Trying to figure out who am I as a collector..
I’ve been a part of this hobby for less than two years… I, like many others, had a couple of fashion brand watches, and a Casio. That was it.
I stil have a Diesel watch for sentimental reasons, as well as my old casio. Now the collection is bigger, and with better watches in it.
I have:
A Casio AE-1200WH
A Hamilton Khaki Navy
A Two-tone Tag Heuer WAS2151.BD0734
A Vintage Omega Seamaster 600
HOWEVER….
I feel like I’ve been collecting without a clear direction. I thought at first I’d be into only a couple of brands, then I thought I’d be going for watches for all different scenarios, then I though I’d collect watches by country (Japan, Switzerland, Germany, Italy). Time has passed and I have no clue…. My collection has no structure, nor cohesiveness. I’m not complainig about it, but I just want to know. Is this normal? Has anybody else had a similar situation?
I’m still drawn to the idea of collecting watches by country. I’d love a Kudoke someday. Nomos is more realistic. and a Panerai or Unimatic. But somehow I think it is all just a phase, and that I don’t really know what I want.
Newbie to the passion and hobbie, just curious about learning and see where this goes.
It is completely normal. With what I buy, I look at it this way. Each watch I buy, I buy because I like. When someone sees my collection or even a watch I own, it is a representation of a part of my personality that day. So each watch is a representation of my likes, dislikes, so on and so forth.
I think what the watches should have in common is that your fancy is tickled. If I ever start to focus, it will be watches that have unique and unusual attributes. But for now it’s “that’s cool!”
Buy what you like, not what you’re supposed to like. Your tastes will change. That isn’t a lack of direction, it’s a sense of discovery.
What they said! 💯
Buy what you like, not what you’re supposed to like. Your tastes will change. That isn’t a lack of direction, it’s a sense of discovery.
Well said, I absolutely agree with this
I guess collecting watches is not dissimilar to tastes in wine. It changes as the palate matures. Doesn’t mean to say those early wines/watches were a crazy night out or on the internet but they’re still great memories and only get rid of if need funds but you’ll regret if you loved it.
I was pretty much just like you when I started 😊 All good. As time passes you will surely realize what type of watches you are more inclined to. Just enjoy the journey. 😊
Way too early to tell. Going on 30 years and I still have to answer the question.
A direction without destination is meaningless. Personally I like having a watch for each regular situation I find myself in. It's why I don't have a diver, field watch or chrono (my gifted moonswatch not counting)
Who are you as a collector is only asked once you've first answered: who are you? Personally I'm not even a collector, I like watches and own a few. If the only structure to your collection is that its what you like, then you are a collector who collects watches that they like
I'm rambling but my point is don't force yourself into any set path, like patina it comes with time and more importantly, it happens naturally
I will say this: influencers and reviewers are a good resource but make sure that you are collecting what you like, because you like it.
Direction isn't necessary.
Don't get caught up in hype.
I've meet people who only have Timex and Casio watches and people who won't touch a watch that cost less than 3k and it has to be a diver. Both were happy.
Collect what you like, within your budget.
Be happy.
It is completely normal. With what I buy, I look at it this way. Each watch I buy, I buy because I like. When someone sees my collection or even a watch I own, it is a representation of a part of my personality that day. So each watch is a representation of my likes, dislikes, so on and so forth.
That is very a very poetic way to go about watch collecting, and I’m here for it. Thank you….
I have all different watches, going from a simple Timex up to a beautiful vintage Omega Constellation. The reason they made it into my collection is because they spoke to me. Some people are focused on one brand, I buy because I find a watch beautiful or interesting on a personal level. So, if it scratches your itch, ignore the nay sayers. Your watches are for you, not anyone else.
Oh, forgot to mention, that Seamaster is beautiful!
I think what the watches should have in common is that your fancy is tickled. If I ever start to focus, it will be watches that have unique and unusual attributes. But for now it’s “that’s cool!”
Yeah, all the recent purchases have one thing in common…. Whenever I saw them I was instantly hooked, or drawn to them… you may call it love at first sight.
Buy what you like, not what you’re supposed to like. Your tastes will change. That isn’t a lack of direction, it’s a sense of discovery.
That I am doing for sure…. I get what I like. I don’t care much what people in my everyday life have to say about that.
Thanks!!
Oh, forgot to mention, that Seamaster is beautiful!
Thank you so much! That was an impulse purchase. As soon as I saw it I had to have it…. It was fairly priced too
I totally believe you buy what you like. It doesn't matter what anyone else thinks. You are the one wearing them. I have an old Guess watch and a Fossil I keep for sentimental reasons.
