The Moment We Fall in Love with Watches

Lorier Gemini on Artem strap

There’s something about the first time you truly notice a watch. For many of us, it’s a memory tied to someone we care about, often a parent or grandparent. For me, it was my dad. His watches weren’t anything flashy, but I always noticed that he wore them. It’s funny how such a small detail sticks with you, but those moments planted a seed that would grow into a lifelong passion. Unfortunately, now he sticks to smart watches and not cool analogs so I’ll have to deal with my own disappointment with his choices :)

I didn’t grow up in the era of smartwatches or kid trackers - thank goodness. Watches were just watches, simple and functional, but they held a quiet significance. As I moved through my childhood, there’s one particular watch that comes to mind—a small, round Mickey Mouse watch. I don’t remember every detail, but it was likely a Timex, and it left an impression on me. That connection between timepieces and memories has stayed with me throughout my life.

Fast forward to my high school years, just before graduation. My parents gifted me my first real watch—a quartz Citizen. It was a small piece, titanium with gold accents on the dial and bracelet. I remember how happy I felt wearing it, and the first time it got scratched. I slipped on some ice and instinctively reached out to catch myself, landing clasp-first on the hard, cold cement. Those scratches weren’t just marks on the watch; they became part of its story, and in a way, part of mine. They hurt at the time but as many of you will well know, it’s just another piece of me left forever etched in the watch’s memory.

As I grew older, my interest in watches deepened. I remember searching for the first watch I wanted to buy myself. I was looking for something fairly dressy—at least, what “dressy” meant to me at the time. I had a vision of black and white in my mind, and when I found a Citizen Eco-Drive white dial chronograph, I knew it was the one. That watch still sits in my collection today, functioning as well as the day I bought it. But as much as I loved it, I spent years disliking the strap. Back then, I wasn’t part of any watch community, so I didn’t realize how easy it was to swap straps or how much fun that process could be. Now, with quick-release technology and a wider variety of straps available, I’ve come to appreciate how much a simple change can refresh a piece you’ve owned for years.

In more recent times, I’ve started building my own collection. Some pieces are inherited from family members—watches that harken back to the 50s, 60s, and 70s. Others are from my early 2000s acquisitions, and then there are the pieces I’ve picked up more recently. My Tudor Pelagos 42mm, a couple of amazing microbrands like Lorier and Baltic, and the obligatory Vostok have all found their place in my rotation. I also have a couple of Swatch pieces, though they don’t get as much wrist time as the others.

What I’ve come to realize is that watch collecting is about so much more than just owning beautiful objects. It’s about the stories they tell, the engineering marvels they represent, and the artistry involved in every design. Whether you’re drawn to the intricate movements, the historical significance, or the sheer beauty of a well-crafted dial, there’s something in this hobby for everyone. Watches can bridge the gap between art and science, capturing the wonderment that comes from holding a piece of history—or modern innovation—on your wrist.

The appeal of watch collecting goes beyond price points. It’s a hobby where everyone can participate, whether you’re hunting for a rare vintage piece or picking up a well-loved microbrand that punches above its weight. The joy isn’t just in the owning, but in the discovering, the learning, and the sharing with others who feel the same pull. The experience of watch collecting is as varied and rich as the watches themselves, offering endless possibilities for those willing to explore.

Unlike some collectors, I don’t have a specific endgame in mind. I’m in this for the journey, and I’m happy to move around within the hobby. I’ll gladly sell off pieces I don’t wear or no longer love to make room for something new that catches my eye. This hobby isn’t about amassing a collection for me—it’s about enjoying each piece while I can, at the price points I can afford. And in this community, there are always deals to be had if you know where to look. Perhaps it’s true that the hunt is often better than the catch, anyway.

Watch collecting is a deeply personal experience, shaped by memories, emotions, and a shared love for the craftsmanship and history of these tiny mechanical marvels. Whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been at it for years, the moment you fall in love with watches is a moment you’ll never forget. And for me, that moment is one I’m happy to keep reliving, one watch at a time.

Thanks for reading!

Adam