The Watch That Killed My Collection
Dramatic headlines aside, the impact of this vintage gem is not to be understated. Once I put it on the wrist the first time last month after its arrival from a vintage dealer in California, it was one of those moments where you go “Oh…. That’s something else”.
The 1979 DJ 16030 has well and truly turned the hobby on its head for me. I’ve been enjoying watches of many price ranges, mainly modern pieces, for about a decade now since joining my first watch forum and realizing people own more than one watch at a time… But now? I want more of this. Vintage, smaller, watches. Like many others, I thought 36mm was too small for me despite my modest 6.75”/17cm wrists because the collection mainly consisted of sporty watches ranging from 39 to 44mm in diameter. I inherited some 34mm watches from my dad so I know the size probably was going to be “OK” for me, and if nothing else, I could wear it when dressing up, or going out for a nice dinner etc.
No no no! The DJ demands wrist time ALL THE TIME. Going to work, check. Running errands around town, check. Hanging out in the sofa watching a movie? Yep, the DJ is there. Despite its dimensions on paper, it has amazing wrist presence. The long, slender lugs help there. The classic silver dial picks up amazing cream/brown colors at certain angles, and the lume pips and lume on the hands have a bit of “pumpkin patina” after 44 years. The steel (not WG) engine turned bezel picks up the light like a disco ball in bright sunlight, yet is subtle and classy in low light situations. The jubilee bracelet is ultra comfortable. The acrylic crystal is as charming as a on hesalite Speedy and the 28800 vph 3035 movement keeps COSC time. The oyster case is simply beautiful. The cyclops rounds out the total package. And of course if all that is not enough, its one of the most legendary watch models in all of watchmaking history. A watch that can do it all, anywhere.
I was hoping I would like the watch when I took the leap and sent someone the better part of five grand for a watch as old as I am, but it has totally won me over and is now my most worn watch. I wear it every day, even if it’s just for a few hours. Meanwhile, the rest of the collection is starved for attention. I’ve sold two watches since I bought this, with another on the block. It came in like a wrecking ball and changed my perspective on which watches work for me and which watches I want to look for in the future.
Have you had a similar experience with a new addition shaking things up for you? I’d love to hear others’ experiences.
Congratulations on a beautiful timepiece.
Many of us have a “honeymoon phase” with a new timepiece.
I would let the initial infatuation subside before letting go of too many from your collection which you may ultimately regret.
Congratulations on a beautiful timepiece.
Many of us have a “honeymoon phase” with a new timepiece.
I would let the initial infatuation subside before letting go of too many from your collection which you may ultimately regret.
Yes that’s good advice. But this time it feels very different than when other new watches have arrived. I’ve owned around 100 watches over the last decade and none have had this impact.
I totally agree about that watch. I have one myself and love it for many of the reasons you stated. But I'd take it slow. People are always selling watches then regretting it, and I think it's because we run on internet time these days. You had the watch for a month? That's really not very long, at least to me. Given the cost of re-buying watches you regret selling, I'd give things some time. It's not that you'll stop loving the DJ, it's just that perspectives can change as you've seen.
In 2018 I was looking for a vintage DJ. Back then, I didn’t wear my Sea Dweller and Navitimer in the office or when I had meetings with my clients. I didn’t want other people to be jealous or put in a drawer („it must be a fake watch“ or „oh, maybe he was a drug dealer im the past“). Vintage DJ‘s were around 2.000€ to 3.000€ back then and I told myself, everybody will think it’s my Dad’s watch or I saved 2.000€ to buy a watch. Well, long story short: I started wearing my watches at my job and didn’t care what others think. But then I missed buying a vintage DJ, which I regret till today. Congrats on your watch. It looks really nice and clean.
I have a similar 16220. Same engine turned bezel, same silver dial and crisp indicies. Those watches fit in every occasion.
I'm not sure it killed my collection, there are still five or six I regularly wear, but it sure stopped me from even slightly desiring to buy another watch and it got me to want to reduce my collection.
That dial is crispy. 👌
I can't decide whether I don't actually want a Rolex or whether I tell myself that because I don't know how I'll manage to rationalize spending Rolex kind of money on a watch.
I can't decide whether I don't actually want a Rolex or whether I tell myself that because I don't know how I'll manage to rationalize spending Rolex kind of money on a watch.
It’s definitely not rational.