Honestly - evaluate the state of your collection

[HRV]

today i am happy.....tomorrow is another story.
If you can admit to being a collector, then like a stamp or coin collector or the guy with a classic car collection, you are always trying to source a new piece, sell a piece or swap a piece, its the thrill of the chase.

[AK797]

I love the hunt and the planning and I esp love it when I find a way, either by buying or selling or saving to get that watch at that precise time. Its like a challenge for me to get all the watches I want in 5 years and not borrow a penny or change my lifestyle.

So my current plan is after 5 years to have a Patek, an AP and a couple of Rolexes.

[tfduff723]

For years I was quite content with my "collection" (aka my one & only Exp II 16570). In short - ignorance was bliss and it never occurred to me that I wanted let alone "needed" another high end watch. Then one day I decided that I should have a "dressier" watch and bought an IWC chrono-automatic. This was the beginning of my "slide in the abyss"

A few years later I sold that watch, bought my GMT Master 16710 and discovered TRF. And we all know what happens when you discover this forum.

To be honest there are more than a few days when I wish I was still "ignorant" & content with one watch. I admire those that are.

That said I am pretty happy with my line-up today:

Exp II Polar 16570 A
GMT Master II 16710 P (coke/pepsi/black)
Sub LV 16610 M (w/ black insert too)
GMT IIC M
Omega Speeemaster Professional

[mgent]

My current collection consists of the following:

Weekend/non-work - DSSD, PAM088, YGDD
Work - TT DJ, TT YM1, RG Cellini, JLC RG Master Compressor Geographic

I am always happiest with my collection the day before a new piece is added. Immediately, and over time, I begin to think more and more about what the next piece should be - that is the disease.

While I am more than satisfied with my current, I have slowly been exchanging and/or consolidating to upgrade. I'm usually able to give solid wrist time each month to every piece, but am looking to have a lower number, but with higher quality - the YG DD was my first step in that direction.

Potential next steps:
Weekend - AP RG ROO RC or ROO Safari and/or YG YMII, replacing the PAM088
Work - ALS Lange 1 or Patek (yet to be decided which), replacing RG Cellini

[Lion]

I am very grateful for the GMT Pepsi I wear everyday but am a collector at heart. So will I add watches in the future?.....Yes, am I content?.....Yes...enough said!!!

Take it easy.....Leo

[GradyPhilpott]

I think that my three Rolex watches cover a lot of bases and I'm quite satisfied with them.

As all three were bought BNIB from an AD, so I can't say that a lot of work went into obtaining them.

I do think that I was lucky to have watches representative of two eras of manufacture without having to buy used.

[10XRolex]

I love my collection but I always wish I had more. I can't pinpoint why I get that feeling. Maybe it's knowing that I have a variety and that I'm not the norm and a sign of accomplishment, who knows.

I currently have;

White dial SS Daytona(original black dial face when I want to switch back)
Milgauss black
Datejust salmon/pink dial 116234
GMT II-C
DSSD
LV Sub
LV Sub-C
GMT Pepsi 1675
Panerai 213
Omega XL PO orange rubber and bracelet
Omega seamaster from 1965 or so
UN Maxi Marine Diver white/silver dial rubber and bracelet
Breitling Grand Premier silver dial strap and bracelet
Breitling Superocean blue dial
Breitling Chronomat GT tt w/ mop dial and subdials on tt bracelet
Breitling Navitimer original on strap and bracelet

I wish I had a;

Rolex 16613 blue
Panerai Sub, 243, 305, 194 or maybe the new 364(not sure which one yet)
IWC Plastiki white dial
Vacheron Overseas Chrono white dial

[00pumpkin]

I’m always “looking” for my next watch, but I’m currently content with my small collection(except for one detail). I would like to add a WG dial to my Daytona. I just can’t get over how good the dials look with the Arabic numbers.

I bought my first Rolex in March of 2008 and just gained my second in May 2012. I would love to continue to buy a new watch every 4-5 years or so, but I have a feeling it will be more like 7-10 from now on if I’m lucky. Either way, I think that you need a few years of time in between to fully enjoy each new purchase.

Every few months I find myself drooling over a different watch but it’s the ones that I keep coming back to that really interest me. Right now I have 4 out there that continue to call to me:

AP RO
Yachtmaster
GV – Milgauss
Omega – PO

My wife thinks I’m crazy but it’s really all her fault. She is the one who bought me a watch case that holds 8 timepieces!

