A word from a watch collector
A watch is a machine that lives on your wrist, and it has a heartbeat. It’s with you in moments of stress, in moments of happiness, in moments of sorrow. That creates a bond that’s almost impossible to quantify or explain to someone who doesn’t feel it.
As Patek’s campaign declares:
“You never actually own a Patek Philippe. You merely look after it for the next generation.”
This sentiment resonates deeply with collectors who view their watches not just as personal possessions, but as part of a larger, ongoing narrative that transcends our individual lifetimes.
There are only two tragedies in life.
in Lifestyle
One is not getting what one wants, and the other is getting it.
Don’t trap yourself with the desire of wanting. The paradox of getting what you want is that if we base on our happiness on the expectation of great things then achieving it removes the happiness.
And you are left empty and full of desire.
That’s what desire truly is. It’s a trap. We want what we can’t have and when we finally get what we have been craving. It’s never enough.
Desire is suffering. It is the contract that you make with yourself that you will be unhappy until you get what you want. But some people might say that desire keeps you going, but isn’t it quite sad that you only consider yourself alive until you get what you want.
You allow your unlimited desire to cloud your peace.
If i had just one watch and one watch only~
It would have to be the perfect accompaniment to what I consider to be a perfect state of being. As I get older that state has come to mean more by way of reclusive contemplation. I want to expand the uncluttered space around me to savour mastery of form, material, colour, depth and balance. I want to be able to look at that one watch and see it as a symbol of human successes and failures, accolades and set backs: a watch that represents pioneering spirit, an uncompromising approach, and fragile beauty. Through all of this I want a watch that minutely captures romance, classicism and a purity of vision that separates it and its wearer (me) from mundane reality. It must be able to transport me not just outside of myself, but into levels of stillness within.
Mimetic Theory of Desire Humans are like sheep.
We don’t know what we want, so we imitate each other. Instead of creating our own desires, we desire the same things as other people. The entire advertising industry is built on this idea. This does not even need an explanation! Resist the temptation to buy watches simply because they’re deemed popular by other collectors. Cultivate your own tastes and preferences, and focus on acquiring watches that genuinely resonate with you.
Decision - Decision - Decision ~
The World of Finn Juhl and PP Møbler Chiars
PP502 / PP66 Chinese Chair / PP518 Bull Chair / PP505 Cow Horn Chair - Designed by Hans Wegner in Denmark
I am not sure is my age or what, the idea of chair collecting, in other words, having a piece of art where you can sit on it, being able to enjoy it everyday and it marinates with time, as well as passing it to the next generation, with that note, Collecting a quality chair starting to grow on me! You could say that it alines with my watch collecting journey. Both hobbies are creating your own history, own stretches in some sort.
Finn JuhI and PP Møbler chairs are world class piece of art money can buy! what so special about it. and most importantly, why would someone could justify such amount of money on chairs. thats something we should take a closer look.
I always believe that people can only think of something that within your cognitive level, be it like collecting art, cars or whatever that is ~
House of Finn JuhI Cheftain Chair / No.45 / No. 109 / Reading Chair - Designed by Finn JuhI in Copenhagen
I have personally sit on these four chairs and the Reading Chair is perfect for sitting upright, perhaps I enjoy leaving my left arms on the side of it. I find the No. 45 is the most comfortable lounge chair among aforementioned choices. It’s nothing short of amazing to be sitting on. DD.
“Art has always been my main source of inspiration. I am fascinated by shapes which defy gravity and create visual lightness.” - Finn Juhl
New Dircetion of the blog
in Lifestyle
When I initially started this blog, I intended to establish it as a dedicated platform for photography. However, I have come to realise that I want to delve deeper into sharing my thoughts and documenting my life a little bit more.
My idea for the name of my blog, 'Analog,' initially referred to the analog format in film photography, but I believe it can also be interpreted as
'something similar or comparable to something else, either in general or in some specific detail.'
This interpretation aligns perfectly with my idea of creating a website to meticulously record the details of my life. How serendipitous! I want to turn this blog into a place where lifestyle takes center stage. I'll be sharing what I think is cool and enjoyable. I've always had an eye for well-designed items, and I hope this blog will inspire you and maybe give you some fresh ideas to spice up your own life! DD.
There are only a handful of watches that will never get bored with in life!
