Expanding my 1 watch collection (Daytona)…
I was lucky enough to pick up a Daytona from an AD about 15 years ago, and I told myself that this is the only watch I needed for the rest of my life. Fast forward to today… I’d like to add another. What do you think it should be? Here are some criteria:
1. I want it to be attainable from an AD within 1 year
2. I won’t buy in secondary market
3. Has to be flexible enough to wear with a suit or with jeans.
4. I don’t need it to appreciate in value, but it’s important to buy a watch that I can reasonably expect to maintain value over 5 years.
Ideas?
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I’ve had a one watch collection for a while now. But recently been nerding out over watches and looking to add. I’m here to learn more about watches.
New York, NY
Member since
Last active: 2 days ago
6.00” / 15.24 cm
Rolex explorer?
Cartier Santos would be my choice. Bracelet and leather provided so it’s versatile and classy.
I’d suggest the IWC Mark XX, because it’s the watch I’m considering for myself haha.
I don't mean at all to be flip, but there's a very simple way to solve your conundrum: Use portfolio theory.
Getting criteria #1-3 is very easy
Getting criteria #1-3 AND #4 is well nigh impossible
Your best bet would be to get another Rolex, but that doesn't help you to meet criteria #1, and beyond that, the real market price of Rolexes has been falling for some time now - like anything else, it's impossible to predict the actual market value of volatile assets
This is where portfolio theory comes into play.
Instead of considering your watch purchase on its own, simply reframe your thinking so as to incorporate it into a broader portfolio of assets.
If I had a $10k watch and it needed to maintain its value, well... that severely limits my choices... not to mention that watches, as a general rule, have a negative expected value, as they are ultimately nothing more than durable consumer goods that depreciate over time through consumption, and even "collectible" watch values are supported by nothing more than consensual illusion
If, instead, I think in terms of a portfolio, I might say, "Gosh, I have $100k in the S&P 500. Am I willing to take $10k out of the S&P 500, and use it to buy a watch? Then, the remaining $90k will continue to appreciate in value at ~10.7%, per its historical average since inception, while the watch might fall in value by $5k. Hmmm... from a portfolio perspective, I'm still fine earning the lower return on this new portfolio, as I get the utility from the consumption associated with this watch purchase"
Voila! Now constraint #4 is gone, and you can enjoy life!
So, this might inflame some, but just my .02.
Also to note, I own absolutely no watches in these categories. And it depends on your opinion of microbrands.
But Helm makes a dang fine tool watch, and due to their business model, so far, have maintained value (by looking at actual sold prices on watchrecon, and ebay). And depending on the model picked, after joining the wait-list, more than likely you will be contacted within a year. (This is dependent, some have waited a little more.)
I am NOT comparing a Helm to Rolex/Tudor and the like. Just my .02 and it's an internet forum so anyone can chime in! 🤘🏻😎
You got a very nice, very valuable watch. Pick up something much relatively cheaper, but no less exclusive. And spend the coin elsewhere.
I hate the term "beater" watch. IMO watches are a tool, designed to be worn, regardless of heritage or brand. But get something you'll wear, for everything you don't wear your Rolex for.
And if not Helm, Sinn makes some classy, yet german-y tool watches.
Either way have fun hunting, which is always the best part about watch collecting. 🤙🏻
Omega aqua terra. Don’t know if it hits the #4 but solid beater watch and ready to pick up at lost AD’s. Also been looking at the Tudor 36/39/41
Considering the criteria 1 and 4 together, I can only think of Explorer although no guarantee it meets either of the criteria.
If I translate #4 to maintain “reasonable” value, I would probably go for JLC Reverso or Cartier Santos.
I say look at Omega or Tudor.
Thank you everyone for all the great ideas. Interesting that Cartier santos, Omega, Rolex explorer got multiple mentions. I like the Santos idea and will look further into it. Will also look at the Tank Must XL. Do you guys think it will be versatile enough to wear with jeans if on bracelet? And I could switch to leather strap for a suit?