What makes a watch into a grail? It’s all about the quest! And what triggers that quest? Sometimes, it’s nostalgia!
A “holy grail” is defined more by the quest to find it than the object itself. If you could run down to Macy’s and buy the watch you have been seeking, would you love it? Maybe, but would you rhapsodize about it? Probably not.
Humans are hunters. We want to search for something special. And there have been many millions of different watches produced, so what makes them special can vary dramatically!
That ratty little Timex Quartz doesn’t look like much to you, does it? What if I told you that it was one of the first mass-market titanium watches? Now is it a little more interesting? Probably, but not enough for you to call it a “grail”.
Now what if that was the first watch that ever caught your eye? What if you were a teenager at the time and fell in love with the idea of a watch made from a new, high-tech material? What if you asked for it for Christmas and was delighted when it’s exactly what you got? And what if it wore out and was discarded somewhere over the last few decades? Now we’re getting somewhere!
This is the essence of a grail watch for many. They want to bring back something special from their life, and the watch is only half that quest. For many, it’s a journey back to a memorable time and place. The watch represents that for them.
That’s why we started this blog. We love looking, and sometimes we find some pretty special stuff. Even if it’s not our quest, we’d love to help someone else on theirs!
By the way, I was that kid in the 1980’s, and I had that watch. I would love to find another, but that’s not my current quest. Maybe someday. But for what it’s worth, that exact Timex is available on eBay right now for under $100!
Synchronicity?
My first and most important chronograph love affair began with the Timex Titanium. It caught my imagination and became my desire after seeing it advertised in OMNI magazine.
http://magazinesadsandbooks.com/Magazine-Ad-for-Timex-Titanium-Watch-Jet-in-Background-1987-P2184637.aspx
It arrived as the best Christmas gift that same year.
After replacing the rubber wrist strap a few times from wear, I ordered the stainless steel one pictured on the grey faced version pictured in the above photo.
The battery was replaced for the umpteenth time last year.
My first love still adorns my right wrist on a regular basis.
Stefan
Hi,
I once gave my father a watch like that, back in the late 80’s. Sincé he died i had it back but it doesn’t work anymore. Tried a couple of watchsmiths i know but none wanted to fix it.
Do you know the model name? or where can i get a functioning one?
any help would be appreciated.
thanks
Sergio
I actually have this watch right in front of me from mid 80s . fell in love first sight and the tag read “Titanium” -Timex – think I bought it at Woolco – back in the day 🙂
I got this watch as a gift when i was 12 back around 1992. Ive been looking for it online and this is the only place i can even find a picture of it. The ebay link you have here doesnt go to it and when you search Titanium Timex, it doesnt show. I would gladly pay 100$ for one in good condition.
I have this watch for sale if your still interested in great condition u can send me a email at [email protected] and id be glad to send u pictures