What does you box look like?

Many will say that they simply buy what they like - and that’s fine.

However, I think it adds an extra dimension to the hobby to curate a collection within specified boundaries. This might involve choosing a particular type of watch or a brand to focus on. There is then satisfaction to be found in acquiring a balanced collection (and displaying it) within those limits. Only once the playing field has been marked out, and the rules defined, can the game be played!

For my part, I initially started acquiring whichever watches took my fancy. However, I quickly had too many and started to wonder what the point was. I then decided to focus on German watches, and only one watch from each brand. Yet that is still quite a big category, and I found myself considering watches simply because I did not have that particular brand, rather than because I truly loved the watch.

So I’ve recently decided to sell a few and scale it back a bit. I’m now keeping it German (mostly - all rules are there to be broken!), and focussing on watches I really like, and which complement each other - so a mixture of white dials, dark dials, colour and function.

I tend to err on the organic side. If I see a design that inspires or elicits some kind of visceral response, I head that direction. However, I do get more of that in the treacherous vintage market. There are unique pieces that you may never see again in working pristine condition, so there’s a sense of immediacy. I purchase watch boxes to contain and protect my artifacts.

I feel you. I have promised myself a max of 10 watches. And although I love what I have, there are always potential upgrades.

We’re both on the same boat. It’s a question of our values regarding collecting: where do we go on from now? Do you want to collect a variety of brands, styles, functions? Or do you want to hone down to a particular centralized brand or style?

No matter what you decide, think of these 3️⃣things: Is the change necessary? Does the change make you happier? Is the change something you can afford? Start with these ideas…

P.S: “What does my box look like?”

Don't have a watch box or boxes.

My watches get stuffed in a drawer 😂

It sounds like you have awesome collection. I could get down with all German watches or just Glashutte Original would work me. I have a couple GOs already and I'd like to pick up another. However, I feel there's so much out there for me to limit myself to one brand. Thanks for your comments.

I don't limit myself at all. I can see that they do fall into a few categories though. Russian, chronos, dress, interesting design, pretty dials, and watches that made it into space.

My wishlist is somewhat depleted now but it follows the same variations.

I haven't imposed any limitations, I have cheap fashion and holy trinity, lowest paid £10 (except for a beater at £4) and highest are 5-figures. Many brands from many countries.

To anyone looking at a SOTC I'm sure it would be a mess, but I can see sections, and the variety means I'm never short of something to wear on any occasion or on a lazy Sunday.

Stick with it, your 'direction of travel' will show itself to you.

to contain and protect my artifacts

That's a fantastic way to look at it. I might have to steal that line. 😂😂

I've done that. It works great.

What is this “singular box” thing you speak of? We don’t all collect boxes to fill them with watches. :-)

Partially kid, I’d like to pair down the collection a little this year.

It’s got some extra fuzz on it but I prefer it that way

That's a awesome looking box you have there. I don't post mine because I don't have a picture of it. Here's a old picture. The Speedy and Seastar are gone they were replaced by a JLC Polaris and VC Quai de L'ile.

Well, my friend, you could concentrate on sports watches, whether chronos or Divers, if your lifestyle is the type of watch that suits you, that is the type of watch that has interested me for more than 20 years.

I'm sure it will. I'll keep waiting for a epiphany and while I'm waiting I'll keep buying watches that make me smile.

Ha - I’m certainly not in the GO league! More like Laco, Stowa, Nomos, Mühle.

I agree, one brand (unless maybe Seiko) probably is far too limiting.

Right now I'm having a hard time filling one box. One day though I might ge to your level CB. If I could that fortunate. As for cleaning house I've already started. I think I have 2 more to go. Thanks for chiming in.

Nothing wrong with any of those brands. Muhle is totally underrated and Nomos is solid. Sounds like you're collection is doing very well. If I had to choose one brand it would probably be Omega.

That's a good one. You make a box full sound like one watch. That's priceless. 😂😂Let me know what you want to get rid of.

