Short answer: No.
But some people might see us watch collectors/enthusiasts as materialistic people. We are free to obtain whatever material we desire, it is our choice. However, at times, those materials we want can be a little overboard to a point it is consuming our life. Being materialistic can be defined as “being excessively concerned with material possessions”. So the question is: To what extent is it excessive?
Hodinkee made a brilliant quote in the article “Why Watch Nerds Often Love Cars” written by Kyle Kinard, saying that such items are ‘the most unimportant important things’ in our lives. Absolutely spot on. I love watches. My life is based around watches. My job is based mostly around watches right now. In fact, I love cars too. But does that make me a materialistic person? Absolutely not. From the description above I might sound materialistic. But the difference comes from our morals and our values. As much as I love watches and cars, I am fully aware that I can live without any of the things I enjoy. My values, beliefs and principles have nothing to do with materials I own, plus my happiness doesn’t come from such materials.
I get asked around by people about what my dream watch is, and whenever people ask, I cannot answer. Because there are so many watches that I would love to own and experience. For me, there is no end to this topic of ‘dream watch’ as much as I would like to answer. One thing I am sure of is that there will never be an end to watches I would like to own because then I will get in a constant cycle of searching for more, wanting for more. I must admit, I was once a victim of this vicious cycle as well. 4 years ago, I got a GMT master 16700 from my good friend Cedric at “Les Petit Horologers”. I thought that would be “it” for Rolex since I thought that watch would do for me. But that did not last long. I built new temptations to own different pieces, and once I got that other piece, I wanted another one. It was a cycle. I realised I was getting caught up by things I did not own but wanted to own, and not appreciate and cherish what I already had on my wrist. It took some time for me to come up with this realisation. But once I changed my approach to materials, I started to have a different perspective on materials in general. I am more appreciative of what I own, thankful to be able to handle watches on a daily basis and to be able to do what I love to do for a living. It’s important to enjoy what we currently own, appreciate what humans are able to create, and enjoy the journey of collecting, and be appreciative over our current state.
It is very easy to fall into the world of materials, I must admit. As humans, the temptation of wanting something is very hard to resist. The more we get to own, the more we want more. There is no end to materials. Nobody tells you “This is the finish line. This is it”. It is hard to draw that line where to “Finish”, since there is always something different, a little better. So it is important how we approach such materials. Personally, I approach materials always as a “secondary” aspect, meaning it will always come after whatever my priorities are. My values, morals, purpose always sit on the priority list, then the rest falls.
Even after all this talk about different approaches, at the end, I still love watches. I appreciate the history behind each pieces as well as the craftsmanship. For now, watches are a big chunk of my life. But this does not define myself or my values, my purpose, nor my happiness. Watches do not control me, and no material can ever take over me as an individual. Don’t be a slave to material, be an owner of your material.
I am at a state where I am fully aware that I can live without all the watches I own, and I am still a happy man without any watches or materials. Because I know for myself that my happiness does not come from the materials I own. I don’t know if this is the best thing to say as a business person who offers watches to people, but my values are bigger than just watches. My goal is not just about selling the most amount of watches. In my opinion, that is a small thought. I focus more on becoming a better version of myself everyday. Whether that is through running my own business, or through human relationships and interactions, I focus on becoming 1 percent better than I was yesterday. So, if you like what’s available at Gobugi, please do not hesitate to contact me, but if you are just a reader of this article, or just a browser without much intention of buying, that is completely ok for me too and I appreciate the visit.
To end this topic of 'Are we “Materialistic” because we like watches', the answer is clearly a no; as long as we have the right approach.
