Embrace the experiences of life... Vintage models, having the brightest period under the influence of Wabi-Sabi, carry flawed perfection to the wrists.
One of the most interesting changes in vintage watch collecting has been the increased interest in samples that honestly reveal their patina, rather than the timepieces restored to 'like new’ condition. Christie’s, the famous auction house, also confirms that usage-dependent marks like notches, scratches, and dents are like true-life experiences for collectors and are positively effective regarding the desirability of a watch.
It is not always easy to determine the origins of trends. However, people think that this interest for patina emerged in Japan, where Wabi-Sabi, the art of embracing defects, reigns. Before the rise of the patina, I would like to inform you briefly about Wabi-Sabi. This philosophy, which focuses on the acceptance of flaws in aesthetics, derives from Buddhists’’ three signs of existence, self-confidence, suffering, and emptiness/meaninglessness.
"How does a philosophy of life adapt to watches?" you might ask. In this era, where a new model debuted every day, I think that while we glorify the concept of time, we should also review the feelings we feel towards the mechanical machines that tell it. The details revealing the Wabi-Sabi philosophy and experience come into play at this point. Wabi meets the meanings of simplicity and humility, while Sabi means enjoying the flaws. This philosophy, unlike defending the 'perfect new’, is about accepting the time-dependent imperfections. This not only influences Japanese collectors but also fuses with vintage Rolex models that draw attention with their patina.
Japanese collectors are more interested in models like GMT-Master and Submariner, with scratches on their cases and faded bezel inserts, rather than like-new looking samples. Of all these aging features, the most interesting are the faded, tropical dials. This trend of searching for the 'true patina' went beyond the borders of Japan and has spread across the world, especially in recent years. Moreover, young collectors are very interested in this trend.
Although this quest for true patina under the influence of Wabi-Sabi is quite remarkable and valuable, it is not easy to find models such as Rolex Submariner and Omega Speedmaster in all original condition.
What do you think about this trend? We are waiting for your comments below...
