The Watch Industry

[JayRobert]

As I measured the pulse of my patient utilizing a blue dial timex I observed on their wrist a Rolex. At that particular instant, I began to wonder why one would consider such an extravagant ornament which was, in hind site, approximately 500 times the labor in dollars as compared to my own. It immediately brought me to a short span of time at the end of my uncle's journey. He once said that a gentleman needs two things in the real world. He stated that you need a nice watch and a good pair of shoes. He was a hard nosed business man who owned a steel and textile manufacturing plant and for many years considered my family as one from the wrong side of the tracks. His daily time piece was a steel Oyster Perpetual Datejust Rolex with a blue dial. We had much to learn from one another and to this day I'm thankful to have known him as an adult. That, however, is another story.
It was six months ago that I began to read about and compare and contrast the different types of complications and more recently and specifically chronographs, tachymeters, and pulsometers. After a bit of leisure reading and with very little understanding as to their origin, relevance to every day life and mechanical inner workings, I began to wonder why are these time pieces so fantastic, invigorating and seductive? Why am I obsessed with a hobby which reinforces my unpopular nerd legacy? Why is the experience when reading about watches as palpable as the initial 15 seconds of a patient encounter?
From the beginning of time there has always been a function within which everything operates. There are a specific amount of seconds or split seconds in each day and as an observer, by nature and trade, I began to read about the evolution of recorded and measured time. The thought of recording or knowing our position or a rough approximation relative to other celestial objects and bodies in multiple measures of time is fascinating. The obsession was infinitely perpetuated.
When your profession is held in a class of expected or perceived higher esteem and class, there often are moments when you realize that books can only bring you to a particular point of knowing. It is only when you experience in real life and time the complications, problems, and potential solutions thereof that you truly begin to cultivate understanding.
I began to visit and call on different Authorized Dealers including PP as well as other brands for guidance, education, and a deeper understanding of the pieces, that when properly together and in perfect and exact harmony, function in a concise and beautiful manner so as to measure the moments of time. Such is life. The prospect of the potential future interactions with those who better understand my new hobby was reassuring and gave me a rare something to which I may look forward. This was partially true.
What I've found the watch industry to be is very difficult, unforgiving, and unwelcoming when it comes to the Authorized Dealers. The watch industry, as I define it, is comprised of the individuals who sell on behalf of particular companies while functioning as the brand and product educators for whom they serve as representatives. It is also important that the representative be familiar with competing brands in the same caliber of competition for there will inevitably be honest questions to which many of us are not knowledgeable or do not have privilege.
I have a short story of a much anticipated visit to a Patek Philippe AD which is located a few hours north. This visit included a sense of awe as I walked through doors as thick as those protecting the vault of a bank. This awe was compounded by a perceived security that rivaled that of Fort Knox. I was greeted by an attractive young lady who was more than eager to show me PP time pieces as she introduced me to the PP seating area. I had a coffee in tow and as I approached the seating arrangement, asked if she had something on which I may set my beverage. She was a young and attractive sales associate who appeared to be knowledgeable about time pieces, though at this point I'm not one to judge what constitutes knowledge of watches. I began to ask insightful or better put curious questions about the different watches I found to be important. I asked not because I knew the answer but rather as a bridge to further understand the details, reasons, and history behind a potentially involved investment. She stated that I knew a lot about watches, which was certainly not accurate and I was in no manner pretending to be any type of aficionado. She then proceeded to excuse herself only to be replaced by the owner of the shop. It was at this moment that I understood her presence was one of a superficial nature in an upscale region. It was apparent that many of the clients in this particular area purchased status symbols rather than exciting pieces of history and knowledge. I understand that most expensive or luxury purchases are experiences of exhilaration, excitement and conquering the ability to afford that which few may obtain. I've found my reason is of a very different nature. This man sat before me with silence as his approach. He sighed, took out a coaster and without knowing I have manners, placed my beverage onto it with authority. It is not clear the reason for the unwelcoming demeanor and disrespectful attitude. I later reasoned that it was likely a defense mechanism for his employees lack of any real knowledge about the product she represents. The questions I asked were similar in nature to those not known by the lady associate. The responses I received were short, not relevant, not educational or enthusiastic, and rude beyond anything i've ever experienced. The room tilted to an uncomfortable balance when price negotiations became subject. This is an important part of the story because as a consumer price does matter. My profession allows me to earn a decent salary but this does not lead one to reason that all of those earnings should be spent irresponsibly. The only reason my salary should have any relevance is that it validates my ability to make the purchase thereby granting me a seat at the table. If it is not one particular table, it will be another. It will be another.
I left without anger but have still a feeling of disappointment. I am not discouraged and will continue the pursuit of time.
Thank you for indulging in my current state of affairs.

