Every watch has a story

Collections in the fashion industry come in many shapes and sizes. We all know about women and their amazing assortment of shoes. Some women collect purses or, better yet, matching sets of both. For some reason, we expect women to have fashion stockpiles, rings or necklaces, gloves or scarves. Men, on the other hand, don’t seem to get too involved in the gathering of accessories. I have seen a few that amass ties and a few with cufflinks, but that’s about it. Well, maybe shoes. But, I recently had the opportunity to see a very impressive watch collection.

This collector was found in one of the most unlikely places, at our workplace, in a manufacturing facility. He didn’t want to go “on the record,” so for the purpose of this discussion he will be called Steve. He was so proud of his collection and was flattered that someone else might share his interest. I don’t like to think of myself as judgmental, but Steve doesn’t look like your average high end watch collector; he is not a “dandy” or a high roller, or even a mob boss. I have worked with him for two years and would never have guessed he would be sensitive to something as timeless and beautiful as watches. I myself love a good watch, (I knew enough to recognize the one he was wearing was not your everyday factory wear, which started the whole conversation) but I had no idea what I was in for when Steve brought me his goods.

When I first found out he was a connoisseur of fine time pieces the first watches that came to mind were Rolex, Breitling and Tag Hauer. But those were not the ones my eyes would feast upon. That morning, he walked by my office and motioned for me to come into a remote back room, where he opened two backpacks and took out one presentation watch case after another. Each case was made of fine leather, suede lined with a glass panel on the lid.

As I looked though his collection, three watches stood out above the rest. There were so many to choose from, focusing on just a few was hard. The first masterpiece was the Invicta Titan Russian Divers Watch, in all its glory. This timepiece is just amazing. A solid titanium watch, it is simply huge at 53 mm across and is not for the faint of heart, or skinny of wrist. Steve is pretty large in stature but the watch is almost overpowering even for him. A 17-jewel Swiss made 6497 manual wind movement ran the business end of things. Again, not what every digital operator wears to the office.

The second timepiece that stood out was the S. Coifman Romano Stainless Steel with mother of pearl dial. This beauty was rose-toned with a tan leather strap. It was complete with Swiss made ETA 7750 automatic 26-jewel movement with sapphire crystal front and back. Classic and stunning. But, really, where would this guy wear it?

The last watch that totally took my breath away was another Invicta, the Subaqua Collection Noma III. This black ion-plated stainless steel brushed and polished watch is just amazing. The heft and weight is substantial. Most of Steve’s collection was bigger watches, but he has a few thinner ones, Movado’s for instance, but he tends to go for larger diameter ones on his wrist. This watch is one of the few timepieces in his collection that showcases a Swiss quartz moment. Car collectors have what they refer as their “daily driver,” I guess this would be Steve’s daily wear-er. He truly favors the Subaqua Collection Noma above the others.

What Steve showed me at work that day was just a small portion of his collection. He told me that he has many watches stored away, enough to wear one a day for six months and not wear the same twice.

Every watch had a story; he knows each like an old friend. He remembers where he purchased them and when he last wore them. Collections aren’t always just piles of stuff. A true collection has meaning and a true collector appreciates, respects and values his goods. That is what Steve taught me.

Follow Tommy on Twitter @tommytrc.