[Vincent65]

love it - no problems here and happy with what I have

[Boardman]

Great post. Well since we're being honest here....:)

My wife just had the come to Jesus talk with me after reviewing our year end statements. And I just took it and couldn't disagree. I've gone way overboard the past two years....always justifying each purchase somehow.

What's good is (besides her not asking for divorce) is that after all that collecting I'm now somehow more content with less and will be thinning the herd.

Now to take pics and start the for sale posts....hmmmm....which ones are the question!

Likely the new exp II and IWC 3714 on the block. Ok, that hurt a little typing this....

[threemonkeys]

I would like one more watch for a total of three (I have three sons). I'm leaning towards a 36mm TT DJ for my 50th bday in three years.

[wantonebad]

Originally Posted by Dan Pierce

My collection is small by some standards, big by others, alright by me.
dP

Though I have fewer than you Dan, I feel the same way about my collection!

[Enoch]

Good thread...

Being completely honest.... For the first time in a long time, I'm just about where I want to be.... My collection was beginning to resemble a bit of a mish mash of watches I hardly ever wore... I decided I needed to consolidate, get rid of pieces that I had no real affinity with, and then make much better use of what was left over and enjoy fewer watches being worn more often...

Since Dec I've sold 4 watches, and bought just 1......

The result is that I'm far more satisfied with the few I've got left, I don't miss the ones that have gone, and I've to a few quid left over to buy something if it speaks to me....in saying that, I'm not actively on the lookout for anything in particular.... But a JLC master something or other would be nice if one turns up at the right price....

These are what's left

GMT


LV


PO


Bubble


Explorer11


And the beater

[jot_]

Between my Air King and my G-Shock, I'm perfectly happy with my collection (if you can call it that).

There's no occasion I'm not ready for. (If I swap the oyster on the AK for a leather strap that is)

[Zed Homme]

I have a couple of watches and am generally happy but am always in the hunt for another one. Over time my tastes have changed and I'm looking for different stuff than I did 5 years ago. I am thinking though that it might be time to sell a few pieces.

[DiamondJack]

I would love to be the sort of person that could "really" be content with what they have .....

But there is something that just drives me on to obtain more.....

So I'm in a forced period of watch buying abstinence .....primarily so I can actually enjoy what I have......

Some would say I should be more than satisfied since I currently have a collection which consists of 4 Subs (including a Smurf and a Red Sub), a TT GMTIIc, an Explorer, JLC Deep Sea, Cartier Santos, Breitling TT Nav, Omega pre-moon Speedy, Omega Seamaster, Tudor Panda Chrono amongst quite a few others .....

On the otherhand, I'm sure many would say, just buy what you want if you can afford to......

But I've decided, rightly or wrongly, to deliberately hold out ........ And effectively self medicate in order to control my collecting impulses...... Otherwise i can see myself spiralling out of control and buying more and more expensive pieces.......it's quite incredible and pretty scary how you can go from spending a few thousand pounds on a watch and being reasonably satisfied to spending £20,000 and almost immediately be looking at one for £50,000 or £100,000 and not even feeling much enjoyment.......

And you guys don't help.....

[DiamondJack]

Originally Posted by Zed Homme

I have a couple of watches and am generally happy but am always in the hunt for another one. Over time my tastes have changed and I'm looking for different stuff than I did 5 years ago. I am thinking though that it might be time to sell a few pieces.

I've just seen your post Chris and a "couple of watches" has to be the understatement of all time I just love your collection and the diversity is absolutely fantastic......

But I know what you mean about changing tastes..... I just find it hard to let them go.....

[AnnemarieGirl]

What a brilliant thread Joey, love this idea. I have several watches and like you, often think about trading them all in for just 1 watch that I would wear. That's only because I find it a bit silly (for me) to have more than 1 watch when I can only wear 1 at a time! I can tell you quite categorically the thing that stops me doing this every time is the fact they are all Rolex models and increasing in value. Every time I look to buy a Patek model, which I really want, the ADs I all talk to all tell me to hang on to the Rolexes as they will hold their value better than any other model including Patek. So I sort of feel stuck really. I suppose you could say that I am not really wearing them then because they are my favourites since I am drawn to other watches from these other brands. I also like JLC very much. However, out of the Rolex models I own, the white Milgauss is the one that I have decided on as my favourite model and my daily wearer. Thanks for the great thread, I will enjoy reading all the replies to come.

