple) expensive watches? There must be something in it and it seems to overlap with car enthusiasm, but I just don't understand it.
What do people get from buying and collecting art?
Why do people own several different cars or motorbikes?
What do people get from buying things like model railways?
What do people get from hobbies such as paying to watch football?
What do people get from buying expensive clothes?
What do people get from buying expensive shoes or trainers?
What do people get from buying expensive sunglasses?
What do people get from buying an expensive car?
You could ask ‘Why?’ to buying almost everything in the world apart from the basics such as food, shelter, clothing, and running water.
People enjoy stuff and will pay money for it, and if it that ‘stuff’ needs explained, then it probably isn’t for you!
Edited by anonymous-user on Saturday 31st December 15:04
Lord Marylebone said:
Do you not have anything you enjoy buying and owning?
What do people get from buying and collecting art?
What do people get from buying things like model railways?
What do people get from hobbies such as paying to watch football?
What do people get from buying expensive clothes?
What do people get from buying expensive shoes or trainers?
What do people get from buying expensive sunglasses?
What do people get from buying an expensive car?
You could ask ‘Why?’ to buying almost everything in the world apart from the basics such as food, shelter, clothing, and running water.
People enjoy stuff and will pay money for it, and if it needs explained, then it isn’t for you.
Yes, of course I get all of that. The thing I am getting at is the link between cars and watches. Why does Collecting Cars have a sister watch site, why does Car magazine often have articles about watches, as if car collecting and watch collecting were natural bedfellows? They don't run articles on guitars, or cameras for example.What do people get from buying and collecting art?
What do people get from buying things like model railways?
What do people get from hobbies such as paying to watch football?
What do people get from buying expensive clothes?
What do people get from buying expensive shoes or trainers?
What do people get from buying expensive sunglasses?
What do people get from buying an expensive car?
You could ask ‘Why?’ to buying almost everything in the world apart from the basics such as food, shelter, clothing, and running water.
People enjoy stuff and will pay money for it, and if it needs explained, then it isn’t for you.
That's the bit I find hard to explain. It's not just luxury or liking nice things there's something particular in common.
Doofus said:
Jewellery.
An interest in the engineering.
Willy waving, for some.
None of the above.An interest in the engineering.
Willy waving, for some.
I have a couple of expensive watches, but only because they were given to me, and I rarely wear them. Instead I almost exclusively wear a sub £30 Timex.
Controversially, I wear it to tell the time. Yes, I know phones etc tell the time, but it's a lot easier to look at my wrist while cycling than it is to pull a phone out. It's also more aaccurate than the fancy ones.
Archie2050 said:
Yes, of course I get all of that. The thing I am getting at is the link between cars and watches. Why does Collecting Cars have a sister watch site, why does Car magazine often have articles about watches, as if car collecting and watch collecting were natural bedfellows? They don't run articles on guitars, or cameras for example.
That's the bit I find hard to explain. It's not just luxury or liking nice things there's something particular in common.
Have a read of this:That's the bit I find hard to explain. It's not just luxury or liking nice things there's something particular in common.
https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/why-watches-and-...
https://www.watchaffinity.co.uk/blog/watches-and-c...
https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=...
My personal view is that watches/stopwatches have always been linked to cars right from day one. People have always timed cars to assess their speed and performance, and watches have almost always been a part of all that.
Plus, they are tiny pieces of precision engineering and design which appeal to many people who also appreciate car and engine design and engineering.
That’s not the reasons why I buy watches, but it’s my take on why they are historically linked with car enthusiasm.
Edited by anonymous-user on Saturday 31st December 15:17
Archie2050 said:
Lord Marylebone said:
Do you not have anything you enjoy buying and owning?
What do people get from buying and collecting art?
What do people get from buying things like model railways?
What do people get from hobbies such as paying to watch football?
What do people get from buying expensive clothes?
What do people get from buying expensive shoes or trainers?
What do people get from buying expensive sunglasses?
What do people get from buying an expensive car?
You could ask ‘Why?’ to buying almost everything in the world apart from the basics such as food, shelter, clothing, and running water.
People enjoy stuff and will pay money for it, and if it needs explained, then it isn’t for you.
Yes, of course I get all of that. The thing I am getting at is the link between cars and watches. Why does Collecting Cars have a sister watch site, why does Car magazine often have articles about watches, as if car collecting and watch collecting were natural bedfellows? They don't run articles on guitars, or cameras for example.What do people get from buying and collecting art?
What do people get from buying things like model railways?
What do people get from hobbies such as paying to watch football?
What do people get from buying expensive clothes?
What do people get from buying expensive shoes or trainers?
What do people get from buying expensive sunglasses?
What do people get from buying an expensive car?
You could ask ‘Why?’ to buying almost everything in the world apart from the basics such as food, shelter, clothing, and running water.
People enjoy stuff and will pay money for it, and if it needs explained, then it isn’t for you.
That's the bit I find hard to explain. It's not just luxury or liking nice things there's something particular in common.
