Things that go around, come around

I’m often puzzled by the trends of watches. In the 1950’s, men’s watches were humble, a delicate 30-32 mm in diameter. Ladies watches were diminutive. Today, we live in the Texas way. Bigger is better.  But I think the trend is shrinking. We often service watches that were designed by someone with very little forethought. Imagine putting lug nuts that were designed for a 1920 Ford on a modern Subaru WRX. Under scaled. Even in the 1940’s, Rolex and Omega were putting spring bars to secure the strap or bracelet that were very adequately proportioned. All too often I find watches with HUGE 40+ mm diameters secured with spring bar pins that are 1.2 mm in diameter. Where did these designers learn their trade? In short, you get what you pay for.

About 6 months ago, we saw a post of a new Oris model of great retro design. Not only is this watch a great representation of what a watch would have looked like in the early 1900’s, but it also encompases all of the mechanical attributes that makes the watch a true heritage piece for any collector or aficionado of true historic timepieces. Built and designed with great historical and mechanical integrity but with all the characteristics to make a great everyday wearing watch for someone who appreciates the finer things in life… the ticking of a mechanical, self winding timepiece.

Many early Swiss pocket watches were stem wound and pin-set. By depressing the pin on the perimeter of the case, while simultaneously turning the crown, the hands can be set to the correct time. Simple, elegant and engaging. In an effort to be true to the historical integrity of this limited edition model (1917 pieces worldwide), Oris captured the essence of true a true 1900’s timepiece without sacrificing any modern advancements.

The Last Wind-Up has been offered two Limited Edition 1917 pieces. Numbers 10 and 11. I thought it nice that we were offered number 11 as we’re at 11 East Main Street in Bozeman. These two pieces are embellished with traditional leather straps… those that were often transitional ladies pendant watches converted to gentleman watches as a result of WWII. When in the trenches, who would want to fumble around in a pants pocket to produce one’s timepiece? How much more efficient would it be to be strapped to the wrist? Prior to WWI, wristwatches were considered effeminate, but not this re-issue. It’s an impressive and handsome sized watch. The leather strap, secured with formidable spring bars also has a removable “undergarment” leather fitting to keep the watch slightly off the wrist. With only an hour and minute hand, the watch speaks of a time long ago….a simpler time, when one’s day was not measured by seconds. When it all boils down, what parts of your life are measured in seconds?