Everyone’s journey into the world of horology is unique, with some of us being fascinated by timepieces since childhood, oftentimes with a love of horology passed on seemingly through our DNA by parents or grandparents who collected and enthused over watches. Others among us are likely to have picked up the hobby later in life, especially with plenty of people turning to new interests over the course of the pandemic, particularly during periods of lockdown where new ways to entertain ourselves felt key to retaining sanity. It’s for that reason that each induvial journey is interesting. Regardless which watch became the catalyst for a life-long fascination, or who exactly was responsible for the passing on of their own horological passion, there is always a story to tell.
Recently, we asked our WatchGecko guest authors “why watches?”.
It could have been cars, plants, or Lego, and perhaps it has been all of the above at some point over the course of a lifetime. But we wanted to find out exactly why and how it ended up being watches that would become an unshakeable part of our personalities…
Neil
From childhood curiosity to professional craftsmanship, my journey into the world of watches has been a natural evolution. As a former Tool/Model Maker, my fascination with mechanical intricacies has always been a part of me, driving me to explore new horizons.
Throughout the years, I've dabbled in various hobbies and interests, much to the bemusement of my wife. From exploring the realms of 3D Printing and Drone Racing, to mastering Card Magic and tinkering with RC Cars, each pursuit has left its mark on my journey. However, my most lasting passion—watches—holds a special significance, as it’s a journey I was able to embark upon alongside my twin brother, Mark.
Elliot Brown Bloxworth - Credit WatchBrothers
Fast forward several years, and WatchBrothers was born. With Mark showcasing his talent through photography and social media, and myself steering the ship as the website curator, our collaboration has brought us closer together, allowing us to share our passion while offering two unique perspectives.
Through WatchBrothers, and now Watchgecko, we've had the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, learning and growing alongside the ever-evolving landscape of horology. Despite the challenges, our passion for watches remains unwavering, fuelling our quest for knowledge and exploration.
As we continue on this journey, our goal is simple: to spread the joy of watches and foster a sense of community within the horological world. With each article penned and every photograph captured, we hope to inspire others to embark on their own horological adventures, embracing the timeless allure of these mechanical marvels.
Charlotte
Seiko Presage Cocktail Time - Credit WatchGecko
I think like most people, I fell into watches totally unexpectedly and unintentionally. It began shortly after I graduated from university in 2015. With an English degree and some marketing experience under my arm, I set out to start a career in content writing and was fortunate to find a position working for a local jeweller. I remember feeling completely overwhelmed starting this job; I knew absolutely nothing about watches or jewellery and the more I learned, the more confused I got.
But like any job, I eventually got the hang of it. Some fantastic watches came through the door, and I got to play around and review them all. So, as you can imagine, a love and obsession for timepieces quickly developed. I finally learned the difference between a chronograph and chronometer and grasped the intricate technicalities of mechanical movements. I really began to feel like I knew what I was talking about, and I decided that writing about watches was what I wanted to do permanently.
Seiko Cocktail Time on Leuven Cavallo Flat Handmade Horse Leather Watch Strap - Credit WatchGecko
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I didn’t purchase my first ‘proper’ watch until several years later. It was a Seiko Presage Cocktail Time model, and it remains one of my most worn watches today. My collection remains fairly small, and as a relatively “young” watch collector, I’m a fan of affordable watchmaking. Brands like Timex, Seiko and Tissot have satiated my love of mechanical watches and while there are certainly more expensive brands sitting on my bucket list, I’m in no rush to splurge on them just yet.
Rob
Soon after I started my career in the watchmaking industry 21 years ago, I developed a disturbing predilection for a brand I’m sure few would consider a source of spiritual inspiration. Odd as it may seem, it was Hublot that helped define my reasoning for pursuing watchmaking as a career despite not being the brand that started me down this path…
Hublot Latest Release: SPIRIT OF BIG BANG DEPECHE MODE - Credit Hublot
I was always good with my hands. Growing up, I didn’t have many things. I wasn’t showered with toys or sweets or much attention for that matter, but I had access to tools, forests, and my own imagination. I also somehow acquired a big packet — a kind of industrial-sized packet, to be honest — of plasticine. It wasn’t the modern plasticine that came in vivid colours and smelled less poisonous, it was the old stuff. It was grey. It was tough. Working on it would make your hands throb for hours after. And it had an eye-watering smell. It reminds me to this day of the smell of my old chemistry classroom after a lesson of fervent Bunsen burner burning. However, for all its negative attributes, it had one thing going for it: it could be anything I wanted it to be.
I made villages populated by articulated Lego-sized figurines. I made towers with individual bricks and working doors and lifts. I made vehicles with axles, steering, and later on even gears (although those weren’t made out of plasticine, I must admit).
