The REAL reason behind collecting watches

In today's world, wearing and collecting watches seems to be a bit obsolete - so why do we do it?
What's drawing us and thousands of other people into this hobby?
How did you get into the hobby? What sparked your interest? Let me know in the comments down below!

NSFW (for some lol) my video about the Voyeur from Ulysses Nardin

Why women don't like watches

Rise and fall of luxury watch maker Frank Mueller

Thank you so much for watching this video!
Jenni ❤️

0:00 Intro
1:16 The history
4:16 A symbol of status
7:07 The thrill of the hunt
8:52 The appreciation of the craft
10:30 Why we do what we do

[dascyne]

It is the only really universally socially acceptable piece of men's jewelry. As with many typically male interests, it isn't only about aesthetics but holds mechanical and historical interest.

[patrick]

A guy at the bar asks another why he is wearing a Rolex. The guy responds because I can't bring my Porsche in here.

[Maarten_official_account]

90 percent of people won't even notice your watch, 98 percent if you exclude Rolex. Buy, wear and collect watches for you and only you.

[masudashizue]

If you collected automobiles, you have to have a garage large enough to house them all, but if you collect watches they take up minimal space and you can experience the thrill of wearing a brand new watch over and over.

[weien_]

I'm happy to know I can call myself a watch enthusiast even if I can't afford to collect the physical watch but just the knowledge. Some are so fortunate that what they call "affordable" are actually expensive for some people like me who only have a budget for $50 homages because I can't get the real deal

[uncles]

Because it’s a functional expression of what one enjoys, what one wants to project, what one reward themselves, and what one covets.

[JustMeTalking]

People say watch collectors have regrets... I dont. I love my watch collection. 😊

Every watch has its place, horological significance, quality movement, brand, and a variety of complications.

Lovely 😊

[ekekonoise]

Watches are very pretty and interesting to contemplate. And they're light, portable and mostly unobtrusive. They move somewhat autonomously and they show us a reflection on a fundamental aspect of our reality and conscious experience: time.

They also are a medium for expression of individuality, tastes, inclinations. We can form an idea about the person just by looking at the watch they're wearing, and there's an incredibly variety of models, permitting almost endless customization. And they're usually durable, they don't break easily and could accompany you for a lifetime, even become heritable.

Watches are the perfect object to collect and wear. That's why i collect watches.

[michaelbradley]

Nice video. I definitely collect watches, but I also collect Fountain Pens and Knives, mostly handmade Japanese Knives. For me, I think my collecting is about things that last, that have some permanence in a mostly disposable world. I enjoy the interaction with the item and use it regardless of cost, these things were made to be used.

[mtbkmaniac]

I started collecting Seiko watches with different colored dials. Then different movements up to the 8L35 tuna Gundam with a burgundy dial. Then I found Direnzo, a microbrand that has very thoughtful design compiled from the past automotive racing lines and 70's watch designs. I collected one or more of every model he produced, also in different colors. Since I was born in 69', I needed an 1861 movement moonwatch. I had to have the denim Railmaster from its relaunch in the early 2k's but in coaxial. My 1st. Timex launched a Dia De Los Muertos trilogy in quartz. Collected 2 of the 3. The orange candy skull one sold out in 12 hours! I missed it due to our dog being attacked and having to care for her. They came out with a Snoopy version that is still available, if anyone is interested.

[simonelliott]

For me it was initially the desire to have a really classy watch for special occasions, something I could hand down to my son and then he could do the same. Then it became the craftsmanship that really got me into it, the desire to have a nice example of many different types of watch, Fleiger, diver, dress, field etc. One of the things I like about anything that has a function that is not considered to be art, is the unique engineering solutions to a problem or its primary function. This goes for almost everything I have interest in, from cars, to aviation, cameras, watches, audio etc, this drives my purchase, not the value or status.

[R_]

Watches are simply an art that is functional. An expression of taste and identity. Only artists appreciate the creation of beauty.

And not all watches are art.

[Lintybaybay]

Loved this video Jenni, your passion really shone through. You are right, it’s definitely a “Hunt the watch, gather the watches” mindset, like squirrels harvesting nuts for the winter.

[chateaubullion]

Interesting perspective. The fact is we’re all just collectively crazy. For myself, as soon as I get my so called “Grail watch “ I’m hunting for the next one.

[WaywardPondering]

The book "A Man & His Watch" by Matt Hranek, explains my love for watches. It's the story they tell, whether from brands, specific models, family or personal.

[danielfrancis]

What defines a person? By the watch they own, the clothes they wear, the house they live in? Its partially these things but for me it's how they live their lives and what they say and do.

[teddybitner]

Thanks Jenni; love the blend of history and psychology!

[ModernClassic]

Agree with everything. I've always thought some people are just "collectors" in general, and it's just a question of what they find to satisfy that itch. For some people, it's watches they appreciate the most. I first started collecting vintage video games about 40 years ago, still do and now have a sizable collection of them. Then for a while I collected electric guitars and still have about 11 of them. Now I'm on the way to becoming a watch collector (about to purchase my first real luxury watch). I do appreciate the craft involved in all of these things; that's what actually attracted me to each, vs. any other thing I could collect. But I'd have been a collector even if watches didn't exist. It is a certain mentality, and like you say all humans have it, but some definitely more than others.

[robynsjp]

It is complicated. Being 60, I feel things were better in the past when I was a kid, in the 1960s. So the only way to travel back in time, is to wear 1960s pieces and feel the powerful rushes of nostalgia, to relive moments, to feel loved ones already gone. So no I'm not exchanging my old, battered 1967 321 Speedy or 1966 Sub for an oversized 2024 Cubitus for which I would feel nothing ! Complications, precious metal, gemstones are totally irrelevant to me.

[tcphoto]

I am a freelance photographer and I love to learning how machines work whether it's my car, photography gear or my watches. I have only recently gotten into watches and especially love the ones with history, my newly acquired Moon watch reminds me of my late father, his birthday was July 21 and I think about him every time I wear it.