#phillippatek

There was a time when I wore a watch on my wrist every day. I was thankful enough to have an option for when hanging with friends in a casual setting, a night out on the town, or at the gym, but a few things changed over the years and I found my wrist more naked than not. The pandemic was a key factor, where I didn’t really have anywhere to go and be on time for and I so became more reliant on using my mobile phone for the time. 

As the days go on, I realize more and more the one thing we can’t get back is time. This concept of managing, tracking and trying to catch up on time, has drawn me back to the idea of going back to analog and wearing a watch again. 

In a previous life, I worked at a PR agency and had the opportunity of working with Breitling. There I came to understand what goes into making premium watch and why watches like Breitling, Rolex and Patek Philippe are not only highly regarded but also, worth every dollar. 

NAVITIMER B01 CHRONOGRAPH 41 | Breiting.com/ca

Watches can be expensive for several reasons, including the use of high-quality materials, advanced technology, and skilled craftsmanship. The cost of a watch can also depend on the brand, the level of complexity, and the exclusivity of the design.

One important factor that affects the price of a watch is the movement, or the mechanism that powers the watch. Automatic movement watches are often more expensive because they require more complex mechanisms than quartz watches. Automatic movements are also known as self-winding movements, and they use the natural motion of the wearer's wrist to power the watch. This mechanism is complex and requires skilled craftsmanship to assemble, also resulting in a higher cost.

The Oyster Perpetual Submariner | rolex.com

The materials used in a watch can also affect its price. High-end watches often use precious metals, such as gold or platinum, which are expensive due to their rarity and difficulty in sourcing. The quality of the materials used can also impact the accuracy and durability of the watch.

Accuracy is another crucial factor in determining the value of a watch. Highly accurate watches are often more expensive because they require advanced technology and precise calibration. Accuracy can be affected by several factors, including the quality of the movement, the materials used, and the expertise of the watchmaker.

Golden Ellipse 5738R-001 | Patek.com

In conclusion, the cost of a watch can be influenced by several factors, though I find the most important to be the reasons you actually wear the watch: 

Performance: A watch that can keep up with you 200 feet under the water will be more valuable than one with a 3ft limit.

Aesthetic: The inlays and mechanics under and around the face most can barely see – except for the watches’ owner. 

Identity: It’s unlikely many others will have an expensive watch, let alone the same expensive watch and so it sets the wearer apart of the rest of the crowd. 

So, if you’re looking for a practical piece of art you can take with you most places a human can go, a watch that checks all of the above, will surely bring you delight. 

-BSM