A Series: My Watch Collecting Journey, Issue 3
As a person newer to collecting (but not enthusiasm for) watches, I have pursued lower cost watches over the last 8-9 months just to check off tick boxes in an attempt to complete a themed collection.
I have come to realize...
1) I don't need this many watches. I'm close to 30 now.
2) I want some nicer watches that I'm holding myself back from with the constant purchases.
3) A theme was just me trying to make sense of wanting more than one watch. It's OK to want more than one watch just because I want them.
and 4) I had to learn these things myself. No amount of advice from those who went before would have swayed me.
So while I consider a few purchases I've made this year missteps, I don't consider them mistakes since I had to buy them to learn the lesson(s).
Of course, this is my journey and these learnings may have no bearing on your journey.
What about you? Do you think you had to learn the lessons on your own or could a mentor have guided you to where you are at now more quickly?
Now, if you'll excuse me, I'll be off researching my next misstep.
Cheers!
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Todd
Long time watch appreciator, 2022 inductee into the obsession. Originator (or perpetrator depending on your point of view) of #WhimsicalWednesday, #MacroMay & #MacroMonday Omega Speedmaster simp. Like...
Utah, USA
Member since
Last active: 8 min ago
7.50” / 19.05 cm
Whatever you want to change, please don't get rid of the Airman. In my mind the Airman is your watch. Others may wear one too, but it's your watch.
I've had a very similar experience over the last 15 months or so that I've been getting into watches. I bought way too many over that time, and some were definitely mistakes, but necessary steps along the way to learning about preferences. I also bought a BB58 pretty early on, and that helped get a better idea of the difference between wearing cheaper and more expensive watches. I've finally gotten to a point where I know my preferences enough that most cheaper watches are not the temptation they used to be (that doesn't mean I don't still like cheaper watches, but that I have most of the bases covered, and I can be much more selective now). All of this has allowed me to be more confident in pursuing more expensive watches without as much guesswork. I finally just ordered my first Omega and am waiting for it to come in. I'm in a place now that saving for a really nice watch is more fun than buying up everything that looks interesting.
Anyway, it's definitely been a fun and interesting journey.
I often think if I didn’t get into this hobby would I be happier and Content?! Is really Less is more??! But in reality knowing myself I would have end up doing the same but a different item… so don’t beat yourself up too much but enjoy the journey!! a smooth journey is for sure a boring one!! So let have an adventure !! 🍻
I think we all make missteps on our path. Even when we are experienced collecting in other areas - we don't necessarily take the lessons learned there into the next collecting space.
The most important point I make to new watch collectors is to save up to buy what is most important to you and don't settle for something just to satisfy the need to purchase something.
Delayed gratification can be a source of joy. Spontaneous consumption usually ends up in regret.
I feel that way about 2 of my watches in particular. I was impulsive, excited and couldn't see the forest through the trees. Still finding my taste and what exactly this all means to me.
Don't get me started!! You can read all about in my BLOG 😅
I often think if I didn’t get into this hobby would I be happier and Content?! Is really Less is more??! But in reality knowing myself I would have end up doing the same but a different item… so don’t beat yourself up too much but enjoy the journey!! a smooth journey is for sure a boring one!! So let have an adventure !! 🍻
I'm not beating myself up. Just reflecting on the last few months and what I'm learning about watches and myself
I've had a very similar experience over the last 15 months or so that I've been getting into watches. I bought way too many over that time, and some were definitely mistakes, but necessary steps along the way to learning about preferences. I also bought a BB58 pretty early on, and that helped get a better idea of the difference between wearing cheaper and more expensive watches. I've finally gotten to a point where I know my preferences enough that most cheaper watches are not the temptation they used to be (that doesn't mean I don't still like cheaper watches, but that I have most of the bases covered, and I can be much more selective now). All of this has allowed me to be more confident in pursuing more expensive watches without as much guesswork. I finally just ordered my first Omega and am waiting for it to come in. I'm in a place now that saving for a really nice watch is more fun than buying up everything that looks interesting.
Anyway, it's definitely been a fun and interesting journey.
Whatever you want to change, please don't get rid of the Airman. In my mind the Airman is your watch. Others may wear one too, but it's your watch.
Oh, definitely not.
The Airman is the last of the ungifted watches that would go, were something catastrophic to happen; knock on wood.
30 is a lot, for me anyway. Got about 8 good watches (3 junky ones don’t count), and stopped there. 8 is great (good motto!) but now I’m trying to save up for something bigger.
But I often grumble about household finances, so can’t turn around and buy a pricey watch until we are not being frugal on groceries or family holidays. Dang mortgage rates.
This scenario has halted all watch acquisitions for a while now, and continue. for better or for worse.
🤦♂️🤷♂️😐
30 is a lot, for me anyway. Got about 8 good watches (3 junky ones don’t count), and stopped there. 8 is great (good motto!) but now I’m trying to save up for something bigger.
But I often grumble about household finances, so can’t turn around and buy a pricey watch until we are not being frugal on groceries or family holidays. Dang mortgage rates.
This scenario has halted all watch acquisitions for a while now, and continue. for better or for worse.
🤦♂️🤷♂️😐
30 IS a lot.
More than I really want tbh. I got kind of nuts there for a minute.
Going forward, I have 6 watches I'm targeting and that is it.
They will not be purchased this next year, maybe one.
I'm going to work on being an enthusiast more than I'm going to work on being an owner.
Similar experience. I think you need to experience a variety of watches to guide your way...at least I did. You also need a few watches to have a “collection” and it’s wise to sort out what your collection should look like without over investing in a single piece.
