Origin, Episode 4: The Changing Market and Unchanging Standards
Having observed vintage watches for over 20 years, I've noticed changes in the market.
Watches that were once commonly found are now almost impossible to come by.
These aren't particularly rare models.
They are just ordinary watches that have been cherished and well-maintained.
Of course, vintage watches have been passed down through the years, undergoing repairs and parts replacements.
This is also an important activity that has supported this culture.
Therefore, I'm not suggesting that "repaired watches are bad."
However, at the same time, it feels like watches that have been carefully used while retaining their original character are becoming scarcer each year.
Having been in this business for many years, I strongly feel that change.
When I was younger, I was drawn to unusual watches.
A piece that rarely appeared on the market.
A piece that no one had ever seen before.
My heart would race every time I encountered such a watch.
Of course, that feeling hasn't changed.
But as I gained more experience, what truly captivated me gradually began to shift.
It's not about rarity.
It's about watches that have been cherished.
The natural contours remaining on the case.
A dial that retains its beauty even after many years.
Not an artificially created beauty, but an appearance cultivated over time.
Such watches mysteriously retain the sentiments of their owners.
I sometimes view watches as works of art.
Because they possess an appeal as culture, reflecting design, technology, and historical context.
But that's not all.
Watches are also practical items that will continue to be worn and keep time in the future.
That's why I believe that not just beauty, but also the ability to continue using them with peace of mind, is equally important.
The market will continue to change.
Values may also change.
Nevertheless, I don't want to change my criteria for choosing watches.
I don't choose them because they are rare.
I don't choose them because they are expensive.
Choosing watches that have been cherished and can continue to be treasured and passed down.
That is the criterion I have consistently held dear, after more than 20 years of working with vintage watches.
