Watch collecting or maybe not (?)
Hey all, i recently had a thought and wanted to share as well as get your opinions on it.
I barely consider what I do to be collecting watches, obviously by definition I am collecting watches but not in the same way as other hobbyists may collect spoons or coins etc. I think of watches along the same line as jackets or hats, you really only need one or 2 but sometimes they aren’t even necessary it’s just nice to have more, especially varied in color or style. However I’ve never heard someone claim to be a jacket collector when they may have a closet half full of them. And trust me this isn’t just a way for me to justify my watch purchases (though some of you could). I really just consider my watches an extension of my wardrobe and like having one for most occasions as well as use them to express myself. Maybe it’s just because i have an interest in fashion and watches are my go to accessory. Am I wrong in this? I’d like to know if I’m alone in this opinion.
Welcome to my WatchCrunch profile.
That's a great way to look at it. I have various jackets for different purposes, though I could get away with just two, even living in Ottawa when the temperatures swing from 30C to -30C every year.
I have watches for different clothes, tasks, and moods. They aren't a curated collection, apart from maybe my Timex Atlantis colour variants I've been picking up.
Are you a collector
Or an enthusiast
I always say I’m an enthusiast and not a collector because I can’t afford to be a collector 😂. I always envision a collector as someone who has liquid capital to buy watches whenever they want and I could be wrong that’s just how I see it. I do like your take on it, my digital watches I really only wear at work and my other watches I wear when I’m putting on nicer outfits or which ones match the kicks I’m wearing.
There are ABSOLUTELY jacket collectors, and boot collectors, and Denim collectors…You just aren’t hanging out with the right autistics.
I agree and my wife would too (I can't complain about her handbags anymore).
That being said, while I have more than a few jackets (or baseball hats), I don't obsessively read everything I can about them, I don't have a "grail" jacket, I don't seek out small independent jacket makers, and I certainly don't go on jacket or hat forums (like WC) to be part of a community of fellow jacket owners/ enthusiasts.
Come to think of it, my watch "collection" is a lot closer to my wife's collection of handbags (minus the participation in a handbag forum). She has even sold some of hers to purchase others (something I have not yet done with any of my watches).
I'm a collector, and I wasnt 4 years ago, so who knows:)
I see watch collecting on the same level as women who collect shoes, and its not Even the same, since you can outwear a pair of shoes beyond repair.
For me, its kind of the only kind of jewel for men, and it works with all types, scruffy men, dressy men, sporty, retro, you get the idea.
If you get to find your niche, it can quickly evolve to be more than just 2 pieces :)
OR, you end up with a killer 2 piece collection;)