When was the last time you wore a watch? Your childhood, in a bid to learn how to tell the time? Or perhaps you’re even wearing one now. If it’s the latter, then perhaps you’ll need less persuading, but for the most part, there’s scepticism about where to start and why you even need a watch on your wrist when your phone’s readily available. That might be true, but a phone has never looked so good than the way a watch can, and you can’t exactly complete an outfit with an iPhone 15. So hear us out, and allow yourself to be persuaded by some of the rising stars of the watch world, from experts to enthusiast. Your time starts now.
Wonderland.
HEAR US OUT
Ever thought about buying a watch but don’t know where to start? Or maybe it’s never even crossed your mind. Meet the vanguard of watch experts and enthusiasts on why it’s time to start your collecting now.
What attracts you to the world of watches?
What attracts me to the world of watches is how modern watches reference design cues from the past. Growing up, my parents collected Swatches, which gave me a deep appreciation for vintage design. Starting my own collection and seeing how certain watches have evolved throughout the years is a special way to connect with them and the era they grew up in. I’m not as knowledgeable about movements and different calibers but that excites me because there’s always more to learn.
Why do you think the younger/next generation should get stuck in?
The watch community is the best part of collecting, and there’s never been a better time to join. [WatchTok aka TikTok for watches] has shown us that collectors have amazing stories behind their watches. Whether you bought a watch to commemorate a major occasion or simply because you liked a certain model, everyone has a story to share. Through watch meetups and online interactions, I’ve made great friends who have introduced me to a whole new world of interests beyond watches.
Why do you think the younger/next generation should get stuck in?
Because it’s an easy field to develop a passion, and with that passion it is easy to create memories – both physically linked (you buy a watch in a city you visit) or just related to an experience – making it a fast way to also develop a network based on interest and passion, therefore strong.
What’s your top tip for people looking to buy their first watch/start a collection?
First try to understand what you like and what gives you true emotions. Then study it, and try to understand it also discussing it with others. Then, if you’re not yet comfortable, buy the seller. And remember: vintage is often the best way to start!
What attracts you to the world of watches?
I love the feeling of wearing one, as well as the stories behind, the shapes and the perception of the object itself. Watches communicate a lot, what does your timepiece tell about you? They are great conversation-starter and I always managed to develop new friendships thanks to that.
What’s your top tip for people looking to buy their first watch/start a collection?
Watches are emotional purchases, so don’t try to be too analytical about it. See what catches your attention and try to see if it’s the watch for you. If you are someone who is very careful with purchases, try to study a bit more the models that you like, see if there are variations, different dial colors, bracelets, etc. Put the watch on your wrist and don’t ask for the exact size, just try it and see if it fits you and your style. If you want to start a collection, don’t stop with one single brand and try to talk with people that are knowledgeable in this field. Try to develop your taste and try as many watches as possible.
What attracts you to the world of watches?
Aesthetics and uniqueness. A timepiece should remind you of the value of your limited time on this crazy journey of life, so put something gorgeous on your wrist. And if you don’t give a fuck about watches, who will? Give importance to the choices of your life. When you dive deeper into watches you will discover an incredible world of technical, mechanical and artistic innovation that has allowed humanity to keep track of the one resource we can never harvest: time.
What’s your top tip for people looking to buy their first watch/start a collection?
Go follow @mr.a and @avocadovintagewatches. Jokes aside, do some research, find a few models you like and find a local store where you can go try them on. You need to touch a few before truly understanding what you like. And then make that first purchase, and don’t be afraid, we have all made mistakes.
What attracts you to the world of watches?
What first drew me to the world of horology was the emphasis on creativity and craftsmanship, as well as the references and history that go into creating a timepiece. From age-old Swiss institutions to lesser-known innovators, the watch industry is full of storytellers creating objects of beauty and design in their own special ways. The industry is always evolving, so there’s always something new to discover.
Why do you think the younger/next generation should get stuck in?
For members of the younger generations who, like me, grew up with the internet, and are increasingly seeking a digital detoxification, watchmaking offers an enthusiastic, like-minded community with a shared passion for tactile, sentimental objects.
What attracts you to the world of watches?
