That one watch

Honestly? It's all about the individual and if they are satisfied with one or many.

If you want to own lots of watches & have the income to do so & maintain that collection, nothing wrong with it.

If you want to own a few expensive watches, nothing wrong with it.

You just need to decide what kind of collection you want and what kind of collector you want to be and then make the choices to get you there.

Be the master of your domain.

I feel you on that. Like an exit piece that is the crowing jewel of your collection... The big brands are great but don't be afraid to look at microbrands like Lorier or Wise or some other independent watchmaker that does scratch your itch! Check out this article and see if something matches your style and your budget!

https://teddybaldassarre.com/en-int/blogs/watches/microbrand-watches-complete-guide

Is it worth spending the extra money? Yes, I think so. The CW 63 Sealander is a watch I own and am very happy with. Have been eying the green Farer Tonneau as well by the way :-) Will that be The One for you? No. You’ll indeed be opening another can of more expensive worms - because after the CW or Farer you’ll still want the Tudor. And the Omega. And then perhaps a vintage watch? And then…

But maybe not! Maybe you have that iron will and lack of material desires about everyone here including me lacks :) But if you have indeed been collecting for a few years now, you are on this forum and ask these questions…

Ask yourself if you only want the Black Bay because it's a cheaper version of the Rolex Submariner which you know you really want. After that, just buy a Cronos or a Pagani Design. Don't give in to the marketing. It's all a load of nonsense. Save your money for important things such as Greggs sausage rolls and dentists bills. There's nothing to be gained from buying expensive watches, but a lot to be lost.

I would say you should only buy watches that you really appreciate. I know it's difficult not to compare them to what you may already have. Have you considered the grey or secondary market? It looks like WatchMaxx has a BB 36 for $2400 on leather, and Chrono24 has a lot of pre-owned starting in the $2000 range. And depending on which reference numbers you are looking at, there Aqua Terra's on Chrono24 are in that price range.

Nobody can tell you if it will be worth your money, or if once you have it, if this will be your final watch. I think we would all like to know that ourselves 🙂

Is some of this brand hype? Absolutely. it's all about what the market will bear. If nobody was buying them at a certain price point, they would sell for less.

I've only been collecting for a little less than a year, and only have 8 watches so far. No idea where this is leading me right now, but it's a fun journey. But it's definitely a rabbit hole. Good luck.

Its definitely worth saving for something you love and not just like, regardless of price... But once you're over 4 figures, take it from me, love that watch before you invest.

I can't tell you which direction to go. The only thing I can say is to not rush into anything. Take your time and try watches ob. As much as you can. See what works and what doesn't and also what your budget will allow. Tastes differ from person to person and one man's grail is another man's junk. Enjoy whatever it is you like.

First off: there won't ever be "the one watch". You'll always find another must-have or another fantastic piece of horology that you "need", haha. But in all seriousness, moving up in price, especially in regards to Tudor or Omega, is absolutely a great move. Both brands are very well-respected and for good reason. Their watches are incredible and offer a great sense of pride just knowing that you own such a revered brand. As for "opening a can of worms", I think you're overthinking it. Take your time collecting. It's not a race, it's a marathon. Pick up pieces that make you feel giddy and excited, don't buy a watch solely because it's from a brand you think is prestigious or "respected". Buy watches because they make you feel confident and happy.

Personally I would be happier with two £1500 watches than one £3000 watch. No watch will stop that itch anyway. And experience has tought me NH34-35 movements last for years and replacements are cheaper than a service.

Hey man I just wanna say i was in your exact predicament just a year ago.

I also had a modest collection of sub $1000 watches (quite a few in fact I think around 10-12 at the time) and was happy but not content you know? I was always hunting for my next fix, my next buy because the watches I was buying were so cheap relative to my income at the time. Despite that I really did want to step into the higher end, luxury watch world with a name brand Swiss made watch. The two I was looking at were the omega aqua terra 41 mm in green and the Tudor bb58 in blue.

At the time I had the income to purchase one, but I held out and didn’t pull the trigger, in the mean time I just spent more and more on “cheaper” watches. Before I knew it my collection was full of watches I had bought but didn’t wear cause I bought them based on price and not passion.

After a couple of years I really buckled down and told myself that I wouldn’t buy another watch until I had saved up enough money and found an appropriate occasion to buy one of my grails. It was tough at first with all the microbrands that offered amazing value that seem to crop up by the dozens, but I kept saving and waiting. Until my 30th birthday I finally said “F*** it, I’m buying that omega” and finally bought one of my grails. I have to say, at least personally, the feeling of saving and waiting and working towards that grail watch and then finally having it on your wrist is one of the best. I felt like I earned this piece and that meant a lot. I wasn’t just throwing my money around and buying things that peaked my interest one week and then the next week my interest fizzled out, this was something I worked towards. I wore my omega everyday for months. I didn’t even think about the dozen or so other watches I had in my box.

I was lucky enough this past Christmas to be able to purchase my other grail, the Tudor bb58, that and the aqua terra are all I really wear now.

I know this was a long response I’m sorry for that but from my personal and quite recent experience with what you are feeeling, I just really wanted to share my personal journey and hope it helps you in some way.

Best of luck friend! Have an amazing and memorable new year!

I’m glad to hear this because I’m doing something similar as well. I’m getting rid of some of my collection and will hold out for a grail watch. 🙌🏽

Do not overthink it. Buy a Sinn 556 (couple of different dial options) and live a happy life.

I feel this, I love the collection I have but you’re so right nothing has scratched that itch I just keep looking for the next cheap watch to buy. I am going to hold out for a while and in a few months hopefully pick up either the Tudor or omega. Thanks for the response

Thanks everyone for the responses. Love hearing from others and having chats about watches

Have a great 2024 y’all

Keep it simple……..

If you like the watch and you can afford it buy it!

One watch is neverenough…😜