Ahhh the forums. What better way to get solid unbiased watch info and in the next breath have your knob chopped off simply expressing your opinion. Long Live the Forums...
Ah... sentiments expressed in "Becoming a Civilian" really hit home for those of a certain age (and a certain point in their careers). The best that can be said about 2020 was that the world was forced to sit in the corner, and be still, and breathe, and reflect. Coming out of that corner, I think a great many individuals have found themselves recharged by new ideas and a fresh perspective on what matters most. To some extent, that involves separating the "wheat" of authenticity - that which is well-made, reliable and serves a needed purpose - from the "chaff" of hype. This newly acquired perspective has to do with more than just material goods (e.g., watches). There's a deeper vein here to be mined.
Couldn't agree more with your thoughts here. I feel like I get inundated with pictures of "hot" watches and "important" on Instagram, and it's becoming too much. I feel like I am trying to keep up with a race I didn't realize that I was in. I have definitely felt myself wanting a watch simply because I have seen it over and over again on social media- so much so that I lose track of what I really like/want to wear/can afford. It's good to take a step away from that mentality and focus on what I have already, and what I like to wear. Or, even on a completely different hobby.
(With all of that said, I still REALLY want an Aquastar. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯)
This was an interesting read. I'm always curious about people who have been able to turn a hobby or passion into a career and if it ends up taking away some of the joy they used to experience.
Well said. As I was reading, I couldn't help but hear my wife telling me how I'm becoming a grumpy old man. Because, like you, as you get older you begin to distill down all the 'stuff' and get to what makes you happy. I rode and raced bikes (bicycles) for over 10 years, and accomplished things that I'm still proud of now. But, the joy of playing soccer with a bunch of old guys in an old guy league brings new found joy. The opportunity to start doing something that you're not very good at, and hopefully will improve at... To become a civilian...
Thanks again for the excellent content! And belated Happy Birthday!!
Great stuff Jason. I think you perfectly summed up how many of us from outside the industry I.e. consumers, enthusiasts, are feeling about the relevance of some of the key watch brands right now. I think they’ll have to try a lot harder to stay relevant going forward than the lazy, somewhat arrogant “luxury watch business model” they currently deploy.
Another wonderful piece! I suspect it will resonate with all of your readers.
One of the advantages of being a dilettante is moving between hobbies. Of course I never get really good at anything, but I never lose that enthusiasm you describe so well.
For those who want to see real watch enthusiasm from owners of watch brands, check out the two guys who are central to Vaer or the family that makes Sangin watches happen. Both US brands and both affordable (if you can grab one from the small batch when they are released!). Neither company makes watches that are stylish, but I think they make watches with sincerity.
Sometimes you get so invested into things that they consume you and it just takes one moment to show you that you're no longer enjoying it. It takes a lot to take yourself out of it before you begin to resent the topic so well done.
Life moves on... You just have to keep reinventing yourself along the way.
I’m somewhat surprised, but also pleased, that you’re enjoying the anOrdain. There are indeed some very interesting small brands making really interesting and innovative watches. I’m also fascinated by the solar Tank and how it charges through the numerals.
In the 90s when I was an editor of a shooting magazine, I went through the same fatigue. I’d shot since I was a kid, loved the outdoors and thought going into the industry would be great. I did it for eight years; like you I went on some great press trips and had the joy of accidentally meeting Chuck Yeager on a one jolly to the SHOT show in the 90s. But what began as fun became the grind - as you said everything you do becomes a photo op in the quest for content. I then got a job in the real world but kept freelancing for an American high end magazine. It was only when I cut all my pro ties - basically I ran out of things I wanted to say in that space - that I enjoyed the sport again. However, I was never as enthusiastic again. I’d just seen too much of the ‘business’ side of a hobby.
I’ve never been in the watch world as a pro but I’m falling out of love with that too. I’ll keep a handful of watches I love but I’ve unfollowed the social media watch guys and bloggers (except you) and I’m glad to say ‘I’m done’. Feels so good to say that and know I mean it.
Nicely put - I very much enjoyed your take on the AP! I’m looking forward to hearing the new plans that you and James have for TGN. Perhaps you could ‘tease’ them here ?!
Not an 'enlisted man' in the watch world at all. But last year, with how tough it's been for so many, couldn't really see myself being all that into watches which let's face, no one really needs. So this article really resonated with me.
That said, I did find myself getting 'palate cleansers' from the mainstream watch world. Investigated a few microbrands (Serica, L'Aventure) and went into inexpensive but richly historied vintage Seiko. None of the muss or fuss of the mainstream stuff but brought me back to watches.
And of course, now I just put in a pre-order for one of the new Brietlings (how did that happen). Good to be back in love with these pieces and hope to create my own history with them.
Ahhh the forums. What better way to get solid unbiased watch info and in the next breath have your knob chopped off simply expressing your opinion. Long Live the Forums...
