I think I'm taking my watch collection too seriously...
I've been infinity scrolling through Watch Crunch and I find myself extremely envious every time I see a New Watch Alert and it's some beautiful, colorful or otherwise wholly unique micro brand offering.
I always think "damn, it would be sick to have a watch like that"
And yet, I never look for them or consider actually buying one. I have this weird sense of duty to my watch box that whatever comes in next has to compliment the collection; like if I don't add a dress watch now that I've got the diver and the everyday piece locked in, my collection will suck lol.
I love the watches I have, and I love the watches that I want - but I hate feeling like if I bought any other watch it would be a set back to my "watch collecting strategy."
I don't know where along the way I started looking at it this way, I used to just love watches! Does anyone else get stuck in this rut?
Does anyone else take watch collecting too seriously sometimes?
5 years into collecting, too deep and yet, not deep enough
I think anyone on a social media site solely reserved for watches takes watches seriously whether they choose to acknowledge it or not. I think your self-awareness is healthy; it means you acknowledge the "call of the void" into watch madness while keeping one foot firmly planted in reality.
I guess as long as you're collecting the way you feel comfortable is all that matters, no?
It happens... You're definitely not alone in feeling this way from time to time. I've felt that myself at times. I've found it really helps to take stock of why you have the pieces you have. Sit down with a journal (of whatever you prefer to write with), your watch box, and literally write a sentence or two about why you love that piece and are glad you have it. (If you are - if you aren't, it might be time to let that one go).
Alternatively, take one watch (you're least favourite or beater watch) and lock all the others in a drawer for a few weeks. When you really start to miss them, take them back out. You'll be happy to have them back.
Also, maybe don't follow the NWAs.
My $0.02 ;-)
Nope.
It's not rocket science-you buy what YOU like, not what others like as evidenced by their posts. Plenty of watches out there for all of us. Be you, not them.
Oh- and you don't need a "strategy"to enjoy collecting , this is an immediate buzzkill and will delegitimize any collection.
I get a little envious of some of those watches also. Usually, it's the funkier styles like Mr Jones, or Studio Underdog. Most of my collection is utilitarian. And recently it's been field watches. Even the watches I build are more subdued compared to those brands.
I think anyone on a social media site solely reserved for watches takes watches seriously whether they choose to acknowledge it or not. I think your self-awareness is healthy; it means you acknowledge the "call of the void" into watch madness while keeping one foot firmly planted in reality.
I guess as long as you're collecting the way you feel comfortable is all that matters, no?
Here's to hoping I don't let that one good foot slip lol - also this is an excellent point!
I get a little envious of some of those watches also. Usually, it's the funkier styles like Mr Jones, or Studio Underdog. Most of my collection is utilitarian. And recently it's been field watches. Even the watches I build are more subdued compared to those brands.
Exactly,
I don't even really have an occasion that would require a dress watch anymore - I work 100% from home now, I just roll out of bed and pull myself into my office chair lol. If anything, this would be the perfect time to lean into more interesting watches like Mr. Jones or Studio Underdog.
Nope.
It's not rocket science-you buy what YOU like, not what others like as evidenced by their posts. Plenty of watches out there for all of us. Be you, not them.
Oh- and you don't need a "strategy"to enjoy collecting , this is an immediate buzzkill and will delegitimize any collection.
That's definitely what it's been feeling like lately - a bit of a buzzkill. I'm not showing these to anyone lol. I don't know why I get in that headspace sometimes.
It happens... You're definitely not alone in feeling this way from time to time. I've felt that myself at times. I've found it really helps to take stock of why you have the pieces you have. Sit down with a journal (of whatever you prefer to write with), your watch box, and literally write a sentence or two about why you love that piece and are glad you have it. (If you are - if you aren't, it might be time to let that one go).
Alternatively, take one watch (you're least favourite or beater watch) and lock all the others in a drawer for a few weeks. When you really start to miss them, take them back out. You'll be happy to have them back.
Also, maybe don't follow the NWAs.
My $0.02 ;-)
That's spot on - I should take a break from the NWAs when I feel a whole burning in the watch box lol.