Personally, I do think Patek Philippe ruined their flawless perpetual calendar after the reference 3940 (as shown in the photos above). What drew me into vintage Patek was their subtle elegance that you feel when wearing it. It's just so great and well-proportioned, which is something I hardly find in modern Pateks.
I used to own a smaller, rather more "vintage" Ref. 96 with Breguet numerals, but there are certain points you might want to consider before getting into vintage pieces.
Serviceability and the cost of servicing. That's only if you can find someone with the skills and know-how to service your timepiece without messing it up. As far as I know, Patek will not reshape the case unless absolutely necessary. I sold my Patek reference 96 mainly because of the uneven case shape - it's just the little frivolous details that a watch enthusiast like me would notice, even if others wouldn't care too much.
Resale value. Not everything has the upside appreciation once you fall out of love with it. Then you realize there is no market for it. That's why people suggest buying a Rolex as your first watch, just in case you might want to sell it later on.
Fragility. Wearing a vintage watch doesn't give you the same peace of mind. You might want to wear it with extra care and avoid getting it near water.
Don't get me wrong, I love vintage watches, but these are a few points to think about before getting one. It's your call, your watch, and your wrist. After all, no one buys an expensive timepiece just to tell the time anyway. DD.
Shooting in the Cafe
in Photography
New Experience (to me) with Shanghai Local Shooters
in Photography
Photography is indeed a deeply personal and introspective journey for many, allowing us to capture life's moments and potentially create images that can represent our nation or culture. For the longest time, I approached photography as a solitary pursuit, relying solely on my vision and creativity. However, since relocating to Shanghai, I have come across photography groups consisting of enthusiasts from different age groups. It has been an eye-opening experience.
One interesting phenomenon I've observed within these groups is the emergence of a "grand master" figure who asserts their authority and demands that others follow their specific instructions for shooting in certain scenes. The result often yields very similar images, with the only noticeable variation being the post-processing and colour rendering choices. This approach can sometimes detract from the most enjoyable aspect of photography, which is the freedom to express one's creativity and capture unique perspectives.
Another intriguing aspect I've noticed is that some individuals within the group seem to derive satisfaction from showcasing the volume and complexity of the cameras they use. They relish being seen as experienced photographers, perhaps seeking validation or recognition from their peers. While equipment undoubtedly plays a role in photography, it's important to remember that the true essence lies in the artistry and vision behind the lens, rather than the equipments themselves.
In the end, photography should be a personal and fulfilling pursuit. It's about finding your own voice, exploring your creativity, and capturing moments that resonate with you. While photography groups can provide valuable opportunities for learning and sharing experiences, it's essential to maintain a sense of individuality and embrace the joy of expressing your unique perspective through your images. DD.
Weekend rewinds
I really resonate with his idea of stagnation and getting to a point where it feels stuck and lacks creativity, also he mentioned all the additional feelings that come along with the image and it ages well over time with different layers.
This Video really captivated me on Photography as a whole. Enjoy! DD.
REVOLOG Tesla 1 200 Color Negative
in Gear
Shooting film can be an incredibly enjoyable experience! There's always something new and exciting to discover within the nostalgic and vintage realm of film photography. One such example is the "Revolog Tesla Film" that I recently came across. This film has a unique characteristic that adds an electric effect to your photos, imbuing your subjects with energy and lightning bolts. It's like capturing moments of electrifying power!
With the Revolog Tesla Film, you can feel the thrill of experimentation and excitement that comes from using this esoteric film. It's a fantastic choice for those who want to push the boundaries and embrace the surprises that film photography can offer. It's these kinds of creative opportunities that make shooting film such a joyous and captivating experience. So, if you're looking to add an extra spark to your images, the Revolog Tesla Film might just be the perfect choice for you! DD.
Cinestill 800T Film Review
There are many polarising views found across the world of Cinestill 800T. "Either love it or hate it," just like Marmite sauce. Fun fact: research indicates that Marmite taste preference can largely be attributed to our genetic blueprint, which shows that each of us is born with a tendency to be either a "lover" or a "hater." So, which one are you?
