Watch Collecting: Lessons Learned

Recently, I came across this an article from a fellow PuristS and I was pretty inspired by what was written in that entry itself. It kind of sets me thinking, and hence I would like to share about my journey from horology thus far, and what I have learnt from this hobby itself (even though it has been a pretty short journey, and my collection at the moment is just, well, modest as compared to the others…)

The first watch that got me into watch collecting is the Hamilton Khaki Field Quartz, which was initially a gift from the SAF [Editor's Note: Singapore Air Force] to my dad, who passed it down to me because he doesn’t need it. That was the first proper watch that I actually own, and if I am not wrong, I got it when I was in Secondary 4 (so I was 16 at that time…). Owning the Hamilton has taught me plenty of stuffs. It has taught me what humility and simplicity was. It was not a fanciful watch (mind you, it was a quartz…), but it has served me as a daily beater well for 3 years, without any major issues or whatsoever. It’s just an understated piece, one that would just work when you needed it to do so. It has taught me that life doesn’t need to be extravagant. It is just so simple, but yet it is so versatile and reliable. Absolutely nothing to complain about, and it is just a pleasure to own this piece.

The Hamilton Khaki Field Quartz

The next watch is the Omega Seamaster Caliber 562 (which I have talked about in my previous post). It was incidentally the first watch which I have bought with my own money. It has taught me about love, memories and how I should treasure stuffs before it is too late. Which was probably why I was glad that the deal didn’t go through. One reason why I am so attached to it is because I have wore it to so many important events, in which I have met so many important and significant people in my life. So much so that it has became a part of me. Another reason is really retarded, but this watch actually reminds me of someone, someone whom is quite significant in my life. I realised how much I miss this watch when I was about to lose it. Yes, the Rolex 6694 is a wonderful watch, but something that my friend said had changed my mind totally. Her exact words were “Wonder why you decided to sell something you’re so obviously attached to”. At that point of time, I knew I had made the wrong decision. Which was why I was quite relieved when the person told me that he had changed his mind about the trade. This would probably be one of the watches that I would keep for many years to come. 

 The Omega Seamaster Caliber 562

Subsequently, I owned the Tag Heuer Carrera 5 Automatic. This watch has taught me the importance of being patient, as well as to grasp opportunities when they come along. Managed to get this watch at a really good price, wore it a few times, and flipped it after that. Chanced upon this piece quite by chance, but if I didn’t take up this offer back then, I wouldn’t have gained a profit within such a short time. (Ok but honestly, other than that, my experience with this watch was so short that I don’t think I learn anything else other than the principle of “buying low and selling [slightly] higher).

The Tag Heuer Carrera 5 Automatic

After that, I bought the JeanRichard Paramount Chronograph. This was a mistake actually. Wanted to flip it again, but it was unsuccessful. What it has taught me is that in life, things doesn’t go as planned, and that we should accept failure with an open mind. This experience didn’t stop me from collecting and flipping watches, but rather it has taught me to be more prudence in my purchases. It has taught me that at times, we shouldn’t be rash. A pretty small price to pay actually, if I am able to gain such a valuable life lesson that is not taught in classrooms or in lecture halls.

The JeanRichard Paramount Chronograph

The next purchase is the Rolex Submariner, reference 114060. It has taught me about hard work, support and love. I earned this watch through hard work (and also partially from the benevolence from my parents la, HAHAHA!). It has taught me that things doesn’t come easy, and that if you want to achieve something, you have to work hard to get it. If you do not have the drive, then don’t bother dreaming about it in the first place. It has also taught me that in whatever you do, not only hard work matters, but the support that you’ve received in the process is equally important as well. I’m sure without all the support from my friends and family, I wouldn’t have achieved what I wanted through hard work alone. And without that I wouldn’t have gotten this watch la. HAHAHA!

 The Rolex Submariner 114060

Finally, the Seiko Fifty Five Fathom. It has taught me that life can be interesting and exciting if one steps out of their comfort zone once in a while. I was never a fan of watch modification, but I was “poisoned’ by forumers who modified their Seiko 5 into the Seiko Fifty Five Fathom. Even though the process of modifying the watch is quite tedious, but the end result was simply amazing. This watch feels just so much more than the original Seiko 5. It has also taught me that you don’t have to spend so much money to have fun, and that inexpensive stuffs are not terrible stuffs. Even though this watch is relatively inexpensive, but it performs very well, and that it is just such a joy to wear and own this watch. Of course, it cannot compete with the Blancpain Fifty Fathom, but I can do with this homage version at the time being. In fact, this watch looks so good that it has received plenty of praises from many people. And the best part is that, it is one of the cheapest watch in my collection. Understated, not fanciful, but yet it is just so brilliant. Sometimes, things doesn’t need to be extravagant, but as long as you can make use of what is available to you, I’m sure you’ll be able to lead a colourful and enjoyable life.

The Seiko Fifty Five Fathom

So, this is basically my journey into horology so far. Even though it is still pretty short, but I have learnt tremendously during this period of time. I do hope that some of you would like to share about your thoughts on this topic, as well as the things that you’ve learnt from horology too. Till then, thanks and see ya!