Watch Collector Discussion: Growing WIS

MTR · 2023-07-01T09:00:37Z

MTR's Patek Philippe Aquanaut 5164R scratch sparks a WatchProSite debate: wear your luxury watch or keep it pristine? Insights on materials, care, and collector philosophy.

MTR

WPS member · Horological Meandering forum

48 replies7691 views1 photos

MTR's recent experience with a minor scratch on his Patek Philippe Aquanaut Ref. 5164R sparks a vital discussion on the WatchProSite forum about the philosophy of wearing luxury timepieces. His post challenges the notion of keeping watches pristine, advocating instead for embracing the 'personal story' that wear and tear impart. This article synthesizes community responses, offering diverse perspectives on watch ownership, care, and the inevitable marks of a well-lived life with a cherished watch.

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SMOCK….

It happened in a thoughtless second.

Yesterday evening I was invited and met a large group of very dear friends.

I switched from my brand new GP Tourbillon to the 5146R at the last second for this evening. Luckily...

I am passionate about wearing my Aquanaut. And treat her like a raw egg.

Last night: a thoughtless second. After lots of hugs and kisses as I said goodbye, I grabbed the door buckle of the entrance gate of the house I was invited to and... SMOCK... banged my watch on the bottom edge of the buckle.

A quick panicked look at my Aquanaut calmed me down. Apparently I had hit the door buckle with the sapphire glass.

I didn't see the scratch until this morning during breakfast in the daylight. You can only see it from a certain angle.

Dear friends, something like that would have thrown me as a watch freak - please don't laugh - pretty much off track (just like an inaccurate watch 😁).

Today I took note of it with a mild smile and I move on to my agenda.

My credo: a watch has to be worn and it can also show signs of wear.
Only that gives it a “personal story” and makes it appealing.

The worst thing for me are unworn watch treasures that rot in the safe.
For this, a watchmaker / many watchmakers have not put enormous work and love into such a marvel so that it will not be worn.

And so I will continue to wear my 5164 R with great pleasure and joy. And also enjoy this small scratch that reminds me of a wonderful evening with dear friends.

How do you feel about that?

I think many of you may have had something similar happen more than once.

All the best, my dear watch friends and HAGWE
Thomas

Key Points from the Discussion

Brushed surfaces, while aesthetically pleasing, are susceptible to damage that alters light reflection. Re-brushing with the correct tools and knowledge can restore the surface, a process that is often part of manufacturing and servicing.
The author shares an anecdote about a deep scratch on a JLC Reverso, highlighting that excessive caution often fails to prevent accidents, especially with softer gold alloys, reinforcing the idea that watches are meant to be worn.
Different watch materials exhibit varying degrees of scratch resistance; for example, the rose gold alloy of the Patek Philippe Aquanaut 5164R and JLC Reverso is perceived as softer compared to the robust material of a Blancpain Fifty Fathoms.
Many collectors share similar experiences of accidental damage from everyday objects, suggesting that such incidents are inevitable. The consensus is to minimize impact where possible and accept that some marks will become part of the watch's history, with polishing reserved for major dents during service.
A scratch can be liberating, allowing the owner to wear the watch without further panic. Minor scratches on brushed surfaces are often easily rectified during routine servicing.
The author suggests that a worn, expensive watch can convey a 'cooler' image, signifying that the wearer values the watch as a functional item rather than a pristine, unused treasure.

The Discussion

amanico

Jul 1, 2023

You are 100% right. Don't worry, be happy. ;)

MTR

Jul 2, 2023

That is always my credo, mon ami!

Combined with a lot of gratitude. Gratitude for being able to own and wear such beautiful watches.

1WatchMan

Jul 1, 2023

If you wear your watches, it can happen any time

It has happened to me quite a few times. Not pleasant, but it is what it is 😅 That bezel looks OK, almost impossible to keep it pristine. Have a look at this buckle, and I wear the watch with care...

MTR

Jul 1, 2023

Nice scratches… 😎

But on the back it's not bad at all. I had that with my Aquanaut on the third day... ☺️

1WatchMan

Jul 1, 2023

The buckle of my Aquanaut looks very similar to yours 😅

MTR

Jul 1, 2023

Hahahaha.

I think the RG alloy of this „sports and travel“ watch is very soft. I had the same problem with a JLC Reverso. On the other hand, on my Blancpain Fifty Fathoms (and I treat it like a sports steel watch!), you can't see the smallest scratch even after two years of intensive wear (boat!). The material (alloy) is extremely hard. I even accidentally shredded along a stone vase once with the buckle (my heart almost stopped 🤣), and there is not the slightest scratch even under the microscope. Cheers

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