I’ve also expanded my collection to a point that it’s plenty big, and now I hope to pair back and capture the core ideals of what I want in a handful of higher end watches.
I've definitely come to appreciate less is more.
I bet it was a fun ride!
damn 30 is crazy 😆 i started in 2017 and my maximum was 15 entry level pieces. i did the purge and saved up for a speedy. do the purge! it is the healing 🤙😉 nowadays i always try to stay under 8 pieces. if i want something new there is the one in one out rule... but the new one has to be better looking with better specs...
I went pretty mental at first and I’m also around the 30 watches mark 😂🤦♂️
I do love ‘em all but yes, definitely time to slow down a bit 😉🍻
I bet it was a fun ride!
It has been for sure
I blew past 30 a while ago. I think that it is a fine number. These things are cyclical. You become enamored and then retrench. I am gifting and selling more than I am buying so we will see what comes next. I think that your focus on quality will make collecting, and certainly wearing, more joyful.
One of the things that I have enjoyed most on this site is seeing people who never would have considered buying a vintage watch a few years ago discover those watches. I understand that for most people they are only occasional wears, but I like that the watches are being preserved, restored, and being kept relevant.
damn 30 is crazy 😆 i started in 2017 and my maximum was 15 entry level pieces. i did the purge and saved up for a speedy. do the purge! it is the healing 🤙😉 nowadays i always try to stay under 8 pieces. if i want something new there is the one in one out rule... but the new one has to be better looking with better specs...
The purging & my outs will most likely all be gifted out.
Kind of a lot of hassle to sell sub $100 watches.
This year was about learning that 1)I can purchase just about any watch I want . This is a very cool experience for me 2) I need to take my time and figure out what I really like . I live most of what I own. I gifted away everything thing I didn't like. The Explorer I I lived but my daughter really wanted it so it's gone. 3) I love gifting a watch as much , or maybe more than buying a new one for myself. I wish I had enough money to gift you all a watch for Christmas this year. I actually means that!
Happy that you are able to purchase what you like.
And gifting can be hugely satisfying
Now I'm getting on a bit and buying more expensive watches I wish I'd bought the more expensive watches earlier on so I can appreciate them more and for longer
Youth, when I had energy but no money.
Experience, when I have more money but no energy.
Paradoxes of life
I went pretty mental at first and I’m also around the 30 watches mark 😂🤦♂️
I do love ‘em all but yes, definitely time to slow down a bit 😉🍻
My wife might kill me if I don't slow down. Haha
I blew past 30 a while ago. I think that it is a fine number. These things are cyclical. You become enamored and then retrench. I am gifting and selling more than I am buying so we will see what comes next. I think that your focus on quality will make collecting, and certainly wearing, more joyful.
One of the things that I have enjoyed most on this site is seeing people who never would have considered buying a vintage watch a few years ago discover those watches. I understand that for most people they are only occasional wears, but I like that the watches are being preserved, restored, and being kept relevant.
And one of my favorite things on here has been seeing the vintage watches & learning the history of the companies & industry that made them & shaped the world.
Thank you for being a vintage lover
My wife might kill me if I don't slow down. Haha
My partner has been remarkably understanding, for which I’m thankful; but I guess there are limits 😉😂
A lesson is repeated until learned- it really is as simple as that.
A lesson is repeated until learned- it really is as simple as that.
Very true!
Happy that you are able to purchase what you like.
And gifting can be hugely satisfying
I can't wait for the day I see your post on getting your Speedie. That's a day that will mean a lot to you & all of us on WC
If think it is great for us to learn of what we like and do not like by ourselves.
No matter how expert other people could have been, they will never be able to imprint their taste to us 100%, plus our taste change from time to time.
Soo I think it is a part of a journey. And all we can do is to pull ourselves a bit, not letting ourselves chasing over the taste so far that once your taste change, you won't hold too many watches that you dont prefer to wear anymore
#teamstubborn
Cheap mistakes are the best mistakes. #thisistheway
I like what I like but remain I open-minded to change my feelings on things. 10 years ago I never thought I’d own anything resembling a tank but tastes evolve. One day I’ll figure out why Richard Mille are so popular but maybe I’ll find/experiment with a CIGA design watch to get me 5% closer to understanding 🤙
I have been on a somewhat similar journey, with even more watches - this year I bought more than 40. Though some of those weren't just cheap they were dirtcheap - my cheapest 5 watches collectively cost me about $15. These were never meant to be cornerstones of a collection, just some fun with novelty dials etc.
Buying so many watches has evolved my tastes, and now I appreciate things that didn't matter to me before. Other things I never liked I still do not, but now more fervently than before, because this now sits on a firmer foundation.
But I do not quite see now my journey going in the same direction as you do see yours, i.e. moving to higher quality pieces. Originally I thought that as well. But, the higher end of the watches I have purchased (all under $250) are nice enough for me. Although I made plenty of mistakes there were also plenty of hits, and now I own more watches that I truly like than I could possibly wear. I feel little desire for the next level. There are some watches I would consider as an upgrade that reside in the $500-$1500 price bracket, e.g. a Sinn 556 or a Citizen NB1060 or a Seiko SARB, but I sense the diminishing returns, and I have to quieten down my watchbuying habit considerably anyway before moving into that sort of money.
Currently, I am running out of new areas in the watchworld to explore. OK, I haven't got a tritium watch, I have no customized dial, no G-shock. Maybe I get some of these. But about half a year from now that would reach its natural end.