The Jakarta Post has published an article on the local watch collectors community. It's a great look into what's going on there. And it's interesting to read about how their community started and continues to evolve.
At the recent gathering, the 50-odd men - the few women there were accompanying their watch-loving guys - had the opportunity to talk to Justian, brand manager (for Indonesia) of Orient, and even buy one of the Orient watches on display.
Also at the gathering was a veritable feast for the eyes - an astounding and eclectic mix of vintage timepieces laid out on a long table. Among the brand names were Omega, Seiko, Rolex, Royce and Jaeger-LeCoultre. Many watch aficionados were drawn as if by a magnet to the watches on display, touching the timepieces with passion and awe.
"Oh, this one is so sexy!" one man exclaimed, running his fingers over a masculine-looking watch. Among the rarest pieces on display were the Vulcain Cricket Alarm watches, which date from the mid-20th century, their alarms still roaring cheerfully.
The crowd was an interesting mix of people from various backgrounds and age groups.
"I would not consider myself a collector; I'm a watch enthusiast," said the oldest member, a 58-year-old retiree called Acil. "A collector is a person who likes buying watches and money is not an issue for him." Unlike a true collector, Acil said his timepieces are investments to be sold if he needs extra cash.
But some watches he hopes he never sells, such as his Rolex Red Submarine and a Patek Philippe pocket watch that his grandfather gave him (recall the Patek tagline: "You never actually own a Patek Philippe. You merely look after it for the next generation.")
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