I'm gonna try that journaling idea, I actually already do a bit of journaling, light just to get little weird things out of my head to stop me from entering a productivity black hole. I think thats a great idea!
No, I've narrowed down to collecting 2 micro brands. Zelos and Helm and I'm happy lol. I buy color, textures and metals and movements. Zelos checks every box. Helm I signed up for the Miyako # 918 and Vanuatu # 2124 over a year ago. Patiently waiting. Zelos releases 5 or 6 times a year. I'm happy as a clam with that.
Enjoy your watch and don't over think it.
No, I've narrowed down to collecting 2 micro brands. Zelos and Helm and I'm happy lol. I buy color, textures and metals and movements. Zelos checks every box. Helm I signed up for the Miyako # 918 and Vanuatu # 2124 over a year ago. Patiently waiting. Zelos releases 5 or 6 times a year. I'm happy as a clam with that.
Enjoy your watch and don't over think it.
Damn!
I just looked at the Miyoko - I love that dial! Do you know the size on that?
Damn!
I just looked at the Miyoko - I love that dial! Do you know the size on that?
40mm
Damn!
I just looked at the Miyoko - I love that dial! Do you know the size on that?
It also has a Miyota 9015.
Damn!
I just looked at the Miyoko - I love that dial! Do you know the size on that?
There's a longgggg waiting list for all their watches and you add yourself to the watch you want and you get a number.
You do you, but having a “watch collection strategy” has kept me tethered from spending all my money on every single watch that I fancy.
My advice is that you should focus more one the relationship you have with your current watches and the stories you are living with them.
These are the only invaluable things that you cannot purchase or find on other’s watches.
It will help you in reducing your collection and be happier whith what tou already have.
Otherwise, it’s infinity: there are probably tens of thousands of nice watch models that can create envy, but not only it’s impossible to have them all, but the satisfaction would be very short anyway. And then what else?
True,
I was thinking about this with an old watch that my late father in law left me, it was getting uglier and uglier in the box and I thought about doing away with it - but just the memory of how I got it and the time I got to spend with his mom (my grandma in law?) talking about him and his watch collection was really important to me. I ordered a new strap for it, gave it a clean and now it's looking really nice!
Watches are like women, you may love the ones you own, but you always want more.
I have a box with 30 watches, and they are categorized by type. Top tier are divers, mid tier are GMT's, pilot watches, and filed watches. Bottom tier are sports and dress watches. If I buy a new watch I have to sell a watch from the tier it will be living. As soon as I see a watch I like I have a look on eBay for a good used one. If I can't find one I will wait, as I rarely buy new ones because of the rapid depreciation
I have a similar set up, although I had this great idea to get a watch roll and this is where I would build a "core collection" I think thats where I went wrong, I've been focusing on building that to be ideal and left the watch box with all my fun and interesting stuff rot a little.
Even when we are looking for a particular consistency with our collections, I think we should be allowed at least one "wild card" watch that goes against everything. If you see something you like and is completely different to what you want your collection to be, take the bit - you owe it to yourself
any recommendations? I'd like to delve into micro brands a little further.
My only watch collecting strategy is what flavor I’m into next. Like I’ve got too many divers because I like them, but now I’m going to get another chronograph. I usually have 2-3 watches that have caught my attention and I try to just get that next. I tend to look at individual pieces rather than my collection as a whole.
100%
I want to get back to just liking the watch and not caring if its taking up another "dive" slot in the box...who cares, I don't think anyone is looking at my collection and giving it a score lol
any recommendations? I'd like to delve into micro brands a little further.
Depends on what kind of watch your looking for, I don't have any microbrands myself but I'm expecting one in March and eyeing a few
Everyone’s made some great points especially @degenerateWA and @skxcellent.
I have always loved watches but somewhere down the line, I forgot about them and only came back to it in Sep ‘23 when I started reading up on the various pieces and their histories. My first watch was a Casio A700, it was good and bad. Good, because it’s an amazing wearing, retro digital watch for just 50 bucks. Bad, because it led me to buy not 1 but all of the variants of the A700 🙈. And guess what? I mostly just wear the very first one I bought 😅.
