by Tyler Frederick
More than just a watch
Many articles talk about watches being a way to commemorate a milestone or a watch that encapsulates so many memories throughout one’s life. Still, I’ve noticed those stories are rarely discussed, especially within the collector community. We talk about what’s on our wrist, where we got it, our favourite specs or why the watch is so great, but people’s stories about that watch don’t come up. When I got into watch collecting, I wasn’t sure what to expect from the hobbyist side of it, and what I found was a fantastic group of intensely passionate people–some of whom own brands; I’m proud to wear their watches because they’re connected to someone I care about. Everything I use daily is connected to a person: guitars, watches, camera equipment, etc.
The core memory watch
I had an interesting conversation with Huiy Tang from RZE, and he asked me, “What’s your core memory watch?” I loved that question, and it had me thinking for days. The first memory that came to mind was a Timex Ironman my dad gave me when I was ten. That’s been a core memory of mine since then, and it’s a watch I think about often.
I grew up racing go-karts, and around that time, we were racing at Goodwood Kartways in Uxbridge, Ontario. Goodwood would race on Saturdays, so on Friday, when my dad came home from work, we would load up the trailer and go testing and practice for the evening.
On the night in question, it was a gorgeous Friday evening at the beginning or middle of June. I was having a light dinner, watching The Simpsons on a TV screen with a massive glare from the sun coming through our front door, and waiting for my dad to come home. I heard the front door open and his work boots hitting the floor. As he walked into the living room, he handed me a stainless steel Timex
Ironman with a steel bracelet. It was a bit dirty, but nothing that a spray of brake cleaner couldn’t fix. I loved it because it had Indiglo and it was from my dad.
I wore that watch to the track every weekend for about two years; it would be under my sleeve when I was on track, and I loved it. Unfortunately, I no longer have that watch, as I’m pretty sure I lost it at one of the race tracks. I always tell people I got into watches in 2016 after investigating the watch brand sponsors in F1, but I genuinely think that Timex from my dad is what got the gears turning early on. Racing was one of the best times of my life and a passion I could share with my dad, and the Timex was a small but significant part of that journey; I’m 99% sure I won my first race with that watch. It’s funny how particular objects can bring back so many memories.
In writing this article, I went down memory lane and remembered so many good times, and while I miss racing, it was a fantastic decade in the sport. This article aims to send a message: wear your watches with pride, focus on the good times, and build beautiful memories. Our world is very fast-paced, and we often need to remember to look around now and then or to take in our experiences. I want to ask you the same question: What’s your core memory watch?
Advertisement
About the Author
Born into a family obsessed with motorsport, Tyler Frederick became enamoured with speed and beautiful cars at a young age. His love of Formula 1–and all things mechanical–eventually lead him to horology. You can follow him on Instagram.
Other Watchy Bits include op-ed pieces and articles of general interest. We’d love to hear your opinion in the comments section below.
Please understand that using any links to products on this site may result in us making money.
Very cool man. An Ironman was my first watch, I remember always starting and stopping the timer all the time just because I could