TGIF: Circle of Cool Watches

I've been seeing lots of watch hierarchy graphics online lately. They categorize watches into categories with the most expensive and prestigious at the top and more affordable consumer-oriented brands at the bottom. These charts are useful in understanding the pecking order of watch companies. But, they also feel a bit judgmental. People look to see how their favorite watch stacks up. They wonder if their watch is even included. For example, I don't see Movado. If they find themselves on the Entry Luxury level, they may want to "level up" to Luxury or even High-End Luxury. I hate that.

A Watch Hierarchy from Twitter

Throughout my adult life, it seems like every hobby is always spoiled by hierarchies, pecking orders, competitive spending, and the like. Hobbies like paintball, photography, and sailing have all been impacted. Hobbies that were cool become less inclusive and can even get to be a tedius treadmill of never-ending gear acquisition. The transition from pump action to semi-automatic paintball guns was quite bruising back in the day.

Thinkgeek watch previously on Amazon

While there are clearly differences in quality and price in the world of watches, I think hierarchies are best left to work organizations. For me, watch collecting is a hobby and fun pastime. So, let me suggest an  alternative arrangement. How about we just put all the watch brands in a circle instead of a hierarchy? We're all in this together. If you see a watch that looks cool, just acknowledge it and say, "Hey, that's a really cool watch!" or "Cool watch, bro!"

A circle of timepieces!

If you have a level of wealth that allows you to buy and wear an amazing watch from a legendary brand like Bovet or Vacheron Constantin, you are a patron and sponsor of watchmaking art and tradition. I hope that you will share your watch online or with trusted admirers. We do want to see what that level of craftsmanship looks like. You've sponsored the work of a horological Michelangelo. We should all be able to say, "Cool Watch!" 

At the same time, the cheapest acceptable watch from China is a wonder of globalism and industrialization. How can that watch sell for only $10? In a different way, it also is a cool watch. It's almost become a contest to see how inexpensive a decent watch can actually be.

Every watch from the cheapest to the most expensive has a story and, as watch collectors, we should be open to all of those stories.