Should one's collection be structured in a certain way? Or just buy what you like?

[aphil]

Originally Posted by Unclebuck

I love dive watches because you can wash them with soap, and water in the sink. But I don't want ALL dive watches. I have a chronometer, and am currently looking at a GMT. Rolex is out of the question, so maybe a GS, or Omega. There are even some nice microbrand GMTs.

thinking of a speedy too

Originally Posted by Jona

I just buy what I like. With other hobbies, like coin collecting, one may seek type coins, or all of a certain mint mark. I don't see just collecting GMT's for example to be similar.

fair strategy

Originally Posted by AK797

To start with I bought what I liked which was mainly Rolex, then I moved on to PM Rolex and then AP and PP, and those three brands are the core of my grail collection of 5/6 watches.

I'm still starting off at the SS rolex phase In my mind now, if i'm lucky enough, I'll follow your same pattern. A mini grail is a WG daytona then a 5205r then maybe an FP journe. Possibly a JLC in between

Originally Posted by Roll the Lex

I have a few rules to collecting:

1) you should always have n-1 of your ideal number of watches
2) once you sell off a watch, you can never reacquire it again
3) there should be some diversity

I typically look at a watch on its own and if I like it, then I look at how it fits into the collection. Let's say I fall in love with a GMT, I'll then see how it fits into my collection. I've got a GMT already- so I wouldn't want 2. At that point I have to make a decision- either pass on the new GMT, or flip the old one to get the new one.

I keep my collection purposely lean and I don't want to take flipping or collecting watches lightly- I think I moved a bit fast early on. I try to put a lot of thought into obtaining watches and how I manage my collection (passing on adding).

My fear is to amass a collection of watches where I don't really use them and when I open up the watch box, I'm surprised to see a few watches there that I haven't used in awhile. It's a waste of money and a waste of a perfectly good watch sitting in a safe.

can you elaborate on the part where you don;t want to take flipping lightly?

Originally Posted by Largoshark

Hahaha okay, you're absolutely right. A man simply cannot be put together without a wristwatch...no point in arguing any further

True. I will admit I feel a bit of shame each time i put my apple watch on

[garbanzo]

Planning the collecion is such a great pastime. So far, I have obtained one sample from each Rolex collection subtype. The next purchases will be the no-date sub and SD43 - then I’ll have a sample of each current Rolex diver, excluding the D-blue, but I think the 116660 is close enough...

After those two - remains to be seen, maybe I’ll venture into PM (YM and DD).
Maybe also AK and Milgauss z-blue will eventually be on the shopping list.

Back to OP’s question: my collection is certainly structured, but at the same time, I like each one that I have (my prob is that I like watches, period ). Whatever makes you happy.

[RolexJoe]

Only have a Speedmaster and Submariner Date right now. My plan is to stick to watches of different kinds or complications, preferably iconic ones from different brands. So I have my chronograph and diver covered. I’d like to add a GMT, Day Date, flieger, and dress watch for sure. With that in mind the JLC Reverso Duoface, Rolex DD40, Stowa and ALS are on my mind. The Navitimer, 50 Fathoms, Royal Oak, Overseas and 5711 have all caught my eye as well.

[Wedders]

I have 3 Rolex 3 Omega 3 Tudor and just buying 1 Oris. I like an eclectic collection not sticking to one brand.
I have a 16710 on jubilee with both coke and Pepsi bezels. It is probably my favourite watch but I rarely wear it as I don’t want to become tired of it. I know it sounds stupid but we are all different.

[116710er]

Buy what you like. I'm not a well round guy so I don't need a well rounded collection.

[subprimero]

I discovered that I like iconic sports and sporty mechanical watches, so those are the only type of mechanical watches I collect.

[Seaotter]

Buy what you like !

Buy what you really use.

IMG_0041.jpeg
Totally different, both beautiful for a different purpose.

IMG_0403.jpeg
I have never bought a watch to make money.
But sometimes you really can't help it 😇
Sometimes you win sometimes you lose.
But in the meantime, you really have to enjoy what you have.

IMG_0435.jpeg

[r_afficionado]

I buy what I like. I "try" not to impulse buy. That said if I happen to stop by my AD to chat him up about BLNR / BLRO and a watch that I like and in my price range catches my eye chance are it is coming home with me...

