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A watch journey in progress
This weekend, I gathered together all the watches that have played a important role in my collecting journey.
As I've already told in a previous thread, it all started with this 29 mm diameter Emerich Meerson watch, which belonged to my mother.
It has a hand-wound caliber and, as I loved winding and wearing it, she ended up giving it to me. I was around 10.
My mother owned the same watch in white metal, and she eventually gave it to me as well.
Both are still functional, although not remarkably so.
Later, around the age of 17 (I don't remember exactly), my mother gave me another Emerich Meerson watch, larger than the ones of my childhood (35 mm diameter).
It is quartz, not mechanical: for me, if I set aside the few Swatches I wore as a teenager, it marked the beginning of a "quartz crisis" that would last for years.
For my 25th birthday, I received this quartz yellow gold Omega De Ville Ultra-Thin (32 mm diameter & 3.5 mm thickness) as a gift, again from my mother.
It was my only watch for over 20 years, apart from a few meaningless summer watches.
The first mechanical watch I bought myself before daring to take the plunge into haute horlogerie was this Tudor Black Bay 36.
When I felt ready to dive deep into the world of fine watchmaking, I chose the Vacheron Constantin Cornes de Vache because, when I tried it on, I was literally blown away.
I naively thought I would stop there, but then I succumbed to the charm of the Chopard L.U.C Quattro Spirit 25, with its Grand Feu enamel dial and jumping hour complication.
And while I was at it, I also treated myself to this Alpine Eagle, whose grey dial I really liked.
And how could I not have also succumbed to this Laurent Ferrier Classic micro-rotor, with its timeless elegance and very well designed and finished movement?
The Chronometro Gondolo 5098P, a true masterpiece of horological beauty, steeped in a glorious history, was the next epiphany for me.
And there are opportunities, like this Grand Seiko SLGW005, that you simply shouldn't miss.
I am now patiently waiting for Jaeger-LeCoultre to finish restoring my grandfather's watch, a Uniplan Etrier.
Thanks for reading.
Best, Emmanuel
A watch journey in progress
This weekend, I gathered together all the watches that have played a important role in my collecting journey . As I've already told in a previous thread , it all started with this 29 mm diameter Emerich Meerson watch, which belonged to my mother. It has a...
Thank you so much, orahu!
Grounded in my mother's love indeed: very well said. Thank you. Best, Emmanuel
My pleasure.
I hesitated because of this personal aspect, but I finally decided to say things as they were, simply. Best, Emmanuel
What a magnificent journey!
Looking forward to the JLC returning. So varied and beautiful. If I were to venture a guess, I'd put my money on the Patek and Chopard jump hour as favorites (not counting the sentimental value of your grandfather's JLC.). But of course there's love for a...
Thank you so much, mblum3!
For a reason I can't explain, right now, for me, the Chronometro Gondolo is in a league of its own. Then, the VC, the LUC and - probably to a lesser extent because it is automatic - the LF, are essential to me. At least, it's how I feel right now. Thanks ...
Thanks for this post, Emmanuel.
Interesting order you've mentioned here, mine would be very different. Good thing this is one of the fun sides of our hobby! Wear them all in a good health!
Thanks a lot, Smironov!
I would be very interested in knowing which order would be yours! Best, Emmanuel
My personal order of preference would be:
LF 1st Chopard 4th PP and VC in between, but to decide which one 2nd and which 3rd I would need to handle them both at the same time.
This order makes a lot of sense too, no doubt about it!
Concerning the LF, my only regret is that it is automatic. I think the manual-wind Tourbillon would be even more to my taste if I could afford one. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you so much for your very kind words, Tony!
They mean a lot to me and go straight to my heart. Best, Emmanuel
Thank you for sharing. You have very elegant and refined taste. I love where the journey started.
My first watch was a quartz Tag Heuer that I gave to my brother years ago. I used to be an absolute F1 racing nut in my youth and succumb to the marketing. My second watch was a Tag Heuer Monaco, which was my first mechanical wristwatch. A lot has changed...
Thank you so much for your kind words!
And thank you for sharing your own, F1 driven, story! Best, Emmanuel
Yes, I didn't think things through enough before choosing my WPS name. 😅😇
Things got a little crazier than I anticipated! Thanks for chiming in. Best, Emmanuel
Very cool journey
And nice collection. Nice that your mom and grandpa were into watches as well !
Thank you so much! There is indeed a sort of lineage,
from my grandfather to his daughter, then to his grandson, namely me! Best, Emmanuel
Very enjoyable post Emmanuel
There's a lot to like in your story but two that I like the most are the giant step from the BB to the VC and the mention of the Summer Flings during the DeVille era. Great collection.
Thank you so much, Greg!
Giant step indeed, a bit frightening to be honest, but also incredibly pleasing. And yes, "summer flings" ! 😅 Best, Emmanuel
Thank you so much, Nicolas!
I’m glad the early pieces are still with me, as they are very meaningful to me. Best, Emmanuel
Beautiful story of a collection journey...
Dear Emmanuel... For the amount you contribute and share with us, an insight into your personal collection is a beautiful read. Sometimes, choices have no clear absolute reasons. They come from experience, feelings and spontaneity. To have family legacy a...
Thank you so much, Rishi!
It is an honor indeed for me to perpetuate this love for watches that my mother and her father, my grandfather, passed on to me. Your words mean a lot to me. Best, Emmanuel
What a formidable collection, absolutely gorgeous!
How wonderful that your mother helped introduce you to this hobby, her taste ( like yours ) is exquisite
Thank you so much for your kind words, Larry!
I feel very fortunate indeed and there’s no doubt that collecting watches has a sentimental meaning and value for me. Best, Emmanuel
You have a great collection and a great history and story to your watch collecting journey.
