When the collection reaches a thousand, Moskow and Linn plan to exhibit the watches dangling from the linings of 20 trench coats, in the tradition of the archetypal hot-merchandise street vendor, before donating the collection to the Smithsonian. Not that the Smithsonian sees it coming.
"Something tells me it's weird enough that they might like it," says Moskow.
But this is more than just a collection. Moskow hopes to answer the question of why it is difficult for people to throw out their old wristwatches. One theory is that, since the watch rests so close to the skin, "it becomes a part of you." But maybe it's not about the watch. Maybe it's about all the moments of one's life those hands ticked down, and that's why it's hard to let go.
Whatever the case, while the wristwatch may take a licking, thanks to Moskow and Linn, its legacy will keep on ticking.
You can immortalize your own watch by mailing it to Moskow Linn Architects, 88 Broad Street, Boston, MA 02110. See moskowlinn.com/tkwp for details.
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