Are you a watch collector? Do you....

have a "collecting strategy"?

I have been thinking about watch collecting in general. I'm not even sure I would consider myself a collector, since to me that means that you have a goal in mind. I would consider myself an enthusiast more than a collector, since I basically buy what I like at the moment (and can afford, of course ), with little regard to how it might fit in a collection. However, if there is one rule I have it's that I won't buy more than one of a certain type of watch (at least I haven't yet). For example, I have my JLC Master Moon as a triple date with moon phase so I probably would not buy another watch with the same features.

I know there are many out there that collect all of a certain brand, or collect all types of a certain complication (one popular one seems to be chronographs) so I wondered if anyone here is a collector in that sense, and if so, what is your goal?

[JJ Irani]

Good thread, Avalon.

In my case, as much as I do love all kinds of watches, I've decided to restrict my collection to Rolex only.

Secondly, 'cause this can be one helluva costly affair, I like to keep my collection down to a comfortable TWO Rollies at a time - one flashy and one SS for regular wear (I won't say 'beater' 'cause I never really beat them at all!).

JJ

[Seadweller]

If I could afford it I would love to collect but unfortunatley I have other commitments namely kids which cost a lot.

I have a SD, a vitage Omega,a Raymond Weil and I recently bought a watch which is styled on a Panerai. ( some will frown on that )
I really would love to add a real Panerai to my small collection someday.
I guess I'm quite lucky though because I don't fall in love with that many watches. For example even if I had the money I wouldn't buy a Daytona because it doesn't smile at me. I really have to love the watch to want to buy it.

[Rockrolex]

I wouldn't call myself a collector. I've got 5 Rollies, including 2 DD's, 2 DJ's and my trusty GMT. One DD and both DJs have Roman dials, so in that sense, you could say I collect Roman dial Rolexes. But I also have a JLC Master Geographic, a Gerard Perregaux ww.tc, an Oris worldtimer, and a Steinhausen classic. So it's somewhat of an eclectic collection.

To the extent I would consider myself a collector, I have nearly every flavor of Casio analog/digital watches with multi-time zones, memory, chrono, calendar, and stopwatch functions. I have 10 of them, all different styles. But since I got into high end watchs, I haven't worn any of my Casios.

[padi56]

Well myself love all vintage any brands,but have had a major sort out
Doubt if I will buy any big money watches, in the next few years.But my
interest in military watches has been rekindled,going to try and stick to British
military, but still will keep looking at boot sales for that elusive special find.

[Uncle-AJ]

I would not consider myself a watch collector, more of a watch owner. In my possession are several different makes but I would not say they made up a collection, they are just watches I bought that I liked and could afford at the time.

[dman]

I am an enthusiast not a collector, why you ask? Because a collector would not flip his collection as much as me.

[padi56]

JJ must be a super flipper.

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by padi56

JJ must be a super flipper.

Hmmm....let's see now....16 Rollies, at least 10 Omegas, 2 Tags, 1 Raymond Weil, 4 Longines, 1 Seiko, 1 Mido.....yep, I was a flipper.....trying to get over that addiction now!!

The key word being "trying", right JJ?

[Alan From New York]

Originally Posted by Avalon

have a "collecting strategy"?

I know there are many out there that collect all of a certain brand, or collect all types of a certain complication (one popular one seems to be chronographs) so I wondered if anyone here is a collector in that sense, and if so, what is your goal?

When I started "collecting," I aspired to have mostly alarm watches. Somehow, along the way, I seem to have picked up more GMT watches.

Next targets are the Chronoswiss Timemaster, because it seems to be the only watch with a Unitas movement that hacks. (Other desireable features, of course.)

And the Breguet Marine Grande Date, which, paradoxically, doesn't hack.

[Manatee]

I have a bunch of watches, but I don't consider myself a collector. I have several expensive suits, but I don't consider myself a suit collector.

I just happen to be able to afford moderately expensive watches. I can't afford the truly expensive ones, although there are some that I really like.

I pretty much just buy what I want to wear. I've learned some lessons along the way -- chiefly: Don't buy sport watches containing yellow/pink gold. The only watches I've ever sold are a steel/gold Rolex Sub and a yellow gold Rolex Day-Date. (Ok, some don't consider the Day-Date a sport watch, but I don't consider it a dress watch either.)

If I were to "collect", I'd buy mostly vintage Patek, Audemars, and Vacheron. Not the very expensive ones, but nice classic ones with notable movements.

[20vrr4]

Originally Posted by Uncle-AJ

I would not consider myself a watch collector, more of a watch owner. In my possession are several different makes but I would not say they made up a collection, they are just watches I bought that I liked and could afford at the time.

That's it. Not static but changing. I try to keep an open mind and appreciate that my taste is evolving. Sometimes i get it right........ sometimes it is expensive. A collectors strategy is very different to watch "possessor and enjoyer". I am definitely in the latter category. It is expensive because the "market" is quite opinionated. Either play safe or buy well and learn to keep. Regards Robert