Your Forever Watch: Collector Discussion

patrick_y · 2022-02-15T01:30:48Z

Explore the 'Forever Watch' concept with WatchProSite's patrick_y. Collectors share their Patek Philippe, IWC, Lang & Heyne, and JLC choices, defining what makes a timepiece truly timeless.

patrick_y

WPS member · Horological Meandering forum

101 replies17435 views2 photos

Moderator patrick_y initiates a thought-provoking discussion, drawing a parallel between the concept of a 'forever car' and the horological equivalent: the 'forever watch.' He challenges the community to define the criteria for such a watch and share their personal choices, offering his own Patek Philippe as an example of a timepiece cherished for its sentimental value as his first significant purchase.

Inspired by a question of what is your "forever car," Moderator Patrick_y ponders the parallel question, what is your "forever watch?"

Photo Credit: Journalist Daniel Golson. After spending a week with a China Blue colored Mercedes-AMG G63 SUV, Golson says the Mercedes G-Wagon would be his Forever Car. This made me wonder, what would my Forever Watch be?

I get asked all the time, "Patrick, what is your forever car?" The term implies a car that you would live with forever and enjoy forever. When I ask others the same question, I normally get a response along the lines of "My AMG" or "my high revving super-emotional Porsche 911 that I hardly ever drive" and more recently I heard from one friend who lives in an area that snows, "my BMW M5 Competition Package because it's great in the snow and in the summer" and another journalist claimed his forever car would be a "Mercedes G-Wagon." Oddly, I haven't heard any Rolls-Royces nor Ferraris on this list. I also haven't heard of any Teslas nor electric cars on this list neither.

I don't know how people define "forever car" but perhaps the car needs to be reliable, fun to drive, and practical? Which lead me to wonder a parallel question, what is your "forever watch" and how would you define the criteria for choosing said "forever watch?" Something you'd always have? Something that would be endearing for decades to come? Something that you would never sell? Something that you'd save if your house was burning down... An Egyptian friend of mine even suggested that it would be a watch he'd be buried with!

Which leads me to wonder... What is your "Forever Watch?" And why do you choose it?

Me? I always thought my FOREVER WATCH was going to be a Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso. But it wasn't meant to be. I always imagined I'd buy myself a Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso with one of my early paychecks after entering the workforce. But things worked out differently. My forever watch has always been the first watch I ever bought for myself, my Patek Philippe. I guess I shouldn't complain as it's not a bad first watch! Its a delightful watch that's both comfortable to wear and practical. But I like it the most for one reason, it's the first big thing I bought for myself at a young age. You can only have one first.

I always assumed I would get a Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso as my first watch, and that it would be my "Forever" watch, but somehow my first watch I bought was a Patek Philippe instead. I'm not complaining, it's just the best made plans don't always happen.

So, what is YOUR forever watch? Did you buy it for yourself or did a loved one gift it to you? Or perhaps it's a priceless heirloom passed down from another family member? And why do you choose it as your Forever watch?

Key Points from the Discussion

The 'forever watch' concept resonates deeply, often tied to personal philosophy and the human perception of eternity, making the selection a profound exercise.
A 'forever watch' can be a redemption piece, like an IWC Da Vinci Perpetual Calendar Rattrapante in Platinum, acquired after years of searching to correct a past regret and improve upon a previous model.
For some, the 'forever watch' is defined by exceptional finishing, unique low production, and a perfect wrist fit, such as the Lang & Heyne Friedrich III, which offers unparalleled quality in its price range.
The choice of a 'forever watch' can be split between emotional attachment (e.g., an IWC Minute Repeater in Platinum) and practical versatility (e.g., a Rolex Day-Date 40), with the 'burning house' scenario often revealing the true all-rounder.
Sentimental value, particularly as a first significant self-purchase, can firmly establish a watch like a Patek Philippe Nautilus as a 'forever watch,' even amidst competition for wrist time from newer acquisitions.
The Jaeger-LeCoultre Master Ultra Thin Perpetual (MUT34) is considered a 'forever watch' due to its status as a first luxury timepiece, technical interest, aesthetic movement, discreet wearability, and relatively modest value, making it less likely to be sold.

The Discussion

FabR

Feb 15, 2022

No matter how I try to define my "forever watch" (the one I'll love and enjoy forever, or the one I'm sure I'll never part with, or even my platonic idea of a watch, etc. etc.), my choice is always the same my friend, and also very well known on this platform.....but here it is again! Enjoy.

myles721

Feb 15, 2022

1. 2000 feet. 2. You can time two events simultaneously. 3. Anti Magnetic 4. Doubles as dual time zone.

hanke

Feb 15, 2022

After owning hundreds of watches since the early 90’s, I can honestly say my Lang & Heyne Friedrich III is the one I would choose as my forever watch. I can appreciate the high level of finishing (flawless to my eye) beautiful and easy to read dial, perfect fit on my wrist and low production/uniqueness. I can’t see parting with it and even if I did I doubt I would be able to get anything as interesting and high quality in the same price range and even much higher price range(s). I truly love thi

patrick_y

Feb 15, 2022

Oh yes! I'm not complaining about ending up with a Patek Philippe as my first watch well over a decade ago! I seldom take photos of Mr. Naughty Nautilus (aka Naughtilus). But here's one. Sadly, due to the pandemic and not going out, I've hardly worn my Patek Philippe the past couple of years. And with the addition of the Bulgari Octo Finissimo to my collection, the Patek Philippe has to compete for wrist-time! But there's only one Forever watch, and that title firmly belongs to my first watch. M

patrick_y

Feb 15, 2022

That watch would probably survive a war if need be!

patrick_y

Feb 15, 2022

The teeth of the steel gears on this watch are polished by hand using wood! The teeth! This is definitely an amazing work of art!

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