By Ahsan
I have enjoyed many hobbies in my life: reading, writing, playing golf, collecting colognes, learning about personal development and blogging www.awesomelifebook.com to name a few.
I think having a hobby is all about thoroughly enjoying your time on this earth.
We all need a break from the routine of life, work, and responsibilities. A hobby is a temporary diversion, a way to relax, and even being a part of a community.
There is one more thing I like, and that is wristwatches. Owning a watch has always been a part of my life but not a hobby per se. Allow me to share my watch story with you.
First of all, think about the watch you own. There is most certainly a story connected to it. Perhaps it was a gift from your father, or maybe it was something to commemorate a milestone in life or a hard-won achievement. Perhaps it is a source of inspiration that reminds you of your potential or mindset in life.
Watches are more than something you wear to tell time. They are special and often reminders of something or someone.
When I was in grade 7, I remember getting my first watch, a gift from my mother. It was a digital watch with a metal strap that has long since been either lost or forgotten. Later in grade 9, my Uncle gave me a Seiko dress watch with a rectangular case. It is very swish, and I really take care of it. I wear it still and have changed many straps and batteries in the last 30 or so years. When I started my career, I bought two other watches: a Wittnauer and a Sector.
My prized possession, however, is my late fathers' Omega Seamaster from the 1960s. My mother gave it to me seven years ago. It was kept in a briefcase dormant for 33 years and started again after being wound. That watch is pure class.
I guess you can say I am a watch owner with an appreciation for beautiful watches. However, something happened recently that changed all that.
I was at the local jewelry shop to buy a watch for my son-in-law. We decided on a Tissot, it has a blue dial, Arabic numerals, a silver case, and a gorgeous brown leather band. The watch, in my mind, had to suit his personality: smart, sophisticated, suave, level headed, social, loyal, understanding, kind, intelligent, passionate and driven. So….that meant I had to do some research. That day, we looked at two other brands too: Hamilton and Frederique Constant. Both contenders.
I started by contacting two friends that I know love and collect watches. Then, I turned to Youtube. There, I found two reviewers that I highly recommend: Just One More Watch and The Urban Gentry. These two fellows: Jody and Tristano, are commanding in their knowledge and can really educate you on the hobby of Horology.
The funny thing is that in the process of researching the idea of the Tissot, I became smitten with the idea of buying a watch for myself! I did not think I needed a watch when I walked into the jewelry store, after all, I already had great watches that will last a lifetime. And…well…I ended up buying four watches for myself. I will not describe each one; however, I will let you in on a great find that I must share.
In full disclosure, I am not being compensated in any way whatsoever. I will leave a link for your convenience, and I caution you in advance: if you visit this website, you will want to buy one or more of the watches offered.
More details follow but first, imagine for a moment, you found a world-renowned watch collector who personally designed a watch for you.
Now imagine wearing that watch, feeling the pride of ownership, enjoying the beauty of its dial as the sunlight dances upon it. As you look at your watch, you notice the thought put into every detail: from the Italian leather used for the strap, the period-specific homage of the stainless steel case, the crisp outline of the applied numerals, the use of a double-domed crystal with anti-reflection coating, the workhorse movement, the signed crown and buckle, right to the engraved case-backing that nods to the vintage and story of the watch on your wrist.
In my opinion, such a watch cannot be easily replicated unless it is designed by a true collector as evidenced by the depth and breadth of his collection, his generous sharing of watch knowledge and the almost perfect and innumerable 5 Star testimonials from a world-wide clientele. I own the 1947, proudly.
By the way, I asked Dan to give me a little background on the 1947 model and how it came to be. This is what he said: the 1947 was a dream watch for me, I always wanted a 40mm Calatrava style case with wide lugs and that dial style, but since this watch did not exist I created it, it’s a mix of influences…”
Do yourself a favour, please visit www.danhenrywatches.com you will definitely find a watch that will call your name. The fantastic thing is you won't need to get a loan to buy one.
Do yourself another favour if you want to learn all about his personal collection of 1500 plus watches at www.timeline.watch this is basically an online vintage watch encyclopedia that Dan has shared with the world.
So? What hobby do you have?
Remember, hobbies make life grand and happier, even long-lost hobbies!
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