Restoration is an art. Whether it concerns old furniture, classic cars, or vintage jewelry, bringing forgotten items back to life can be incredibly fulfilling. Recently, I dove into the serene world of wristwatches. What started as a simple project transformed into an enriching journey that brought together nostalgia, craftsmanship, and personal stories.
In today's world, we seem to have forgotten the joy of repairing and restoring things. We’ve grown accustomed to discarding items as soon as they show signs of wear, replacing them with shiny, new versions without a second thought. This mindset fuels overproduction and waste, robbing us of the satisfaction that comes from breathing new life into cherished possessions.
Take my wristwatches, for example. They’ve been with me for years, each one a symbol of timeless elegance. Their straps, however, were falling apart, leaving them almost unusable. But instead of tossing them aside or buying replacements, I decided to try something different—I took them to the market for repair.
Honestly, I wasn’t sure anything could be done. But to my delight, the craftsmen there worked their magic. They replaced the straps, allowing me to choose the colors I wanted. Now, my wristwatches look as good as new. It’s like having three brand-new watches—but at a fraction of the cost. More importantly, I get to keep items I already loved, each holding sentimental value.
This experience reminded me of the value of quality and longevity. It’s not just about wristwatches. I have a leather bag my husband bought me six or seven years ago for ₦95,000—a hefty price back then. But here’s the thing: I’ve used that bag almost every day for six years. It’s beautifully made, comfortable, and versatile. Even though I own other bags, I keep returning to this one because it’s just that good. Today, with inflation, a similar bag would cost almost ₦400,000. Yet, this one has stood the test of time, proving that every naira spent on it was worth it.
There’s a lesson here: Buy quality items, and when they wear out, repair them. Maintaining something well-made can make it last for years, even decades. In some cases, you can pass it on to the next generation. Cheap, poorly made items, on the other hand, often need replacing sooner, costing more in the long run—not to mention contributing to waste.
The next time you’re tempted to buy something new, pause and look around. Is there something you already own that can be fixed, upgraded, or restored? You might be surprised at how rewarding it feels to bring life back to something old. You might even make it better than new.
As I look at my beautifully restored wristwatches, I can’t help but smile. There’s a certain pride in knowing they’ve been given a second chance. And it’s not just about saving money—it’s about preserving the beauty and value of things that matter to us.
There’s true beauty in restoration. Let’s not forget that.
By: Hadiza Bagudu
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