Staples in a collection

Well, I feel that everyone should have a normal three-hander, slim and plain, with a light dial, something most would call a "dress watch" for wear with big-boy clothing. I am astonished at the number of people that don't adhere to this. This was the watch type owned by ... almost all watch-wearing men since the beginning through to some point in the reality television age.

Unless you are Keanu Reeves, it is hard to pull off a dress watch with casual clothes. So I think a collection needs to have anchors for clothing type, and of course we wear these clothing types in their different and appropriate situations. A watch needs to compliment the situation in my opinion (Keanu Reeves gets a pass).

I disagree so much that I created a meme.

I wear dress watch with almost anything, it's the easiest look to pull off. Basically what you have is a plain unassuming dial that effectively wants to go unnoticed - it's only really "dress" when you pair it with dress clothes, otherwise it's the most basic of designs.

I think everyone should collect what they like and want. You have an idea of what your collection should look like. Build it, personalize to you and you’ll have a great collection that you love.

I’ve seen collections of only divers or only Omegas. I saw one the other day on WC that was only military watches. All of those collections were outstanding. I don’t have a any idea what I collect. I buy what speaks to me and that makes me happy. I believe that individuality makes this hobby special. How could we compare or learn from each other if all our collections had the same criteria or similar feel. Happy collecting.

To answer the original question, everyone has their own preferences and their own fiscal limits. I have no interest in air or sea, field or pilot, so I'm not going to fill spaces in my box for the sake of it.

If it wasn't for Vostok the chances are I'd never own a diver.

That being said, tastes change so let's see what the collection looks like in 5 years.

I dont care to please people. I asked should a collection have staples. Not how to dance around having a actual standard. Standards matter in collections.

Has no one heard of a well-rounded collection. Is there no balance left in the world. Aristotle reference to Golden mean. I think there is a golden ratio when it comes to attractive collections.

I collect what I like. There are certain styles/varieties that don't or at least have not yet appealed to me. GMT comes to mind.

I like to wear all my watches in rotation. To do this, it’s important to me that the watches don’t overlap too much in use case and design aesthetic. It leads to a well balanced collection. This is not how everyone should collect, but I tend to look at watches in the following categories:

• Daily (sport)

• Dress

• Dive

• Drive

• Field

• Flight

You can further differentiate with various chronograph styles fitting in to dive/drive/flight, GMTs being field or flight, etc.

Idk. I think the right band can make a dress watch versatile and therefore appropriate for less formal clothing like a button-up and chinos (business casual).

I think the concept applied to staples of a collection plays into brand marketing that classifies watches based on function and/or historical use and recommends you own one of each to have a complete collection.

Yes, I have a number of watches with different purposes and different styles.

No, have whatever you enjoy. People like different things.

I think buying watches you don't particularly like to have a "well rounded collection" is a great way to waste money.

I like three hander tool watches, and have zero interest in complications beyond a date, or day/date. I also have little interest in dress watches, when I'm dressed I can wear a thin three handed tool watch. I'm not a high society gentleman, and will never pass for one, so I don't feel a need to dress as one.

During recent years, I have become the older guy who often needs to say a few words at certain gatherings so I will wear my sincere timepiece a CARTIER Santos XL white dial, black croco strap, butterfly folding clasp. I have never owned a U Boat but that would be an example of a nice watch in the wrong situation.

That’s kind of how I have my collection, I’m a check-the-box kind of guy. I have a diver, a field, a vintage/heirloom, Pilot, workout/sport, and an everyday. I’ve noticed for me that if I have multiple of the same style, I don’t wear one of them as often. I like to have watches for different occasions (going out, going to work, yard work, playing with the kiddos, fancy occasions, etc).

No

Buy what makes you happy, life's too short to worry about ticking boxes.

I've zero interest in chronographs, overly dressy pieces or complicated watches.

A well-rounded collection is more satisfying.

It's not buying just tick off a box you also wear them it's. Okay to wear things that are out of your comfort zone try not to be so afraid of trying new things.

That is The first solid argument iv read. My argument is I like novelty and having multiple styles of watches lets you keep your rotation fresh.

I think so! And then they all get wrist time when those occasions come up!

I'm not "afraid" of new things...

I'm simply pointing out, as someone that started out with ticking boxes, that it's a great way to waste money.

I knew I wasn't interested in chronographs before I started collecting, but bought knew anyway. Turns out, I'm still not interested in chronographs.

Before I wasted money on a dress watch I'd never reach for, I realized checking boxes wasn't for me, and I strongly suspect it isn't for many/most.

One of my favourite things about watches is there are no rules. But if you like rules, hey, fill your boots. ✔❤👍