�

Why am I interested in watches?�
I have always had a keen interest in mechanical things.� I can even remember when I was very young my father gave me a mechanical watch to wear.� I wore it for several weeks until my curiosity was too strong and I tried to take the thing apart.� I was surprised at how un-exaggerated the cartoons on television were - springs & wheels went everywhere.�
More recently my interest in Mechanical watches was suddenly sparked when I was window shopping some TAG Heuer watches in the department store.� I noticed an interesting line of watches which looked like antiques, but they weren't.� They had very classic styling, and what took the cake was a glass back on the watch (skeleton back) where you could view the movement.� The brand of watches was ORIS, and they were cheaper than most of the TAG range.���
The clincher for my interest was a conversation I had with a friend who was dreaming about collecting cars when he is older.� I was arguing that I like classic cars, but that they take up too much room, and pollute etc.� That was when it suddenly dawned on me that I would rather collect watches.� I hadn't even considered it previously, but I suddenly said aloud "I'm going to collect watches", and I knew that it was true.� Soon after I decided to get myself a decent Swiss Watch for my 29th Birthday.�
One more point that I should make is that the Internet has served to exponentially compound my interest.� Without it I wouldn't have been able to find out the huge amount of information that I now know.� My knowledge of brands, models, watches to avoid, features etc. has all been derived from the net.� The forum on www.timezone.com serves not only as a marketing tool for watch companies, but also provides critical reviews, and scientific & social background to watches and collecting etc.�
�

Why Mechanical watches?�
I will readily admit that a mechanical watch generally doesn't perform as well as a battery operated watch.� There are more parts that can go wrong, and they are more susceptible to shocks.� Servicing of the watch will cost more too.� A battery operated watch is sturdy, and reliable - except you don't know when the battery will go flat.� A quartz watch will probably have less longevity because of ageing of the circuit, contacts, etc.� Whereas a mechanical can usually have parts replaced.� Most modern mechanicals will provide the user with more than they require in accuracy.�
No matter what benefits of Quartz watches are listed, it is still UNDENIABLE that a good mechanical watch kicks any battery watch out of town.�

With a mechanical watch you have a living instrument, and a work of art.� Its performance changes with how you treat it.� They are like automobiles... in fact, they're better than automobiles!� No pollution, and you supply the power.� You get a minute, high-performance engine on your wrist.� It's also fun to think of an old swiss guy in the factory - tinkering around with the watch - assembling the pieces.�
�
Those watchmakers in Switzerland must be grinning from ear to ear thinking of how the watch that they're making is going to kick your ass silly.��
�
