The 'Lockdown Watch': Defining a New Horological Category

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In a thought-provoking post from 2020, 1WatchMan introduces the concept of a 'lockdown watch,' a timepiece specifically suited for extended periods at home. He challenges the traditional notion of building a diverse collection for every occasion, proposing a new category for comfort and practicality in a changing world. His inquiry sparks a lively discussion among collectors, exploring what defines this unique horological need.

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So far, I've been building my watch collection by adding some diversity while I was trying to fill all the gaps. You know what I mean, trying to have a watch for every occasion.

I've never spent so much time working from home and it looks like it's going to be more frequent in the future, so this seems to be a kind of new situation which will "require" a specific watch 😱

I don't have yet access to all my watches, and I'm still stuck with the two I picked more than two months ago. I'm not comfortable wearing them at home everyday, so I find myself naked (horologicaly speaking 😛) most of the time. I still need to try with a couple of my watches to see if I do have a proper "lockdown- watch" already, but I'm afraid it's not the case and I'll need something else.

In terms of requirements, I'm thinking of a light watch, thin, extremely comfortable, neither too delicate nor expensive but "high-end-ish", and with date indication.

I'm still thinking about the date requirement, as it disqualifies the Bulgari Octo Finissimo GMT Chrono Ti, which is at the top of my list at the moment.

I would love to read yor thoughts. Facing a similar "problem"? Any other suggestions?

Thanks and stay safe!

Key Points from the Discussion

The Bulgari Octo Finissimo is a strong contender for a 'lockdown watch' due to its thinness and comfort, especially the titanium version. While the original poster considered it, the date requirement was a point of debate.
The Cartier Santos is suggested as a versatile option, particularly the large size, noting its thin profile, comfortable bracelet, and well-integrated date window. The gradient blue dial and new gray dial/DLC bezel models are highlighted.
Some collectors maintain distinct watches for different activities, including work, free time, and special occasions, even during lockdown. This contrasts with the idea of needing a single 'lockdown watch.'
For a 'lockdown watch,' a hygienic, thin, and unobtrusive timepiece is beneficial. An Apple Watch is suggested for its health-tracking features, encouraging physical activity.
Other traditional, yet robust, options for a comfortable 'lockdown watch' include the Chopard L.U.C XPS, JLC Master Ultra Thin Reserve de Marche, and JLC Master Ultra Thin Perpetual.

The Discussion

1WatchMan

May 18, 2020

Only a hair heavy maybe and no date indication.

1WatchMan

May 18, 2020

I don't necessarily love the look of the date indication, but I've found that I like to to be able to check the date on my watches from time to time. This is even more important on a daily watch.

1WatchMan

May 18, 2020

But I haven't yet convinced me 😅

1WatchMan

May 18, 2020

That's the reason why I mentioned that price was unbeatable The picture of your Air King is indeed gorgeous 👏🏻

mywrongwrist

May 18, 2020

Love it from the release date, in case I would go for a more “exotic” version (ie carbonium or ceramic), that Bvlgari will release at some point (insider news from Bvlgari) In these two long months of house arrest, with only one watch, a big, bold, carbotech badass (a tourists’ Panerai if I may add... 🤣🤣🤣), I developed a deep love for this DB, marking the 10th Anniversary of the DB 28... we’ll see, in the meantime enjoy the pics Ciao, keep on staying safe, healthy and happy!!! 🙏🙏🙏 Luca

LiftAngle51

May 18, 2020

I have no problems at all. I have acces to all my watches, and i am not prisoned at home. They call it in my country an intelligent lockdown. I work at my work, and have 4 watches for 4 situations. I wear a watch at home. 1 work watch, Tissot. 1 dinner and special moment watch, theater, Longines. 1 holiday and summer watch, Omega. 1 daily watch, Baume and Mercier. I hope you can get your Bvlgari home watch. I have also some Bvlgari’s on my wishlist. One is a Finissimo, an Octo, a Bvlgari Bvlgari

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The 'Lockdown Watch': Defining a New Horological Category

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