Since this year’s Watches and Wonders, I find myself actually caring about watches again. Not in any metaphorical way, no, I’m actually fanboying again. After maybe two years of jaded, spent, “I’ve seen this before” cynicsm towards the latest and the brightest, I cannot ignore the chubby in my pants over one of the releases. But give me a bit of space to set things up.
First, I wanna say I’m not back to the vicious cycle of watch hoarding I managed to get out of sometime ago. I like my newly found freedom. Who needs the mental and financial drain that is watch collecting? Who needs the grief? I’ve finally evicted the monster that lived rent-free in my head after all these years. I don’t want it back.
I like the free time I’ve gained back from my watch obsession. I don’t even wear them 24-7 anymore. I used to. Now, I only wear them when I remember, which isn’t often. And I don’t get upset when I forget to wear a watch. I was free. I AM free. Or so I thought.
Even when I was at the height of my watch fever, I never liked getting onboard the whole Watches and Wonders news train. I never got it. So a brand announces a new model, same as the current model same as the old model. Big deal. How many versions of the Speedmaster do you need to memorize until they’re all just the same watch? How many Submariners must we see until we collectively shout at the top of our voices, “Fuck! Enough!”?
And me, I don’t memorize specs. I could care less about specs so making this 40mm watch into a 35mm isn’t gonna make me salivate. In other words, I don’t follow Watches and Wonders. Waste of time. All sound and fury signifying nothing.
So, imagine my surprise when I accidentally came across my new obsession while fast forwarding through a YouTube video on Watches and Wonders this year.
The watch in question is the new Jeager-LeCoultre Master Control Chronometre.
I know I can never afford it, so since we’re dreaming I want the Perpetual Calendar. But honestly, any of the three types will do. The date power reserve is my least favorite. But that’s like saying, of the three most beautiful women in the world, one of them is my least favorite.
Despite never going to be able to afford any of the models, including the most basic date one, I entertain on a daily basis perceived objections over my make-believe future purchase. I know for instance that the more contrarian watch collectors abhor integrated bracelets. It’s been done to death. JLC is just jumping on the bandwagon. Well, I like them. So there’s that. It’s too expensive for what it’s worth is another potential criticism. I have a Timex level budget, dreaming of spending close to 50,000 USD is the same as dating a supermodel. Dreaming is the point. Only 50 meter water resistance. Who the hell cares? Most people never get their watches wet. And 50 meters is good enough for washing it with soap and water when it starts smelling vinegar-y.
I’ve always been a fan of Jaeger-LeCoultre. When I dove into vintage watches, I gravitated and acquired a number of JLC pieces. Along with Omega and Longines, these are the brands I’m most happiest wearing on my wrist. They are a tad more expensive than most brands but spending money of them never felt wasteful. Yes, I bought into the brand’s lore. Watchmaker’s watchmaker. It’s good lore if you like your watches drenched in history and invention. What exactly is Patek Philippe’s claim to history and invention? JLC made the smallest mechanical movement, for crying out loud The Nautilus is practically a uniform piece worn by the most corrupt politicians in third world countries like the Philippines. Vacheron Constantin is worn by royalty. So what? I never, not once, dreamed of putting on a crown jewels item. Does this scepter look good wuth my sash? And Audemar Piguet is bling-bling for rappers. Only JLC, in my eyes, warrant true reverence in the watch world.
Okay, I’m being facetious. I didn’t mean to diminish the trinity like that. There was a time when I thought I wanted a Patek. I like integrated bracelets enough that the Nautilus seemed like a desirable object. But the plunder scandal in my country had left a foul taste in my mouth. All levels of corruption and all I see are the Nautiluses on the wrists of the most shameless exploiters around. I want to name names. I won’t. But I don’t need to. Just search for the Philippine politicians involved in the flood control scandal and look at their wrists. Vileness all around. So much so that I can’t look at a regular person wearing a Nautilus without gagging. Same with AP. Same with Rolex. Vacheron seems okay. I have not seen a single pulitiko sporting a 222. At least that’s something. But I digress.
Point is, JLC has none of that baggage. Is it true that vile, evil people might also wear JLC? Sure sure. It takes all kinds of people. But they’ve done a good job so far hiding that shit from me. And I’ve looked.
So, yeah, I’m dreaming again. The integrated Master Control is as good a place as any. God, that’s a good looking watch. I wish someday to get my hands on one. But until then, there is rhe dream of hope and paradise.
The Escapement Room 