Ten months into this hobby - no clear strategy as of yet...Do you have one?
In March this year, on my 50th birthday, I purchased my first watch since 2006. I’ve always liked watches, but more from afar - I wore one and sometimes read an article about them. Somehow this interest got rekindled and I set about finding a Nice Watch to gift myself for being around for fifty years. Finally settled on this one, a Glashütte Original Senator:
which quickly turned out to be this....
After the GO, I figured I needed a leisure/beater watch, which led to this Squale 1545 in April:
Spring being well underway, something green was needed to liven up the collection, which took the form of a CW Sealander:
And the start of summer really required a bright yellow dial diver:
Having spent quite a bit on watches already, I downscaled to a duo of Paganis, a Yachtmaster and a Speedmaster homage in July and August:
Having survived the WC Scavenger Hunt warranted an engraved Mr Jones in September:
In October I discovered the lures of the online auction…resulting in this nice little Zenith:
Quickly followed by this 1940s VC, my first watch in gold:
The online auction bug hasn’t vanished yet in December, which led to the 1930s Junghans:
So, 10 months, 10 watches. Zero sense of strategy or goal. In the esteemed @whystopatone ’s words: Just a guy filling up a box with watches. To be honest, sometimes I wish I had a proper goal, something distinct and clear to aim for. All German watches, only dress watches, only vintage watches, one specimen of each type of watch (threehander, chrono, GMT, world timer, diver, pilot etc. etc.), all possible dial colours…but there are just so many variations and permutations…I cannot pick one, let alone stick to it. So for the foreseeable future, I guess I’ll just let it happen; no strategy, just running after whatever I think at that moment would be Really Nice to have and wear. I do think (now :-)) I’d like to max out at fourteen watches, which seems a sensible number in terms of variation and making sure everything gets worn regularly.
So, do you have a real strategy when it comes to collecting (and do you adhere to it?) or are you more like me, just chasing after whatever is the flavour of the month?
Quite new to the world of watches...but looking forward to learn more about it.
My strategy is this: if I like it, I buy it (price dependent of course).
I focus on brand histories of note/importance to me, models with interesting owners/legacies/associations , and most importantly those watches that align with my personal aesthetic preferences.
My strategy is this: if I like it, I buy it (price dependent of course).
I think this is it. Buy what makes you happy . . . But for me I also pace myself by attaching watches (mostly) to personal and professional milestones. I’ve also limited myself to a 6 + 2 rule (6 core and 2 on nightstand). Anything more would require a sale or swap esp since I’m mostly collecting several thousand dollars pieces and can’t justify having more than 6 + 1 or 2 and feel sane or comfortable . . . Plus I actually want to wear my watches regularly. I try not to repeat brands, but the one brand that may be repeated is Grand Seiko since I really want to get the factory special edition on a trip to Japan . . . Perhaps for a future wedding anniversary.
Nahhh ... strategy is too much like "work" (IMHO) ... my modest collection is mostly a hodge-podge of stuff that I've picked up over the years that appealed both to my tastes and my wallet, with no real "theme" in terms of either style or brand.
Am perfectly fine with that! 👍
I prefer not buying 2 watches from the same brand for now, trying to collect different colors and upping my budget slowly
My strategy involves following two ideas:
1) You can’t compete with people who have more money but you can compete with your own curiousity
It’s easy to feel like you have to spend a lot of money to find your identity and enjoyment. I mean it’s not bad logic, you want to experience a lot of watches and watches are expensive so hence you need a lot of money.
The problem with that is it’s a little too logical…there’s plenty of people with 6, hell, even 10 figure watch collections that are still dissatisfied.
By competing with your own curiosity rather than with money, you’re able to better understand your own identity and what brings you joy
2) Take breaks (love vs lust)
After allowing my self a buying window of 6-12 months, I like to forbid myself for another 6-12.
I find that every time I take a break I have a better understanding of what I enjoy and feel more confident in my purchases.
I think an important aspect during the break phase is to still be engaged in the community. It’s good to learn to appreciate a piece without having the desire to purchase it.
If that watch really is special to you, that appreciation will turn into a desire to purchase over time. Think love vs lust.
You’ve got a great collection already, wear them with pride and in good health 👍
Buy what you like. Filling arbitrary slots is meaningless.
Just ride the wave bro! 😎
No real collecting goals here. I just buy the watches I like. When I started out in this hobby I made a lot of impulse purchases. Now that I’ve tried 30ish watches I have a pretty good idea of what I want in a watch which leads to a lot of contemplating.
