The analogue wrist
*Correction - "As a (humble) self-proclaimed watch collector; I own a dozen or so 'curated' watches - mostly of the vintage kind with historical significance. On deep reflection (during COVID-19 lockdown), I realised recently that 'most' of them are just superficial. Cool in their own right from a historical horological perspective but without the real, meaningful connection to me on a deeply personal level." Quoting myself, these were my words from my last column (featured in Volume Nine). I now stand 'partially corrected'...
I won't deny, it's certainly been challenging during these (dare I say) 'unprecedented times' to find new stories for my column. I usually meet like-minded enthusiasts and unearth unique stories at 'social gatherings' which we've all been taking for granted; till now...
So I have 'cheated' this one time, 'looking within' (myself); while in 'lockdown', and re-discovered a watch in my very own collection that 'actually' has "deep, meaningful connection."
My timepiece is a 2012 'Magrette Regattare Moana Pacific PVD' powered by a (Japanese) Miyota 8215 automatic movement. This Limited Edition watch (of 500) was kindly gifted to me by the founder of Magrette (pron. Mar-gret-tee) Timepieces, Dion Mcasey - a boutique dive and sport watch brand based in Auckland (City of Sails), New Zealand. Founded in 2007, the brand's timepieces feature styling cues found in Italian style divers from the likes of Panerai and Anonimo but with some distinctly New Zealand charm and philosophy.
In 2012, I was invited to partake in a group photographic exhibition along with eight other high profile photographers from Melbourne, Sydney, New York and London; to explore the theme of 'wood'.
My subject matter was heavily influenced by the 'Regattare'; which had a unique design feature. On the case back was a small plank of engraved Ancient Kauri wood, individually numbered along with the Magrette logo inlaid with Paua shell (similar to black mother of pearl). Ancient Kauri trees, often massive at up to 60m tall and 12m in girth are discovered underground; buried as a result of an unexplained act of nature at the end of the last Ice Age.
Only found in the top half of the North Island of New Zealand, the preserved Ancient Kauri found in peat swamps are known to be more than 45,000 years old and is the oldest workable wood in the world.
As an alternative source for old-growth wood supply, once the logs are discovered, they are skilfully excavated using heavy machinery and manpower. Intrigued, I wanted to document the industry that had emerged around this ancient timber. After some research, I came across 'Ancient Kauri Kingdom' - a business who pioneered the commercial extraction, milling and manufacture of Ancient Karui wood. With their help (and enthusiasm) I travelled (in hope) to Awanui, a river port in the far north of New Zealand to capture images worthy of the story and exhibition theme.
Before my departure to the land of the 'long white cloud', I emailed Dion at Magrette about my forthcoming adventure, explaining the connection back to his timepiece. I casually asked if the 'Regattare' was still available for purchase? His response was: "…unfortunately the Regattare Moana Pacific PVD has sold out, but I will have a look in my workshop to see if I can find the components to make a special one up…" I replied in excitement, asking for the price? "No charge this time" he replied, "let's just say it's to help towards your passion…it has a good story behind it..." The watch arrived in time for the opening of the inaugural exhibition; the object itself becoming a talking point on the night - 'almost' more than my final exhibition photograph of the Ancient Kauri (pictured).
So this is how my timepiece came to be and why it has 'very' special meaning…and it's definitely not 'superficial'...