Timeless Treasures – Unveiling the Journey Behind My Passion for Vintage Watch Collecting
Mads van Appeldoorn
February 4, 2024
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Nurturing the seed – From childhood curiosity to Japanese watch fascination
When I was six years old, before I went to school for the first time, my beloved aunt Hanna gifted me a Japanese watch as a birthday present that she had brought with her from her travels. And I do remember to this day the joy I felt when I saw the watch for the first time. It was a Seiko 5 Sports, and even at that young age, I could appreciate the elegance, beauty, exceptional craftsmanship and precision.
As I got older, my fascination for Japanese watches continued to grow and turned into a love for Japan and basically all things Japan. I became enamored with Japanese culture, language and of course, cuisine. Of course I watched anime, read manga and listened to J-pop. But most importantly, I fell in love with Japan’s innovative and unique approach to design and engineering. Watches, Synthesizers, Cars, basically all things JDM (Japan Domestic Market).
My love for all things Japanese eventually led me to visit the country for the first time. I remember the feeling of excitement as I stepped off the plane and saw the neon lights of Tokyo. The city was like nothing I had ever seen before, and I was instantly captivated by its energy and vibrancy. While exploring Tokyo, I discovered even more from the real world of Japanese Domestic Market watches. I continued to be amazed by their exceptional craftsmanship, features and designs, but most of all their sheer variety. Colors, shapes, different bracelets. Think about the 70s and which colors dominated back then. All of this can be found in Japanese vintage watches. So I started collecting JDM watches, and soon my collection had grown to over 100 timepieces (and later even more, just like steering wheels. Yeah, I know, I need some serious advice ;-)).
Each watch in my personal collection holds a special place in my heart. They are not just objects to me, but rather, they represent my love for Japan and my passion for the art of horology. Each watch is also a reminder of the countless hours I spent researching and hunting for the perfect addition to my collection.
The empathetic journey of collecting – Rediscovering the magic of childhood
As a passionate collector, I can attest to the timeless allure of collecting. The journey of discovery, uncovering hidden treasures of the past, and the stories they tell is an intoxicating experience. Whether it’s vintage watches, coins, or stamps, each item has a unique story that speaks to us on a personal level.
I guess collecting is an act of mindfulness that allows us to connect with the world around us and ground ourselves in the present moment. Collecting for me has been a journey of self-discovery, allowing me to explore my passions and interests, what I like and what I don’t. It has also been a way of connecting with others who share my love of the same objects, forging new friendships and connections.
But what truly sets collecting apart is its ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia and longing within us. Each item I collect holds memories and emotions that transport me back to moments of joy and happiness. It allows me to relive the magic and wonder of my childhood, reconnecting with the things that matter most to me and finding meaning in my live. A bit philosophical, I know.
In the end, collecting is a deeply personal and also poetic journey that speaks to our shared humanity. It is a way of rediscovering the beauty that exists in the world and finding purpose and meaning in our lives. For those who are drawn to collecting, the journey is as rewarding as the destination, a never-ending adventure that offers new discoveries and connections at every turn.
The beauty of patina in watches – A poetic and philosophical journey
Well Patina, I walked about that subject numerous times before, in fact one of my favourite subjects. And you can certainly imagine that patina has different charms on different objects and can trigger different emotions. Watches, guitars, cars, steering wheels, to name a few. Patina, a term derived from the Latin word “patina,” meaning “shallow dish,” is the visible aging and wear on an object that develops over time. It is the result of years of use, exposure to the elements, and the natural progression of life. Patina tells a story, a history that is unique to each object, and it is what makes each one special.
In the world of watches, patina has become a coveted characteristic, and collectors are willing to pay a premium for a watch with a well-developed patina. The wear and tear on a watch are not just signs of aging, but they are symbols of a life lived, memories made, and moments captured. Each scratch, scuff, and mark has a story to tell, and it is up to the viewer to imagine the history behind it. A patina watch is more than just a time-telling device. It is a tangible connection to the past, a reminder of a bygone era. Each watch carries the weight of the experiences of those who have owned it before, a silent witness to the joys, sorrows, and triumphs of life.
Patina is a testament to the natural order of things, a reminder that nothing in this world is permanent, and that beauty can be found in even the most unexpected places. It is a celebration of the passage of time, a reminder that the experiences we have today will shape who we are tomorrow. The love for patina watches is not just about owning a piece of history; it is about cherishing the beauty of imperfection, the uniqueness that comes from the passage of time. It is about recognizing that nothing in this world is perfect, and that is what makes it beautiful.
In a world that is constantly moving forward, the love for patina watches is a gentle reminder to slow down and appreciate the beauty that surrounds us. It is a call to connect with the past, to remember where we came from, and to honor the stories that came before us.