Back in the 80's I remember seeing a BMW billboard poster showing an engine block and text saying "this has been engineered to within 0.2mm tolerance" (or something to that effect), next billboard said "obviously BMW rejected it". That was impactful. Why? because we are talking about precision engineering and it is sexy.
When I see a high reputation/brand precision engineered watch, it's the same thing. Take Aston Martin dashboard dials of old, they used to look like divers' watches - it was beautiful.
Disclaimer: I don't wear one because my wrist is small while I love big diver's watches and I am rubbish with jewellery (it always breaks or feels uncomfortable for me).
Lord Marylebone said:
Archie2050 said:
Yes, of course I get all of that. The thing I am getting at is the link between cars and watches. Why does Collecting Cars have a sister watch site, why does Car magazine often have articles about watches, as if car collecting and watch collecting were natural bedfellows? They don't run articles on guitars, or cameras for example.
That's the bit I find hard to explain. It's not just luxury or liking nice things there's something particular in common.
Have a read of this:That's the bit I find hard to explain. It's not just luxury or liking nice things there's something particular in common.
https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/why-watches-and-...
https://www.watchaffinity.co.uk/blog/watches-and-c...
https://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=...
My personal view is that watches/stopwatches have always been linked to cars right from day one. People have always timed cars to assess their speed and performance, and watches have almost always been a part of all that.
Thank you, there's a lot to go through there, fascinating stuff.
Archie2050 said:
Now I know this is a sort of lions and Christians question, but genuinely can anyone please explain to me what is the attraction of watches?
I stopped wearing one around 25 years ago when I came to the realisation that the time was available everywhere, on phones, in your car, on your computer etc.
I get that they are fantastically intricate pieces of engineering, but why go to such lengths now when it really isn't necessary, and why wear them risking damage etc? Aside from specific occupations of course, but that must be a very small subset of enthusiasts.
I'm genuinely baffled and interested in your views. What do you get from having and wearing a (or often multiple) expensive watches? There must be something in it and it seems to overlap with car enthusiasm, but I just don't understand it.
It's a form of jewellery/ornamentation.I stopped wearing one around 25 years ago when I came to the realisation that the time was available everywhere, on phones, in your car, on your computer etc.
I get that they are fantastically intricate pieces of engineering, but why go to such lengths now when it really isn't necessary, and why wear them risking damage etc? Aside from specific occupations of course, but that must be a very small subset of enthusiasts.
I'm genuinely baffled and interested in your views. What do you get from having and wearing a (or often multiple) expensive watches? There must be something in it and it seems to overlap with car enthusiasm, but I just don't understand it.
Blimey what a question old chap. For some it’s 100% status and believing the marketing hype or the vague notion of tenuous link to a more exciting life than their own.
For others I’m sure there’s a genuine fascination with engineering or watchmaking as a art form, have a look at a Roger Smith, I challenge anyone to find a more beautiful functional piece of art.
I’ve always worn a mechanical watch of some description and probably always will. I can’t make the same connection with other devices.
For others I’m sure there’s a genuine fascination with engineering or watchmaking as a art form, have a look at a Roger Smith, I challenge anyone to find a more beautiful functional piece of art.
I’ve always worn a mechanical watch of some description and probably always will. I can’t make the same connection with other devices.
Lord Marylebone said:
Do you not have anything you enjoy buying and owning?
What do people get from buying and collecting art?
Why do people own several different cars or motorbikes?
What do people get from buying things like model railways?
What do people get from hobbies such as paying to watch football?
What do people get from buying expensive clothes?
What do people get from buying expensive shoes or trainers?
What do people get from buying expensive sunglasses?
What do people get from buying an expensive car?
You could ask ‘Why?’ to buying almost everything in the world apart from the basics such as food, shelter, clothing, and running water.
People enjoy stuff and will pay money for it, and if it that ‘stuff’ needs explained, then it probably isn’t for you!
There's one factor that some people seem reluctant to admit or accept - that quite a few of the items you've mentioned are bought partly or mainly to impress other people. It's why some people go ballistic at the thought of "fakes" because it devalues the impression created by their own genuine item. It's why so many of the items in your list have a branding or label. Without the branding would it create the same impression? It wouldn't.What do people get from buying and collecting art?
Why do people own several different cars or motorbikes?
What do people get from buying things like model railways?
What do people get from hobbies such as paying to watch football?
What do people get from buying expensive clothes?
What do people get from buying expensive shoes or trainers?
What do people get from buying expensive sunglasses?
What do people get from buying an expensive car?
You could ask ‘Why?’ to buying almost everything in the world apart from the basics such as food, shelter, clothing, and running water.
People enjoy stuff and will pay money for it, and if it that ‘stuff’ needs explained, then it probably isn’t for you!
Edited by Lord Marylebone on Saturday 31st December 15:04
FWIW all human beings are vain to some degree. We all want to have the biggest house, the best car, the prettiest wife and so on...it's human nature.
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