Thinking of a new watch?
Mornin’ crunchers. Every now and then i see a watch and i have to have it. Shiny bezels, deep dials, perfect lume… there is so much excitement, when you first see a watch, that you realy like. So what to do next? I can’t buy every watch i like. And the problem is i tend to “list” my “next” watch on pure esthetic and maybe one or two logical thoughts.
The questions i always ask myself are:
- Which watch i buy next?
- How much is it?
- Can i afford it?
- Is it available by an AD?
- How long i have to take away money for it?
- is it worth for me, to spend the money?
- does it retain the value at a certain level?
Then i decide. That’s the theory.
In reality i have a list of +/- 10 watches, that i want to own in the near future and of course a have a ton of reasons to buy them, if someone beloved asks! 😂
What’s your thoughts, when there is a “new kid” around?
Watch enthusiast and broke since i started collecting! 😜
Here is how I approach a new watch...
Besides the price and availability and the looks, I try to put a lot of thought in how does it fit in my collection. I have a very balanced collection and I want to avoid the 2 digits territory, so I’m trying to avoid duplicate functionalities. I will consider buying a new release if I can justify that I like that new release more than an existing watch in my collection.
It's all about patience.
The exitment of watches are searching, huting, comparing and to dive into the history of the brand, the model and design.
There is nothing more boring than owning a watch.
When finding a new certain watch that emotionalizes, just wait. Check the pictures, the stats, the look, go to the AD, wait for first reviews. No particular for what they say. At the end they are influencers. But get more impressions.
If you are not bored after few months and still crazy for, then you can pull the trigger.
But being honest. How many watches have we been hyped for and a year later when thinking back we say "Nah...good I didn't bought."
Other than checking value retention (I mostly buy affordable micros so no point in trying that) I mostly do the same checks as you and I’ll also try to make sure there’s a bit of variety in my collection.
I’d add to your list: If I can’t afford it yet, what would I trade for it.
If you’re not willing to give something of your collection up for it, it’s an indicator for the new watch not being a keeper.
Here is how I approach a new watch...
Explains all the teeth marks around the lugs of your watches.🫡
I’d add to your list: If I can’t afford it yet, what would I trade for it.
If you’re not willing to give something of your collection up for it, it’s an indicator for the new watch not being a keeper.
I disagree: I’ve never sold a watch, so everyone is a keeper in my collection! 😉 is it wise? Is it nuts? I don’t know. Since watches aren’t cars, there are no storage issues… for the moment! 😅
It's all about patience.
The exitment of watches are searching, huting, comparing and to dive into the history of the brand, the model and design.
There is nothing more boring than owning a watch.
When finding a new certain watch that emotionalizes, just wait. Check the pictures, the stats, the look, go to the AD, wait for first reviews. No particular for what they say. At the end they are influencers. But get more impressions.
If you are not bored after few months and still crazy for, then you can pull the trigger.
But being honest. How many watches have we been hyped for and a year later when thinking back we say "Nah...good I didn't bought."
Agree! 👏since it normally takes a few month for me to get the new watch, i have plenty of time to rethink, get into the history, learn and look some pictures and reviews of the watch. It is a fun exercise and you can learn a lot. Actually i think thats part of the game.
There should be a common story to tell for each watch in a collection, but until there is, the watch should have at least a story of its own! 👍
Here is how I approach a new watch...
Me too! Only I'm the 🦓 and my wife is the 🦁 when I ask her "Do you like my new watch?" It usually starts with "You're joking!" A pause for 3 seconds.... I realise this isn't going to go well... Then the 🦁.
One of the big thing I consider is if it will make my life better.
Some watches do. Awesome comfy tools. Great fun. Affordable.
But some not so much. A huge expensive collection would just weigh me down.
I also consider what else I need in my life and what I would enjoy more. For me right now I'm investing more in tools or things for my health. Or just video games to have a bit of fun.
This is going to come off sounding sad or just wrong but believe me it is the exact opposite: suddenly I am the oldest guy walking into any room, seems like just yesterday that the opposite might have been the situation. I tend to not sell my watches, lately I have started to gift many of my gently worn adored timepieces to family members so that they can enjoy watches that I don’t get around to enough, there have been some snafu events such as the time my younger daughter visited for one of her dad’s home cooked dinners noticed my new TUDOR BB58 in the kitchen could not take it off, her mom decided the old guy has too many already. I still enjoy buying the occasion new watch ( new to me at least) I try to add watches that can be enjoyed by my two daughters and a grandkid who will arrive in October. Value retention is a factor only if the enthusiast is buying from the usual suspects. We used to joke that a new watch was old the minute you walked out the seller’s door until certain watches started selling for crazy amounts over list, the joke was on the collector. My niece dropped off some little items that she picked up for my wife and me last Christmas when she was in Rome. Of course we talked about watches, she mentioned her inability frustration to buy at retail a 36mm Rolex. I lectured her that there is a 1989 Breitling Chronomat sitting in some bureau in their family home that belonged to her dad, a watch that her cousin and I picked up from the seller’s office for him. She has not taken that beautiful watch off since, it is the envy of all her friends and colleagues. I think her mom was keeping the watch for her brother who doesn’t wear a watch but times change, women want to wear well made robust watches that are not small fashion accessories. My nephew can rock some of my sis in law’s bracelets or necklaces to be fair.
I admire from afar , pick up a couple of ounces of gold , add up wether or not I want another tael of gold or a watch , sometimes the watch wins over sensible investment.
That Omega omg
I look to see what watch is talking to me the most, the watch I can’t get off my mind. When I have that watch I go though the my progression. Does the watchmake sense with what’s already in my box? Is it wearable? Is it a good time to buy it? Where am I going to buy it? When I answer those questions. I go shopping.
I love too many watches, so I let it sit and soak in my brain for weeks. I'll try it on (if possible), read real reviews, read journalist reviews, look at real and studio pics, and sleep on it for many nights. If I move on, then yeah maybe I didn't "love" it enough. I like too many watches to buy all of them, so I want to love them before I buy.
I'll get there eventually to own all the pieces I love, but prioritization is important! I don't want to end up with things I don't love and that sit there and absorb capital that could be doing something else.
For me I’ve had many luxury watches and a few beaters. I’ve come to realize I’ve always gravitated towards tool and dive watches. I use my watches and I don’t hide them in a safe somewhere because I’m scared to scratch it. I also always look at resale value, the main reason is I like to have the Sucurity of knowing that if I’m ever in a bad situation financially I can get money quickly. I’m not a flipper but I’m definitely not a guy that likes to loose money. I’ve always been a gray market guy because when I want something I want it then, I don’t want some salesman at an AD or a Brand giving me the run around and dictating when or what I will get.