Fine Times

Chances are, most anyone reading this is wearing a fine wristwatch. Ironically, in this era where we have a time clock in every room, on every computer monitor, and in every automobile, wearing a timekeeping device on ones wrist seems more popular than ever. It is an interesting phenomena, that has become even more intriguing the past decade or so, with the comeback of the mechanical wristwatch.

The mechanical wristwatch was developed as a portable device to keep time. Mass production began in the mid 1800's. Nearly a century later the electronic (or quartz) watch was invented, and appeared to be the successor of the mechanical watch. The introduction of the highly accurate and extremely inexpensive quartz wristwatch nearly made the mechanical wristwatch obsolete, much the way the automobile replaced the horse and buggy. But something happened along the way that evolved the mechanical wristwatch into something more than just a time keeping device.

The basic design of mechanical watches has not changed much over the past 150 years. The mechanism keeps time through the highly regulated energy release of a wound spring, which transfers that energy through a set of intricate gears, which in turn rotates the watch hands. Generally these mechanical watch movements are hand assembled so they are overly expensive to manufacture and only accurate to within a few seconds per day. In this day of high technology, the mechanical wristwatch is the ultimate in low technology. In fact, the mechanical wristwatch is an anomaly, truly a step back in time.

Amazingly, the mechanical wristwatch actually gained in popularity after it's technology became obsolete. Why is this archaic item so sought after? One reason can be explained simply as beauty. These timepieces are visual works of art. The subtle curves and angles of the case, the tedious perfection and contrast of the dial, combined with the old world craftsmanship of the movement, certainly qualify a fine mechanical wristwatch as a complete work of art.

Social status is a psychological attribute that influences watch consumers. Wearing a fine timepiece can be a subtle indicator of a person's economic stature, whether real or perceived. The individualism that can be displayed in the choice of a wristwatch often can distinguish one well-dressed person from another.

Another psychological factor that helps fuel the fine watch craze is scarcity. In this day and age of instant access, something that is hard to find or acquire, can subsequently become yearned for. Critics have accused the manufacturers of artificially creating this perception of rarity, thus increasing the demand. Whether it is true or not, it certainly adds to the allure and helps drive the market, even creating a niche group of watch collectors.

Many watch aficionados own multiple fine watches. Some people have accumulated watch collections that are worth hundreds of thousands, even millions of dollars. Others have grown their passion for fine watches into a hobby where they constantly buy, sell and trade their valuable timepieces, often spending many hours researching every detail. Some collectors are motivated by money. Some yearn to accumulate a complete series of watches from their favorite watch house. Others hunt to find only the rarest of timepieces. Whether a collector is motivated by profit, fashion or history, one thing they generally have in common is a sense of intrigue for the finer things in life.

Our world offers a vast and varied array of items for collectors to spend their time and money on such as art, coins, stamps, memorabilia and cars, to name a few. So why has collecting watches become so popular even among enthusiasts? Watches are somewhat practical functioning items compared to most other collectables. A fine watch can be worn, admired and enjoyed daily. A fine stamp, coin or memorabilia collection can sit in a safe or closet for months, even years, without being enjoyed. Even the most ultra expensive platinum tourbillon wristwatch can be worn occasionally as a fashion accessory. Watches also are relatively small, easy and inexpensive to store and maintain compared to say automobiles or art.

Just like they did over 150 years ago, skilled watchmakers carefully handcraft and assemble nearly every component in each fine watch. There is some marvel and nobility wearing an item that is made by humans hunched over a bench. Whether we talk about a vintage timepiece or a fine modern one, it seems the wearer can feel a sense of history. All of the above mentioned factors combine to give fine watch wearers and collectors a special feeling, a sense of pride. Very few inanimate objects can cause such an emotion, which really helps explain how a fine watch is truly a unique item.

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