Rolex

What is horology exactly? How does one describe one's passion for mechanical timepieces? I used to think I had a clear answer for myself - maybe I do, but on some occasions...

Allow me to first explain where I'm coming from. The "current" me is a person who appreciates the delicate labor and craft into making a fine watch. High levels of handwork or assembled complications has always fascinated me and has always been my dreams, whether classical or contemporary in design. Not surprisingly, one of my main focuses in horology are movements - they are everything to how the watch functions and where (typically), the most work goes into. I love to delve into how they work and the stunning decoration especially with the higher end works (well, mostly in online photos. For now...)

All those little gears, levers, springs - they work in unison to project the brilliance of human microengineering.

With that said, certain things in the watch realm therefore leaves me on the fence:

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One of them is Rolex. Now, I should say this early on - I understand their amazing technology in mass-producing luxury timepieces. I know that they focus for durability that anyone could wear daily and would still tick for decades. I respect they have one of the most impressive branding of any luxury company.

Its just that - they are nice pieces, but a little too plain if one is searching for lavish levels of handcraft and complicated mechanisms. Also, no casebacks means we can't visually appreciate what goes on inside. This is not negative criticism, its just my personal preference.

Secondly, vintage pieces. I always love things brand new and in pristine condition - it demonstrates at its best the delicate perfectionism in the assembled watch. Any marks, dents, scratches etc. most of us know that the first one is always the most painful. Perhaps its just the OCD in me...

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WIth that all said, let me present something below.

This is a Rolex 16233 Datejust, purchased in 1993.

Nevertheless, I decided to do a photoshoot of it for fun. Glancing over the little details - the little nicks and scratches, the accumulated dirt around the corners, the slightly sagging bracelet, etc. as I processed the photos.

And then it hit me. Something about all that, just works harmoniously together. 

Cumulatively, not just the individual quirks. 

The sum of parts.

Character. A history. It really shows how the watch dutifully has worked and still does even after 23 years (and I believe, hasn't even been serviced yet!). I pull out the crown and adjust the time - the hands turning is buttery smooth. The smoothest thing I've ever handled. The date still jumps on quickset with a very nice reassuring click as it does the jump. The fluted bezel and crown slightly worn, but still distinctively showing their shape.

Most of the time, I still lust over modern, contemporary timepieces. The fascination behind their handcrafted perfectionism and intricate mechanisms is an eternal torch and will be something I always aspire for. 

That is my personal answer to horology.

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However - some occasions, one just has to stop, look at watches like the below...

..and realise that perhaps, what moves the soul can be something deeper than that.

Regards,

skyeriding

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