[texex91]

Welcome to the world of watches, not for the faint of heart (nor was reading all of that).

[HorologyK]

You lost me at pulse

[PJ S]

Thanks for providing us with a block of text to wade through – and there’s me thinking courtesy was a thing of the distant past.
When you get round to proper structure of sentences and paragraphs, I’ll spend time reading through it – but as it is, TL;CBATR.

[kunlun]

Hi Jay,

Do you like cats?

I'm sorry the PP dealer was rude to you.

Okay, bye.

P.S. The people in the Vacheron Constantin, F.P. Journe, and Breguet boutiques in NYC are all super nice and knowledgeable.

[JayRobert]

Originally Posted by PJ S

Thanks for providing us with a block of text to wade through – and there’s me thinking courtesy was a thing of the distant past.
When you get round to proper structure of sentences and paragraphs, I’ll spend time reading through it – but as it is, TL;CBATR.

"us"? Do you have more than one personality?

"to wade through"?

"round"? (around)

"I will spend time"? (definitive article perhaps)

"but as it is" (fragment)

"courtesy"? Are you using this as a noun or adjective?

"there's me"? translated to "there is me". The meaning and placement of this grammatical fragment is unclear.

Your reply to this post could be an example of irony if there were grammatical errors within the context of the original post.

[JayRobert]

Originally Posted by HorologyK

You lost me at pulse

Did you lose your pulse? Did your parents have any children that lived? haha. This is fun. Thanks.

[JayRobert]

Originally Posted by kunlun

Hi Jay,

Do you like cats?

I'm sorry the PP dealer was rude to you.

Okay, bye.

P.S. The people in the Vacheron Constantin, F.P. Journe, and Breguet boutiques in NYC are all super nice and knowledgeable.

Thank you for your insight. Which chronograph with the pulsometer function would you consider?

[HorologyK]

Ibtl.

[martinr]

There must be a website for budding novelists.

[JayRobert]

Originally Posted by texex91

Welcome to the world of watches, not for the faint of heart (nor was reading all of that).

So the faint of heart was a part of the reason I posted the story. Which chronograph with a pulsometer would you choose and why?

[martinr]

Get a PP 5370P, you can check two patients at the same time and write a book with your other hand.

[JayRobert]

Originally Posted by HorologyK

Ibtl.

What are the different measures of time? How and why are they different from one another? Are you a big shot on TRF because you've posted over 600 times? Does negativity reign supreme so as to make you feel better by tearing down another? If the reason you enjoy wearing a watch is to show it off that is acceptable. I have a bit more curiosity and thoroughly enjoy exploring the things that I enjoy to a deeper level. Do you?

[Passionata]

