SOTC--7 Months In

I'm a relative novice as I've only gotten a strong interest in watches over the last year. I don't really have any questions or any particular feedback that I'm looking for, but I felt like sharing my current collection, my philosphy so far, and future hurdles I see down the road. Let me know if you've had any similar experiences in the early days of your collection.

The Tissot PRC200 was my first Swiss watch. It's a quartz, but definitely underrated (sapphire crystal, and 200M of WR for around 300 bucks). Granted, I didn't even know what sapphire crystal was when I bought it, I just liked it. My research after buying it is what started me on Youtube's watch community and helped me learn the basics.

I started collecting in earnest with my 2nd watch, the Seiko Cocktail Time (SRPB43J1) which I picked up in September. The Alpina Startimer Pilot (44mm) was next in November. My wife made the mistake of buying me a watch box with room for 6 watches for Christmas--it only took me 2 months to fill up the remaining 3 spots (with a Willard, Hamilton Intra-matic, and Certina DS Action Diver). The G-Shock DW-B5600 and Casio A168 were purchased in the last 3 months as well. I actually have a Casioak coming tomorrow.

I'm happy with the collection so far. I think it's a good foundation. I've been trying to balance dressy and fun pieces, as well as having a variety different functions.

However, while I feel like I've gotten a bargain on each watch, I recognize that I can't continue at this pace and need to slow things down. I think 2 watches a year is a good rate (if my willpower is strong enough).

Another issue is that I'm limited when it comes to options here in the UAE--Swatch Group and Seiko definitely dominate the collection because their ADs have great sales. The Alpina was a lucky find. They have so many luxury brands here, but not many in my tier (around $500-1500).

As a result, it's hard try new brands. For instance, I'd love to get a Sinn or Damasko, but there are no ADs here, so I'd have to pay full price on their site, plus shipping and duty. And that's without ever seeing it on my wrist.

Plus, if I keep getting new watches, and I someday have 15 or more of them, there will undoubtedly be watches in my collection that I almost never wear. I'm not sure how I feel about that.

It's weird to ask this after less than a year, but how do you know when you've gotten too many? When you do, do you start selling them off in order to "upgrade" them? Sorry if this seems angsty. I'm really enjoying this hobby, but I'm not sure what to do next. My last collection-based hobby was whisky, but that was straightforward, just buy it and drink it. 😅