Wednesday, January 7, 2015

What does a timepiece mean to you?


What does having a timepiece mean? Does a timepiece define a man or a woman?

Recently I have read some articles on how people have been discussing on how a timepiece reflects a person’s character or attitude.

Which to a varying degree may seem true but then again some people have eccentric taste but it may not be a reflection of themselves.

So I just wanted to give my 2 cents worth.

Here goes.

They sometimes say you can differentiate a “ruffian” from a  gentlemen by the watch he wears.

How sophisticated or uncultivated a man may be, is sometimes measured by his timepiece, how true this is I do not know.

Though it has proved many times more than less, to be true. Genuine gentlemen, men of chivalry do more often than not have very lovely timepieces accompanying them on their wrist. Most of these men have timepieces that are adored by many. Classic, vintage, subtle and never too loud and flashy. It has the right balance of all things fine.

You see many aristocrats  adorning fine timepieces, many a times a Swiss timepiece. On the other hand, there are men with money and no appreciation for the finer things in life. Having money, they may be able to buy many beautiful and expensive things in life, but that does not simply mean they may understand it or appreciate it. Thus unfortunately, some men end up buying really flashy expensive timepieces without having a deep appreciation or understanding of what they own. Many end up ”bling-ing” up their timepieces. Like having the dial covered in diamonds or a full diamond bezel. This many a times, diminishes the class of a timepiece in my opinion. It’s like looking at a Da Vinci painting. It is a masterpiece the way it is. You would not add anything to it. So why add diamonds all over an already  beautiful timepiece.

Do not get me wrong there are many amazing jewellery inspired timepieces that have left my jaw hanging. Like those of Cartier, which has such class and perfection. It has that je ne sais quoi about it that I cannot explain, which is oh so alluring. Not forgetting many early timepieces by Vacheron Constantin which were actually made with dual purposes to act as a jewellery piece and to tell them time as well, like the one below.


MÉTIERS D'ART LADY KALLA FLAME

So yes back to the timepieces, I have a deep appreciation for each one, how unique or loud it may be. I have been a really huge fan of classic and vintage designs. I really find "complicated" timepieces such a joy to behold. To me it is like beloved the work of a maestro, just like how a painting is admired. All the complications packed into such a limited amount of space makes it all the more extraordinary. Below is one of these pieces which are among my favourites



                                                                                                        PATRIMONY PERPETUAL CALENDAR



Though for some reason, I recently laid eyes on a limited edition watch from LIP, and am somehow drawn to it. It is the MACH 1871 to be more specific,  this is a really unique timepiece. It is bold, loud and everything I am not usually drawn to. I guess the French have a way to make unconventional seem elegant about it. See the picture below and you will understand what I mean.
                                                                                  
                                                                                         MACH 1871
So when you wear a timepiece on your wrist you are showcasing an art form meant for enjoyment both for your eyes and mine. If at the right place at the right time, someone who understands what you mean may even start a conversation, or pay you a compliment on your timepiece. I have read of stories of how wearing the right timepiece has helped in many situations or even opened up business opportunities for some.
 
So keep on rocking your wrists with any timepiece. Who's to know, it may lead to an open door for you? I am still awaiting my coveted timepiece to adorn, slowly but surely I will work my way up to it.
The saying goes, the pen is mightier than the sword but I beg to differ.
The timepiece is mightier than both, sword and pen. As history itself proves it. We see accounts of famous historical figures having owned fascinating timepieces be it a pocket watch or wrist watch. The likes Napoleon Bonaparte and Pope Pius XI have adorned a Vacheron Constantin just to name a few.
I find it rather remarkable that most famous historical figures are associated with timepieces that they had in their possession. It seems that their timepieces has indeed stood the test of time (pun intended).
 
So with that, The pen may be mightier than the sword, but the timepiece conquers all.

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