"Watches are made to be worn" is a common phrase among watch enthusiasts. The idea of owning a watch and not wearing it is almost shameful in our community. We take pride in the scratches and signs of wear that a well-loved watch gains over time. However, there are watches in our collections that are rarely worn but hold a special place in our hearts.
I personally believe in wearing watches and have a collection that reflects my taste and personality. I enjoy having them on my wrist and don't keep them locked away for special occasions. However, there are a few watches that I don't wear but can't imagine parting with.
These watches hold sentimental value for me, and I find joy in simply owning them and admiring them as desk objects. They remind me of certain life events and serve as decor in my workspace. While it may go against the traditional purpose of a watch, I find more fulfillment in keeping them in my line of sight rather than wearing them.
Two particular watches have inspired this reflection. The first is a mustard yellow Casio that I acquired as a teenager. It has not worked for years, but it holds memories of my golfing days and represents my adolescent years. It never seemed appropriate to wear a watch while playing golf, but having it on my golf bag or in my pocket provided a convenient way to check the time.
The second watch that I refuse to wear is a poorly made gold-plated steel watch by a brand called MCE. I acquired it in a Yankee Swap tradition among local watch enthusiasts. While it is a joke gift, I find it amusing to have it on my desk as a reminder of the watch community I belong to.
These watches may not be worn, but they bring me happiness because of the memories they hold and the connection they provide to the watch community. Wearing them wouldn't make them feel any more special. So, the next time someone tells you that watches are meant to be worn, remember that sometimes they are meant to be cherished and admired in a different way.