[Chad072]

My collection, although small, is OK with me. I have a piece to cover everything from the gym to weddings. If there's one thing I'd like, it's a Hamilton Jazzmaster or Ball Cannonball. Not really because they'll fill a void, but because I like them and want a nice piece that's not as sport.

[Passionata]

I have a couple of watches but i wouldn t call it a collection .


Best
George

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Annan]

I only have two, a G series DJ and an M series EXPII and must say I'm relatively content. I'm not a flipper and will never let go of these. I do like to look. Probably will never happen but I do think of adding:

1. GMT Pepsi (but will be first in line and WILL BUY if Rolex introduces a ceramic Pepsi)
2. DJ II (but fear that then I would never wear my DJ again)
3. Sub C (just because I like the look)
4. DJ on leather
5. DDII

[LeslieC]

I don't know if I will be content. I am very thorough with my purchases and have already compiled a list that I will begin working on as funds permit. It includes a reverso, a sky dweller, a capeland, and a ceramic Daytona when it eventually comes out.

[rodrob59]

At 8 mine's small by some standards. 2 Roless, 3 Omegas, 2 Seikos, a Doxa and an Accutron Astronaut. I'd like a few more but can certainly live with what I have until the time is right.i truly can't see getting rid of any that I now have.

[WhatTheDeuce]

My collection is still incomplete. Currently have:

Tag S/EL Chrono Quartz
Tag S/EL Chrono Auto
Rolex TT DJ Oyster
Rolex TT DJ Jubilee
Rolex SS Sub LVC
Rolex SS GMT IIC
Rolex SS Exp II 42
Rolex SS GMT II Pepsi
Rolex SS Yachtmaster Plat
Rolex YG Daytona
Tudor Tiger Prince Date Chrono
AP ROC Blue Dial (orange hands)
AP ROO Volcano
Omega Speedmaster Sapphire Sandwich
ALS Lange 1 Moonphase

This list will complete my collection (my multi-year plan, in any order):
ALS Datograph Up/Down (or double split)
JLC Ultra-Thin Tourbillon
AP ROC Panda
Rolex TT GMT II Jubilee
Rolex Sub 1680 Red
PP 5960P Blue
PP 5205G
PP 5496P

When I say multi-year, I mean many years (15 or so). After this, I think I'll be done.

[FremStar]

Nice stories everyone!

Originally Posted by WhatTheDeuce

My collection is still incomplete. Currently have:

Tag S/EL Chrono Quartz
Tag S/EL Chrono Auto
Rolex TT DJ Oyster
Rolex TT DJ Jubilee
Rolex SS Sub LVC
Rolex SS GMT IIC
Rolex SS Exp II 42
Rolex SS GMT II Pepsi
Rolex SS Yachtmaster Plat
Rolex YG Daytona
Tudor Tiger Prince Date Chrono
AP ROC Blue Dial (orange hands)
AP ROO Volcano
Omega Speedmaster Sapphire Sandwich
ALS Lange 1 Moonphase

This list will complete my collection (my multi-year plan, in any order):
ALS Datograph Up/Down (or double split)
JLC Ultra-Thin Tourbillon
AP ROC Panda
Rolex TT GMT II Jubilee
Rolex Sub 1680 Red
PP 5960P Blue
PP 5205G
PP 5496P

When I say multi-year, I mean many years (15 or so). After this, I think I'll be done.

Heh, heh, heh! ;-)

[WhatTheDeuce]

Oh, man! I forgot the Sky-Dweller!!! (Post from Sam reminded me. )

[stockjock1975]

I must say that I am totally satisfied with my collection as is. Currently I own the following:

Patek Philippe Aquanaut
Patek Philippe Calatrava 5127
JLC Memovox
Rolex Submariner

Totally happy....totally satisfied! For once I am at peace with my collection.

[PeteNYC13]

Originally Posted by Dan Pierce

My collection is small by some standards, big by others, alright by me.
dP

_________________________


Well said!

Happy with what I have...doesn't mean I don't want more.
Actually, I am kind of on a Tudor kick right now.

[pdoukas]

Originally Posted by Dan Pierce

My collection is small by some standards, big by others, alright by me.
dP

Very ZEN Dan. I like it!

[Mickey®]

Originally Posted by FremStar

Nice stories everyone!



Heh, heh, heh! ;-)

Sam how about postin' the state (list) of that collection of yours!?