Built to last and designed to remember

Passing down a watch is completely logical...

Well-made watches, especially (but not limited to) mechanical ones, are objects made to last. The oldest watch I own is a 1956 Omega Seamaster. It has developed a rich patina, but mechanically, it is almost as good as new. The moving parts have been serviced well and show no sign of approaching their “expiration date.” If I keep looking after it, the watch will plow on, seemingly indefinitely.

But that is just the cold, technical side of it. Of course, something must stand the test of time to have heirloom quality. However, to be a worthwhile heirloom, an object must also have emotional value. Watches, as it turns out, are perfect in this sense. They are worn on the body and accompany their owners every single day… More here.

My son will have my watch and my daughter will have my wife’s plus some jewellery. The fact that they still have a practical use is one part of it and as such I can think of no better object to pass down to the next generation.

As Patek says- ‘You never actually own a Patek Philippe. You merely look after it for the next generation.’