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)

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. 

Prob my favs are my 67 AOPA Breitling Navitimer, 40s Mido Multicenter chrono and 40’s Rolex bubbleback. I also recently acquired a 1950’s Rensie 12-hr tricompax chrono that needs lots of work. Last repairman said it wasn’t worth the cost but I love the complications and style and will one day resuscitate it back to life. Oh last one in the project bin is a 60’s Hamilton Panda that looks like a trainwreck but still runs. Last repair quote $1,800-2K+ for new pushers, crystal and a complete overhaul/servicing of movement. We’ll see. Fun future projects. 

Nice collection. Personally I enjoy your Waltham, Speedy & Doxa best! I respect the variety of pieces here. I enjoy a hodge podge of styles myself though I often favor vintage pieces based on their rarer style and understated proportions. Cheers ✨⏱✨

On some level, I agree imitation is a form of flattery. Before I got bit by the watch bug, I only knew Rolex through the lens of cheap ripoff look-alikes. I agree that this skewed my opinion of the real deal - which is clearly a superior level of craftsmanship. 

Despite the well-deserved reputation of King Rolex, I don’t see myself rushing out to buddy up with my AD in hopes of eventually being added to a list in hopes of paying above retail prices. This is my humble opinion. There are so many other incredible timepieces that can be obtained (affordable, high end, vintage, newly released) that do not require inflated prices and excessive wait lists. 

Disclaimer: I salute folks that love & own Rolex for their long standing heritage, beautiful craftmanship and robust quality (and not for the hype and status symbol factor). 

100% can identify with your post. 🥴🤣 I’ll fall in love with a newly released model. Adore all macro photography of its intricacies and let youtube seduce me further with countless reviews.  Then try it on and … it’s too thick, it sits awkward, it doesn’t sparkle in the light right and it just doesn’t do it for me. I used to purchase online before trying on. No more. Gotta pretend to care at a watch dealer first before any major online purchases go down. Lol. Happy watch hunting! ⏱✨⏱

Although my family’s been in the watch/clock trade since the 1920’s, I’ve only dabbled in familiar entry-level pieces like a Seiko SKX, basic Victorinox & Movado until I became obsessed with vintage watch hunting at garage sales, antique malls & estate sales. In 2009, I managed to haggle a wooden box of “broken watch parts” down from $1,000 to $500. Among many cool vintage Seikos, Helbros & Hamiltons was this incredible find buried at the bottom caked in dust and grit: a 1967 AOPA Breitling Navitimer that needed a little TLC. After an overhaul & a new crystal, this beauty became the crown jewel of my vintage watch bargain hunting. Now my hobby has really become a passion.