Watch Wear: Use vs. Abuse — WatchProSite Forum Digest

ThomasM · 2009-02-17T21:01:24Z

Explore the debate on watch wear: use vs. abuse. Collectors discuss balancing enjoyment, care, and the natural aging process of luxury timepieces.

ThomasM

WPS member · Horological Meandering forum

19 replies2116 views0 photos

ThomasM initiates a thought-provoking discussion on the 'use versus abuse' of luxury watches, challenging the prevailing internet trend that glorifies excessive wear. His post advocates for a balanced approach, emphasizing care and respect for timepieces while acknowledging their intended purpose. This conversation remains highly relevant for collectors navigating the delicate balance between enjoying their watches and preserving their condition.

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"internet hysteria" prompted short lived trend (or would this one have legs?) I would like to point out that while I know it is very niche-popular and intuitively contrarian to applaud those who "beat up" their watches under the excuse of "wearing them like they were meant to be worn" I find it a bit ridiculous to encourage abuse.

Just because your engine can rev to 8000 rpm doesn't mean you SHOULD rev it to redline for every shift throughout the life of the car...that borders on abuse and stupid machismo...

Somewhere in the middle there should be a reasonable ground, and where that middle ground is should be up to the individual.

Obviously, finding a patinaed watch like Amanico did, if it appeals to the potential new owner, is a great feeling we can all empathize with;

and I also agree with many that there are far too many who are just too damned gentle, bordering on the pathological, with these things (never touching bare metal with bare hands...huh?!? I suppose those same people drive with the plastic still on their seats ...)

BUT...there is something to be said for good old fashioned care and respect.

Someone obviously loved and respected and cared for these, and it shows...

Key Points from the Discussion

Watches, like shoes, are made to be worn and will inevitably show wear over time. The decision to wear a particular watch in specific conditions depends on the owner's preferences and resources.
While intrigued by watches performing under extreme conditions, some collectors prefer not to subject their own timepieces to such tests, viewing manufacturer or enthusiast challenges as sufficient proof of durability.
The concept of 'Wabi-Sabi' better describes the admired appearance of a well-used watch, where evidence of use adds character, rather than 'patina' which can sometimes be synonymous with artificial aging or poor condition.
Some collectors, despite their best intentions, are prone to accidental scratches and bumps. Their choice is often between wearing and enjoying their watches with minor imperfections or keeping them pristine by rarely wearing them.
The appropriate level of care depends on the watch type; wearing a diver to a cocktail party is as incongruous as taking a minute repeater to the beach. Pieces showing genuine care and respect evoke a sense of veneration.
While some collect watches purely as art to be admired, others prefer to wear them, treating them with respect and care even if they are 'tool' watches designed for harsh conditions.
The distinction between 'use' and 'abuse' is key; using tools like multimeters or firearms regularly but cleaning and servicing them respectfully is a good analogy for watch care.
Some collectors embrace wearing their high-end watches, like a Patek Philippe 5004P, in extreme conditions, appreciating their functionality and durability.

The Discussion

TimAbz

Feb 17, 2009

Two stunning pieces...

...and as one who wears all my watches regularly in all conditions (just returned from Siberia where my Patek 5004P worked fine, even at minus 27 degrees!), it's good to see them in such carefully kept condition. Tim

dxboon

Feb 17, 2009

Wow, Tim! -27 degrees?

I tip my glass to you. That's adventurous...and with a Patek on your wrist to boot! Well done! It must be nice to know your fine timepiece works in those extreme conditions! I hope you are somewhere a little warmer at this point! Cheers, Daos

BDLJ

Feb 17, 2009

Nicely put, TM.

I'm not sure whether to post this in the thread below on fake patina or here....no matter. I think the Wabi-Sabi concept (though it does sound pretentious) better explains the concept or appearance I admire than "patina" which sometimes, I feel, is synonymous with diver-with-worn-out-tritium-dial-in-a-polished-case. Evidence of use adds character (refer to the slight discolouration around the crown on your wristwatch). As does evidence of age (the applied indices on your pocket watch). Intention

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