Originally Posted by JayRobert

As I measured the pulse of my patient utilizing a blue dial timex I observed on their wrist a Rolex. At that particular instant, I began to wonder why one would consider such an extravagant ornament which was, in hind site, approximately 500 times the labor in dollars as compared to my own. It immediately brought me to a short span of time at the end of my uncle's journey. He once said that a gentleman needs two things in the real world. He stated that you need a nice watch and a good pair of shoes. He was a hard nosed business man who owned a steel and textile manufacturing plant and for many years considered my family as one from the wrong side of the tracks. His daily time piece was a steel Oyster Perpetual Datejust Rolex with a blue dial. We had much to learn from one another and to this day I'm thankful to have known him as an adult. That, however, is another story.
It was six months ago that I began to read about and compare and contrast the different types of complications and more recently and specifically chronographs, tachymeters, and pulsometers. After a bit of leisure reading and with very little understanding as to their origin, relevance to every day life and mechanical inner workings, I began to wonder why are these time pieces so fantastic, invigorating and seductive? Why am I obsessed with a hobby which reinforces my unpopular nerd legacy? Why is the experience when reading about watches as palpable as the initial 15 seconds of a patient encounter?
From the beginning of time there has always been a function within which everything operates. There are a specific amount of seconds or split seconds in each day and as an observer, by nature and trade, I began to read about the evolution of recorded and measured time. The thought of recording or knowing our position or a rough approximation relative to other celestial objects and bodies in multiple measures of time is fascinating. The obsession was infinitely perpetuated.
When your profession is held in a class of expected or perceived higher esteem and class, there often are moments when you realize that books can only bring you to a particular point of knowing. It is only when you experience in real life and time the complications, problems, and potential solutions thereof that you truly begin to cultivate understanding.
I began to visit and call on different Authorized Dealers including PP as well as other brands for guidance, education, and a deeper understanding of the pieces, that when properly together and in perfect and exact harmony, function in a concise and beautiful manner so as to measure the moments of time. Such is life. The prospect of the potential future interactions with those who better understand my new hobby was reassuring and gave me a rare something to which I may look forward. This was partially true.
What I've found the watch industry to be is very difficult, unforgiving, and unwelcoming when it comes to the Authorized Dealers. The watch industry, as I define it, is comprised of the individuals who sell on behalf of particular companies while functioning as the brand and product educators for whom they serve as representatives. It is also important that the representative be familiar with competing brands in the same caliber of competition for there will inevitably be honest questions to which many of us are not knowledgeable or do not have privilege.
I have a short story of a much anticipated visit to a Patek Philippe AD which is located a few hours north. This visit included a sense of awe as I walked through doors as thick as those protecting the vault of a bank. This awe was compounded by a perceived security that rivaled that of Fort Knox. I was greeted by an attractive young lady who was more than eager to show me PP time pieces as she introduced me to the PP seating area. I had a coffee in tow and as I approached the seating arrangement, asked if she had something on which I may set my beverage. She was a young and attractive sales associate who appeared to be knowledgeable about time pieces, though at this point I'm not one to judge what constitutes knowledge of watches. I began to ask insightful or better put curious questions about the different watches I found to be important. I asked not because I knew the answer but rather as a bridge to further understand the details, reasons, and history behind a potentially involved investment. She stated that I knew a lot about watches, which was certainly not accurate and I was in no manner pretending to be any type of aficionado. She then proceeded to excuse herself only to be replaced by the owner of the shop. It was at this moment that I understood her presence was one of a superficial nature in an upscale region. It was apparent that many of the clients in this particular area purchased status symbols rather than exciting pieces of history and knowledge. I understand that most expensive or luxury purchases are experiences of exhilaration, excitement and conquering the ability to afford that which few may obtain. I've found my reason is of a very different nature. This man sat before me with silence as his approach. He sighed, took out a coaster and without knowing I have manners, placed my beverage onto it with authority. It is not clear the reason for the unwelcoming demeanor and disrespectful attitude. I later reasoned that it was likely a defense mechanism for his employees lack of any real knowledge about the product she represents. The questions I asked were similar in nature to those not known by the lady associate. The responses I received were short, not relevant, not educational or enthusiastic, and rude beyond anything i've ever experienced. The room tilted to an uncomfortable balance when price negotiations became subject. This is an important part of the story because as a consumer price does matter. My profession allows me to earn a decent salary but this does not lead one to reason that all of those earnings should be spent irresponsibly. The only reason my salary should have any relevance is that it validates my ability to make the purchase thereby granting me a seat at the table. If it is not one particular table, it will be another. It will be another.
I left without anger but have still a feeling of disappointment. I am not discouraged and will continue the pursuit of time.
Thank you for indulging in my current state of affairs.

Try an other dealer ,there are many.
no reason to waste your time and funds for those who doesn t deserve.

[Samui]

Originally Posted by HorologyK

You lost me at pulse

Lol same

[JayRobert]

Originally Posted by Samui

Lol same

Did you really laugh out loud? Holy moly I never knew it could feel so good being a comedian. That's so cool that you literally laughed out loud. Haha.

I will have to guess that most of the negative posts come from people who really were nerds in high school and now have a platform by success in the business world.

Keep 'em coming cats.

[JayRobert]

Originally Posted by martinr

There must be a website for budding novelists.

There appears to be a lack of true interest in horology as demonstrated by the responses I've received. I will respond as honestly as I can to your question, if in fact it was a question.

ha ha ha At the risk of being banned, yes there is a website for budding novelists, its called:

yourmom.com

[Samui]

Originally Posted by JayRobert

Did you really laugh out loud? Holy moly I never knew it could feel so good being a comedian. That's so cool that you literally laughed out loud. Haha.

