Recently, at VO Vintage in Vicenza, I had the pleasure of moderating a talk entitled 'The Collector's Sketch'.
During an hour or so of conversation, watch expert and - above all - collector Jacopo Spangaro questioned two enthusiasts about their relationship with watches. The first question he asked was: "What is the first thing you look at in a watch?".
For each of them it was impossible to name a single detail. But both pointed to a set of things, which in the particular defined two worlds: on the one hand, the design and general appearance, with which a kind of 'love at first sight' must strike; on the other hand, the technical content, i.e. the mechanics housed inside the case, which in all its components must be of the highest quality, finish and beauty.
The audience of enthusiasts in the room was divided between the two 'factions' and no one responded that it was only the dial, the diameter of the case or the bracelet (to give examples) that attracted them. Similarly, can a single element, be it the size of the case or the shape of the hands, disgust us enough to make us reject a watch altogether?
Every time a new model comes out, the comments regularly focus on that one detail that we don't like at first glance: the diameter, the protrusion of the crown, the buckle... The point is that, in my opinion, today we judge too much on the spur of the moment and on paper (or smartphone screen). Stopping at first impressions is like denying ourselves the possibility of falling in love with a woman or a man because they have a single 'flaw' that, seen in a photo, we don't like.
My advice, for true enthusiasts, is to take an interest in a watch by learning more about it, informing yourself and, finally, going to see it in person. As I always say, go to shops, exhibitions and presentations. See the watches live and try them on your wrist: that is the best way to feed your passion.
Dody Giussani
