Ever done a complete 180 in your collecting?
So, ever done a complete 180 in your collecting?
One of mine would be that, once upon a time, I was really interested in microbrands. I'd follow 'the scene', I'd purchase them, I found it a really interesting hobby within the hobby, if that makes sense?
Today? I wouldn't wear a microbrand if you paid me. Partly because, as time went by, I came to see a number of microbrands just using the parts bins of Chinese factories, generally with a unique-ish sort of dial to set themselves apart, and sprinkling a lot of marketing bulldust on top, charging well over what the watches were worth.
Not all, by any means, but enough of them. And I just lost interest in them as a whole.
I want to hear YOUR stories of doing a 180 in collecting. What did you do, once upon a time, that you wouldn't dream of doing now?
(Reminder: this thread isn't a chance to rebut me and tell me why you love microbrands - that's not the point of the thread at all. I want to know, what's your 180?)
I've loved watches all my life, going back to the 1980s. Current watchbox: Seiko, Bulova, and Casio.
I used to like Roman numerals. In 1453 I switched to Arabic numerals.
I‘ve made so many u turns, I have no idea which direction I’m pointed in now!
I've never actually been wrong about anything, so no.
I get your rationale for staying away from micros, but one of the knocks against the big brands is that you're paying extra for "heritage", marketing, and boutiques. I would argue that Omega and Rolex charge you a lot more for things that are not a watch than micros. And that's exactly what lets micros charge more than they need to. I guess I'd rather see two guys who started a company making $100 on a watch than the Wilsdorf Foundation making $3000 on one.
To be clear, I own a Rolex, an Omega, and a micro so I obviously don't have any real issues with any of this.
I have always like watches, but I only got "into" watches back in 2018. When I got "into" watches I wanted nothing to do with filthy quartz watches... Now I find myself leaning more toward quartz for the convenience of them.
Small dress watches 39mm or smaller no more.
Watch must be 40mm-47mm. My sweet zone.
I used to hate dive watches, now I love them. A true 180° turn, to be sure! In fact, I have a 12-slot watch box with just divers!
Used to hate on Rolex because of all the hype and bullshit waiting list. Now I'm seriously considering lining up for a 41mm OP. Hate that I want one so bad.
I started it collecting vintage Hamilton and amassed a large collection with some desirable models.
Over time, I found that I prefer to wear modern watches in modern sizes and styles. I have sold the bulk of my vintage collection and I’m currently trying to upgrade the quality of my modern collection.
I used to love Rolex, had 4 of them in my collection once. Now I Abhor them. Like, truly, deeply detest them
…though I still love some releases from Tudor, and own one. So not necessarily escaping the Wildorf net just yet.
and thoroughly agree with you on the bull from micros. if im spending thousands on a watch, it better not be an off-the-shelf movement, modified/regulated or not.
So in my case, a microbrand is just something I thought I would need to have a proper collection (ie diver, chrono, dress watch etc). I thought I would just get hold of a microbrand and that's about it. But choose wrongly and it would tarnish our perceptions of them.
Having said that, I enjoyed some of the articles in Watchcrunch on microbrands, which also introduced me to Farer, which I now consider my favourite microbrand. I haven't owned one, and based on my current collection, may not ever own one. But that's ok and I'm happy to admire it from far away.
I used to dislike Rolex , Hublot and RM and the like.
Now I know more about watch's and the brands I really dislike them. So no 180 from me that respect.
However I used to like and support Swatch at least until the moonswatch incident, I guess you could say I went full 180 on them.
I used to like Roman numerals. In 1453 I switched to Arabic numerals.
Same for me ! My first two were roman numerals, now i just prefer indices.
Was really a dress watch boy, but I don't see me buying one anymore. Need versatility, WR, and something that pops in the design.
Was a mechasnob, then discovered the eco-drive technology. Now own 4 smilesolar, one Tough solar G-Shock, ordered an Eco-drive for my birthday and consider the Citizen Chronomaster or GS' Spring Drive as one of the best offer for a One watch collection.
Used to love polished case, just want brushed and sandblasted now
Used to love swiss watchmaking, now more attracted by english design, Ward, Farer and Geckota for example.
Many 180s in my journey
I used to love dive watches, but now I hate them religiously. All of them. Hate them all...hahaa (seriously hate them)
I used to love dive watches, but now I hate them religiously. All of them. Hate them all...hahaa (seriously hate them)
There's GOT to be a story behind that! Spill the beans!
There's GOT to be a story behind that! Spill the beans!
No there isn't unfortunately, it just happened over time 🤣
Is it the overhyping of dive watches or the overmarketing? If I were to stop liking dive watches, it would be because companies just kept making the same watches and design, hoping to copy the look of the submariner.
I used to like relatively expensive watches, I saved up for, and it took me a long time, for a Rolex that I do love. As time went by my budget and priority have changed. I still lust after the odd expensive watch but realised a lot of the pricing for them not for what they are worth and a profit margin for the company but rather what the company can get away with charging customers for. I think the sweet spot now is £500 to £1200 ish in todays money, for my budget anyway, for a quality watch. I also buy many a £100ish Casio etc and they are great as well.
Not sure if this is a complete 180, but I used to completely adore flight watches with busy dials a few years ago. Although I don't dislike them, I now favour more simple and elegant automatic watches.
I think this is normal, as time goes on our tastes and interests change.
My 180 was paying more than a grand for a watch...thanks god my wife can’t note the differenc betw my NKZ and my Tag Heuer 🤫
I think this is normal, as time goes on our tastes and interests change.
And yours are…?
And yours are…?
Current Are: Heuer/Tag Heuer, Military Modern and Vintage, Indy/Micro, Seiko, Muhle Glashutte, & Miscellenous Swiss.
Past: Tuning Fork/Accutron, Hamilton Electrics, & Rolex
When I first got into watches, I was HEAVILY influenced by Theo & Harris and was super into vintage dress watches. Now? I would never buy one. I'm into modern sports "GADA" watches.