Hobby or addiction?
Three years ago I owned 7 watches acquired over about 45 years. Always interested in the intricate engineering & especially liked the look of older models from the 50/60’s.Then my wife got my late fathers Titoni refurbed for a birthday.
Then I found YouTube!!!! I now own 22 watches most of the additional 15 acquired in the last three years.I know more about watches now than I ever thought possible, I’ve spent more than is reasonable on an item that is 100% superfluous in the modern era & I can’t stop looking for the next one. Has this hobby turned into an unhealthy addiction?
67 yo living Noosa hinterland QLD Australia, had a passion for old watches since inheriting my Dad’s Titoni Airmaster c1960 which my wife got refurbished for me. I like more obscure brands rather than...
I know one of the steps to watch collecting recovery is admitting it. Not sure what step it is, I'm still in denial.
The answer is “yes”
Tutima in the house! 30+ years here. It’s sad. 😂
Disease
Tutima in the house! 30+ years here. It’s sad. 😂
Hadn’t even heard of Tutima 12 months ago!🤔
Addiction yes, unhealthy, not necessarily.
If not for YouTube I’d probably just have my nice black Oris Aquis and never have even considered this a hobby. Thanks Covid! 😉
I’m addicted…….and I’m in real trouble cause I started selling off some of my watches to re-invest in some others with the profit, but now I’m consuming my own supply! 🤯😩an addict turned dealer turned consumer! 😂🤣 but no worries, I can stop anytime! 😂🤣
It's a fine line. I fluctuate. I am about to make my last purchase for a promised five years. My last purchase will be a brand new IWC Ingenieur in titanium ref IW328904.
Life goals will become a priority for at least 5 years.
I think that like most hobbies, interests and pastimes, watches can , for some, become a compulsion or obsession.
I’ve noticed that some folks have collected a very large number of watches over a year.
I know that I have been carried away in the past and bought watches on impulse too often.
Now I find it far more satisfying to search out a watch I really, really love and take the time to save for it.
If not for YouTube I’d probably just have my nice black Oris Aquis and never have even considered this a hobby. Thanks Covid! 😉
Glad I’m not alone!
It's a fine line. I fluctuate. I am about to make my last purchase for a promised five years. My last purchase will be a brand new IWC Ingenieur in titanium ref IW328904.
Life goals will become a priority for at least 5 years.
That’s a substantial purchase, I admire your discipline good luck on the journey.
I think that like most hobbies, interests and pastimes, watches can , for some, become a compulsion or obsession.
I’ve noticed that some folks have collected a very large number of watches over a year.
I know that I have been carried away in the past and bought watches on impulse too often.
Now I find it far more satisfying to search out a watch I really, really love and take the time to save for it.
Good perspective, I’m really not disciplined enough, all good intentions to save for a better watch, then I spot something I really like probably not even on the radar,bang it’s in the collection.
Disease
I’ll need to find an antidote fast!!
Horology mind viruse.
Interesting Alex, “ rich” is a relative term I guess. I could ever afford the real high end stuff that’s on a stratospheric level compared to my area of interest.
Rich in the sense that you can buy whatever you like without feeling any difference in your bank... Hope this clarify the 'relative' ... In that sense one could be addicted without collateral concern.
We are not alone
All good questions & observations. I genuinely get attracted to time pieces because of the way they look & as I said I’m in awe at the micro scale engineering inside. I guess it might just be a case of “ so many watches so little time”. As I approach my 70’s time remaining on the planet is often front of mind, so when I see another unusual or beautiful piece I just think why not grab it & enjoy it now while I can? I’ve come to the hobby late compared to many so that may have something to do with it. Thanks for taking the time to post a considered answer,food for thought for sure.
No problem. I always try and put thought into what I say here, even if it won't always be the most popular comment in the room. In that light, and if we're talking, "so many watches, so little time", can I ask if you have en exit strategy for the decade(s) ahead? The one thing that gives me shivers in watches, and any kind of collecting really, is the family coming along after someone's shuffled off and having 'no idea' what anything is worth. "This watch says ORIS on it... never heard of it... will we sell it for $50 at the garage sale?"
No problem. I always try and put thought into what I say here, even if it won't always be the most popular comment in the room. In that light, and if we're talking, "so many watches, so little time", can I ask if you have en exit strategy for the decade(s) ahead? The one thing that gives me shivers in watches, and any kind of collecting really, is the family coming along after someone's shuffled off and having 'no idea' what anything is worth. "This watch says ORIS on it... never heard of it... will we sell it for $50 at the garage sale?"
I’m trying to educate my son, so that he can appreciate what will likely be handed down. No exit strategy at this stage, but I get your point.
Addiction then??
Yes , I’m Afraid so
Kevin O’Leary’s take on watch collecting as a “disease” hits close to home for me. His claim that there’s “no cure” highlights the irresistible allure of timepieces, leaving us watch enthusiasts perpetually hooked.
Yes. 😎
Uhhh! I think that you are just in a hobby phase. I have about that many laying right here. 😂
Great collection
Uhhh! I think that you are just in a hobby phase. I have about that many laying right here. 😂
That’s reassuring to know😂
Kevin O’Leary’s take on watch collecting as a “disease” hits close to home for me. His claim that there’s “no cure” highlights the irresistible allure of timepieces, leaving us watch enthusiasts perpetually hooked.
Might need to start a support group for recovering collectors, WCA watch collectors anonymous?
I am not a watch collector but rather a watch enthusiast who likes to try new watches and sell/gift the ones that no longer hold my interest.
As the years have passed, after a flurry of buying and selling since the pandemic began, I find myself largely satisfied with my current watches.
Sure, I still look at watches each and every day but don't see myself buying anything new for now. Nothing I have seen of late creates the overwhelming desire to own it. I doubt that will persist but am ok if it does.
Is very much a new feeling for me.
That seems like a healthy head space to be in, good that you can have that relaxed attitude about wherever you are in the hobby & not get consumed by the next purchase. It can be challenging to stay detached from all the watch media & stay true to what you desire vs what you think you should desire.I think I’m returning to that path now, I know what appeals & will stick to satisfying that “itch” when pops up.Thanks for the reply.
My name is WiseTime and I'm addicted to watches. Let's start a support group 😉