Ah... sentiments expressed in "Becoming a Civilian" really hit home for those of a certain age (and a certain point in their careers). The best that can be said about 2020 was that the world was forced to sit in the corner, and be still, and breathe, and reflect. Coming out of that corner, I think a great many individuals have found themselves recharged by new ideas and a fresh perspective on what matters most. To some extent, that involves separating the "wheat" of authenticity - that which is well-made, reliable and serves a needed purpose - from the "chaff" of hype. This newly acquired perspective has to do with more than just material goods (e.g., watches). There's a deeper vein here to be mined.
Couldn't agree more with your thoughts here. I feel like I get inundated with pictures of "hot" watches and "important" on Instagram, and it's becoming too much. I feel like I am trying to keep up with a race I didn't realize that I was in. I have definitely felt myself wanting a watch simply because I have seen it over and over again on social media- so much so that I lose track of what I really like/want to wear/can afford. It's good to take a step away from that mentality and focus on what I have already, and what I like to wear. Or, even on a completely different hobby.
(With all of that said, I still REALLY want an Aquastar. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯)
Wonderful read as always. Cheers!
Wow, what a great article. Thanks for writing and sharing, Mr. Heaton.
Also, +1 on the Cartier SolarBeat. Great modern upgrade to a monumental Classic. The Quartz Tank was already a gem and now it’s got even more facets.
This was an interesting read. I'm always curious about people who have been able to turn a hobby or passion into a career and if it ends up taking away some of the joy they used to experience.
Well said. As I was reading, I couldn't help but hear my wife telling me how I'm becoming a grumpy old man. Because, like you, as you get older you begin to distill down all the 'stuff' and get to what makes you happy. I rode and raced bikes (bicycles) for over 10 years, and accomplished things that I'm still proud of now. But, the joy of playing soccer with a bunch of old guys in an old guy league brings new found joy. The opportunity to start doing something that you're not very good at, and hopefully will improve at... To become a civilian...
Thanks again for the excellent content! And belated Happy Birthday!!
Great stuff Jason. I think you perfectly summed up how many of us from outside the industry I.e. consumers, enthusiasts, are feeling about the relevance of some of the key watch brands right now. I think they’ll have to try a lot harder to stay relevant going forward than the lazy, somewhat arrogant “luxury watch business model” they currently deploy.
Jason,
Another wonderful piece! I suspect it will resonate with all of your readers.
One of the advantages of being a dilettante is moving between hobbies. Of course I never get really good at anything, but I never lose that enthusiasm you describe so well.
For those who want to see real watch enthusiasm from owners of watch brands, check out the two guys who are central to Vaer or the family that makes Sangin watches happen. Both US brands and both affordable (if you can grab one from the small batch when they are released!). Neither company makes watches that are stylish, but I think they make watches with sincerity.
Sometimes you get so invested into things that they consume you and it just takes one moment to show you that you're no longer enjoying it. It takes a lot to take yourself out of it before you begin to resent the topic so well done.
Life moves on... You just have to keep reinventing yourself along the way.
I’m somewhat surprised, but also pleased, that you’re enjoying the anOrdain. There are indeed some very interesting small brands making really interesting and innovative watches. I’m also fascinated by the solar Tank and how it charges through the numerals.
In the 90s when I was an editor of a shooting magazine, I went through the same fatigue. I’d shot since I was a kid, loved the outdoors and thought going into the industry would be great. I did it for eight years; like you I went on some great press trips and had the joy of accidentally meeting Chuck Yeager on a one jolly to the SHOT show in the 90s. But what began as fun became the grind - as you said everything you do becomes a photo op in the quest for content. I then got a job in the real world but kept freelancing for an American high end magazine. It was only when I cut all my pro ties - basically I ran out of things I wanted to say in that space - that I enjoyed the sport again. However, I was never as enthusiastic again. I’d just seen too much of the ‘business’ side of a hobby.
I’ve never been in the watch world as a pro but I’m falling out of love with that too. I’ll keep a handful of watches I love but I’ve unfollowed the social media watch guys and bloggers (except you) and I’m glad to say ‘I’m done’. Feels so good to say that and know I mean it.
Excuse typos - written in haste on a phone 🙄
Amen brother
I’m personally feeling a little burnt out with the watch industry and media (with the exception of TGN 😉). As alway, a great post!
Nicely put - I very much enjoyed your take on the AP! I’m looking forward to hearing the new plans that you and James have for TGN. Perhaps you could ‘tease’ them here ?!
Not an 'enlisted man' in the watch world at all. But last year, with how tough it's been for so many, couldn't really see myself being all that into watches which let's face, no one really needs. So this article really resonated with me.
That said, I did find myself getting 'palate cleansers' from the mainstream watch world. Investigated a few microbrands (Serica, L'Aventure) and went into inexpensive but richly historied vintage Seiko. None of the muss or fuss of the mainstream stuff but brought me back to watches.
And of course, now I just put in a pre-order for one of the new Brietlings (how did that happen). Good to be back in love with these pieces and hope to create my own history with them.