I have been collecting for 3 years now and I guess I have arrived at the stage where I have been confronted with the fact that watches are absolutely obsolete objects of this day and age.
‘Well, if you have to wind a watch just so that it could work, it pretty much defeats the purpose, right?’
That question / statement was made 2 years ago, by my ‘learned friend’ Audrey who was my course-mate in law school and who occasionally helps out with the photography at CHRMTK. That being said, there is no doubt in my mind that statement was entirely accurate and true.
I guess the truth and reality of that statement would require no further elaboration on that note, as I am very sure that it is a reality that many (especially watch enthusiasts) are too familiar with. However, one thing we can all be sure of is the fact that watch lovers like us couldn’t care less about such a reality.
Anyway, my previous #FieldNotes was about my trip to Lake District, Windermere. And this time, I visited Dublin, Ireland, specifically the Cliffs of Moher.
Well, I think at least to me, a watch is like a lifetime companion. I can guarantee you that you will never find anything else like it – anything that can be as timeless and long-lasting like a good watch.
For this trip, once again I brought my Dietrich OT2 along with me. There just something about the Dietrich’s unconventional case construction, the extremely odd design of the dial, and its close organic ties to nature. For that reason alone, it felt like it was the most appropriate watch to wear during my trips into the mountains etc. Here are a few snippets from my most recent trip to Dublin.
From my perspective, it is just amazing how a watch can trigger vivid memories of a certain time, place or an event.
Looking at my Dietrich OT2 reminds me of my time spent in close proximity with nature while at the Cliffs, that blissful, euphoric feeling in my head, and the very moment where my breath entirely expels from my chest while overlooking the vast and endless view of the Atlantic Ocean.
What a feeling, definitely one that is hard to forget.
On our way to the Cliffs we stopped by a neighbouring town called Doolin, which was apparently the traditional music capital of Ireland and the gateway to Burren. It was as if a small and peaceful town in the middle of nowhere, busking in the arms of tranquility.
The gentle breeze and the fresh air, cleared my cluttered mind and puts my troubled heart at ease. Yes, it has been a long year for me, and Audrey as well. Life ain’t easy as a barrister in training.
As you know, Ireland is the home of the Guinness stout and I learned that it was also used as an ingredient in many Irish dishes. We had lunch at a local pub in the town and I opted for the seafood chowder and Guinness pork sandwich, it was an absolute delight. The sauce had a gentle hint of the stout and overall the flavours really came together really well.
On the other hand, the seafood chowder was wonderful, each spoonful was packed with a rich and flavourful character that it was impossible to forget.
This is the famous Branaunmore sea stack which was located right beneath the Cliffs. We had no choice but to hop on a boat to see in up close and personal. It turned out to be a horrible decision, the boat was accelerating so quickly and it was also rocking literally 45 degrees to each side.
People were puking on board! I was – this – close…. to losing my lunch (my lunch depicted in the above).
Stunning view either way.
Was just sitting on top of the Cliffs and overlooking the Atlantic Ocean while listening to James Bay’s Let It Go was definitely the best part of the journey – ‘..Everything that’s wrong, leave it to the breeze..’
I understand many might argue the irrelevance of this article to Dietrich watches. But then again, I accept any form of scrutiny in regards to this composition of mine. It was just a moment in time where I decided to express my thoughts about my journey thus far in the world of watches, as well as this big adventure called life, in a very unorthodoxical way.
Every single time whenever I look at the OT2, my mind would stray just by looking at the dial. Sometimes I find myself unconsciously trying to understand what went on in Emmanuel’s mind as he was designing this watch (aside from the inspiration he had in creating this organic ID), I mean I do understand why the watch was designed like this, but most times I just feel like there is certainly more to it. I guess I could say that my thoughts were just merely scratching the surface.
Nevertheless, I still look forward to many more experiences with the Dietrich OT2.
Once again, thank you, Emmanuel – your generosity has triggered an experience / journey I never thought I would be able to embark on. I guess in some ways, the abstraction and conceptualisation of Dietrich made me a more adventurous individual.
Lastly, a big warm thank you to my 3 companions for this trip: Audrey, Jun and Sandra.
Here’s to more.
Marshall,
For CHRMTK.
THEMATICK.BLOG 