You know what really grinds my gears? (Part 4)

KKomoto said:

You know what really grinds my gears? Mirror finishing on a "tool" watch. What the actual f***. Why would a "tool" watch ever need mirror finishing? Let's put ourselves in any scenario where we need a tool watch; we are climbing a mountain/in the middle of the ocean/flying a plane, suddenly we need to check the time/date/timer, look down and "AHHH I CAN'T SEE!", temporarily blinded by highly polished bezel and center bracelet links, we can't obtain the information we needed because the watch was too damn shiny. The reflections so bright in this environment, the tool we brought with us, that we thought would help give us important information, now has become an obstacle. We were relying on a tool to give us important information immediately and easily, but now we can't even see past the glare and we are now setup for failure in our task. I wanted legibility, clarity, reliability, and ease of use from what is literally classified as a "tool". But we have been let down. I'm imagining some conversations at Rolex HQ:
"Everyone, the GMT Master II has been a functional timepiece for pilots. BUT we have a lot of Instagrammers and journalists who like cool looking things that last a long time. No, most don't fly. Yes, most don't wear them either they just resell them. So let's just slap on some reflective ceramic and polish up some bits to make photographs look better. This is the future."

Now, before I work many of you up into a tizzy, let's remember that there are in fact many brands and watch models that resolve my complaints, BUT THAT ISN'T THE POINT OF WHAT GRINDS MY GEARS. This is my time to complain no matter how unnecessary and petty I may be!

Onwards; Let's envision a world where these tool watches were left alone. Aluminum bezels. Brushed surfaces. Non-ceramic dials. What is the worst that comes from this? Discoloration? Oh yeah, we all know everyone hates REAL patina on classic watches. Numerals/markers wearing out? I'll give you this one, but counter with the fact that servicing/part swapping is an option. Less bling on Instagram? Oh god, no.. Anything but that.. I need my wristy... PLEASE DON'T DO THIS!!!!!!!!!!!! (if you don't get this is sarcasm then may the watch lord be with you).

Honestly here, am I asking too much? Am I being unreasonable? You don't need to answer, I know I am. BUT STILL, I wish for a world where I can have an updated movement with updated metal and nice materials, but just doesn't reflect the sun into my corneas as much. Is that really so much to ask for? I'm not wearing a watch to be noticed. I am wearing it to tell the time (and because I have an obsession). But honestly, the more under the radar/"boring" the better. If Rolex GMT Master II was all brushed and matted out (without second-hand customization), that would be a grail watch-oh wait, I forgot I hate cyclops.. If the Omega Planet ocean got rid of all that ceramic, then ohhhhh baby that right there is the watch I would wear every ** day.

Watch Industry, I beg of thee, PLEASE, give us some matte, that is all I want, that is all I have ever wanted. I don't want to shine, I don't like to blind those around me, I don't want to stand out at all. I. Just. Want. Matte.

Click to expand...