Get Answers to All Your Questions - AMA Q&A - Part 1

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Getting into Watches
   1. Childhood Obsession
   2. The Impact of Seiko SKX007
   3. Early Watch Collection
3. What defines a Watch Collector?
   1. Minimal Number of Watches
   2. Collecting Watches vs. Owning a Few
4. Embracing Vintage Watches
   1. Norman's Vintage Watch Collection
   2. Vintage Hamilton and the Appeal of Mid-Mod and Ivy
5. Manual Wind Watches and Winding Connection
   1. Appreciating Manual Winders
   2. Overcoming Misconceptions
   3. Savoring Vintage Watch Qualities
6. Norman's Must-Have Watches
   1. Introduction to the Favored Four
   2. The Pull Router
   3. Watch of Remembrance
   4. The Movado Museum
   5. The Utilitarian CWC
7. The Ultimate Dream Watch
   1. Replacing the Entire Collection
   2. Setting the Stage for a Reverso Duo Face
8. Reviving Defunct Brands
   1. Universal Geneve and its Potential Resurgence
9. Struggles and Findings in Watch Straps
   1. The Quest for the Perfect Strap
   2. The Elusive 18 to 14 Tapered Shell Cordovan Strap
10. Exploring Norman's Watch Timeline
    1. Oldest Watch in Norman's Collection
    2. The Earliest Watch that Survived the Collection Transformation
11. Conclusion

AMA: Answering Your Watch Questions

Hey everybody, it is late at night and I am Norman. A little while ago, I announced that I'd be doing an AMA video, and You guys sent me enough questions to make this video possible. So tonight, I'm going to answer all of your questions. Let's get started!

Introduction

Before we dive into the questions, let me quickly introduce myself. My name is Norman, and I have always had a fascination with watches. From collecting cheap gas station watches in my childhood to developing a serious watch hobby, my Journey has been quite interesting. In this article, I'll be sharing my experiences, thoughts, and insights as a watch enthusiast.

Getting into Watches

Childhood Obsession

I have been captivated by watches for as long as I can remember. Even as a child, I found myself drawn to the allure of timepieces. Back then, I would Collect inexpensive gas station watches and other trinkets, unaware that this interest would eventually evolve into something bigger.

The Impact of Seiko SKX007

It wasn't until I got my hands on a Seiko SKX007 that my fascination with watches truly took hold. This iconic dive watch became a gateway into the world of horology for me. Its robust build, classic design, and impressive movement captivated me, and I quickly fell down the rabbit hole of watch collecting.

Early Watch Collection

Before the SKX007, I had dabbled with a few other watches, such as a Fossil and a Citizen. However, it wasn't until I acquired the SKX007 that I began to amass a collection. I also owned a couple of Citizen divers, but at that time, I wasn't solely focused on watches. I was more interested in nautical-themed items, which explains my previous obsessions.

What defines a Watch Collector?

Minimal Number of Watches

The concept of being a watch collector can be subjective. Some argue that even owning one watch and wearing it daily with love and enthusiasm classifies as being a collector. It's the mindset of cherishing watches, constantly thinking about them, and frequently glancing at your wrist that matters.

Collecting Watches vs. Owning a Few

On the other HAND, there are individuals who believe that to be a true collector, one must have a minimum number of watches. I have a friend who owned only three watches, yet he considered himself a collector. His focus was on Bauhaus watches, particularly the ones from Nomos and Stowa. We would spend hours poring over catalogs, discussing their designs and aesthetics.

Could a person have a few watches but not be a collector?

Referring to the same friend, I can confidently say that someone can have a few watches and not consider themselves a collector. After acquiring his dream watch, his interest in watches dwindled. I've visited him numerous times, and there have been occasions when he wasn't even wearing a watch. Despite owning four watches, his passion for them has waned significantly.

Embracing Vintage Watches

Norman's Vintage Watch Collection

If you take a look at my collection today, you'll Notice that the majority of my watches are vintage pieces. I have a deep appreciation for the Charm and character that vintage watches exude. For instance, I own a vintage Movado Museum watch and a couple of Seiko tanks from the 1980s, which were handed down to me. Vintage watches have become a significant part of my collection, and I'll be showcasing them in an upcoming video.

Vintage Hamilton and the Appeal of Mid-Mod and Ivy

One question I received pertained to my affinity for retro style in both fashion and home decor. The viewer wanted to know when I seriously started considering collecting vintage watches. The truth is, I've already incorporated vintage watches into my collection. I own a vintage Hamilton and a few other timepieces that perfectly complement my mid-century modern and Ivy League-inspired aesthetic.

Manual Wind Watches and Winding Connection

During one of my videos, I Mentioned selling a Hamilton because it was manual-wound. This sparked a discussion on the topic of manual wind watches and the connection they offer to the wearer. To clarify, I do not have any aversion to manual wind watches. In fact, I own several and quite enjoy them. However, the point I was making in my video was about the convenience of owning a watch that is always ready to go. Comparing the CWC watch, which is automatic, to the Khaki Field, which requires frequent winding, highlights the ease of use and grab-and-go nature of the former.

Overcoming Misconceptions

If I unintentionally conveyed any negative sentiment toward manual wind watches in that video, I apologize. Each Type of watch has its own charm and appeal. Some people find a strong connection and Sense of involvement in manual winding, and that is perfectly valid. Additionally, embracing vintage watches for what they are can be a rewarding experience and may even grow on you.

Exploring Norman's Must-Have Watches

Now, let's discuss some of my favorite watches – the ones I wear most frequently and cherish deeply. These timepieces are an essential part of my everyday life.

The Pull Router

The Pull Router holds the crown as my absolute favorite watch. Its design aligns perfectly with my personal style, and every aspect of it Speaks to me. If there's one watch that represents 100% of my taste, it's undoubtedly the Pull Router.

Watch of Remembrance

Another watch that holds a special place in my heart is my own "watch of remembrance." I wear this timepiece constantly, especially during the summer months. Its dressy appeal and slim profile make it the perfect complement to my summer shirts. I am continually amazed at how frequently I find myself reaching for this watch.

The Movado Museum

An unexpected addition to my collection is the Movado Museum watch. I initially purchased it out of Curiosity due to its unique and minimal design. Once I saw it in person, I fell completely in love. It's hard to explain the attraction, but there's something about the Movado Museum's simplicity that captivates me.

The Utilitarian CWC

Lastly, the CWC watch is an all-around workhorse that I couldn't bear to part with. Its durability, Water resistance, and vintage aesthetics make it the perfect tool watch for any situation. I can confidently wear it during diving Sessions or rough outdoor activities without worrying about it getting damaged.

The Ultimate Dream Watch

If I were to replace my entire watch collection with just one watch, without any financial limitations, the choice would be clear – a Reverso Duo Face. This grail watch of mine embodies everything I love about timepieces. Combining elements of dress watches and tank watches, the Reverso Duo Face offers the flexibility to switch between a light or dark dial, allowing me to match it with different outfits and moods.

Reviving Defunct Brands

Now, let's talk about brands that no longer exist but have the potential to make a comeback. If I had the power to Revive one brand, it would definitely be Universal Geneve. Their watches, especially the Pull Router, are absolute masterpieces. Exploring their vintage offerings on platforms like eBay reveals a treasure trove of stunning pieces.

Struggles and Findings in Watch Straps

One of the difficulties I encountered while building my watch collection was finding the perfect strap. Specifically, I was on the hunt for an 18 to 14 tapered shell cordovan strap. After much searching, I finally managed to find one. Veblenist allows custom taper options, allowing me to obtain the strap I had been searching for. Genuine lizard grain straps also offer similar tapers, and they perfectly complement certain watches like the Max Bill.

Exploring Norman's Watch Timeline

As a watch enthusiast, I believe it's interesting to reflect on the oldest and earliest watches in my collection.

Oldest Watch in Norman's Collection

The oldest watch currently in my possession is one that I believe dates back to the 1940s. Its aesthetics and size give away its vintage origins. Owning this piece allows me to appreciate the history and craftsmanship of watchmaking from that era.

The Earliest Watch that Survived the Collection Transformation

Interestingly, the earliest watch that has managed to stay in my collection throughout its various transformations is a Nomos watch. I acquired it a few years ago when my interest started shifting towards dress watches. While many dive watches and larger timepieces have come and gone, this Nomos watch and the Stowa still remain as constant reminders of my evolving taste.

Conclusion

Thank you for joining me on this journey of answering your watch questions. It's been an enjoyable experience sharing my thoughts and insights as a watch collector. I hope my responses have provided you with valuable insights into the world of watches and ignited your passion for horology. Stay tuned for more watch-related content in the future!

Highlights

• Norman shares his journey as a watch enthusiast, from collecting cheap gas station watches in his childhood to developing a serious watch hobby.
• The impact of the Seiko SKX007 as a gateway into the world of horology for Norman.
• The concept of being a watch collector is subjective, with discussions on the minimum number of watches required to be considered a collector.
• Norman's deep appreciation for vintage watches and their significant presence in his collection.
• The misconceptions and clarifications around manual wind watches and their connection to the wearer.
• Norman's must-have watches, including the Pull Router, the watch of remembrance, the Movado Museum, and the utilitarian CWC.
• The ultimate dream watch for Norman – the Reverso Duo Face.
• The potential revival of defunct brands, with Universal Geneve being a top choice for Norman.
• Struggles and findings in the search for the perfect watch strap, specifically an 18 to 14 tapered shell cordovan strap.
• Exploring the oldest watch in Norman's collection and the earliest watch that survived the transformation of his collection.