I knew I wanted to make things, but I didn’t know what. Unfortunately, I spent so long musing my options, I forgot to make the most important thing: a decision.
The Top 10 Best Watch Tools Every Watch Collector Needs Article on WatchGecko
Before I knew it, I’d coasted to place at Sheffield University to study Archaeological Science. I’d been working in watch retail for a couple of years by that point and was able to hold down an almost full-time job throughout my degree thanks to a trifling four hours of contact time with teachers per week. It was during those hours of work that I found my future career.
I’d moved on from making plasticine models and had started working with the real thing, dressing aspiring catwalk professionals for small shows around the steel city. It was not at all as glamorous as it sounds but it was a small window into the world of fashion, and I quickly clambered through it.
My mind was set on tailoring, but one day, while listening to Take It Easy by the Eagles and killing time in the shop, I decided to do the opposite.
“What is like tailoring but harder?” I thought. “How could I use my natural attraction to mechanics and aesthetics to my advantage? Is there a field that blends the two?” The rest, as they say, is history.
And leave it to Hublot to summarise it perfectly: the art of fusion. That’s my “why watches?”. It says it all.
Reece
Junghans Meister Pilot - Credit WatchGecko
My watch journey perhaps isn’t as interesting as others out there. I quite simply became fascinated by an old radio-controlled gold Junghans owned by my late grandfather on my dad’s side a number of years ago. He’d been fascinated with watches, as had my dad, and it simply passed down to me. The story goes that he’d always go and look at jewellers’ windows, specifically at Rados; a trope I’d later repeat as a teenager when I first became interested in watches beyond their use as a fashion accessory.
My first ‘real’ watch was a white dial Lorus with a brown strap that was bought for me around 15 years ago as a Christmas present from the old Debenhams in Luton. It wasn’t expensive, but it was a watch I liked a lot at the time. Unfortunately, though, I can’t seem to find it now. After that came a couple of Skagens before I understood the distinction between fashion watches and ‘real watches’. Then, for my 18th birthday back in 2020, my parents purchased a Rado Centrix Skeleton.
Hamilton Ventura - Credit Hamilton
It remains a watch that’s especially dear to me now, and one I wear on dressier occasions when I’m able to put down my Hamilton Ventura and the latest addition to my little collection, a Christopher Ward C63 Celest. You can probably see a little bit of a theme emerging there, with a focus on quirky left-field options with interesting features to them.
As for my next purchase, I’m not too sure. I’m still weighing up whether or not to purchase a Tissot Sideral. The bright, summer-infused regatta timer is a reissue from the 1970s and it’s on my wish list simply on the basis that I might be going on holiday soon, and I wanted a nice dive watch with a good power reserve that won’t cost the earth. Only time will tell if it gets bought, though. I’m waiting for my next paycheck to land.
Corbin
My first watch was a Victorinox watch that my father gave me. I remember it had a blue dial and a stainless steel bracelet. Unfortunately, I lost it in the ocean one summer a few years after getting it.
Citizen Navihawk - Credit Guest Author
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My real interest in watches was ignited during college, when I became interested in productivity. Like many people, I realized I was addicted to my phone, and it was interfering with my ability to get schoolwork and reading done. I went through long periods of leaving my phone in a drawer or in my car, and going about life without it, and found I was more productive.
Of course, the only problem with this is that I often had no way of knowing what time it was! This was when I bought my first "real" watch for myself, a Citizen Navihawk A-T, JY8030-83E. I was in love! I loved the aviation style, busy dial, and its many complications (and still do).
But over time, I also found things I didn't like about the watch. I don't much care for the bracelet, the lume is just okay and the crystal is also a generic mineral, rather than sapphire (a bit ridiculous for a $500+ watch, though I bought mine preowned for a great price).
Citizen Navihawk - Credit Guest Author
And yet these imperfections were very instructive. They taught me exactly what I DO like in a watch, and these became the things I’d look for in the future.
I also found that as with many other things, my taste changed over time. For example, I still own the Citizen watch and love it. I now feel that the scratched crystal gives it a weathered, tactical look. And I learned about bands/straps by getting some silicone and leather alternatives for the bracelet.
Whenever I wear my Navihawk now I'm reminded of why I love watches. They are symbols of our tastes and affections over time, and how those things can both change and remain the same. I think that in an increasingly digital world, wearing a watch is a way to appreciate an analogue piece of art or engineering - a talisman that can ground you in a world that seems to always be moving deeper into technology and cyberspace.
If all I cared about was knowing the time, I could look at my phone or computer. But if I want to appreciate art, beauty, style, luxury, and engineering, I’d rather look at a watch.
Perhaps more than anything, I’m a nerd and love reading and learning. So, I also love that with watches there is always something new, something to learn about and discover. It’s a never-ending journey.
