Time is a fascinating topic. It allows us as humans to relate significant events, measure progress, understand our past, and navigate our daily lives. Most importantly, time is a reference by which we tell stories. Timekeeping is a daily activity for all of us, whether managing our calendars, being on time to catch a flight, or preserving memories. The concept of timekeeping requires tools that help us keep track of it.
Welcome to the Tools of Time Blog, where we cover everything from cameras to watches and more. This briefly introduces who we are and what we are about. We’re eager to get started and will introduce more editors and contributors in the coming days through upcoming articles, videos, and stories hosted right here.
Who Are We?
We are photographers, adventurers, travelers, and purveyors of fine photographic gear, watches, and more. But, most importantly, like you, we are timekeepers. A timekeeper, as we define it, is anyone who documents the past or the present. Timekeepers are those who tell stories about the things they encounter day to day.
Timekeeping involves tools – tools that engage and inspire us to tell better stories and enrich our lives and those around us. At first glance, referring to a beautifully made Camera, Lens, or Watch as a “tool” might seem a bit harsh. However, upon further consideration, the term’s true meaning becomes clear. A tool serves a purpose, and that purpose is to accomplish a task. We’ve been using tools for centuries to tell time, but in the past century, two modern mechanical tools ushered in a new era of timekeeping and storytelling: the invention and democratization of the Camera, most notably the 35mm camera and the Watch. As timekeepers and storytellers, we need the right tools to fulfill our purpose in the best way possible. The camera and the watch help us to give context to the here and now and record stories to remember in the future.
As timekeepers and storytellers, we need the right tools to fulfill our purpose in the best way possible.
While timekeeping isn’t just about the tools we use, these tools significantly influence how we narrate stories. In some cases, the tools themselves have their own stories to tell. Fine tools that are well-made, long-lasting, and enjoyable to use connect us to the past, present, and future in an undeniably unique way. This blog is dedicated to exploring the tools that help us tell time and the stories they help us tell.
We’re here to share a wide array of things that inspire us. You’ll likely find posts on a variety of subjects, including Fine Art, Books, Hi-Fi, Travel, Cars, Cycling, the Outdoors, and more. However, one consistent theme will always be present: documenting time through pictures because, after all, we are, first and foremost, photographers. Whether you connect with one specific area or not, we hope to offer something for everyone who appreciates the craft of photography and the art of timekeeping.
Tools Of Time is run, edited, and managed by Camera West and its subsidiaries, Leica Store San Francisco and CW Watch Shop. While we had blogs for each of the entities, we decided to bring them all under one umbrella. This platform allows us to share our enthusiasm for fine tools of time and explore the intersection of these things outside of our usual retail setting. Retail is a means to an end, but in reality, what really inspires us is using and enjoying these tools by telling stories with them and around them. While you’ll find links to products and tools in our stores, our aim is to first inspire, engage, and inform. Our hope is that you will be inspired and engaged by the things we post here.
Fine tools that are well-made, long-lasting, and enjoyable to use connect us to the past, present, and future in an undeniably unique way.
Behind The Name Tools Of Time
At first glance, you might think “Tools Of Time” refers to watches. However, it’s a broader concept and one we aim to expound on in the coming days. “Tools Of Time” are tools that document the past and present. For instance, cameras capture moments from the past for future recollection, whereas watches tell the present time.
Consider a vintage camera or watch. The wear, patina, and weathering might tell a compelling story about these tools’ journeys in the hands of their timekeepers. These tools inspire and enable us, so why not discuss them more?
The Tools Of Time Editorial Staff have varying levels of interest and knowledge about these tools. One of us might be more focused on the photographic side of storytelling, while another might be more focused on the technical equipment side, and another a historical perspective on vintage tools. We appreciate this diversity and look forward to sharing these stories from different perspectives.
We hope we offer something for all our readers through this new online format, whether you’re a photographer, camera nerd, or watch enthusiast. We hope you can join us on this journey of telling time with tools that bring us immense enjoyment. If you’re interested in photography, cameras, watches, and other fine tools of the time, we’re excited to converse and engage with you in the future.