That’s been my experience: I see a watch, overthink it to the point of finding everything good about the piece and arrive at the inevitable conclusion “I must have it”. I enjoy it for a few days but then next thing I know, I am back on the hunt.
I think that happened to me so often this past few months precisely because I didn’t have a strategy in collecting. I bought whatever I liked that was reasonably priced (my definition of “reasonable” has increased the more watches I have come across but that’s a discussion for another time). Moving forward, I am going to build a 5-watch collection with soft guidelines to avoid duplicates (watches that largely serve similar purposes like my G-Shock and my Casio Mission Impossible).
TLDR: I think what you’re feeling is very natural but you’ve actually done well by having rules. It will certainly suck at times but it will also save you from buying watches that may not truly add to your enjoyment of your watch collection.
I've fully been down this rabbit hole as well - that's why I started enforcing rules and even separating my "core collection" from the rest of my watch box, I kind of look at the watch box like a catch all for my impulsivity and the watch roll is for my consideration. also, the Casio Mission Impossible has quickly become my new favorite Casio!
You nailed it here man! It sounds like you're developing a good collecting philosophy to move forward with. You can always adjust, but having a framework can help for sure.
The (arbitrary) size limit has really helped me. I run a fairly strict collection limit of 5+beater that has really helped me stay on the straight and narrow. From there it's blood-in, blood-out. I may even limit that down again, I'm still mulling that over.
Even after collecting for years, things still evolve.
The main thing is if it's causing you anxiety, change it so it doesn't. These are just watches, after all. :-)
It's real out here in these watch streets!
I've fully been down this rabbit hole as well - that's why I started enforcing rules and even separating my "core collection" from the rest of my watch box, I kind of look at the watch box like a catch all for my impulsivity and the watch roll is for my consideration. also, the Casio Mission Impossible has quickly become my new favorite Casio!
That’s exactly what I plan on doing! I’m getting a new 5-slot watch box that will serve as my “forever collection” and my current watch box will house those watches I bought on a whim.
Awesome Casio Mission Impossible! It wears similar to a G-Shock Square but has easier to push buttons and a charming octagonal (eggy) shape. I love mine as well 💪🏻
Relax,,,life is short..enjoy the hobby!
I’m finding it convenient and cheaper to focus on just one thing. I have several diving watches. So I’m focusing on Soviet, right now Soviet Olympic. I’m still having fun at less than $100 a month.
Wanting everything is leading to financial turmoil and dissafection with the hobby as a whole. The more I wany everything the less satisfied I am with anything.
I set a limit on the amount of watches I want. Then its one in and one out. It makes the next watch purchase more meaningful and more satisfying. The new has to good enough to bump a solid watch out. For me it keep everything in perspective and it keep me from buying just to buy.
I’m finding it convenient and cheaper to focus on just one thing. I have several diving watches. So I’m focusing on Soviet, right now Soviet Olympic. I’m still having fun at less than $100 a month.
Wanting everything is leading to financial turmoil and dissafection with the hobby as a whole. The more I wany everything the less satisfied I am with anything.
That’s awesome - I love hearing about what type of watches people love and collect, it gets me looking at stuff I might not otherwise would have known about
For me, i get much more joy at curating my collection than getting new colorful watches just cause they're nice. I got into watches mainly from the idea of curating a three watch collection lol. Don't let your enjoyment be any less from it! Collecting works differently for everyone
any recommendations? I'd like to delve into micro brands a little further.
What type of watch. I do own and have owned many microbrand watches. What country do you live, and what are your tastes
I enjoy the process of editing, I’m trying to get it down to three (the G Shock and box of broken watches from when I tried to learn how to watchmake omitted). I had to get a couple of watches serviced this year (and another repaired) which was a balls so that may be influencing this minimalism
I find I have a resurgence of appreciation for a watch after I’ve stared at it and worn it for a month while considering selling it for some new fascination. If I really want that new watch still I have a watch to sell towards it, and if not I fall back in love with my current chap for a little bit