First, a brief explanation of the term, for those unfamiliar. Wabi sabi is a Japanese concept that comes up from time to time in the world of watch collecting when discussing vintage pieces. Do we restore them? Or leave them as is? It's a judgment call most of the time, and often we're guided in our decisions by our tolerance for wear.

In the west, we have historically tended toward restoration, not just in watches, but with home repair, antique furniture, etc. The Japanese concept of Wabi sabi is difficult to translate, but embodies the belief that there is a "beauty or serenity that comes with age, when the life of the object and its impermanence are evidenced in its patina and wear, or in any visible repairs" (from this Wikipedia article on the subject).

I confess, I've been a fan of restoration myself, and I've long used the analogy of auto shows to defend my position. I've never been to an auto show where antique cars were paraded out in an unrestored condition. Usually, it's quite the opposite - the closer they can be brought back to "factory new" condition, the better.

So I was surprised today to read this article on automobilemag.com, explaining how the concept of Wabi sabi is beginning to take hold in the world of antique autos. They profile an auto that recently sold at auction for $4.4 million, and explain that the car (a 1937 Bugatti Type 57S Atlante - I think Ralph Lauren owns a similar car) would have brought less had it been restored. The concept has led to an auto show category termed "preservation class".







So it got me to thinking. Maybe I've been overlooking the beauty that comes from aging gracefully. Maybe Sophia Loren is still just as hot as Eva Mendes...





OK... maybe she's not quite as hot as Eva. But still, she looks pretty good for an old girl. And it struck me this morning that there are some watches that don't need restored. They've aged, Sophia-like, gracefully through the years. That's what I thought when I saw this Villard diver on the 'bay. Its markers have a caramel colored soft glow that tells me they probably no longer glow in any light other than full daylight. But that's OK, I think. They've earned my grudging respect.





There was a time when I'd have been inclined to fill in the engraved bezel. But no more. To disturb its current condition would destroy its beauty. It, along with the case, is a collection of soft, long worn scratches and nicks. And it looks age appropriate.

Wabi sabi may be catching on in the west at last. At least it's starting to turn my thinking...

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"Time flies like the wind... fruit flies like bananas."
Groucho Marx


Jeff