Collection plans for 2024

I'm really happy with where my collection is at right now, but with some big purchases this year, 2024 needs to slow down a bit. That doesn't mean I don't have plans and dreams, however. Read on to see what I think about my collection in 2024.

2023 has been good. Really good.

The main purchase this year was the Richard Lange. However, an unexpectedly good offer turned up for the Vacheron Constantin Overseas (below retail!), with pristine condition. My savings took a big hit, but even with the market still declining I think it was the right call: Vacheron still experience long waiting lists, and I don't see the blue dial Overseas falling below retail for a full set in pristine condition.

Picture from a recent photo shoot I did

The things I miss the most in my collection now is a proper skeletonized, high-end watch, and a good-looking panda. For both of these, I am really picky: I've seen and tried a ton of watches, with very few appealing to me. In addition to these, I want a couple of cheaper watches.

For 2023, I will group the watches I consider into categories based on the likelihood of buying them

Let's start with the watches I consider it highly likely that I'll buy. First off is the Baltic Tricompax:

Picture borrowed from monochrome watches

The Baltic Tricompax is one of the best looking pandas I have seen. It's not particularly original, but that doesn't bother me. It's also fairly cheap, compared to the rest of my collection. I've tried it on a couple of times, and it feels really good.

Secondly, I want a Casio G Shock: A fun, playful watch that can handle anything, and that looks more casual than "normal" watches. I'm not 100% sure what configuration I'll end up going for, but the most likely candidate is this:

Picture borrowed from Etsy

To make room for these two, I intend to sell the Orient. I want to keep my collection limited so that all of my watches get actual wrist time. With the Baltic panda, I know the Orient won't get much love.

Moving on to the watches I'm less sure if I want to get, we have two candidates

I want a fairly cheap watch which I can bring with me anywhere, and that adds a bit of variety to my collection. The first one is the gold Tissot PRX, solely because I think it looks amazing on the Delugs rubber strap:

Picture borrowed from Delugs

It's sporty, it's different, and it's a cheap way to add more gold to my collection. It won't have finishing on nearly the same level as the JLC, but it's a way for me to find out whether this type of watch is something I really like or not. If it doesn't end up suiting me, it's not a big investment down the drain.

The second candidate is a completely different one, and while I lean towards the PRX, I haven't made up my mind quite yet:

Picture borrowed from Maen

The Maen Manhattan 39 punches way above its weight class! A colleague of mine has the 37, and the case and dial in particular are superbly finished. The bracelet less so, admittedly, but it's still an amazing watch for its price. Fun fact: It's inspired by Vacheron Constantin's Chronometre Royal 2215, a Genta-era design which pre-dates the 222! Personally I will admit that I actually prever the CR2215 over the 222, however seeing as the 222 eventually evolved into the third generation Overseas (which is my personal favourite of all watches in this design) I'm happy things developed as they did!

Having seen both in the metal multiple times, I honestly believe the Maen is the better watch for your money. However, from my collection's point of view, the PRX simply adds more variety. I've yet to make up my mind though, and it might not be either. We'll see!

The last category is the watches I am the least certain I want to get

And to start off, I have to go with one of this year's hottest launches: The Jaeger LeCoultre Reverso Tribute Chronograph:

Picture borrowed from monochrome watches

I think JLC is vastly underrated, and their launches this year have been amazing. The Reverso Tribute Chronograph would provide more gold to my collection, and the black/red gold contrast which is amazing. Furthermore, I really like the skeletonized dial on the back. The main reason I'm unsure is its cost. At its price point, there are lots of options out there. It'll also take me longer to get to some of the long-term grail pieces I hope to some day own. It must be said that I have yet to see this watch in the metal, which is a must for me. I don't believe I'll be disappointed, but you never know what a watch will feel like until you've had it on your wrist.

Following along the black/gold concept, and somewhat related to both the JLC and the PRX at the same time, are two surprising candidates:

Picture borrowed from Rolex

Picture borrowed from monochrome watches

Both this Daytona and this Speedmaster are more on the playful end compared to the JLC, and thus more akin to the PRX. However they still bring variety, and gold. The main reason I am uncertain is the price. It's basically the same as the JLC, and I'm not sure I would prefer one of these. I haven't seen any of these two in the metal, either. It's also a lot of money to spend, and I'm not sure if either Omega or Rolex appeal to me that much. Fun fact: This is the first Rolex I've seriously considered going for.

Lastly, if a miracle happens, there's a grail piece I really want...

I don't think this will happen in 2024 at all, but I want to include it anyway because this watch is absolutely bonkers:

Picture borrowed from A. Lange & Söhne

The Zeitwerk is different from everything else. I know the design is seen as controversial by many, but I love it. I've tried it on, and the fact that watch is on the bigger side suits my wrist just fine. Some day, but probably not in 2024!

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Thanks for reading my thoughts! I'd love to hear your ideas and input in the comments 🙏