What do we actually need?
Of late I’ve been simplifying things I already own, and things I want to buy. I’m doing this by evaluating Need vs. Want.
With so much hype around Watches and Wonder, and watch collecting in general, it got me thinking about what we actually need?
In my opinion, just 1 watch is all we need - as a tool for telling time, as an accessory and as a jewelry (if you are into that). If time telling is all you need, then one might even argue that you don’t even need a watch, but if we are part of this community then we certainly do not belong in that category.
Having said that, as a watch collector and someone who obsesses over it, I think most people will truly be happy with a solid 3 watch collection.
A dress watch
An everyday watch
A special watch for that very special occasion
This should help simplify the collection, and yet be happy. It also helps us to avoid getting into unnecessary marketing traps and hype that’s intended to spurge more of our money when it’s actually not needed.
Love to get your thoughts on this! Please be respectful, these are just my humble opinion. I’m happy if someone agrees with me, but even more happy if someone disagrees and provides their thoughts/opinion.
New here, but not new to watch collecting. Looking forward to wonderful discussions.
You only get one go around and you can't take anything with you... enjoy yourself
I’m currently on a 1 brand and sort of 1 type of watch. I’ve got a dress, pilot, chrono, diver, digital beater. But I’ve just bought another diver that I would actually use in the water as it’s significantly cheaper but as more a summer time watch
We don’t need a watch or phone to know the time. Stoves, microwaves, coffee makers, usually have clocks. Most people still have alarm clocks on their bedside table. Most modern thermostats have clocks.
Most cars have a clock. Most offices and factories have fairly prominent clocks in multiple locations. Every computer has a clock. Even you were way out in the backwaters of a community, you could ask the first person you see for the time and they would likely know.
Having a watch at all is purely a want, whether a G-Shock, Patek or Apple. With that in mind, buy as many as you want. Wear them or hoard them. Live your life by your own standards. It’s all optional.
We don’t need a watch or phone to know the time. Stoves, microwaves, coffee makers, usually have clocks. Most people still have alarm clocks on their bedside table. Most modern thermostats have clocks.
Most cars have a clock. Most offices and factories have fairly prominent clocks in multiple locations. Every computer has a clock. Even you were way out in the backwaters of a community, you could ask the first person you see for the time and they would likely know.
Having a watch at all is purely a want, whether a G-Shock, Patek or Apple. With that in mind, buy as many as you want. Wear them or hoard them. Live your life by your own standards. It’s all optional.
Fair enough. Need vs Want is very subjective. For me, a watch is a Need. But I’m trying to figure out which watch is a Need vs. a Want that gives me happiness.
If your goal is telling time (accurately) then you don’t need a watch. Your phone is simply more accurate and offers more.
I believe it’s definitely a fashion/accessory (that happens to tell time)!
Having said that, be happy, enjoy your life, buy what gives you joy ✌️And as long as you’re not financially burdening actual “needs” then there is no such thing as a perfect collection.
I think there are far too many people in the world concerning themselves with what they think other people “need” or should be doing with their money.
You just do you as I do the same.
If your goal is telling time (accurately) then you don’t need a watch. Your phone is simply more accurate and offers more.
I believe it’s definitely a fashion/accessory (that happens to tell time)!
Having said that, be happy, enjoy your life, buy what gives you joy ✌️And as long as you’re not financially burdening actual “needs” then there is no such thing as a perfect collection.
To be fair, I'm forever losing my phone 😅 at least a watch is strapped to my wrist
Agree largely. Sold many watches that I bought on a whim. Down to 9 in total. Like to cull further I think. I had all these watches gathering dust and that stopped me wearing one in and getting the connection with some of the better ones. I guess categories of watch type depend on what you do, but simplifying appeals to me. I wonder if some people buy for ownership and collection, as opposed to wanting to wear their purchases?
Differs by person. Impossible to narrow things down for most people. I certainly respect your "wants" but mine are very different. For me, I prefer sporty, versatile watches for everyday use. I don't have anything overly or pure dressy. For just about any occasion, I can get away with wearing any of my 10 core watches.
I do not need or want a large collection. In reality my GMT that’s on its way, I think, will be my main watch and the rest will be delegated to those moments my main watch needs some time off the wrist. That puts me at a 4 watch collection. I very rarely do anything that requires a dress watch. All my watches are beater watches, I wouldn’t purchase it if I’m afraid of wearing it and abusing it. I don’t abuse them on purpose but life just happens.
I appreciate everybody else’s collections and their passion for their watches. Each to their own about their collections. I have a 6 watch box and a travel case for 3, but that case is just for my upcoming move, and that’s it. I also don’t mind window shopping the internet to enjoy the engineering and design of watches.
And they are most certainly a fashion accessory or piece of jewelry. They are also great conversation starters as well.
I don't see myself ever only owning 3 or so watches. I like watches way too much to only have a few. I don't really see anything wrong with having watches that rarely or never get worn. I'm up to 15 now and could easily see myself doubling that number in the long run. I have a few favorites that get worn the majority of the time, a handful that get worn here and there, and a few that never get worn. Watches can still be enjoyed and admired without being worn.
In my view, the only element of "need" related to collecting is if an item is needed to complete a collection. In terms of want vs. need, there is no rational justification for a watch collection at all. Collecting is an emotional journey. I suppose we might have a "need" to aquire things, and that need might manifest in collecting items, but I can't say.
As someone who needs a watch for work, I'd say it's quite possible to live with only one watch.
I managed to get by for the first 8 years of adult life with a Timex Atlantis. After that I had a Citizen Eco-drive for nicer occasions for the next 10 or so years.
Based on my experience, I think most people would be quite content with a daily watch, and a "nice" watch for special occasions.