As always when it comes to love, the emotional bond between a collector and his watches is something that cannot be explained.

Watch collector Adit Marga describes that emotional bond as priceless: The pleasure derived from a timepiece, he says, far exceeds its price tag and any service costs.

Marga is a member of Arloji Antik, a mailing list of watch lovers who gather under the official community name "Kronometrofilia" and who, at a recent gathering, expressed similar sentiments to Marga's.

The Arloji Antik mailing list was created by Hendra Kusuma in December 2005, with two members. Since then, it has grown to its current membership of nearly 300 "chronometrophiles".

At the recent gathering, the 50-odd men - the few women there were accompanying their watch-loving guys - had the opportunity to talk to Justian, brand manager (for Indonesia) of Orient, and even buy one of the Orient watches on display.

Also at the gathering was a veritable feast for the eyes - an astounding and eclectic mix of vintage timepieces laid out on a long table. Among the brand names were Omega, Seiko, Rolex, Royce and Jaeger-LeCoultre. Many watch aficionados were drawn as if by a magnet to the watches on display, touching the timepieces with passion and awe.

"Oh, this one is so sexy!" one man exclaimed, running his fingers over a masculine-looking watch. Among the rarest pieces on display were the Vulcain Cricket Alarm watches, which date from the mid-20th century, their alarms still roaring cheerfully.

The crowd was an interesting mix of people from various backgrounds and age groups.

"I would not consider myself a collector; I'm a watch enthusiast," said the oldest member, a 58-year-old retiree called Acil. "A collector is a person who likes buying watches and money is not an issue for him." Unlike a true collector, Acil said his timepieces are investments to be sold if he needs extra cash.

But some watches he hopes he never sells, such as his Rolex Red Submarine and a Patek Philippe pocket watch that his grandfather gave him (recall the Patek tagline: "You never actually own a Patek Philippe. You merely look after it for the next generation.")

Acil started his "journey" in collecting timepieces after he had to sell his Rolex Oyster Perpetual Date, a gift from his parents. He vowed to buy the same model to replace it; 19 years later he found one, during which time he fell in love with vintage watches and built a collection that includes Nelson, Omega and Rolex watches.

The youngest participant, 24-year-old Jemi, who came with his father, developed a passion for watches eight months ago, when his father's Rolex 1675 GMT sparked something in his heart.

"I think it was produced in 1972," he says. Jemi now collects old timepieces and digital watches, including G-Shock Limited Edition pieces. Among his precious collection is an Omega Sea Master, a diver's watch he bought for Rp 900,000. Jemi was delighted when he learned the model was on offer on e-Bay for US$500.

Another member is Ridwan Marta Yos, a self-taught watch repairman who began his work as a hobby, until word of his skill in repairing vintage watches spread (if you need an antique watch repaired, call him on (022) 7040 2096).

"It's an expensive hobby," says Arif Kusuma, senior assistant vice president at a private bank and owner of 95 timepieces. Most of his collection is vintage, but he does have some new models, such as a Rolex Submarine (2008).

With a background in architecture, Arif sees mechanical watches as works of art.

Arif buys and sells watches; he uses any profit to buy more, so as not to eat into household expenses.

"My wife likes wearing watches too," he says with a smile. "She wears big men's size pieces and she is delighted that her friends now like those watches too."

Arif focuses his collection on three brands: Omega, Seiko and Rolex. The Omega Chronograph (the choice of astronauts) is one of his favorites.

He is also a fan of Seiko, claiming that the pre-1970 watches were better quality that current productions and that, despite claims Switzerland produces the world's best watches, Seiko (from Japan) makes superb pieces too, such as the Grand Seiko series.

Ariska is one of those collectors for whom the hunt is part of the thrill, saying the satisfaction he gets from the whole process - including determining whether they are real or fake - is priceless. Ariska has a thing for antiques generally, from cars to houses, so naturally he chooses vintage timepieces. Omega, Enicar, Seiko, Tissot, Eterna, Tag Heuer and Breitling are among the watches in his collection; currently he owns about 50 pieces.

Hendra Kusuma, the founder of the community, owns more than 100 timepieces. He used to think all collectors are crazy - including one of his friends who is an avid watch collector. He says it seemed illogical to him why someone would want a own a lot of watches. But then, in 1998, he fell in love at first sight with a beauty named Omega Dynamic; the rest is history.

Kusuma is now known as "Mr. Omega" because of his soft spot for that brand. This 39-year-old architect mainly collects antiques (although he does have some newer watches left over from his early collecting days) and does have some other brands (Rolex, Vacheron Constantin, Breguet and Longines) among the Omegas.

His favorites are the Omega Olympic Split Seconds Chronograph and Omega Constellation, which he was delighted to find and purchase at the community's recent gathering.

"I am so happy," the proud new owner of the Omega Constellation said, admiring his prize.

Watches were traded freely at the gathering (although displayed items did not carry price tags). And although members wore name tags, their collections weren't named. Even though the owners did not watch over their collections closely - and other members were free to touch pieces - no watches were lost.

Ultimately, the tendency of most people - whether they call themselves collectors or enthusiasts - is to buy according to personal taste rather than commercial value. And, with vintage watches available at all sorts from prices, enthusiasts and collectors alike offer the same advice: "Never buy anything that you cannot afford."

Blogs on vintage watches

In Indonesian:
www.arlojimania.net
www.jamkuno.blogspot.com
www.arlojiantik.co.cc
www.galeri-marga.blogspot.com
In English:
www.marga-watches.blogspot.com

Popular

Undoing the sweet aftermath of Eid festivities

Indonesia may offer dual citizenship to attract overseas workers

Indonesia may offer dual citizenship to attract overseas workers, minister says