What are the essential watch “categories”?

[Guybrush]

Do you think of your collection (actual or aspirational) in terms of categories?

I’m never going to have a huge collection—maybe 6 watches max—but at the moment I’m imagining filling a handful of slots, and I feel like some of these are not mutually exclusive or based in sound reasoning but they work for me. Wondering if others use similar logic or have suggestions.

1. A dive watch (in my case a Sub)
2. A beater tool watch (in my case a Nite Alpha)
3. A dress watch (in my case a very elegant birth-year Seamaster)
4. A GMT (tbd)
5. A chronograph (tbd; I’m actually not sure I care much about this really)
6. A PM watch (tbd)

In the mix I suppose I want to add some color (which a Pepsi would do, though the Nite has blue and orange), and perhaps a square or rectangular case. I’d like a fair mix of brands too, though I imagine there will be some redundancy there.

Just wondering how others approach the idea of a small collection (vs just getting what you fancy.)

[Etschell]

Mine are a dive watch only.

[Guybrush]

Originally Posted by Etschell

Mine are a dive watch only.

I was just wondering about that approach myself: committing (more or less) to one category. I suspect a lot of folks do that. Or to one brand, of course.

[Etschell]

Originally Posted by Guybrush

I was just wondering about that approach myself: committing (more or less) to one category. I suspect a lot of folks do that. Or to one brand, of course.

It just suits my lifestyle. Gold, ss, tt, titanium. Dive watches are my thing. I am simple. But i know what i like.

[calebb90]

I try not to overcomplicate my hobbies. If I like something and can afford it, I buy it. To buy something I like more, I sometimes sell things I like less.

When I do try to make rules, I usually break them anyway so why even bother.


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[amanbra]

For me, there is the daily beater, the chrono and dress.

I keep seem to buy chronos though because I love them.

[holdingon]

chrono / gmt / diver / simple 3 hander smooth bezel / beater.

[HHIslander]

I do categories too these days, just to keep it down to manageable level. I have the same as you but I also have a traveler watch category, a decent watch that I only wear when traveling to places where I don’t want to be wearing a luxury watch but don’t want to be wearing a beater either.

[rmlovett1]

I like to have the different complications for variety, 1 each in PM, and at least 1 SS....whether I use the them for their complications for their purpose is irrelevant, but nice to have when needed. Don’t need a dress watch, but feel a fluted bezel is one I’d like to keep in rotation, other than the professionals.

[Kevin of Larchmont]

Mine, yours, next and sold.

[Marcjvr]

These days it’s more like

1. Instagram watch
2. Facebook watch
3. Whatever else they use to show off
4. Etc.

[Mr. Drunmond]

For me: Diver (sea dweller) chrono (speedy) Dress (breguet) GMT/Dual Time (Patek) Vintage (1675 pepsi) Casual/Rubber strap (Pam111)

In general i like one brand per watch and one type of watch. I kinda broke my rules with the 1675 but its a birth year watch so whatever i made the rules, i can break them.

I don't allow myself more than 6 - if there is something i want, something has to go.

[Santiago32]

Originally Posted by Guybrush

Do you think of your collection (actual or aspirational) in terms of categories?

I’m never going to have a huge collection—maybe 6 watches max—but at the moment I’m imagining filling a handful of slots, and I feel like some of these are not mutually exclusive or based in sound reasoning but they work for me. Wondering if others use similar logic or have suggestions.

1. A dive watch (in my case a Sub)
2. A beater tool watch (in my case a Nite Alpha)
3. A dress watch (in my case a very elegant birth-year Seamaster)
4. A GMT (tbd)
5. A chronograph (tbd; I’m actually not sure I care much about this really)
6. A PM watch (tbd)

In the mix I suppose I want to add some color (which a Pepsi would do, though the Nite has blue and orange), and perhaps a square or rectangular case. I’d like a fair mix of brands too, though I imagine there will be some redundancy there.

Just wondering how others approach the idea of a small collection (vs just getting what you fancy.)

It's subjective across collectors.

For me these are the essential categories and the watches I like best in each:

1. Dress: JLC MUT Moonphase in Pink Gold
2. Flashy: DJ or DD with fluted bezel
3. Diver: Submariner
4. Stealth: BB58
5. Chronograph: Zenith El Primero or Speedy
6. GMT: BLNR Oyster
7. Beater: G-Shock CasiOak

I think 6-7 watches give you enough for a good rotation. Less than that is also great but I don't have the restraint. If you do then Kudos!

[asiparks]

Can watch catagories be "essential" ?
Sometimes I like having 3 chronos, or 6 GMTs or a dive watch that's also a chronograph and made out of rose gold......
I wouldn't consider filling a slot based on it's category, say "dress", over getting another of a duplicate type I like more, because "I should have a dress watch" . I'll wear a 3 piece suit and a "sports" watch and happily be damned for it.

[Old Expat Beast]

I hate to sound glib, but the only two categories that matter to me are Like and Don't Like

[iTreelex]

None. Just wear a watch

[sambb]

categories?
g shock, expensivve piece, ridiculous piece

[jimcarver]

Seems like its the easiest way to box yourself into buying something you like less, just to tick a box.

[Guybrush]

Originally Posted by jimcarver

Seems like its the easiest way to box yourself into buying something you like less, just to tick a box.

This is the concern I keep coming back to.

[brandrea]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

I hate to sound glib, but the only two categories that matter to me are Like and Don't Like

Absolutely this

[denmanproject]

Mine are:

1. Daily
2. Daily
3. Daily
4. Beater / Vacation

[Pw92676]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

I hate to sound glib, but the only two categories that matter to me are Like and Don't Like

This sums it up nicely for me.

[cvo]

Dive watch, chrono and GMT.

[owl.]

Originally Posted by Etschell

Mine are a dive watch only.

That’s cool. I’ve thought about doing that.

I like divers.

They seem more robust than other watches.


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[owl.]

Mine are easy.

1. A watch that is hand wind only.

2. A automatic watch.

3. A cheaper mechanical watch for when I don’t want to wear anything expensive.

*one of the above must be water resistant to the point that I can wear it anywhere and not worry about it.


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[dlav]

Land. Sea. Air.

[brucethemanlee]

one category - watches you wear

[hambone1983]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

I hate to sound glib, but the only two categories that matter to me are Like and Don't Like

I agree. I think there are stages to collecting, like that book about the stages of grief. This is the WIS equivalent of stage 5 - acceptance

[danwang0520]

I collect watches based on sea/air/land themes:
Diving
GMT
Chronograph
Classic watch
Annual/Perpetual Calendar watch

[owl.]

Originally Posted by danwang0520

I collect watches based on sea/air/land themes:
Diving
GMT
Chronograph
Classic watch
Annual/Perpetual Calendar watch

Sounds neat but also expensive!


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