It may be the appeal of a small machine with exceptionally tiny, often handmade parts decorated or at least polished to a beautiful sheen. There is an unquanti

It may be the appeal of a small machine with exceptionally tiny, often handmade parts decorated or at least polished to a beautiful sheen. There is an unquantifiable moment when a crafted item, in this case mechanical, is so well made it slides into a category of art. The watch is not quite an automaton, but it can evoke a bit of wonder and marvel. The problem for the watch enthusiast is that there is always a watch that is better, artistically or mechanically, or more beautiful. Acquiring one that is affordable is a bit of a hunt, as is increasing one's knowledge of what makes a watch good and beautiful. It's not nostalgia, I don't believe, but the pleasure of having an item that evokes a bit of wonder.