subject: What Makes a Classic Watch? [print this page] What constitutes a classic watch? I believe different people have different notion on this question. Different people stresses on different aspects of a watch, so they will define a classic watch from their own inclination. For instance, some people hold that a classic watch must have extraordinary quality. In their eyes, a classic watch should be made of first-rate material and by world-class producers because their manufacturing skill is unmatched. Still others dwell their eyes on other aspect of a watch. For instance, they take concern in the cultural connotation innate within a classic. On their part, a classic watch doesn't necessarily be made of finest material or priced high. That is to say, the practical function of a watch isn't the main concern of theirs. Instead, they care more whether the watch can represent a kind of belief or a set of values. And there are still third kind of people want to have it both ways. In their opinion, a classic watch must be both of high quality and cultural meaning.
Indeed, it demands a lot to be called a classic watch. Perhaps we can liken a classic watch to be a classic literary masterpiece. Just consider why some literary works go oblivion right after they go to public while some master works are still remembered by the world even centuries after their publication? This is quite thought-provoking. Generally, a master literary work is definitely well-written. This is the basis for them to withstand the test of time, but sheer good quality isn't enough. What's more important for a literary masterpiece is profound connotation. In this aspect, we can see that a classic watch shares many similarities with a classic literary work. Both of them demand high quality and cultural connotation.
In line with these two characteristics of classic watches, I will come up with several criterions in defining a classic watch. First is the exterior of a watch. The exterior of a classic watch often survives the passage of decades or centuries before being accepted by the market. Second is the material of a watch. Undeniably, gilded watches will be the representatives of classic watches for a long time. Third is the scarcity of a watch. Classic itself means that not everyone can own it. And last is the sense of history. Long history means the watch has profound cultural meaning, and thus makes it classic.
I believe the time itself will speak volumes of what makes a classic watch.
