Time Out

Same battles, different scars - two seemingly initially identical Longines ref. 5482-1 timepieces emerging from nearly 70 years of wear and tear superbly different in their own right, neither of which should be deprived of care.

Majority of us have the privilege of spending most of our lock-down time in the comfort of our own homes, which has given us a little more opportunities to exercise, cook, work on our hobbies and reflect, among other things. Staying at home the past couple of weeks has encouraged me to do a little soul searching, and so I've penned a little snippet of my thoughts about how vintage watch collecting mirrors our world today, and how we can respond in this pandemic.

Revealing a Watch's True Nature

Initially, all watches would look identical, e.g. regardless if the batch of paint had been affected by discrepancies in composition, or cases had erroneous casting. But you'll know their true nature when the rubber meets the road. Once a watch is worn in the open, it gets exposed to sunlight and greater amounts of moisture. Over the years, the moisture and harsh sunlight slowly eat away at the dial, causing it to oxidise. Hairline cracks in cases can grow to visible proportions with stress from frequent wear and use. Properly made pieces stay pristine and largely unaffected, while defective watches which had left factories unnoticed become tarnished and rusted.

Similarly, the Covid-19 situation and other crises before this have brought to light the true nature of many people. It has revealed people's unfounded fears and inner thoughts about others of a certain race; some of these people have even acted upon these thoughts and harmed innocent lives. But we have also seen acts of love and compassion for those whose health has been affected by the virus, as well as those whom were financially devastated by the pandemic. We may wear the same clothes, eat the same food and breathe the same air but our hearts may not be the same.

Unconditional Love

There is a huge difference between love in the world of vintage watches and the love between humans. Collectors love a vintage timepiece for mainly one of two reasons: the watch either because is tarnished to such an extent that it looks aesthetically pleasing, or it is still pristine in condition. Watches are loved despite their flaws, or because they are blemish-free. But we humans are fascinating creatures of tragic irony. We have the capacity to love people in spite of their flaws, but still hate others even if they have none. My prayer for everyone is to love one another in the spirit of the former. There are many in our communities who exhibit xenophobic behaviour or irrationality in response to this pandemic, but this world has seen enough of reacting to hate with hate. And while it is easier said than done, let us still respond with love and kindness.

Authenticating Our Watches

Those of us in the watch community are known for our meticulousness when it comes to purchasing a new wrist-piece. We assess its condition ever so carefully; the unpolished case, clean crystal, intact gold cap and brushed finishing. We unhurriedly check for originality of parts; for the correct movement, case, hands, bracelet and unrefurbished dial. We ensure authenticity of box and papers, scrutinising every stroke of writing and every corner and edge of the certificate and receipt. As easy as it is for us to receive and pass on messages in our highly connected world, we ought to be just as meticulous when it comes to combating online falsehoods. When presented with a piece of information which begs to be spread and shared, confirm its authenticity just as you would your watch, through an unpoliticised and unbiased loupe. People's livelihoods and even their very lives can be affected by the panic and delusion that such messages convey or imply.

Helping Others Tell Time

Last but not least, where you can help, help. If you've received monetary aid from your government which you do not need, support struggling businesses in your area which might desperately need the cashflow to stay afloat. If you're a small time collector who's also been affected by the pandemic, something simple like being there for a lonely friend or confiding in someone through a video call can make all the difference. Covid-19 has thrown our nations and communities into disarray. Let's not leave it that way.