I have decided to focus on one micro brand and that is Zelos. Looking to add more older models. There are 10 in this box. May add 2 more this year.

I will keep my collection contained to 3 boxes of 12. As I aquire I move them out to my sons.

I'm narrowing down and keep what I want.

I have another room with a couple boxes of generational watches which are off limits.

It's hard to do Craig. I will never be that 3 or 5 watch collection lol.

Here's one I'm contemplating on the 2019 Zelos Skyraider 2 Ti

Enjoy the watch!

Cheers

I don't know if a could hand 36+ watches but I know I'll end up trying. I'll also be giving away a few the my sons.

Here's the deal, there a to many watches I like and that's a problem.

I do like how you're concentrating on Zelos. The Skyraider 2 looks dope. The arched sunburst and a manual movement and the open caseback is first class. Happy watch wearing.

I couldn't imagine having anymore. There are others out there that dwarf what I have. I feel it might shrink maybe to two boxes or I might be kidding myself. I know how your feeling.

Oh well just enjoy the watches.

Aye, know the feeling (https://www.watchcrunch.com/Icarium/posts/ten-months-into-this-hobby-no-clear-strategy-as-of-yet-do-you-have-one-274651)

Wouldn’t overthink it. You’ve got a solid collection which makes you happy - and you have already started curating. Like you also said: there is so much great stuff out there. Only focusing on for instance Omega, VC, GO and JLC would be more, MORE than enough to keep one occupied for a lifetime - and then you spot a great Mido, Tissot, Breguet, Squale, Nomos, vintage UG, Junghans, Blancpain, Longines or Muhle…or…or…

So live within your means, and add what really speaks to you. Since you have my personal holy trinity (VC, GO, JLC) already covered, I recommend you start researching Panerai 😎

Cheers m8!

I’m trying to relax a bit and let go of the idea I have to have a plan. Frankly, failing to follow a plan, or changing the plan, was causing almost as much stress as enjoyment. I know what strikes me. I try to stay open to opportunities.

I bought several things in quick succession recently but mostly due to limited releases/availability. I’m going with the flow and feeling much better about it.

All over the map and hodgepodge sum up my collection or at least my approach to collecting. Lately, I've been compartmentalizing my collection into segments and ranking.

• I feel my micro collection is outstanding and am axed to add more.

• My Seiko collection is exactly what I want out of the brand and have several sentimental pieces. There are many on my radar in the 5 and Prospex lines but I am playing the long game.

• Three handers -- middle of the road with a few cool pieces

• Divers (ex-Seiko) -- My focus is on fun. Less obsessed with divers than in the past but will flip between industrial tool vs skin diver with no regret.

• Vintage - TBD

• Chronos -- work in progress

• Digi— very satisfied

You and I have vastly different watch budgets so we're going to have vastly different strategies.

I tend to be a treasure hunter. Always on the hunt for a bargain. The search and research is half of the fun. I'm always searching with only a general idea of what I like and when I find something that is surprisingly in my budget grabs my attention I strike like a cobra.

I would have missed it on many of my favorite watches if I had been working a strategy.

I'm on a watch road trip without a destination.

Your collection btw is all 🔥🔥 every day.

Thanks Mike. I get your strategy. My wife and I collect specific antiques, metal tins and Pyrex so whenever we go out of town we do some kind treasure hunting. Your way is totally exciting and it's given you a very cool collection.

Thanks Brother. We are definitely on parallel paths. You're probably right whatever it is we're doing it's working.

Cheers mate

I feel you on the no plan is a better plan. That's real.

Now that's what I'm talking about. You have a plan and don't even know it. Buy, buy, buy and sort it out later. Sounds reasonable.

Your the King of 3 handers and the Diva of Divers and your working on be the Captain of Chronos. You're the man Rich. 💪

Lol. Thanks, Craig! I need a t-shirt that says Diva of Divers🤣🤣