Out of your collection I have a top three, 1) Patek Philippe Gondolo 5098 P 2) Vacheron Constantin Cornes de Vache 3) Chopard L.U.C Quattro Spirit 25 But all are great watches especially the ones that have meaning to you. Marc
Thank you so much for your kind words, Marc.
Your top three is definitely the same as mine, in the exact same order. Best, Emmanuel
Thank you! For some reason I'm unable to explain,
the Chronometro Gondolo is in a range of its own for me now. But the VC and LUC come next, no doubt about it. Best, Emmanuel
Thank you so much, Salman!
I hope JLC is doing a good job restoring my grandfather's watch. It will be an incredible pleasure to discover it in a few months. Best, Emmanuel
What a magical and thoroughly enthralling collection!
I enjoyed seeing your earlier pieces and the wonderful history behind each, and all the way to the many masterpieces that were added later! Absolutely amazing! I just like to add that your GS has one of the best movements I have seen in a GS! Sadly all my...
Oh, thank you so much for your very kind words!
They mean a lot to me. I definitely feel lucky to have the earlier pieces still with me. And my grandfather's watch as well. Yes, the caliber of the GS is wonderful, I completely agree. Best, Emmanuel
What a wonderful chronology! (Terrible pun.)
So many marvelous pieces, and such family history. Thank you for sharing this collecting journey!
This is so kind of you to say that: thank you so much!
Wishing you a great Sunday ahead. Best, Emmanuel
Thanks for sharing Emmanuel.
A few observations or thoughts. First, we have something very important in common. Our mothers were the ones that facilitated the interest in watches. I don’t think that is a common theme. Although as fate would have it on my side, my mother-in-law is per...
Thank you so much for your detailed observations and thoughts.
I am very touched by your attention to my post. Yes, being introduced to the world of watches by one's mother is undoubtedly quite rare. As for me, I was raised almost entirely by my mother, so the impetus couldn't really have come from my father. Answeri...
What a lovely journey!
The VC and the LF for me, I like their warmth!! Have you got some other brands in mind? I bet your collecting journey is far from over 😉 Thanks for sharing!! Best, E.
Thank you so much, E !
I also think my journey isn't over... What I have in mind right now mainly revolves around Patek: either a vintage rectangular 9-90 caliber piece or an Ellipse or a 5105 or maybe a 5100... Vintage AP is also sometimes on my mind for the sake of "Holy Trin...
Well, yes and no.
I've tried on some ALS several times and, first of all, I have considered the 1815 Chronograph but ended up preferring the Cornes de Vache. My problem is that I'm not fond of the 3/4 plate which is featured on all (?) - or at least most - manual winding c...
Interesting, thanks for sharing in details your opinion!
The one you added as a photo is in the same spirit as the Laurent Ferrier in my view. About my favourite ALS, in find some of their models a bit too classic and similar, but I tried Nico's 1815 Moonphase Emil Lange and that was something! The execution is...
I have never seen the 1815 Moonphase Emil Lange
and I might be seduced when trying it on, but I am not initially very attracted to the aesthetics of the starry dial. It doesn't speak to me. I'll wait until I see it in person to form an opinion! Best, Emmanuel
The GS is definitely a very appealing timepiece.
They've done a great job recreating the 45GS. Thanks for chiming in. Best, Emmanuel
Beautiful collection🔥
and beautiful diversity of pieces. I love how you have a representation of so many manufactures👍😊
Thank you so much, Vetnov!
As the saying goes, "the wind bloweth where it listeth": beauty (the kind that speaks to me) is not attached to any brand, so I look for it wherever it may be! Best, Emmanuel
From my perspective, there's a perceptible....
common thread weaving itself through your collection. Beautiful ensemble. Cheers, Filip
Thank you so much, Filip!
I couldn't define this common thread, but it's probably there, yes. Best, Emmanuel
I would say classical dress pieces with a simple yet elegant, traditional dial layout....
And a preference for precious metals, especially rose gold . Something along those lines....
What a thoughtful and heartfelt post and collection, dear Emmanuelle!
Your collection, like all your wonderful posts, is so well thought out, conceived, cogent and elegant. Thank you so much for sharing your personal sentiments about your watch-collecting journey. I enjoyed your post immensely. Did Grand Seiko ever make any...
Thank you so much for your very kind words: they go straight to my heart!
Concerning your Grand Seiko question, I would answer: the Grand Seiko First and all its recreations. I've listed all of them here: Seiko: Span Style Color Gray Seiko Span The Grand Seiko First Its Many Recreations Have a great Sunday. Best, Emmanuel
Thanks for the story and showing the state of collection 👌🏻👏🏻🙌🏻
A well curated and lovely one it is indeed 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Dear Emmanuel, Great to hear your collection journey!
Amazing haul thus far! You really went in with a bang starting with the VC!
Thank you so much S F !
When I tried on the CdV, I was so impressed that I thought: if I'm going to make a "crazy" purchase, it has to be this or nothing! Best, Emmanuel
Great post of your journey. I wish I still had my first few. Similar to you my first was a gold tank hand wound Wittnauer that my dad gave me (I have no idea what happened to it). Also missed
is my HEUER Regatta and a two tone mid 90s 300m Seamaster. And a few fun low cost quartz novelty watches. You've got some beautiful watches there, make sure you keep them all!
Thanks for sharing a part of your own journey:
I'm sorry that some of your earlier pieces have "vanished" and I definitely feel lucky to have mine. I will keep on taking care of them. And thank you so much for your kind words! Much appreciated. Best, Emmanuel
Thank you so much, ChetBaker.
For me, right now, the Chronometro Gondolo is in a league of its own and the CdV comes just after. But I imagine this feeling could evolve of course. Best, Emmanuel
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