8 Ways We Get Emotional About Watches

Apr 19, 2014,13:27 PM
 


Watches & Emotion




Watches are undeniably linked to our emotions in a strong way. They have the ability to consume our hearts, minds and psyche. They’ll make a play on our personalities and infiltrate our identities. With all the ways that watches can affect the way we feel, one thing is likely agreed upon; watches will give back so much more than what was given up to acquire them.

 

So why do we get emotional about watches then? After all, are they not simply over-priced, often over-the-top and over-hyped little mechanical devices that were once-upon-a-time used to help keep time and have since evolved into so much more? The boundaries are still being pushed. The innovation is still alive and thus we are still excited and still buying.



 

I once saw a man get choked up as he told me the story about how his mother had presented him with his father’s vintage Patek after he had passed away. Not only had his father survived the Holocaust but the watch had too. Wearing the watch was like carrying a part of his father’s soul he explained.



 

I have also witnessed tremendous relief by another man. The husband and father originally thought that thieves had made away with the Bulgari watch that he had purchased for his wife. He later joyously learned that his daughter was in possession of it the whole time and kept it safe.

 

Perhaps there are several different reasons why watches engage our emotions and our attention. They have the power to evoke emotions because they are usually so personal and personally reflective of the owners who wear and collect them. The meaning behind each piece often delves deeper than the dial’s surface. They are ever changing in their dynamic virtues and therefore always seem to keep collectors on a hopeless hook by which they are nearly powerless to escape. Additionally watches may serve as bridges to worlds outside of ourselves whether that be to times past, endeavors in the future or across geographical borders. Watches connect people, technology and art. Indeed they can hold a great deal of significance in many ways. Here are some ways they might impact your life.



 

8 Ways We Get Emotional About Watches

 

1.  They can show how proud we are. Watches can serve as tokens of pride to mark accomplishments in our life. Quite often I hear about someone spending the first big paycheck on a new watch. It’s a great way to reward yourself and show the people around you that you’ve made it!

 

2.  They can make us nostalgic. Watches are sometimes remnants of times that have passed or special people who have passed. It can be a way to keep the memory of someone alive and close to your heart.

 

3.  Happiness…of course, especially when someone you love gives you that “Limited Edition” you’ve been ogling for the past year.



 

4.  You feel lucky. Landing a rare vintage Rolex sometimes takes a little more than perseverance, resourcefulness and money. 

 

5.  Excitement - It’s hard not to get excited about the release of a highly anticipated new watch. Novelty almost always imparts excitement and the world of horology is continuously changing and developing. We get excited about movements, new materials, impeccable craftsmanship, finishing and things that have never been done before.



 

6.  They can help us to feel more confident. Watches can help us to reflect our sense of self and be a means for enforcing individuality and with it confidence. What you choose and wear often does say something about who you are. And you’ll certainly feel confident when you know more than the average watch salesperson. 



 

7.  They can make us feel like a kid again. Watch enthusiasts who order watches are like kids on Christmas morning. They will eagerly await the arrival of the deliveryman like a kid waits for Santa. I would suggest that we start leaving some milk and cookies for the Fedex guy. He could be carrying a Tourbillon or your next Grande Sonnerie.



 

8.  Disappointment is sometimes a given. When there is happiness and excitement, there will likely be disappointment at times as well. Like when a watch is damaged, stolen or lost. And when we can’t get the piece we want because it is sold out. Hopefully these moments will be kept to a minimum and we continue to exploit all the rewards that watches continue to offer us. From what I can see so far, that’s exactly what they have done.







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Comments: view entire thread

 

That was a nice read about us & these little magic gizmos.. That are able ..

 
 By: hs111 : April 19th, 2014-14:10
.. to play on many chords of our soul. Truly enjoyed every word of your write - up ! If you allow maybe one short ad-on : They keep us connected, in an invisible bond, with many good friends and comrades in this passion ! Thank you for a great good-night ... 

That is probably the most important aspect...

 
 By: pingtsai : April 21st, 2014-13:12
...is the connection factor. Thank you for pointing this out and for your very thoughtful comments.

Thank you Nicolas! [nt]

 
 By: pingtsai : April 21st, 2014-13:12

What a wonderful post

 
 By: stromer : April 19th, 2014-14:15
And it exactly captures some of the sentiments I was lucky enough to receive from being a watch nut up to now. Fortunately being handed down a watch from a late loved one in not amongst them. Thank you for these beauiful lines, Ping. Best, Martin

Then perhaps you can save one to be handed down to someone special to you :)

 
 By: pingtsai : April 21st, 2014-13:16
I certainly have future plans for my watches. Thanks for your comments

Excellent article

 
 By: Spellbound : April 19th, 2014-16:52
Wonderful essay with some terrific photos that really convey a huge amount of passion and emotion. For me, the wonders of a watch are the mysteries of how they actually work. I have no idea how many watches work and I choose not to learn. For me, the myst... 

I am the same way

 
 By: pingtsai : April 21st, 2014-13:20
Often I am so impressed and overwhelmed that I can't even imagine having the mental capacity to grasp the workings. And so I figure I will simply admire in a more simple way. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and comments.

