SOTC - What’s your buy/sell/trade/retain routine?

KCTimepiece

As I’m sure many might agree, I go through long periods of pure accumulation. Now I’m consolidating some of my most infrequently worn collection(mostly vintage). 

The 1st pic are most of my pieces I’m coordinating deals on with watch dealers and individual buyers(outright purchase or consignment). 

The 2nd pic is my humble remaining collection that i will retain and build upon as is the trend with my insatiable addiction/passionate hobby.

Curious to hear your candid opinions on:

  • How you like to build a collection
  • frequency of watch sell/trade/buy turnover
  • philosophy of the perfect collection
#collecting #vintage #sotc
Reply
KCTimepiece
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That’s a 1980s SQ100 quartz triple date moonphase from my Dad (who owned/retired from the family watch&clock business started in the 1920s). It’s one of my favs too. 

Despite the current state of my collection, I do more scheming/plotting/watching than actual buying. I love articles, watch review vids and hearing about watch back stories. 

Currently ensorceled by a vintage Gallet Commander, a salmon Sinn Fleiger, IWC Le Petite Prince and a Nomos Tangente Neomatik. That said, Seiko always lures me in. One day maybe a grand seiko spring drive — or just more lovely value buy Seiko gems like the Seiko Presage sharp edged Blue or White. 

simonswatch
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I like your collection you’ve got some pieces I’m very jealous of.

For myself I don’t really know what I want for myself yet but I think I’ve got a few thoughts.

  1. Dial diversity 
  2. watches for every occasion 
  3. keep it under 12 watches at all times 
KCTimepiece
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simonswatch

I like your collection you’ve got some pieces I’m very jealous of.

For myself I don’t really know what I want for myself yet but I think I’ve got a few thoughts.

  1. Dial diversity 
  2. watches for every occasion 
  3. keep it under 12 watches at all times 

Thanks. I like your logic for a collection. I too find myself compelled to the “watch for every occasion” philosophy with unique dial diversity. The under 12 quantity is something to aspire to. I would really like to pare down my collection in time. 

My watch for every occasion looks like:

  1. Durable daily driver “refined” (preferably with screw down crown/functional depth rating)
  2.  Durable daily driver ”beater” (Cheaper daily dependable for certain situations or travel when safety is concern)
  3. Chronograph/Aviation style
  4. Dress watch (understated size, thin under-the-cuff, preferably leather or refined bracelet)
  5. Dive watch (100M is sufficient, prefer 200M+/screw down crown)
  6. Funky personality piece (unique Swatch, microbrands, or quirky vintage)
  7. Apple “watch” (I consider this a useful tech tool but not a true watch per say. Mostly worn for working out and in clinic)
SurferJohn
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First let me say there is no panacea, the solution is different for everyone.  Drawing the line between collector and hoarder is entirely up to you.  

That being said, 20+ years ago I decided I was pretty much done with the accumulation phase.  My solution was to break down my collection into smaller sub collections, each sub collection having its own specific goals and self imposed limits.  Over the years I have liquidated entire sub collections, and started new ones.  I've been at the point for a long time where I don't rush to buy something unless it fits with my current goals.

This was my way of keeping things under control, and it has worked well for me as my collection is fairly settled, and I am satisfied with it.

KCTimepiece
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SurferJohn

First let me say there is no panacea, the solution is different for everyone.  Drawing the line between collector and hoarder is entirely up to you.  

That being said, 20+ years ago I decided I was pretty much done with the accumulation phase.  My solution was to break down my collection into smaller sub collections, each sub collection having its own specific goals and self imposed limits.  Over the years I have liquidated entire sub collections, and started new ones.  I've been at the point for a long time where I don't rush to buy something unless it fits with my current goals.

This was my way of keeping things under control, and it has worked well for me as my collection is fairly settled, and I am satisfied with it.

Well said, @SurferJohn . Always appreciate hearing different perspectives. I agree — the line between enthusiast, collector or hoarder depends on the person. I personally aspire to reign in my own collection. 
Cheers ✨⏱✨!