On Finding My First Watch
Learning what you want and pulling the trigger.
A young man deciding whether they are a watch guy is one thing, but realizing that at one point or another all men are is another. You at least think about it in depth at some point. I never thought I would be one, but here we are, on substack, writing about a damn watch.
I wanted something to mark a change- a small “intention” I could carry on my wrist that was a pat on the back for all I’ve been able to do in 30 years. That being said, that first watch, passed down or not, will say a lot about you. It wasn’t about collecting or status. I just wanted something that would remind me of the pace I wanted to live at- for now.
How It Starts
The question isn’t what watch to buy, it’s why you want one.
Do you want something to wear every day without thinking, or something you notice every time you look down? Does it get scratched on the subway? Does it sit in a drawer? (if this is the intention stop reading the article).
Do you want something old, that’s lived through other lives, or something that starts with yours?
Personally, I knew I wanted vintage. New Rolexes were gaudy to me, now not as much, but something about vintage was a class act. It just depends who you are, but I’m betting most people reading this like design and probably aren’t fresh on Wall Street from their senior year. Either or, still valuable opinions.
The Search
The research becomes its own ritual… and obsession. The search is still happening after I have one on my wrist.
Late nights on forums, message dealers about bracelets and papers, and learning to tell when something’s been polished within an inch of its life. However, it’s conversations in the DM’s with people willing to explain why they love what they sell.
There are lot of special people here- some more patient than others. :)
The People Who Took Their Time With Me
I learned that you can tell a lot about someone by the watches they love.
@wrist.daddy — a patient guide for accessible first pieces. The kind of person who reminds you that “entry-level” doesn’t mean “less than.”
@oldtimer.watch quiet, steady knowledge. Beginner hauls to vintage rolex and omega, timex, seiko, etc. Just posted a vintage Europe run. Always something thoughtful, never rushed.
@ar.ro.ws for those who like things that don’t quite fit in categories with some unique finds.
@stories_of_time Swedish restraint. Watches that feel like design objects. I wanted to set up a time to meet with them in Stockholm, but time slipped away from me. Next time.
@greyandpatina warm, trustworthy, rooted in craft. A place where luxury doesn’t feel intimidating. Los Angeles based.
@morillo55 class and clarity. The kind of person who knows when to let a watch speak for itself. This is where I made my purchase. The selection was most “me” and there are some amazing deals for new collectors who want to prioritize classy watches that are not your common “daily” wrist accessories.
- - was actually a really incredible find for many watches near and far. The price points range from hundreds to 100k and they’re certified buys. They can ship to other stores above certain price points for you to try. Good stumble.
Moral of the story? Even when you don’t buy, you leave those conversations with better taste if the dealer is willing to help educate. Those that are kinder have a better chance of making a sale next time, but most of the time it’s just because they care about the craft.
And in a strange way, that’s what you’re really buying… a new care of the craft and a new hobby.
The Moment You Know
Eventually the right relationship finds you. The relationship of those who sell to you, because you trust there isn’t a missing link on the bracelet that they’ve put in their pocket, but also the belief you found a watch you will not be selling to another buyer.
What I Learned
Patience is its own kind of currency. It took me six months to find my watch. More time than my friends would care to hear about.
The best watches are the ones that don’t scream at you. In my opinion it’s the Piagets, the JLC Reverso, the subtle Pateks, and Omega Seamasters, any Vacheron Constantin, and occasionally a good Datejust or Explorer.
Learning from good people is worth more than the purchase itself.
A watch doesn’t mark your status, but the perspective you formed while spending your life to buy it. If that makes any sense to you.
Yan’s in Chinatown. I should have bought this.
At the end of it all. I can’t stop thinking about watches.