I started this hobby not many months ago, and I feel lost too 😀
I have some rational leads I'm following but I'm the end is all about watches that jump at me, are wearable on my small wrist, and are proposed at a price within my tolerance.
I should maybe avoid duplicates - but after the blue Casio Duro I got myself the black one and I always think about the gilt one 😅
I feel I have no direction, but I'm enjoying every step of the journey.
Also, that Diesel watch looks beautifully retro inspired 👍
Understand the sentiment intimately. Goals can seem too restrictive, yet trying not to be “all throttle and no rudder.”
I think I’m collecting sort of a sampler platter. I did want an example of major categories; sport (GADA?), diver, dress(y)… But once there, I now really gauge by my level of attraction.
Some of my favorites are microbrands that stand out by the fact that they’re not easy to categorize.
I own some really cheap eBay vintage finds because I wanted to learn watchmaking without risking ruining anything precious. I have now salvaged a few discards. Latest is a project to upgrade a neo-vintage to better specs. All part of the hobby without necessarily making the assembled collection the explicit goal. The collection seems to be what I end up with after all that. 🤝
Absolutely. Gives me some freedom to engage in searches without restriction. My collection represents how my interests have changed over the years. Just got something from China and I think it’s great. Probably a year or two ago I would have never considered buying a watch made in China. Stay flexible. Good luck.
That’s a good perspective. Thanks!
I totally believe you buy what you like. It doesn't matter what anyone else thinks. You are the one wearing them. I have an old Guess watch and a Fossil I keep for sentimental reasons.
I agree, and actually those watches carry so many memories that it only makes sense to keep them around.
I’m going to save this for a friend who feels the same. Excellent point and responses. But yes, I’ve learned quickly to buy what you like. And my more expensive watches don’t keep me from wearing my casio watches.
I started this hobby not many months ago, and I feel lost too 😀
I have some rational leads I'm following but I'm the end is all about watches that jump at me, are wearable on my small wrist, and are proposed at a price within my tolerance.
I should maybe avoid duplicates - but after the blue Casio Duro I got myself the black one and I always think about the gilt one 😅
I feel I have no direction, but I'm enjoying every step of the journey.
Sometimes we buy the same piece of clothing, only in different colors, why not do the same with watches… I mean, if it makes you happy, go for it!
Also, that Diesel watch looks beautifully retro inspired 👍
Thank you very much, it was a gift from a dear friend… He left the country a couple years ago, it was his watch, and upon leaving he gave it to me…
I’m going to save this for a friend who feels the same. Excellent point and responses. But yes, I’ve learned quickly to buy what you like. And my more expensive watches don’t keep me from wearing my casio watches.
I’m glad the discussion is being helpful in some way… thank you!
Understand the sentiment intimately. Goals can seem too restrictive, yet trying not to be “all throttle and no rudder.”
I think I’m collecting sort of a sampler platter. I did want an example of major categories; sport (GADA?), diver, dress(y)… But once there, I now really gauge by my level of attraction.
Some of my favorites are microbrands that stand out by the fact that they’re not easy to categorize.
I own some really cheap eBay vintage finds because I wanted to learn watchmaking without risking ruining anything precious. I have now salvaged a few discards. Latest is a project to upgrade a neo-vintage to better specs. All part of the hobby without necessarily making the assembled collection the explicit goal. The collection seems to be what I end up with after all that. 🤝
That’s the coolest story! We all enjoy watches to different degrees, but not everybody jumps to the side of watchmaking. I wish you well in that endeavor.
Your collection, as I’m understanding it, is going to become a physical display of your memories and your life experiences… How cool is it to have a watch you serviced/updated? I mean, I’d be over-the-moon happy about it.
That’s the coolest story! We all enjoy watches to different degrees, but not everybody jumps to the side of watchmaking. I wish you well in that endeavor.
Your collection, as I’m understanding it, is going to become a physical display of your memories and your life experiences… How cool is it to have a watch you serviced/updated? I mean, I’d be over-the-moon happy about it.
Oh, and I’ve got 5 old Skagens from when they were what I liked, probably around the vintage of your Diesel. They’re in my nostalgia watch box.
I’ve had an eye for watches for a very long time, long before I really knew about the depth and breadth of them. Glad I found a forum of folks to share the interest with. #watchcrunch
Love the #hamilton on the green strap
Love the #hamilton on the green strap
That’s my favorite strap for that watch… that green/black combo is so classic…