The Breitling Watch Source Forums

Great Question.

A watch, like all other accoutrements we obtain over our lifetime, does say something about us. It would be churlish to say otherwise. There are two parts to this question though, and you have to separate them to answer your question.

On the one hand we choose what we like, desire or we feel can fulfil a need in our life. On the other, it’s a personality trait as to whether it makes any difference to you what others think about you, by wearing a certain watch. The two parts are linked, but can be seen separately. There is an element to the second part that does reside in all of us, whether we choose to admit it or not, as we do care to a certain extent what others think and what it says about you. As for the first part, we proudly wear our choices and can argue (more or less) the need for such instruments in our daily life, even if others can’t see it. Even if it’s only to make us happy!

It’s the fact we have to defend our choices at all that is the most interesting aspect of this question and one that fascinates me.

For some it’s only minor what people think, and for others its writ large. Like many here, I don’t really care what others may think of my choices, but I do recognise it’s disingenuous to suggest that it does not exist at all. No one could reasonably argue a total lack of care on the reaction of others to your choice of watch, particularly if it’s negative. We are only human after all!

Many watches out there are of a ‘novelty value’ only, and with some it being mandatory to reach for a vomit bag. This is different for each of us, and we will never agree totally with each other on what watch is a candidate for ridicule (praise for a choice is different). That’s personal taste but it is remarkably telling how many people (if put to the test) would be personally affronted by any negativity commentary from others over a choice in a particular watch, whilst maintaining that it has no effect on them at all.

A good number will be upset at the suggestion that they may have made a bad or an unreasoned choice, if you were to suggest it. Some souls are so sensitive to this issue, the mere scintilla of anything negative will bring down on you a ‘total work over’ that you probably would wish you had said nothing in the first place. Insecurity, fear of ridicule and egotism are all human traits, and they are at work when we don one of our favourites on our wrist.

I bet you are. When I was younger I wanted to get a tattoo of a Vicodin pill as a cartoon character scratching its face... Lol

Well said

I might not be the only one to say this, but I work in an industry where watches don't play any significant role, and no one has ever noticed and mentioned a single one of my watches before, ever. I buy/wear them because of what they say to me, and how/what emotion they can draw from me.

That being said, after the loss of our daughter last year, my wife and I are taking our lives in the direction we planned to some 30 years from now. My watches and really most of my material items no longer have any power to draw emotion from me, so all my watches are going up for sale, and we have given most of our stuff to charity we don't need.

Phase 2 of my life will begin soon I hope

I might not be the only one to say this, but I work in an industry where watches don't play any significant role, and no one has ever noticed and mentioned a single one of my watches before, ever. I buy/wear them because of what they say to me, and how/what emotion they can draw from me.

That being said, after the loss of our daughter last year, my wife and I are taking our lives in the direction we planned to some 30 years from now. My watches and really most of my material items no longer have any power to draw emotion from me, so all my watches are going up for sale, and we have given most of our stuff to charity we don't need.

Phase 2 of my life will begin soon I hope

Although I am not a father, no parent should have to bury their child. I'm very sorry for your loss. My sincerest condolences.

First off, Justin, I'm so deeply sorry to hear this news. I have two daughters (16 years and 9 months, respectively) and I can't stomach the thought of something happening to them. I wish you the greatest of strength in overcoming what is an unimaginable situation for most of us here.

Getting back to the original topic, I do think our watch says something about us. We can talk all day long about how we don't care what others think, but at the end of the day, I believe that as WISs, we all judge what's on the wrists of others. I'm definitely guilty of this, especially when it comes to seeing a Rolex on someone's wrist. To me, it immediately identifies him (or her) as someone who has fallen into Rolex's marketing ploy and as someone who likely knows nothing about watches. Granted, there are plenty of people on this board who are very knowledgeable about watches and own a Rolex, but this is the exception that proves the rule.

I also judge people with a Tag Heuer as amateurs who likely think they have an awesome watch, but really have no clue. Again, plenty of people on this board own Tags as well, yet are WISs. Both of these Tag and Rolex stereotypes come from my own personal experience with the people who wear them, so please know I'm not pulling this out of thin air.

It's worth noting that the Jersey Shore dudes wear Breitlings, as do I. Thus, I have no doubt that I'm being judged as well when I rock my 44mm Chronomat on my 6 1/2in wrist, so I realize that it goes both ways. No diamonds for me, though.

My intent is not to upset anyone with this post, but since we're on the topic, I figured I may as well be candid.

Oh, "the code."