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I think the appeal of a lot of these 'analogue' things is that they aren't as reliable as the newer replacements.

Much like a classic car hobby, the tinkering or swapping of items is a good part of the fun.

It may be the appeal of a small machine with exceptionally tiny, often handmade parts decorated or at least polished to a beautiful sheen. There is an unquantifiable moment when a crafted item, in this case mechanical, is so well made it slides into a category of art. The watch is not quite an automaton, but it can evoke a bit of wonder and marvel.

The problem for the watch enthusiast is that there is always a watch that is better, artistically or mechanically, or more beautiful. Acquiring one that is affordable is a bit of a hunt, as is increasing one's knowledge of what makes a watch good and beautiful.

It's not nostalgia, I don't believe, but the pleasure of having an item that evokes a bit of wonder.

for me it is the craftsmanship and just that mechanical movements are so interesting

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