A Watch Story: The Start of an Obsession
For those of us that get into this hobby, there is usually THE moment. The moment with a specific watch when we realized it all changed. Prior to this moment, a watch was just watch. You obviously knew about them, but they weren’t an item you particularly cared about. They were an object you likely wore to avoid getting yelled at. It ensured you were home on time, or that you made it to class before the bell. If you wore one at all, watches weren’t anything special to you. A tool rather than a desired accessory.
Then there is the moment. The moment that makes you pay attention. You see an advertisement, watch a movie, or notice one on the wrist of a friend or family member and you’re forced to take notice. Something about this time is different, and your attention is drawn to the watch it a way it never was before. It goes from being just a watch, to something more. Something that’s cool. Something that alters your idea of what a watch is and what a watch means.
It’s hard to put into words exactly what it is that does it for you, what causes this epic shift. In any case, the feeling is unmistakable. For some this moment happens early, for others later, and for the sad but” lucky” few maybe not at all; but if you’ve found yourself on this site, reading this blog, you’ve undoubtably had it. That being the case, I offer you my congratulations and condolences, as there is no going back.
My moment came while having dinner with my grandfather. He had always been a well-dressed man. Someone who kept up with fashion trends and accessorized well. He was far removed from the stereotypical grandfather wearing sweatpants and New Balance sneakers. He was a man that successfully toed the delicate line of flash and sophistication. Linen shirts, pressed pants, Italian leather loafers, and a tasteful touch of gold jewelry where among his staples. He had always worn a watch, but up to this point it wasn’t an item I noticed over any other. It was just another accessory that pulled his overall look together.
On this particular evening, with him at the head of the table, I sat to his left. Whatever the subject, he spoke with passion, and commanded attention. Often speaking with his hands and banging the table to emphasize a point, his animated movements along with my position next to him gave me the perfect vantage point to the beautiful watch on his left wrist. It was large, shinny, and stood out immediately as he it waved it in front of me.
Initially I was captivated by the color pairing. The bracelet was a mixture of alternating steel and gold pieces that shimmered and caught the light just right. The bi-metal combination paired with the perfectly blue dial color had me fixated. As a man who kept up with the latest trends, this watch was peak 2000s, and perfect in its time. The large size, high polish, and being two-tone, it was everything you would want in that moment.
I would come to learn that the watch was the Breitling Chronomat Evolution. With newly found interest, I took notice of all the little unique characteristics. I then educated myself on the details; all the parts that attracted me to it. The dial, sub-dials, bezel, crown, etc., all the pieces that made this watch district in my mind were now ever so important.
For whatever reason, the watch reminded me of a diving helmet. One of those old spun brass examples you often see on display with high polish - doubtful if it was ever really used. This association is comical now, being a pilots watch more so than it ever would be a diver. But something about the combination of colors, sloped lugs, rounded crown, screw accents, and anchor within the logo all spoke to me in way that screamed this imagery. It was elegant yet rugged at the same time. The perfect watch, in the perfect time, on the perfect man. This was my moment, for better or worse, the start of an obsession.
From that moment on watches were no longer an accessory that went unnoticed. They are now the first thing I look at on a person. I glance down people’s wrists around me to see what watch is worn and wonder why they are wearing it. What attracted them to that particular model, and what does it say about them? It has started countless conversations with people I typically may not have spoken to otherwise. And often, it goes a long way in developing a first impression.
Over the years my preference and taste in watches has evolved. Looking at this watch today, at 44mm and with its high polish I find it far too large and flashy. It is no longer the early 2000s, and this is no longer what I deem to be a “grail”. What was once the object of my desires has shifted to an appreciation for a model that got me into the hobby I love so much. With that said, I will always have a fondness and sentimental soft spot for Breitling as a brand. To this day I have a Breitling in my collection, and every glance down at the time simultaneously brings back the memories tied to the people and moments I associate the brand with.
In many ways this watch is the inspiration for this site and a tribute to my grandfather. Without them who knows when my moment would have come. Would I have even had it yet? Would it have had the same impact? It takes the perfect combination of circumstances to leave a lasting impression. A particular item, setting, or person can all have a lasting impact on your perception of the world around you. Notice the details, you never know what might stick.
-Justin Fink
Photo Credit: wearingtime.com
