This afternoon Natalie was going through some of the boxes in the garage. We’ve recently moved (or, as they say across the pond, “moved house”), and the garage is loaded with boxes of stuff that we haven’t been missing…so to speak. Someone’s got to go through the damned things, and it’s not going to be me. I’d rather call up the Salvation Army and have them load up the entire garage.
Regardless, she happened upon my box of “keeper” stuff. In that box was my great grandfather’s pocket watch, as is pictured. I don’t know when the watch was made, as I haven’t opened it up to check the movement for a serial number. But what I do know is that it’s elegantly crafted, and it works like an absolute champ…after at least 50 years.
Finding the watch evoked a strange sense of inapplicable nostalgia. I can’t help but get all wacky, sitting in my geeked-out office, thinking of how cool it would have been to live in a time when men wore hats when they were outdoors, wore suits to church on Sundays, and carried pocket watches like the one I have here.
There’s something classy about the watch. Sure, it’s old. Yeah, it’s attractive. But the fact that it functions flawlessly – over 50 years later – is symbolic of a craftsmanship that I sometimes think is lost today. It’s like a little glimpse into a time when people carried gold watches because they served a purpose.
Can you believe that it’s actually occurred to me that maybe I should carry the watch? Heh. It’d go fabulously next to my laptop, desktop, smartphone, digital camera, external HD, etc.
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Hey, that’s an antique! And it still works flawlessly! I’ve always wanted to own one of those, just never really found a good one.
How cool! Antiques are such a neat way to experience the past a little. I tend to agree with you that craftmanship and quality has been lost in our disposable society.
I came here via Dr. John’s blog. He features a new blog everyday and today is your turn. Expect more visitors.
Carry it! Use it and don’t forget to wind it up. It’s not like you go around carrying a hankie in your pocket to give to lovely ladies who cry. Plus, in my opinion tan lines on the wrist is so geeky.
I say this for while cleaning a house just this Friday my mop fell over and the handle made a beeline right for some old plate that the lady had up for display. She cried her eyes out, but her husband took up for me. Our lives and homes, shouldn’t be museums… but lived in. So with your watch… live it and embrace that nostalgia.
-Margie (stopping by via Dr. John)
Definately carry it. My brother had our Granddaddy’s pocketwatch & passed it to me just before he died. I then passed on to my son (the oldest greatgrandson) who will in turn pass it to his son. It also works beautifully & I carried it for many months after receiving it.
What a wonderful find.
Have a wonderful Sunday. I stopped by from Dr. John’s
Blessed be…
I would wear it and cherish it, such a beautiful watch and so much history. I think fifty years ago watchmakers were real craftsmen that put a little of themselves into what they made, a pride and love of their craft which is so sadly lacking in today’s market.
Ticking along from dr. john.
Go on, carry it and bring a bit of sanity into this mad world we live in, and hey whilst your at it, wear a hat as well! Dr John sent me tick-tocking over here.
That was a great fine. We are boxing up stuff now for the move but we had boxes from the last move unopened. Dr John has a pocket watch from his father but I don’t think it works. I say use it but care for it.
That’s a lovely watch. That reminds me that I have my grandfather’s pocket watched tucket away somewhere. I should bring it out. And, yes, I think you should wear the watch.
I am here from Dr. John’s blog, and I’m glad I found your blog.
Cheers,
Josie
I’d carry the watch with me, sit it on my desk where I could see it and be reminded of the days of my grandfather- back when life was lived simply. Put it right there in front of you- surrounded by all your modern, techie stuff and let it speak to you of a gentler time.
Almost forgot- Dr. John sent me your way.
I too have my Grandfathers pocket watch, it doesnt work anymore though. If it worked I might consider using it. I just like it because it was his. Here via Dr John.
I think it should take pride of place somewhere..on a mantle,or by your computer.Time is amazing..it ticks along and then its gone,never to be replaced.
Every second of every day is valuable.
Stopping by from Dr Johns.Have a nice weekend
You’d be dashing in a three-piece suit and a hat, pocketwatch chain draped across your vest– on a Sunday or any other day. I hope you’re fantastically well.
xoxo
tenacity