The magic of watches lies in the emotions they arouse: often symbols of a family history, they are also offered to mark special occasions or simply worn as a fashion accessory to assert one’s style. Are you one of those people who want to know all the details of a certain brand or learn more about the design of a specific model? If you are not already a collector, I promise that watches will quickly become an incredibly rewarding hobby.
Since my arrival in the world of watchmaking, I have met very few people talking about a simple “hobby”, a term which in my opinion is not strong enough. Many prefer to refer to themselves as collectors, enthusiasts or even aficionados. No matter what term you choose, all of these people have one thing in common: They love to spend their free time learning more about watches, buying watches they like and meeting other individuals who share their passion for mechanical watches.
Watches as a Hobby
Watches are probably the most diverse hobby. Many watches brands have been established for centuries and their rich history is strewn with constant innovation, great achievement and luxury. The internet also allows watch enthusiasts to get in touch, both through social networks and watch forums and other types of digital watch publications.
If your particular interest is mechanical watches, however , I recommend that you pick up some of the amazing books written on the subject. They not only contain more detailed information about your favorite watches, but also allow you to hold a concrete object in your hands – which will also look great on a shelf or coffee table. I can almost guarantee that your guests won’t resist the temptation to flip through a few pages every time they come to your place.
World of Watches
As you familiarize yourself with the world of watches, you will discover that the trigger is different for each person. Most enthusiasts are interested in the mechanical aspect and are simply fascinated by the dazzling technical know-how going into the manufacture of watches as well as the number of technologies that it is possible to integrate into such a small case.
Others, however, are more attracted by their design: thanks to several centuries of tradition, watch design is an inexhaustible source of enthusiasm . While design enthusiasts eagerly await novelties from different brands, they also like to immerse themselves in the almost bottomless ocean of vintage models.
Some even go so far as to compare the evolution of a design over time and follow the history from one model to another, while others are simply looking for watches that match their personal style. .
This brings me to another notable point regarding watch enthusiasts. Most have very strong opinions about everything: brands, movements, designs, bracelets, colors, materials, fonts, needles, markers, etc. Most won’t hesitate to defend their opinion tooth and nail, which can seem intimidating at first.
A large number of initiates are indeed wells of knowledge, but will welcome you with open arms in a community of enthusiasts with strong opinions and sometimes strong characters, which are only the reflection of their deep love for watches. By becoming a member of this community, you will have the opportunity to participate in endless discussions .
Let’s be honest:
Let’s be honest: A heated discussion involving differing opinions is often much more rewarding than a group of people who have exactly the same opinion. Don’t hesitate to go out into the field and get all the information you’re looking for about a brand, model, design – or all three at the same time.
This will help you understand the origins of your favorite timepieces better and get to know some fantastic people. You will also find that you don’t have to be from a certain background to collect watches – it is a hobby open to everyone, regardless of your age or social class. Isn’t that basically what makes watches so interesting?
Can you believe like me that a luxury watch is the ultimate symbol of success, far beyond its history and personal value. Watches are more accessible than many other luxury goods, which means that many more people can enjoy them – although it’s not uncommon to come across timepieces costing more than a car or even a car.
Finally, watches are incredibly personal accessories, which accompany us on a daily basis and clearly convey the image we are trying to project. Watches are more accessible than many other luxury goods, which means that many more people can enjoy them – although it’s not uncommon to come across timepieces costing more than a car or even a car. Don’t hesitate to go out into the field and get all the information you’re looking for about a brand, model, design – or all three at the same time.
