What Does Your Watch Mean to You?

From Big Ben to pocket watches to the old windup wrist watches, they’ve always meant different things to different people. Big Ben is actually “The Bell” that gongs according to the clock in the Tower we know as Big Ben. Londoners built it and keep it going to show their accuracy of time. Big Ben also represents London heritage, after all Big Ben has been in operation since May 1859.

Not long after Big Ben was put into action the wristwatch came along. It was made by the Swiss company Patek Philippe for a Hungarian Countess in 1868. During the 19th Century most wrist watches were worn by women as a fashion statement. Imagine today seeing an American First Lady wearing a wristwatch. What would follow is that watch becoming a status symbol around the country and beyond.

So, there’s community pride, status symbol, and there’s recognition. People often buy their partners a watch to commemorate a business milestone, a promotion, a completion of studies – like medical school, college, or high school. For instance, one of The Harlem Watch Company’s subscribers Chris remembers his first watch was given to him as a gift for graduating high school. That was a significant moment for him, and it’s lead to his having a long-time appreciation for watches.

As I’ve mentioned windup watches from decades ago, they have made a serious comeback. You’ll see them described as mechanical watches. There are 2 types of mechanical watch, one has to be wound every day or two, and the other wounds automatically thanks to the mechanics manufactured into the watch.

What significance does the watches you own hold for you?

Relationship – School – Business – Recognition – Status - or Aesthetics?