Recently a befriended trader showed me a Rolex Submariner 16610LV, also known as the ‘Kermit,’ that was bought by its initial owner and spent until recently every day in the safe. It was never worn, and the bracelet was not even sized. While this may be a dream come true for some collectors, I always look at those watches in horror. How terrible must it be not to use something the way it was intended just in an attempt to maintain its perceived value?
To some extent, I understand the reasoning behind this, but the issue I have with it is that it changes something that should give you everyday pleasure into a commodity. Of course, it is the prerogative of the owner to do with the watch what they please, but in all honesty, I am more pleased seeing a rare watch with some evidence of daily enjoyment than one in mint condition.
Maybe I am a rare breed these days, but despite owning some (vintage) watches in excellent condition, they all get worn. I do this with respect for their age and purpose, as taking a 1950s gold Piaget to play a game of racketball is…
