Expecting Perfection in Watches

“He had it all. Even the glass dishes with tiny bubbles and imperfections, proof they were crafted by the honest, simple, hard-working indigenous peoples of… wherever.”

That quote from Fight Club sums up the watch industry PERFECTLY. Those of you in the crowd vowing to never buy a used watch because it won’t be perfect, what makes you think your brand new watch is perfect? It was assembled by human beings, and while some watches are more perfect than others, none are “perfect”.

The images featured in this post are of a new watch sold in January 2023, from a respected brand. The watch was never opened until this photoshoot, and the movement was never taken out of the case. Look at the screwheads from the manufacturer’s assembly process. Far from perfect!

While perfection is expected in watches, the reality is that it’s not a reasonable expectation.

Sure, you can expect near perfection from Patek Philippe, but the watchmakers there are human robots, often working on the same part of the same caliber, day in and day out for years. They also cost 100+ times more than most other watches.

Relax, appreciate the different levels of craftsmanship, enjoy the hobby, and whatever you do… DON’T bring a loupe