Is it Okay to Own Nazi Watches? Exploring the Controversy of Collecting Evil Watches.

WWII has left a big enough gash in the world's memory that its principal enemy is associated with absolute evil. It isn't rare to be called a Nazi even if you're precisely the opposite. So is owning a watch from this evil Teutonic regime also sinning against universal morals?

By Bankasayu

May 25th, 2024

TRANSPARENCY NOTICE

I do not support the Nazis obviously.

History is to be Kept Whole

The Panerais of old definitely had more charm than the monstrosities they're churning out these days, and certainly tend to shatter less when dinged by a doorknob. Image credit: Biggus Dickus

A Panerai wristwatch made by Florentine watch assembler Panerai with a Rolex movement, supplied to Germany combat swimmers "kampfschwimmers". Image credit: Perezcope

Firstly, collecting wristwatches from controversial regimes plays a crucial role in historical preservation. These timepieces are not merely functional items; they are artifacts that encapsulate a specific moment in time. For instance, watches produced during the Nazi era, such as the Luftwaffe aviator watches, or the Seikosha watches used by the Japanese Imperial Navy, provide tangible links to World War II. Preserving these objects helps ensure that the history they represent is not forgotten, serving as a physical reminder of the past, much like museums preserve and display artifacts from various historical periods.

Secondly, these wristwatches are invaluable for educational purposes. Historians and educators use them to teach about the regimes under which they were made. For example, a Soviet Union-issued Poljot watch can offer insights into the technological advancements and industrial capabilities of the USSR during the Cold War. By studying these items, students and researchers can gain a deeper understanding of the broader historical context, including the political, social, and economic conditions of the time. This educational value is indispensable in fostering a comprehensive understanding of history.

Art Isn't Always for Beautiful Purposes

Moreover, the craftsmanship and technological innovation embodied in these wristwatches merit recognition and preservation. Collectors often appreciate the engineering prowess and aesthetic qualities of these timepieces, irrespective of the regimes that produced them. For instance, German watchmakers like A. Lange & Söhne, who produced watches for the Nazi military, are renowned for their exceptional craftsmanship. Collecting these watches allows appreciation of the artistry and technological advancements of the period, separate from the ideological connotations.

Much like few people can consciously deny that the Hugo Boss uniforms of the Nazis were slick as fuck, no one with any semblance of aesthetics can deny that this Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso with that insanely cool Reichsadler and swastika is an absolute work of art. Image credit: Biggus Dickus Maximus Ligma

Furthermore, collecting wristwatches from these regimes supports the broader study of horology, the science of timekeeping. Each watch tells a story of technological evolution and reflects the scientific understanding of its era. For example, Soviet watches from the mid-20th century reflect the USSR's drive to compete technologically with the West during the Cold War. Collectors and horologists studying these watches can trace the development of materials, mechanics, and design trends over time, contributing to the broader field of historical and scientific inquiry.

The Dôme des Invalides, of the Hôtel des Invalides. Originally a military hospital and retirement home, it is no more than an icon of Napoleon's brutal and relentless wars of greed and personal ambition that slaughtered thousands of young men, and currently still proudly stands in Paris as a monument to a maniacally bloodthirsty Napoleonic era which very few people seem to have issue with. Image credit: Wikimedia Commons

Policing Who Can Own What Seems Nazi to Me...

Additionally, the personal freedom to collect and own whatever one desires is a fundamental right that should be respected. In a free society, individuals have the liberty to pursue their interests and hobbies, even if they are controversial. The act of collecting, whether it be art, stamps, or historical relics, is a deeply personal endeavor that reflects individual interests and passions. As long as the items are legally obtained and the collector does not endorse the ideologies associated with them, the choice to collect such items should be seen as an expression of personal freedom.

Critics often argue that collecting such items can be seen as tacit approval of the regimes they represent. However, collectors typically approach their acquisitions with a sense of historical awareness and moral responsibility. They do not seek to glorify or promote the ideologies of Nazi Germany, the Japanese Empire, or the Soviet Union. Instead, they acknowledge the historical significance of these items and the need to remember the past accurately. This distinction is crucial in understanding the motivations behind collecting these controversial artifacts.

Honesty to Fight the Lies

Moreover, possessing these wristwatches can serve as a powerful counter to historical revisionism and denial. By preserving and displaying these items, collectors provide irrefutable evidence of the existence and actions of these regimes. For example, Holocaust deniers are confronted with physical artifacts that bear the insignia and marks of the Nazi regime, reinforcing the reality of historical events. Collectors play a role in maintaining the integrity of historical truth, ensuring that future generations cannot easily dismiss or distort the past.In addition to the historical and educational value, collecting these watches can also be a way to honor and remember those who suffered under these regimes.

The Japanese Empire left many relics and vestiges that are seen neutrally by some of its less hostile colonies like Taiwan, whereas the same things are viewed incredibly negatively by its most rebellious colony Korea.

Many collectors are descendants of World War II veterans or survivors who seek to preserve a connection to their family history. Owning a watch that a relative might have worn or encountered during their service can provide a tangible link to personal and familial history, fostering a deeper connection to the past and the experiences of those who lived through these tumultuous times.

Finally, the market for these wristwatches supports a broader community of historians, educators, and enthusiasts who are dedicated to preserving history. Through auctions, museums, and private collections, these artifacts are circulated and studied, contributing to a collective effort to remember and learn from the past. The trade and study of these items create opportunities for dialogue and understanding, bridging gaps between generations and cultures.

In conclusion, collectors are justified in acquiring wristwatches from controversial historical regimes such as Nazi Germany, the Japanese Empire, and the Soviet Union. These items serve as critical tools for historical preservation, education, and the study of horology. Moreover, the personal freedom to collect and own such items is a fundamental right that reflects individual interests and passions. As long as collectors approach these items with historical awareness and moral responsibility, their collections can contribute to a deeper understanding of history and a commitment to remembering the past accurately.