The enduring appeal of mechanical watches: craftsmanship, auctions, and collector culture
By
Nicholas Foulkes
Summary
A detailed exploration of the watch industry and horology culture, examining the enduring appeal of mechanical timepieces in a digital age. The article covers the auction of a rare Patek Philippe world time watch for SFr7.96mn, the frenzy around Swatch x Audemars Piguet limited-edition collaborations, and broader reflections on why watches continue to captivate collectors and enthusiasts. It weaves together market dynamics, craftsmanship, design philosophy, and the emotional resonance of mechanical watches as objects of art, status, and personal expression.
Source
Twitter / XThe enduring appeal of mechanical watches: craftsmanship, auctions, and collector cultureft.trib.alKey quotes
· 3 pulledThe room breaks into polite applause of the sort one hears on Centre Court at Wimbledon, only this is horology's centre court, and the event being celebrated is the purchase for SFr7,961,000 (about £7.4mn) – including fees – of an object little bigger than a coin.
Seven days later mobs of enthusiasts try to storm their local Swatch shops in pursuit of the latest limited-edition collaboration with Audemars Piguet.
Classic, contemporary, graphic, sleek – there's a timepiece for every wrist
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