It’s so hard to articulate, my father and grandfather collected so there’s a familial connection but as frivolous as the hobby can be at times, my entire purpose for being interested in watches is rooted in love for my family and now my friends. Having made friends in the hobby and the industry is now what attracts me to watches because I get to be excited and proud of my friend’s achievements whether that be the release of a new watch or an activation or someone finally getting their grail, it’s just sweet to be able to get excited so frequently for others in an industry that is so much more than meets the eye.
Why do you think the younger/next generation should get stuck in?
I think in today’s world where very few things are made to last and my generation is so used to instant gratification, making something that can be worn and loved for fifty-plus years almost seems like a lost art form, and as someone on the younger end in collecting I feel like it’s our responsibility to keep the craft going as with many watches there are maybe three people in the entire world who can make the component, if nobody else takes that art form on that skill could be lost. It’s the least we can do as we are so fortunate to indulge in this world.
What attracts you to the world of watches?
There are multiple things that attract me to the world of watches. For one, it’s the craftsmanship. It amazes me that somebody is able to fit a movement into even the lightest, thinnest, smallest watch case and that this thing is, in fact, working. This gives us the possibility to choose from a variety of watches, suiting any event, outfit, or mood. Even though you have your go-to watches and favorite models, you will probably never be out of ideas about the next timepiece to dream about. Because – and this is the reason why I started to like watches in the first place – a watch is not “only” a good-looking accessory. A watch is great because of the function itself, and if you let it, it will become your useful companion.
Why do you think the younger/next generation should get stuck in?
I don’t consider myself a person who is too hooked on materialistic things. However, the older I become, the more I value items – let it be a piece of clothes or an accessory – that I know will stay with me. A luxury watch is something like that. You would not buy it out of an impulse (exceptions prove the rule). Often there is a process behind your purchase: from research and strolling to ending up spending some (well, actually a lot) of your hard-earned money on this item. There is some kind of a relationship before you even put it on for the first time. This makes it special and adds emotional value to its monetary worth.
What attracts you to the world of watches?
Watches add another layer of play. Being a girl who wears watches feels like a not-so-obvious way to further curate a look. I love how certain watches look with my nail colour and my wrist candy is always reflective of my mood. Pick your character every single day — life gets insanely fun.
What’s your top tip for people looking to buy their first watch/start a collection?
Be thrifty. Go to an estate sale or chat with an elder. Promise you’re bound to run into something that speaks to you. Pintrest and magazines are also much cheaper ways to find out what you like. Look for quality not quantity. You just need one — for now. Everything I own isn’t insanely expensive but it’s all expansive to me. It’s shown me a new world and has served as a great talking point.
What attracts you to the world of watches?
My father was the one introducing me to watches, having worked in the industry for over 35 years as a vintage watch dealer and expert, ever since a young age he would bring me with him and seeing him at work is what got me to fall in love with this world in the first place. To this day my love for watches comes from the heritage and history in the watchmaking industry, the way one is able to express its personal identity through these timepieces, and the emotional value each watch represents in time to me.
Why do you think the younger/next generation should get stuck in?
I think the younger generation has so much to learn from this industry as watches are representative of the world’s history, their provenance and design always tell a story. They are also part of a person’s style and can help the younger generation to give themselves a deeper identity, while also cherishing the heritage the watches carry.
@carlottaswrist
Why do you think the younger/next generation should get stuck in?
There is no better feeling than finishing off a smart outfit with your favourite watch. They will never go out of style despite the influx of tech & smartwatches available. I think they are still very much the perfect 18th/21st gift with a whole lot more meaning than an iPhone, and there is a vast range of products to read up and look at covering all types of budgets
What’s your top tip for people looking to buy their first watch/start a collection?
Buy what you like, and go and try it on! Even if you aren’t buying on the day, most store staff will love to just talk about watches, get something on your wrist and have a great chat. Don’t be afraid to go into your nearest store, build a relationship with them and find your perfect piece, it may be something you never even considered to begin with!
Why do you think the younger/next generation should get stuck in?
At the end, it’s a personal choice. Some people are crazy about sneakers, Lego, Stanley bottles, other are more interested in watches. Today watches have lost their practical use since everyone is watching their phones but no one will can take off the work and the craftsmanship there are behind a watch. It’s also, with good care, a very great sustainable accessory.
What’s your top tip for people looking to buy their first watch/start a collection?
Don’t buy with the idea that this is an investment for the future and that you can get money out of your watch. Get the watch you like because you like it first.