A Watch’s Tale: 24 Years of Love and Time

I remember the exact moment when he opened that box, and we saw each other for the first time. He had that big smile on his face, and the moment he held me in his hands, my heart started beating, and every part of my movement came to life. I can definitely say—it was love at first sight.

He was just a kid, but he already understood the value of an automatic watch and the care I needed. Of course, I wanted to stay attached to his wrist all the time, but he had to do what kids do. So, I waited patiently every day until he returned from school and gave me a few gentle shakes to get my heart beating again. I always wondered why he stared at me like that… perhaps the smooth sweep of my seconds hand hypnotized him a little.

I can’t remember every single moment we spent together, but I can definitely tell you this: I knew every feeling he had when he wore me. I felt his warmth, the pulse of his blood running through his veins. I could sense if he was happy, sad, or nervous about something. And in return, I tried my best to calm him, to offer him steady company on his wrist.

But not everything was perfect in our story. I have feelings too, you know. It was hard for me when he started bringing other watches into his collection—chronographs and big names that competed for time on his wrist. I felt jealous, I’ll admit it. I even remember one time when the lume on my hands faded because water had gotten inside my case. Maybe it was my subconscious way of getting his attention.

He noticed, of course. He and his mom carefully took me to the Tissot main office and placed me in the hands of experts for my recovery. I’ll never forget the moment I returned to him, two or three weeks later. That same sparkle I saw in his eyes when we first met was back. I was whole again, happy, and confident.

Another moment that defined our relationship was much darker. The day his house was broken into. The thieves took almost all of his watches, but for some reason, I had been left on the side table in his room. I remember I was paralyzed; my reaction was to stop my hands and try to be in silence so they don’t discover me. I survived. Was it fate? Was it part of my mission to stay there? I didn’t know, but I needed to be with him in that painful moment. Finally, I understood my mission was to remind him of his love for watches and the stories they hold.

Time moved on, as it always does. New watches found their place in his collection, but this time, I felt different. I no longer resented the others. I was prepared, I enjoyed sharing the box with pieces that made him happy. I knew I had a special space in his heart, proof of which came on his 34th birthday. Out of all the watches he could have chosen, and with the same smile that he had when he was a kid, he picked me. My heart started ticking again and all my pieces started to shake like the first day we met.

Now, after 24 years, I’m still here—strong, and proud. I’m in great shape, don’t you think? And I’ll keep telling our story for as long as I can.