Does curating your watch collection reveal deeper significance and true passion for timepieces?

My journey to consolidating my watch collection has been both nostalgic and enlightening. Over the years, I've accumulated various timepieces, many of which hold sentimental value as gifts from my wife and son. However, as my interests evolved, I was drawn to smaller watches, and anything over 43 mm felt excessive.

To streamline my collection, I've decided to part ways with many of my larger watches, aiming for a curated selection of 12 pieces. While initially considering just three watches, I realized that a dozen offers more versatility and allows for ongoing exploration within the world of horology.

Among my first acquisitions in this journey is the Longines GMT HydroConquest, a sleek and versatile timepiece perfect for everyday wear. Additionally, the Jack Mason watch I recently acquired adds a touch of sophistication to my collection.

As I refine my collection, certain watches hold a special place in my heart, like the Seiko Turtle I received on my 51st birthday. Of course, there are the four trusty timepieces that accompany me through daily chores, their reliability unmatched.

Ultimately, my collection reflects my evolving tastes and the stories and memories woven into each watch. While the journey to 12 watches may seem arbitrary, it symbolizes a balance between variety and intentionality, ensuring each piece is cherished and serves its purpose in my collection.

Reply
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Preach brother! I also have curated a collection of 10 watches (give or take depending on buying/selling cycles) that allows a breath and depth of my style and values. Enjoy the journey!

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No. I don’t think so. I think it’s how you

might, but we all enjoy watches differently for different reasons. You could easily make a case that never selling a watch is a sign of true passion. That’s because these are inherently opinions, not statements of fact.

Of course, even THAT is an opinion so…

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I do not think so. This is your personal approach to collecting. You are putting an artificial limit of carefully chosen 12 pieces. This does have significance for you and maybe a few others, but in no way it indicates a greater passion for the art of watchmaking. I'm aiming for significantly more timepieces, mostly dress and pilot watches. But that is just an indication of what I like, not an indication of greater passion for this art.

I think a better indicator for a deeper passion for horology is knowing the history of the art and history of timepieces you collect. If you can take a watch from your collection, and tell a story about that piece, when and why it was maid, what is significant about it, what is the reason you have it, then you are truly a watch connoisseur. And it does not matter if your collection size is 3, 12 or 1200.

And, as was said previously, this is just my opinion.

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mpolyakov

I do not think so. This is your personal approach to collecting. You are putting an artificial limit of carefully chosen 12 pieces. This does have significance for you and maybe a few others, but in no way it indicates a greater passion for the art of watchmaking. I'm aiming for significantly more timepieces, mostly dress and pilot watches. But that is just an indication of what I like, not an indication of greater passion for this art.

I think a better indicator for a deeper passion for horology is knowing the history of the art and history of timepieces you collect. If you can take a watch from your collection, and tell a story about that piece, when and why it was maid, what is significant about it, what is the reason you have it, then you are truly a watch connoisseur. And it does not matter if your collection size is 3, 12 or 1200.

And, as was said previously, this is just my opinion.

I understand your viewpoint, but for me, limiting my collection to 12 carefully selected pieces isn’t about suggesting a deeper passion for watchmaking; it’s about curating a collection with profound personal significance. While I aspire to a larger collection, it’s not merely about quantity but rather about appreciating the diversity and narratives behind each timepiece. Understanding the history and significance of every watch in my collection is paramount to me; it adds substantial depth and meaning to my love for horology. Ultimately, regardless of whether one’s collection comprises 3, 12, or 1200 pieces, what truly matters is the personal connection and profound appreciation for the art of watchmaking.

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watchnate

No. I don’t think so. I think it’s how you

might, but we all enjoy watches differently for different reasons. You could easily make a case that never selling a watch is a sign of true passion. That’s because these are inherently opinions, not statements of fact.

Of course, even THAT is an opinion so…

Absolutely, I completely understand your perspective. Everyone indeed has their unique relationship with watches, and it’s wonderful to see how diverse our passions can be. Whether one chooses to sell watches or not doesn’t diminish their love for horology. It’s all about embracing the beauty of differing viewpoints and honoring each individual’s journey with timepieces.