Most comments I have heard over the years about Cinestill 800T were primarily about the halation. Halation is the reflection of bright points of light off the film base and pressure plate, causing a "glow" in the strong highlights on some images. The reason you see halation in Cinestill is mostly because it doesn't have the Remjet layer. The Remjet layer is a protective layer on the base of motion picture film that protects against light piping, scratches, static, and halation of highlights during exposure. When a point of light hits the film and is able to pass through it slightly and hit the back of your camera, the light will diffuse and then bounce back to the film, re-exposing it a second time. Cinestill films do not have the Remjet layer because it is incompatible with standard still film processing and will contaminate the chemicals and the film.
Some people love this film, and some people don't. Whether you like it or not, it shouldn't be the main focal point of the image. Instead, the feel, perspectives, and vibe are more important. To be honest, before Cinestill 800T existed, I couldn't find a way to capture the kind of retro-wave, 80s Synthwave style, but now I can! I personally love the extra glow around the neon lights, which you can find a lot in Hong Kong. It works perfectly to achieve the results I have in mind. Voilà!
If you can't find Cinestill 800T, then try out Kodak 500T, which is what Cinestill was before it was discontinued. Speaking of which, I walked past Showa Store in Hong Kong a couple of days ago, and they rolled out the Kodak VISION3 500T in 135 format. Go check it out! DD.
How many tools do you need?
If you really want to get those creative juices flowing, it's worth putting some constraints on the tools you use. When I first started out in photography, I was all over the place and really dive deep into having the lately and the greatest gadget. I thought that with an arsenal of equipment at my disposal, I could bring any wild idea to life. But overtime, I came to a realisation: by limiting myself to just one camera and one lens when heading out on a shoot, I was able to capture images that I never could have imagined before.
In my humble opinion, having too many tools at your fingertips can actually stifle your creativity. With a plethora of options like different film types, long exposure techniques, and even Polaroid cameras, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. You might find yourself unsure of where to focus your attention and which direction to take. Now, don't get me wrong, I'm not suggesting that you should never expand your camera collection. What I'm saying is that by sticking with one trusty camera and one versatile lens for an extended period of time, you'll be amazed at what you can create. So why not give it a go? Embrace those limitations and let your creativity flourish! DD.
Watch Photography
in Photography
I've always considered myself a long-time watch enthusiast, or at least I like to claim that title! My love for watches goes way back to when I was just a kid. I can vividly recall the moment I strolled past the local watch store and caught sight of something intriguing. The owner had set up a display featuring a pool of water with a dive watch submerged in it. As a young child, I couldn't quite comprehend the purpose behind it, but I remember thinking, "Wow, that's so cool!"
Eventually, my dad indulged my fascination and gifted me a "dive" watch of my own. I can't really remember the specific brand or model, but it was something akin to a Luminox. Those were the days when my watch journey truly began, and those memories have stayed with me throughout the years. Even to this day, I hold those fond memories close, cherishing the joy and excitement that watches have brought to my life. DD.
Life in Bangkok
in Travel
When I was deciding on which film to use for capturing the essence of where I lived in Bangkok, I found myself contemplating between Portra 400 and Ektar 100. The Portra 400 has always been my go-to colour film, but on that particular day, the weather was exceptional, and I had a desire for a more vibrant look. So, I opted for Ektar 100 instead. I took the shots with my Leica MP à la carte, paired with a 50mm 1.4 Summilux Version 1 lens.
Initially, I thought that the strong and almost "slide-like" Ektar 100 would result in highly saturated and contrasty images, especially with my trusty 50mm Summilux lens. However, the outcome turned out to be quite intriguing. The 50mm Summilux lens, designed for black and white film in the 1960s before color film existed, has a relatively lower contrast. When combined with a character-rich film like Ektar 100, it creates a distinctive and captivating effect.
One interesting observation I made was the difference in sunrise colours between Bangkok and Hong Kong. I believe this disparity is due to the varying angles at which sunlight strikes the ground, depending on the sun's position in the sky. The sunlight in Bangkok tends to have a yellowish hue, while in places like Japan, it leans towards a bluish tone. This explains why Portra 400 yields remarkable results in Japan. I appreciate the unique charm of both colour renditions.
In the end, choosing the Ektar 100 for that particular shoot allowed me to capture the vibrant essence of Bangkok with a touch of nostalgia brought by the lens-film combination. It's these little nuances and discoveries that make the art of photography so fascinating and enjoyable. DD.