Exactly...

 
 By: KIH : April 19th, 2014-18:57
... you put them all very well. Something we enjoy, and something we can share with some important person - that is the key element for me. Disappointment always comes with life - so I try not to be distracted by that aspect, I have been there :-) Thanks,... 

Luckily, we don't see too much disappointment :)

 
 By: pingtsai : April 21st, 2014-13:23
I think the sharing aspect is key like you said. Having partners in passion is certainly more meaningful and enjoyable. Thanks Ken!

The Thrill of the Chase ...

 
 By: flamenco : April 19th, 2014-21:54
Another common reason I see PuristS keep the passion alive. Borders on addiction ... All that endorphin, all that adrenaline ;) But what can one do , when the human physiology and psychology is designed that way .... Great read as always , very well put. ... 

That's right! I left this one out...

 
 By: pingtsai : April 21st, 2014-13:25
....the "thrill" in watch collecting. Of course. I suppose it's feeds into excitement as well. thanks for sharing your thoughts and comments!

Watches connect people

 
 By: AndrewD : April 20th, 2014-00:42
Another lovely essay, Ping and beautifully illustrated with pictures and anecdotes. Watches do have an emotional resonance beyond their utilitarian functions. That has to be what keeps our interest. For me they also connect me with history like few other ... 

Thank you Andrew!

 
 By: pingtsai : April 21st, 2014-16:37
That is another interesting point that watches can make us interested in history. Since they are always changing, there's a constant interest in what was done in the past. Often fascinating for sure.

So true

 
 By: hans_jorgen_1968 : April 20th, 2014-07:11
Great post My most dead watches are not the ines I could afford.. But the ones I had to hunt, or the ones I inherited from my father or grandfather Best Hans

It's never about the monetary cost...

 
 By: pingtsai : April 21st, 2014-16:41
...which may only sustain our attention temporarily, but as you have pointed out, the personal significance which determines how we feel about them. Thank you for your comments.

Absolutely....

 
 By: pingtsai : April 21st, 2014-16:43
....it can teach you something new, open your mind, or deepen our appreciation of something.

The photos of the young girl with the watch conveys everything.

 
 By: jporos : April 20th, 2014-18:01
Thanks for reminding us of the emotional bond we have with our watches.

I enlisted the help of my "minions"....

 
 By: pingtsai : April 21st, 2014-16:47
....to capture the essence of "wonder". :)

Excellent write up

 
 By: rnaden : April 20th, 2014-18:08
Thank you for this. It made for a great read, and touched on so many personal aspects of our love for watches. I identified personally with at least 5 of the points you touched on and gave me a lot more food for thought. It's timely, and ever so often I n... 

5 out of 8...

 
 By: pingtsai : April 21st, 2014-16:52
...you may be a pretty emotion watch guy then :) ....a Purist I would say.

What a great report...

 
 By: BABKA : April 20th, 2014-19:04
...very interesting read. Thanks for sharing!

Thank you!! [nt]

 
 By: pingtsai : April 21st, 2014-16:52

Great article Ping!

 
 By: jrwong23 (aka watchthebin) : April 21st, 2014-04:06
I can definitely relate to most of your points. #7 is the most common emotion for me. They are indeed like "toys" but toys we treasure alot more for a much longer period of time, often for a lifetime. Thanks for this brilliant write-up Ping. Cheers Robin

Toys for adults :)

 
 By: pingtsai : April 21st, 2014-16:54
...and pricey ones at that. Thank you for your great comments Robin!

Funny thing, we can get emotional over these things in a combination of ways...

 
 By: patrick_y : April 21st, 2014-10:20
I definitely see the emotions in my veins in more than one of the eight ways! Really liked your photos too! Great photos! They really capture the spirit and excitement of collecting watches.

Thank you Patrick!

 
 By: pingtsai : April 21st, 2014-16:56
Black and white photos convey so much for me so I wanted to incorporate them into my post. Thank you for your thoughtful comments as always ....and wonderful to see you on Saturday! Hope you guys had fun on the drive.

Good to see you too!

 
 By: patrick_y : April 22nd, 2014-15:40
It was a pleasure to see you again, especially after so long. There is a unique quality to black and white photographs, a certain elegance and timelessness.

Great post and love the included pictures

 
 By: AnthonyTsai : April 22nd, 2014-06:20
Each and every picture compliments the emotional aspect of your great article. Super job! Cheers, Anthony

I SEE MY FACE HAHAHA

 
 By: TOPLIMIT : April 22nd, 2014-07:41
Thanks for the great post. Really made me think about this crazy hobby of mine. I mean, people may think that we are crazy spending so much money on instruments that tells time (and other stuff), but there is more to it. It is the emotional journey and ex... 

Watches are the one gift . . .

 
 By: Dr No : April 23rd, 2014-12:07
. . . that transcend generations. My emotions are touched every time I wear one of Dad's watches. An almost lyrical article . . . thank you, Ping. Sincerely, Art

Great essay...

 
 By: ThomasM : April 27th, 2014-15:23
Hi Ping, I think you've found your voice and place. TM