Trying to consolidate my collection
This is my current watch collection after a few years in the hobby. Lately, I have noticed that some of my watches are getting little to no wrist time. Having watches that just sit in the box doesn’t make much sense to me. With that in mind, I want to consolidate my collection down to a smaller number of watches I can wear more regularly.
This is where I’m at right now. I’m open to ideas, thoughts, and recommendations:
Back row left to right: G-SHOCK GST-B100 Hamilton Pilot Day Date Omega Speedmaster Professional
Front row left to right: Omega Aqua Terra Worldtimer IWC Mark XX Breitling Premier B09 Chronograph
The World Timer is a beautiful watch, but the dial is too busy for me (I’ve learned that I’m into more subdued dials) so it doesn’t get much wrist time. If I part with it, I will be looking for a GMT watch to replace it.
The Breitling Premier is also a fantastic watch, but it just hasn’t connected with me for some reason. If I get rid of it, I will be looking for a dress watch of some kind. I dress very casual most of the time, but I would still like a dressier watch in my collection. I have had my eye on the Reverso since I started collecting watches so that might be the answer.
I love the Speedy and wear it fairly regularly so I don’t see myself parting with it.
The G shock is great, but because of its size it doesn’t get much wrist time either.
The Hamilton was my first mechanical watch so it will always have a special place in my heart.
The Mark XX is the watch I wear the most right now. I wear it to work almost everyday and find myself leaving it on wrist most days when I get home. I also love how easy the IWC system is for switching between the bracelet and a rubber strap.
As I type this up, I’m realizing how difficult it will be to consolidate down to a smaller size. As we know, watch collecting is a disease and there is no real cure. Originally, I wanted to work down to a 3 watch collection, but that will likely never happen.
At the very least, I’ve convinced myself that my watch box is full so I can’t buy any new watches unless I sell or trade a current watch... we’ll see how long that lasts.
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I'm not sure if the scope of this thread is just to lay down your reasoning or if you're looking for advice.
If it's the latter, and based on your feelings with the Worldtimer and Breitling, I would sell everything but the Flieger and the Speedie and round up to a 4 watch collection with a Tudor GMT and a dressy Grand Seiko.
My 2 cents: sell the Breitling and the Omega and get yourself a nice Lange Saxonia, or a Calatrava. You have a daily (IWC) you have the speedy, you have 2 beaters (Hamilton and Gshock) a really nice dress watch is missing part, ain't it?
Nice 👍
Keep them all 😂
I'm not sure if the scope of this thread is just to lay down your reasoning or if you're looking for advice.
If it's the latter, and based on your feelings with the Worldtimer and Breitling, I would sell everything but the Flieger and the Speedie and round up to a 4 watch collection with a Tudor GMT and a dressy Grand Seiko.
It’s a little bit of both, I definitely appreciate the feedback. Tudor has been on my radar, either the GMT or BB Pro. I haven’t looked into Grand Seiko much, but I’ll have to check out their dress watches.
My 2 cents: sell the Breitling and the Omega and get yourself a nice Lange Saxonia, or a Calatrava. You have a daily (IWC) you have the speedy, you have 2 beaters (Hamilton and Gshock) a really nice dress watch is missing part, ain't it?
Yes, my thoughts exactly. Either of those would fit the bill nicely.
Keep them all 😂
I like the way you think
I know that different strokes for different folks but why the need for so few? I know that rapid buying gives the feeling of being out of control but I don’t see that with 6. Also, it’s not like collecting cars with no place to park them. It also doesn’t seem like you need to sell some to pay the rent. I’d say buy another watch box and move the seldom worn to it because you may want to wear them again after some time away. Then buy a few new ones and enjoy them.
Love that Iwc
I still regret selling my xvi some months ago. How is the wearing experience compared to the speedy?
I’m in a same spirit of 6 watches max. Not always easy as there are so many options out there.
I see you don’t really have a diver in your collection?
If the goal is to consolidate, then I’d like move on the Omega and Breitling as you’re already leaning that way. I’d also move the G-Shock unless you feel some sorta attachment to it. And just because I think it’s filling a similar gap as your IWC, I’d consider also moving the Hamilton unless it holds significant sentimental value.
If you’re looking at dress watches to introduce, the Reverso isn’t a bad choice. In the JLC camp, I’d likely go with the Ultra Thin moonphase in gold… just a gorgeous looking piece imo.
I really enjoy Worldtimer watches and still own 7 Breitling watches but could not pull the trigger on the Omega AT Worldtimer not a fan of the many Breitling Premier line models, close to buying the Datora but a price increase months after its launch was an irritation that felt disrespectful to me. Of course Omega and Breitling do fine without my puny support.
