Can a 1 watch collection really exist?

I have all the respect for those aiming for the “one&done” but calling that collecting is a stretch😂🤙❤️ btw, love the anOrdain!! 🎯

The answer is no by the very definition of the word. However, one can be an enthusiast while still owning a single watch - in fact, might be the healthiest way to enjoy this hobby.

Now, with that all settled, allow me to take you to my one-car garage and I can show you my collection of Audi Q5s. 👍

Yes I think something like the Rolex Explorer or Omega AT would qualify as a one and done. Don’t have either to show you.

At least you have a garage

I think the talk of the one watch collection is a projection of fantasy from those that are addicted. You know your in deep so dream of world where one watch would satisfy, but deep down you know it would never work 😂

To your statement, and others, a single watch does not equate to a collection. A single watch enthusiast? Sure. I tip my hat to those that make a single watch solution work.

I agree that a "collection" implies plurality. It is perfectly possible to be a watch enthusiast with just one watch (or even with no watches whatsoever), but being a collector suggests having a collection, and a collection implies a group, which in turn implies more than 1.

It may be possible for a collector to momentarily have only a single watch, but that single watch is just that - a single watch. It may be part of an aspiring collection, but until there are multiple watches, I would consider that to simply be a watch enthusiast (or even a watch collector) with a single watch, and not a watch collection. Similarly, if a collector with multiple watches sold all but one watch, I would not consider that one remaining watch to be a collection, but rather simply their watch.

Or a collection of garages for those that consider a single item to be a collection. 😉

I have a collection of wives.

No. A collection is not one item.

If you own & wear only one watch, you are not a collector. Hell, you might not even be an appreciator of watches.

At a high level, the way I see it is this. “One watch collection” is a term. What is the utility of this term? It communicates i) the user has one watch in their rotation; and ii) the user is in the watch hobby.

So this term allows people to own watches in the way they want and that works for them, while still communicating that they are an enthusiast. If someone has a collection of 15 watches, then we all assume they are an enthusiast. But if you just have one piece, then the term one watch collection serves to communicate that you are interested and knowledgeable and appreciative as it relates to horology - you have just made an intentional decision to have one watch, for whatever personal reasons you have.

For example maybe instead of having 5-10 pieces they just went for one high end VC (doesn’t have to be that extreme of course).

If someone has a watch, but isn’t really a hobbyist, they will likely just say “my watch -“ and moreover will likely not be talking about their watch that much or be in online fora dedicated to the hobby.

If someone says “one watch collection,” they communicate that they are in the hobby, which tells us that they are an appreciator of watches & have spent time amassing knowledge regarding the subject, but they have made an intentional decision to limit their own collection to one piece at present.

I couldn’t do it. I have a couple watches I love. I couldn’t give one up and I’m sure I’ll find another one.

Ok I’ll agree 1 watch might be healthy. But I own 4 cars and I don’t consider them a collection. I consider them money pits. Just saying.

That doesn’t work for me. I kinda wished it did. I’ve got a Explorer II and it sits in my box the same amount of time as the others. Maybe the Aqua Terra will work. Nope that only adds another watch.

If a 1 watch collection is a dream. Then why do I wake up screaming!

I had to give this some thought since I’m new to all of this lingo. To me a “one watch collection” should mean that a person has many of the same exact same watch. But, I guess people have made it mean having only one watch in their possession. By definition, having one of something can not really be a collection.

Yea your right. We’re talking about one watch. Not a 10 diver or 10 GMT watch collection.

You could buy either of those and just change the straps and wear them for all occasions.

But you can do that with any watch. I think one and done is admirable. But let’s all be honest, we’re addicted to watches and can’t do one and done 🤣

I didn’t say I was going to do it, though it’s theoretically possible with the watches I mentioned🤣

Not every watch is suitable for water sports or a black tie event, no matter the strap.

No....collecton is not a unique object though it is unique in style..

A stainless Daytona could be my one and done collection.

Nice I could be down with that🔥

You can have a single watch (or even no watch) and still be a watch enthusiast. A watch enthusiast is someone who cares about watches, loves their history/designs/whatever, and spends some amount of time in the hobby whether that be researching, shopping around, going to meetups, whatever. One watch does not make a collection or a collector though

One watch collection .. ha ha ha

Your chart says you can have a one watch on step 10. Hahaha. I don’t think we’ll ever get to step 10.

Craig!! Yes indeed 10 is like when you've given up on life... and settled for one. It's right before 11--->Death. Hopefully I'll skip 9 and just head to 10. 😎

I used to have one watch. At a time. Then they grew... and grew...one. at. A. Time. So I never really intended to have a "collection"... i guess it "just happened"...

Maybe, if you're not financially able or if no other watch catches your interest

I think 🤔

Great point 🤝