Why We Collect Watches

For as long as I can remember, I’ve always had a strange fascination with people’s hands. I know it sounds unusual, but when I meet someone new, it’s the first thing I notice. Maybe that odd fixation is what led me to discover the world of watches.

My First Obsession with Watches

One of my earliest memories is spending Saturdays at my grandmother’s house. My uncle Javier always seemed to wear a different watch every time I saw him. That detail immediately caught my attention. Naturally, I started asking him questions: why did he need so many? What was so special about them?

Soon enough, I realized that these objects were much more than simple timekeepers. Each watch had its own story, its unique design, and a specific function. Eventually, Uncle Javier gifted me my first automatic watch, and from that moment on, I was hooked. But over time, I started to think of watches as more than just tools—they became tiny storytellers, encapsulating memories and history.

My First Purchase

I don’t remember exactly how old I was—maybe 8 or 9—when I bought my very first watch. What I do remember is the excitement. Holding it in my hands, feeling its smooth weight, and hearing that subtle ticking sound—it felt like I owned a little piece of time itself.

From that moment on, I couldn’t stop. I kept adding watches to my collection, always fascinated by the new discoveries. But as much as I loved collecting, there was a moment that made me rethink why I was doing it.

A Turning Point

About eight years ago, my parents’ house was broken into. Among the items stolen was my entire watch collection—roughly 30 pieces, carefully gathered over the years. It was heartbreaking, but that loss made me pause and reflect.

I realized then that I had been accumulating watches without much thought. I wasn’t truly curating a collection; I was chasing the thrill of acquisition. Losing those watches forced me to ask myself what I really valued in my collection.

From that point forward, I decided to change my approach. I would only collect watches that had a story—whether through their history, their craftsmanship, or their significance in the world of horology.

The Stories Behind Vintage Watches

After the robbery, I shifted my focus to vintage watches. I started seeking out timepieces that weren’t just rare, but had a significant place in watchmaking history—like the first wristwatch with an alarm function or the first chronograph with a full calendar and moon phases. These watches weren’t just functional; they were historical milestones.

Collecting became more than just owning watches—it became a way to connect with the past, to appreciate the craftsmanship and innovation that have shaped the industry. For me, each watch I collected had to tell a story or represent a breakthrough in horology.

Buying, Wearing, and Selling with Purpose

Of course, not every watch I own needs to be a rare or historical piece to bring joy. I’ve started a project with my cousins where we buy, wear, and sell watches just for the fun of it. These are watches we love to wear, even if they don’t fit into our personal collections as long-term pieces.

The joy of discovering a new watch, wearing it for a while, and passing it on to someone else who will enjoy it just as much is something special. Every transaction isn’t just a sale—it’s a way to pass on a chapter of a watch’s story to someone new.

This has allowed us to enjoy watches for what they are: not just investments or historical artifacts, but fun and exciting objects to experience in the present.

The Emotional Connection

For me, every watch holds an emotional connection. When I see a timepiece, I always wonder: what story does this watch hold? Who wore it before me, and what moments did it witness? Watches are personal objects. We wear them every day, through our successes, challenges, and moments of joy.

Conclusion: The Art of Time

So, why do we collect watches? For some, it’s about history; for others, it’s about design or craftsmanship. But for me, it’s always been about the stories—both the ones the watches tell and the ones we create while wearing them.

At the end of the day, watches are more than just timekeepers. They’re storytellers, tiny pieces of art that hold memories, history, and a connection to the passing of time.