There are various definitions of “a mug's game” such as “an activity that will not make you happy or successful” and “a foolish, useless, or ill advised venture.” Watches are, for want of a better opener, a mug’s game. At least, it has reached that point for me. It’s tough to remain interested in 2026.… Continue reading It’s a mug’s game
Tag: collecting
Alive with pleasure
One of the problems with having opinions about everything is that sometimes you have to express that opinion, even when you should not. And having expressed this opinion about a trivial matter, such that it would not cross most people’s minds, you end up with a vintage watch that you did not intend to buy.… Continue reading Alive with pleasure
Collecting goals for 2026
Goals, people, we have to have goals. What is the point of this activity if we just see something shiny and figure out how to acquire it? That’s just crass consumerism. That is being a shopping addict, not a collector. (Do you feel the burning shame of your last thoughtless purchase? Good. I feel mine… Continue reading Collecting goals for 2026
The Purposeful Wanderer (not a SOTC)
I don’t read many “State of the Collection” (SOTC) posts or watch those videos. When one plays on my YouTube feed it is usually because I dozed off watching a video on the history of the Lakota Sioux, the Seleucids, or Appalachian geography. (If I ever get to run this simulation again, I might wind… Continue reading The Purposeful Wanderer (not a SOTC)
The Five Vintage Watches That You Must Own
You have decided to dip your toe into vintage watch collecting. Like a certain potato chip (crisp for those of you that eat beans on toast), you can never have just one. There are certain categories that you should/must have in your collection. These are the Jungian archetypes of vintage watches that will bring pleasure… Continue reading The Five Vintage Watches That You Must Own
My Knowledge Problem
I knew that there was a saying that something “was the thief of joy.” I have been feeling a bit joyless in the collecting part of watch collecting recently. I looked it up and it was “comparison”. Well, that covers FOMO pretty much. It is a very stoic way of looking at the world. Teddy… Continue reading My Knowledge Problem
Bulova and other American watch ramblings
Bulova is a watch company with a storied history. I'm sure Greg has written more about Bulova than I can or should, but I know a fair bit of their history regardless. New York, 150-odd years, Accutron (see: "things that Ryan loves that are guaranteed to hurt him,") giant space chronograph, et cetera. Bulova wasn't… Continue reading Bulova and other American watch ramblings
The End Is Near
I consider myself quite an amicable person. It's honestly not difficult to get along with a wide variety of people so long as you're open-minded and keep your ego in check. Whenever I spot those who have their differences from me, be it a difference in religion, or difference in opinion on whether pineapple belongs… Continue reading The End Is Near
Is this acceptable? I know what you did last Summer, and the Watchbros(tm) are appalled…
No… you are not seeing things, that is a watch. A gaudy looking streetwear drop right? Wrong? It is the product of a sick mind. (Calm down son - Ed). No, but it is something I rescued from the box of bits. A 1970s Delta Computer that had a broken EB something (not checking, it… Continue reading Is this acceptable? I know what you did last Summer, and the Watchbros(tm) are appalled…
Which Way Watch Collector?
We are cursed to live in interesting times. We imagine that we have unusually bad luck in this regard, and that sometime in the recent or distant past things were better. The sun shone more brightly, gentle breezes kept us cool, and the food tasted better. A few years ago, back when I could call… Continue reading Which Way Watch Collector?
The Escapement Room 