I really enjoy Worldtimer watches and still own 7 Breitling watches but could not pull the trigger on the Omega AT Worldtimer not a fan of the many Breitling Premier line models, close to buying the Datora but a price increase months after its launch was an irritation that felt disrespectful to me. Of course Omega and Breitling do fine without my puny support.
The AT Worldtimer to me, is a Wagnerian opera of watches.
I appreciate the artistry. I know why I should like it on an intellectual level. But I can’t see myself ever owning or wearing one, and not due to cost.
I can't speak to which you should keep and which can go, but what I found useful when trying to pare down the collection:
1) take the unworn watch out of your watch box and put it away somewhere safe but out of sight. If after 1/3/6/12 months you haven't gone to get it or missed wearing it, maybe its time to sell it.
2) list it for sale. when someone makes an acceptable offer, the first feeling in your gut is often accurate in terms of if you truly wanted to sell it or would regret doing so.
Here's how i solve my issue of not having any wrist time for my watches: i change them out daily and go down the watchbox line making sure each one gets a turn on my wrist. 😄
But if you really want to consolidate that is totally up to you. Might i suggest to consider adding a divewatch as well. The ISO rated ones are tough, legible, and can go for a swim. 😁
The AT Worldtimer to me, is a Wagnerian opera of watches.
I appreciate the artistry. I know why I should like it on an intellectual level. But I can’t see myself ever owning or wearing one, and not due to cost.
Honestly it is a little too busy even ugly in my personal opinion.
The AT Worldtimer to me, is a Wagnerian opera of watches.
I appreciate the artistry. I know why I should like it on an intellectual level. But I can’t see myself ever owning or wearing one, and not due to cost.
That is the conclusion I have come to after owning it. The map on the dial is spectacular to look at, but as a watch dial, it’s just too much for me.
"The World Timer is a beautiful watch, but the dial is too busy for me (I’ve learned that I’m into more subdued dials) so it doesn’t get much wrist time."
I have also come to the same conclusion about 6 months ago that I prefer subdued dials and watches that are not too busy. You mentioned that you have looked at the BB Pro. Last month, I bought the BB Pro and it is becoming my most favorite watch. The current Rolex Explorer II is too large for me and the BB Pro looks closer to the original Explorer (16570). The BB Pro dial is crisp and is 39mm which is my perfect size. I did not go for the Tudor GMT because of the color - just in case I would get tired of them.
I think you would like this addition in your box. It might be your replacement for the World timer which you do not wear often.
That’s exactly where my mind is at. If the World Timer goes, I think the BB pro will be the replacement. I prefer it’s size and colors over the Tudor GMT.
Ditch the back row
If I was you I would sell the breitling and the g-shock. Definitly keep this incredible IWC. It's literarly the perfect everyday watch, its bracelet is awesome.
Agreed, I love the IWC, keeping that for sure.
I love that Breitling Premier Chrono
I don’t know what it is about the Premier Chrono. On paper and even in the metal, I should love it, but for some reason I don’t. I can’t point to a single objective reason why that is. It is a fantastic watch, but just not for me for some reason.
That g shock needs to be traded in. Go with something smaller like a square face or I like to recommend the GMAS2100. The black and rose gold is on sale right now for under $80. Check out my gallery to see it on a 7 inch wrist.
I agree, the one I have is too big/loud for me now that I’ve seen more of what’s out there. I will check that one out. I would still like to have a g shock in the collection.
I don’t know what it is about the Premier Chrono. On paper and even in the metal, I should love it, but for some reason I don’t. I can’t point to a single objective reason why that is. It is a fantastic watch, but just not for me for some reason.
ohhh it's a shame
Very, VERY nice collection. I'm jealous.
Great collection. It seems like you already know what you want to do! In my opinion, a watch being my first mechanical isn’t good enough reason to keep it. You openly admitted the G and the Brietling and the AT weren’t getting much wrist time so they should probably go. Then go down the dress route with a JLC.
I also have a small watch collection and I wear all mine a lot so if you’ve got watches that aren’t getting worn then follow your heart
That's not a collection, that's a weekend away! 🙂
I clearly have a problem................
Shitcan the Hamilton, it's lame and a shitter brand that has awful QC... Also that is a ugly G-shock, probably not worth much though, there are way better Gshocks like the Mudmaster gwg1000 or just a 5610... the rest is cool stuff, but you need ROLEX in that box...
Really lovely collection, big fan of the Worldtimer 😍
So many great G-Shocks out there right now defo replace your current version. New Mudmaster is a beast 💪
Nice collection! I feel like so many of us in the community started the mechanical watch journey with Hamilton. Such a great "starter" watch! Mine was a Hamilton Khaki King Auto with a champagne dial. I still love it and will never part with it no matter how many other watches enter my collection.
First, you have an beautiful collection as is! But since you asked (which you did lol) Mark XX, Speedy Pro, G-Shock 🔥🔥🔥