How do sleeve tattoos and watches perform the same function? What does my Rolex GMT Master 2 say to people about what type of person I am? When does it all become too much? #tattoo #watch #perception #vanity #obsession
My tattoos are cultural. I'm maori and the symbolism in my moko is unique to my iwi (tribe) and the far north of the North Island. They depict my whakapapa (ancestry) as well as my own story. My one watch if I were to sell off my collection would be my Speedmaster Professional. It's just a good timeless all rounder, it's versatile as long as I'm not in the water. It's a beautiful watch yet isn't shouty and I'm into motorsports (particularly bike racing) so there's that too. It would have been my Sea Dweller 43 as it's the watch that looks and feels best on, however the whole stigma around Rolex rules that one out for me as an only watch.
Mokos are probably the most outstanding example of cultural use of tattoos anywhere in the world, in my opinion. And the Speedmaster is another great statement watch!
@@SB-Kiwi I'g go with my GMT Left Hander. I'm not sure the statement would be received quite how I would like, as it's a Rolex but there isn't another watch that comes close in terms of connection to me personally.
In the States during the 1970s, I remember tattoos were worn by old sailors as well as seedy individuals. Due to the fact I never shook this association (despite seeing some beautiful women with tattoos), I never got one. Given the cultural significance of Pink Floyd, a tattoo makes a lot of sense. Both are social signifiers but tattoos are more vain than watches (or can be). I have two Tudor dive watches, a lot of G-Shock squares, and an Antique Hamilton dress watch and the only watches anyone noticed was the ones I actually forgot to list - the Sinn 656 and a 36mm Explorer (that got sold years ago). Each time, I was surprised when someone noticed it as I bought all my watches because I wanted something waterproof and reliable on my wrist.
So there I was ' Ticking away the moments that make up a dull day' watching this and you come out with " I look like a knob head wearing it ", you now owe me a new keyboard as I spat coffee all over it , that was bloody funny .
Not sure if I can agree on the relativity of tattoos and watches. If there is any correlation and choice, I would definitely choose watches over tattoos as the latter cannot be erased or completely eliminated once you have made the commitment. So no tattoo for me but a nice retirement PP will be my choice
So while I agree with most of your premise, I disagree that (at least for me) my tattoo and my watch are for me and not to show off. My tattoo I got after I returned from Afghanistan, on my upper arm (always covered up) to thank God for getting me home safe. It’s a Celtic Cross with Proverbs 3:5-6 written underneath. It’s more of a reminder for me everyday when I see it. My signature watch is my new Moonwatch, as a reward for a 20-year career in the military. I’m a watch nerd and a space nerd, so everyday when I see it, it brings a smile to my face!
Congratulations on many levels for getting home safe, and for getting such an awesome watch to celebrate your career. On both counts, you qualify as a rare example of someone who is not doing these things for external, but for internal gratification and reward. What a role model you are!
@@TheRandomWatchDude hahaha thanks! But don’t make me into a Saint just yet. Don’t get me wrong, I certainly still enjoy it when people complement either my watch or tattoo. It’s nice that sometimes it can be a jumping off point to discuss my enthusiasm for watches with someone, or a point of evangelization in the case of my tattoo. But that’s only a bi-product, not the main purpose, at least for me.
I have something like 60 watch and just zero tatto...so there is not realy relation between tattoo and watch collection,of course any obssetion in acumulat something,can be tattoo,watch,stamp,cars,bag,stamp,is something psychanalist probably study and look more at something you want to compence....but i will continue to buy watch without tattoo...
Hi Mark interesting conversation this is why you're different to other watch Channels just wondering the tattoo of a naked woman on on your back very cool in the day.has it become funny or problematic over the years with work children girl friends etc or has it just become part of you and you where it like a badge of life? . To answer your question it would probably be a Rolex as for me that s the Everest for watches for me as jewellery but not as a masterpiece of horology.as for tattoos probably a Celtic design on the arm .but as you say watches you can change your mind. great video thanks John.
Thanks John, and great choice for your tattoo. Mine was a time and a place, which I have to explain carefully when the subject comes up. Honestly, I don't like the tattoo all that much, but thankfully I literally never see it. I probably would have had it lasered off years ago, if I saw it every day. But that's why I like watches now I guess!
A bit of decade's patina / wabi- sabi on a vintage watch - v.nice; equivalent of tattoo on a person ...( a grandad had some, so I have seen them). Also, culturally problematic for some: no burial, no onsen , past lovers ( plural or singular apostrophe?) name/s..at least if one changes one’s mind over a watch it's 'chao'.
No tattoos here. My watches are not for display to others, they serve my nostalgia needs. They are for me to relive the past. So these are specific vintage pieces with traces of age and people not in my age band will therefore not understand. Modern pieces are therefore only utilitarian to me, dead objects with no soul. My Speedy is not a 2024 one, it is a 1967 one - as it should be for me. Same with my Submariner - again a 1967 one.
