I purchased my first Swatch watch in the spring of 1987, a jaunty summer number. Until then, and still, I either wore my 8th grade graduation watch, or my late grandfather's, a copy of which graced George Mallory's wrist on his fatal trek up Mt. Everest.
Mallory's watch
Photo: Maxminimus
I was at that time in my young man trying to make my mark on the world phase, too self important for friviality. The Swatch was a complete break from normalcy.
I also had a daughter in high school.
Many's the night I saw my closet walk out the door. My tux jacket went perfectly with that dress. Brooks button downs made great slumber party cover ups. My stylish Swatch went with everything. Most made it home eventually, usually after a girlfriend or two or three had tried it for a couple of weeks, passed judgement then passed it on. The watch, I never saw again.
Over time it faded from memory, until thumbing through "A Privileged Life" by Susanna Salk. The photo of Stephan Stolman (top) that accompanied the foreword tripped a circuit. I too wanted/needed a colorful summer watch. I can be frivolous if I want to. Where the ********** was my Swatch?
I looked on EBAY and was stunned by what it would cost to replace my old toy. I figured I'd wait, it'll come down. In the mean time that very same daughter and her husband gave me an EBAY gift card for my bd.
Good things come to those who wait. My brand new 1987 Newport 2 Swatch, with crystal protector, in honor of Stars and Stripes, the 1987 America's Cup winning yacht arrived yesterday. All is now right with the world. And, no she may not borrow it, unless she asks nicely.
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