I tried wearing a watch. Now I can't stop.

Summary

In this video, the creator explores their personal journey into the world of watches, starting with a sentimental gift from their father. The narrative delves into the practical and emotional value of wearing a wristwatch, from managing time to developing a deep connection with the craft. The journey evolves from budget-friendly models to a pursuit of luxury timepieces, fueled by a love for craftsmanship and history. The video ends with a reflection on how watch collecting, though a lengthy and costly endeavor, is a joyful chase that offers personal fulfillment and meaning.

Takeaways

• 😀 Wearing a wristwatch, even with a phone nearby, is a great way to improve your life, offering simplicity and focus.
• 😀 Collecting watches can quickly become an addictive hobby, with an emphasis on how it feels like a rewarding pursuit once you start.
• 😀 Watches serve as both tools and sentimental items, with the narrator’s first experience triggered by a gift from their dad.
• 😀 Analog wristwatches promote better time management, reducing distractions from smartphones and other digital devices.
• 😀 Time on an analog watch offers a more intuitive understanding, as opposed to digital clocks which can create rigid schedules.
• 😀 Mechanical and automatic watches are built to last, contrasting with the disposable nature of modern technology like phones.
• 😀 A wristwatch can symbolize something permanent in a world full of constantly updating technology, adding sentimental value.
• 😀 Seiko, a Japanese brand, is introduced as a high-quality yet affordable option for automatic watches that can last a lifetime.
• 😀 Watches, especially automatic ones, are deeply intertwined with history, technology, and personal heritage, which adds to their appeal.
• 😀 The joy of owning and wearing a watch goes beyond functionality, providing satisfaction from aesthetics, craftsmanship, and the history behind them.
• 😀 The narrator's journey into watch collecting reflects the thrill of discovery, learning, and the desire to acquire ‘grail’ watches, even while balancing life and responsibilities.

Q & A

How did the narrator's watch obsession begin?

The narrator's obsession started with an old, broken watch that their dad gave them, which was a quartz Suntime New York Mets watch. They initially wore it out of curiosity and eventually grew to appreciate its functionality, which led them into the world of watches.

What was the significance of the narrator's first watch?

The first watch, despite being broken, had personal significance because it was a gift from the narrator's dad. It was a reminder of their family history and sparked an interest in watches as more than just timekeepers but as personal and meaningful objects.

Why did the narrator find wearing a watch more efficient than checking their phone for time?

The narrator realized that wearing a watch allowed them to check the time quickly without distractions. Unlike checking their phone, which often led to getting caught up in notifications, the watch kept them focused and efficient.

What did the narrator discover about watches that made them more interested in them?

The narrator discovered the functionality of automatic watches, which don’t require batteries and are powered by the wearer’s wrist movements. This, combined with the quality and longevity of watches, fascinated them, leading to a deeper interest in watchmaking and craftsmanship.

How did the narrator's view on watches evolve over time?

Initially, the narrator saw watches simply as timepieces. However, as they delved deeper into the world of watches, they grew to appreciate them as works of craftsmanship and symbols of history, with certain models representing personal milestones or accomplishments.

What is the significance of the Seiko 5 Sport in the narrator's watch journey?

The Seiko 5 Sport marked the narrator's first purchase of an automatic watch. It symbolized their first step into the world of high-quality, affordable watches, and represented the start of their fascination with the mechanics and details behind wristwatches.

What emotional attachment did the narrator form with their Zinn 556 IRS watch?

The Zinn 556 IRS became a special watch for the narrator, especially when it was gifted to them by their wife. It wasn’t just about the watch itself, but about the emotions it carried—connection to family, personal milestones, and their growing obsession with watches.

What does the narrator mean by 'Grail watch,' and how does it relate to their obsession?

The 'Grail watch' refers to the narrator's ultimate dream watch—one that they aspire to own, despite its high cost. The Grail watch represents the culmination of their watch journey, a piece that is personal and highly valued.

How does the narrator reconcile their watch obsession with their responsibilities?

The narrator is aware that while they are passionate about watches, they have responsibilities, such as family, that must come first. This balance between passion and responsibility is something they keep in mind as they pursue their watch collecting journey.

What role does the history of watches play in the narrator's fascination with them?

The narrator is drawn to the history of watches, particularly how they’ve evolved over time and their connection to iconic figures or important moments. Watches represent a piece of history, and learning about their past adds a layer of depth to the narrator’s interest.