Ive found the best formula to building a watch collection is buying watches you like and not buying watches you don't like. Having said that I didn't really want a chronograph or a GMT but still have them 🤔
I like watches that have some kind of background history of why it was made or where they have been. I recently got myself a watch brand from ww2 and I will continue to get myself watches of war, or historical innovation or those that have been the first of something. 👍
All I can say is don’t box yourself in….buy what you like. 👍
What a year! That GO was a superb start, no wonder you caught the bug. Seems to me like you do have a strategy, go with the flow and see where the hobby takes you. I think when you're new to any hobby like this you have to fine your personal preferences before you can start forming a strategy. I'm in a similar position to you, just with a few less purchases 😜Enjoy your journey 👍
A year in and im finding what I like and features i use daily
I thot I was late to start this passion at late 40s ... I was wrong 😄 .. so far 5 purchase within the last 5 months 🤣
I thot I was late to start this passion at late 40s ... I was wrong 😄 .. so far 5 purchase within the last 5 months 🤣
haha, excellent rhythm :-)
Your doing it all wrong !, you are supposed to waste hundreds of pounds on shit watches until you find out about what you really like!..
Not go straight in and buy bloody nice pieces Damn it!
🤣
Your doing it all wrong !, you are supposed to waste hundreds of pounds on shit watches until you find out about what you really like!..
Not go straight in and buy bloody nice pieces Damn it!
🤣
Haha, sorry m8, indeed no regrets so far 😂
If I really, really HAD to let go some pieces, it would be the Paganis, but I do like 'm a lot actually and they get a fair amount of wrist time. I did waste some money on straps I never use (a CW tide ocean and two cheap rubber straps, an orange and a lime green one :)) but thankfully that did not involve a huge amount of money!
My strategy is to buy what I love and gives me a sense of joy or motivation when I wear it. Having a plan never really worked and usually ended up in frustration. So I'd say you are doing fine and that's a fine collection you've got there 👌
My Strategy is value and variety
I came to believe that it is highly unlikely to have a strategy before one is drawn into collecting, but that one can certainly develop one as the journey goes by - or at least, to get more focused.
When I began my journey, not that long ago, I did set one ground rule: not to exceed 1000 euros per watch. Then I bought a watch box, and decided I'll begin selling watches once it'll fill up should I wish to continue buying.
I was able to keep my first rule, but when the box got full, I just bought another box and more watches. Only now am I beginning to seriously engage in selling some of them. Easier said than done....
But, I do believe that I will conduct myself with more control as time goes by, because with time, two more principles developed:
Avoid self-cannibalism.
Stick to what you really like.
So, as I have been collecting, I've also been developing my watch enthusiast's personality. And I believe this is gradually yielding elements of what may very well become a strategy one day.
For instance, I discovered that I like mainly dress watches and complications, and occasionally fall for a field watch (especially if it has some vintage character). I discovered that I have great affection to microbrands and indies.
These discoveries mean that I will not actively seek other watch types (for instance, no divers or fliegers), I won't be focusing on chronographs, I'll be less likely to buy Seikos or Tudors or Tissots, etc'. And the first principle means that I will not be buying several watches having a very similar concept.
I don't know if this will ever develop into a strategy, but having some focus surely helps against what may be bothering you, and that the French call "l'embaras du choix" - the embarrassment caused by the offer.
I hope this may be of some help, or interest.
There is wisdom in this comment.
Usually the plan is only apparent when we look backwards at our purchases or look at our watch box(s).
I have always preferred mid-century watches. I have use for the occasional field watch or diver. I am frugal (cheap). I have an upper limit on the size of the collection that I am constantly pushing upon. I have a philosophy more than a strategy.
That GO is beautiful. As is the rest of your collection. Very impressive. As for strategy, I don’t really have a concrete one. I’m in the buy what you like and what speaks to you camp. The fact that that is different for everyone is what makes places like this cool.
Nahhh ... strategy is too much like "work" (IMHO) ... my modest collection is mostly a hodge-podge of stuff that I've picked up over the years that appealed both to my tastes and my wallet, with no real "theme" in terms of either style or brand.
Am perfectly fine with that! 👍
Very similar approach so far
I find limiting myself to five watches helps a lot and makes me a much more discerning buyer. Right now I’m at five and if another came in, one would have to go.
The Junghans is awesome!
I'm curious:
Does it have a Star logo on the crown? If yes: what kind of a star? 5 or 6 pointed?
No star logo on the crown...may have been replaced sometime in the past 90 years...It does have an (eight pointed) star on the caseback, as well as on the movement itself:
I find limiting myself to five watches helps a lot and makes me a much more discerning buyer. Right now I’m at five and if another came in, one would have to go.
Five? That is too much self constraint for me! But I do see the appeal!
No star logo on the crown...may have been replaced sometime in the past 90 years...It does have an (eight pointed) star on the caseback, as well as on the movement itself:
Thanks for sharing.
I was just curious.
If you are interested here is my column about Junghans Logos
https://www.watchcrunch.com/Uhrologe/posts/junghans-brand-logos-terrorism-and-other-mistakes-32064
Pretty new to this myself, tried to get 1 watch in every style I like. So far got a dress watch, field watch, GMT watch, retro Casio, Chronograph and 2 divers!
Aiming for an all rounder GADA watch next, something like a Christopher Ward Sealander 36mm. Also trying to not get 2 by the same brand but you never know 😂
This mirrors my life (except you have nicer pieces)
Thanks for taking the time to write it out.
I would say that your strategy seems fine. You like what you like. If a watch loses its luster, you can sell it. 🤷🏻♂️