I will have to guess that most of the negative posts come from people who really were nerds in high school and now have a platform by success in the business world.

Keep 'em coming cats.

You got me I didnt lol it was more like blowing air out of my nose. But I did read your whole post. It was an interesting read. Thank you for sharing. This forum is all fun. Take a joke no need to be so serious.

[JayRobert]

Originally Posted by Passionata

Try an other dealer ,there are many.
no reason to waste your time and funds for those who doesn t deserve.

This I understand. I see that there is a lack of understanding here within the context of my post. I wasn't aware that there are so many who really don't care to understand these time pieces beyond an incoming post or how do I look with this thing on my wrist. I will say that it is fun to respond to the responses.

[KarlS]

Originally Posted by martinr

Get a PP 5370P, you can check two patients at the same time and write a book with your other hand.

[JayRobert]

Originally Posted by Samui

You got me I didnt lol it was more like blowing air out of my nose. But I did read your whole post. It was an interesting read. Thank you for sharing. This forum is all fun. Take a joke no need to be so serious.

I was being facetious. I have a day off relax over there.

[Samui]

Originally Posted by martinr

Get a PP 5370P, you can check two patients at the same time and write a book with your other hand.

good one

[JayRobert]

Originally Posted by martinr

Get a PP 5370P, you can check two patients at the same time and write a book with your other hand.

Hey Martin why haven't I seen you in any movies recently? You were one of my favorite comedians.

[KarlS]

Pretentious twaddle

[JayRobert]

Originally Posted by KarlS

Pretentious twaddle

So is your avatar
I really got you there. Sick burn. haha.

[kunlun]

Originally Posted by JayRobert

Thank you for your insight. Which chronograph with the pulsometer function would you consider?

Hello,

This is an extraordinary chronometer with pulsometer and the NYC boutique couldn't be a nicer place to ask questions and learn about the watch:
https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/in...ny-chronograph

May I note that you didn't answer my question about whether you like cats.

[JayRobert]

Originally Posted by kunlun

Hello,

This is an extraordinary chronometer with pulsometer and the NYC boutique couldn't be a nicer place to ask questions and learn about the watch:
https://www.hodinkee.com/articles/in...ny-chronograph

May I note that you didn't answer my question about whether you like cats.

Thank you for the link. Yes I've seen this video and I agree it is a spectacular watch. I like to gather opinions from many because sometimes there is really useful info of which I may not have thought. I don't make split second decisions, though i wouldn't mind a chrono with split seconds.

PS Do you like KarlS avatar wherein he is advertising how important he is by showcasing his watch collection? Wait what is the definition of pretentious? ha ha.
You guys are fun.
As for cats I have no position.
It depends on what your definition of the word cats is. I love Bill Clinton.

[PJ S]

Originally Posted by JayRobert

"us"? Do you have more than one personality?

Don’t we all?
Speaking for myself, me and I are also part of the trio.
However, since you knew that already, then “us” refers to the members as a collective.

Originally Posted by JayRobert

"to wade through"?

It’s a pejorative term, describing the effort needed to read your prose.
Don’t worry if you didn’t know that, you’re new here.

Originally Posted by JayRobert

"round"? (around)

Mea culpa…a missing apostrophe before the r.

Originally Posted by JayRobert

"I will spend time"? (definitive article perhaps)

Definitely definitive, but only when you can be bothered to write with readability foremost.
Otherwise, the brevity of conciseness would be so much more rewarding and appreciated.

Originally Posted by JayRobert

"but as it is" (fragment)

Indeed – but in the context of, and pertaining to, your opening post, it’s clearly understood to what I was referring.

Originally Posted by JayRobert

"courtesy"? Are you using this as a noun or adjective?

Do you have a preference which?
Personally, I’d roll with a noun – but if you think it’s an adjective…

Originally Posted by JayRobert

"there's me"? translated to "there is me". The meaning and placement of this grammatical fragment is unclear.

Translation? Since when were contractions deemed a foreign language?
The word you were looking for, but failed to find in your vocabulary, is “expanded”.
As for the sentence itself – it is, in effect, a soliloquy.

[GB-man]

Send that thing over to the editor before publishing it next time. Painful to read. No offense meant.


Get yourself a 5170G white dial and you're done. The doctors chronograph. You'll want to buy preowned to get the best price.

[Vipes]

Can I get the Cliff Notes version of your post?