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[116710er]

Originally Posted by Seaotter

I have never bought a watch to make money.
But sometimes you really can't help it ��
Sometimes you win sometimes you lose.
But in the meantime, you really have to enjoy what you have.

Man, ain't this the truth. I went to Italy back in late 90's and I wanted to buy an "Italian" brand watch because when in Rome. I was new to watches and I saw one well known Italian brand (Bvlgari) and one that I've never heard of at the time....Panerai. The shop had a Mare Nostrum (pre-Vendome 5218-301/A as I later learned) that I liked but I thought was a little too big at the time (42mm) so instead, for a little more money, I bought a Bvlgari Chronograph that now, I'd be lucky to get 1/4 of the value (based on today's money calculated with inflation)...on a watch that I later decided was too small (35mm)...LOL!

Several years later, I learned that I had made an utterly stupid decision.
:

[Seaotter]

Originally Posted by 116710er

Man, ain't this the truth. I went to Italy back in late 90's and I wanted to buy an "Italian" brand watch because when in Rome. I was new to watches and I saw one well known Italian brand (Bvlgari) and one that I've never heard of at the time....Panerai. The shop had a Mare Nostrum (pre-Vendome 5218-301/A as I later learned) that I liked but I thought was a little too big at the time (42mm) so instead, for a little more money, I bought a Bvlgari Chronograph that now, I'd be lucky to get 1/4 of the value (based on today's money calculated with inflation)...on a watch that I later decided was too small (35mm)...LOL!

Several years later, I learned that I had made an utterly stupid decision.
:

IMG_0662.jpeg
On the left a Heuer Carrera Cal. 11 I paid around $ 400 for it.
Nobody liked them. Now suddenly popular + $ 4400 ?????

On the right my Tag Heuer 844/5 (1988) new price $ 325
Now € 1800.

nobody knows

[jrs146]

I buy what I like. I think we are all a tad crazy as as crazy people it’s hard to follow rules.


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[kilyung]

15 years after I started collecting, I’m nowhere near where I thought I’d be. Just enjoy the journey.

[aphil]

Originally Posted by garbanzo

Planning the collecion is such a great pastime. So far, I have obtained one sample from each Rolex collection subtype. The next purchases will be the no-date sub and SD43 - then I’ll have a sample of each current Rolex diver, excluding the D-blue, but I think the 116660 is close enough...

After those two - remains to be seen, maybe I’ll venture into PM (YM and DD).
Maybe also AK and Milgauss z-blue will eventually be on the shopping list.

Back to OP’s question: my collection is certainly structured, but at the same time, I like each one that I have (my prob is that I like watches, period ). Whatever makes you happy.

the YM TT in RG is brutal, with the matte black dial

Originally Posted by RolexJoe

Only have a Speedmaster and Submariner Date right now. My plan is to stick to watches of different kinds or complications, preferably iconic ones from different brands. So I have my chronograph and diver covered. I’d like to add a GMT, Day Date, flieger, and dress watch for sure. With that in mind the JLC Reverso Duoface, Rolex DD40, Stowa and ALS are on my mind. The Navitimer, 50 Fathoms, Royal Oak, Overseas and 5711 have all caught my eye as well.

I also have a subC and thinking of a speedy! How is it like owning both? Which gets more wrist time?!

The duoface caught my eye also and it's a lovely watch, but I can't justify its price point (for me at least).

Originally Posted by 116710er

Buy what you like. I'm not a well round guy so I don't need a well rounded collection.

well said

Originally Posted by subprimero

I discovered that I like iconic sports and sporty mechanical watches, so those are the only type of mechanical watches I collect.

Originally Posted by Seaotter

Buy what you like !

Buy what you really use.

Thanks for the input guys

Attachment 1042262
Totally different, both beautiful for a different purpose.

Attachment 1042263
I have never bought a watch to make money.
But sometimes you really can't help it 😇
Sometimes you win sometimes you lose.
But in the meantime, you really have to enjoy what you have.

Attachment 1042264

That's a refreshingly diverse collection. It feels very spontaneous

Originally Posted by kilyung

15 years after I started collecting, I’m nowhere near where I thought I’d be. Just enjoy the journey.

I am waiting for that part to unfold. I just hope i don't end up with diamond-rich hublot's

[RolexJoe]

Originally Posted by aphil

I also have a subC and thinking of a speedy! How is it like owning both? Which gets more wrist time?!



The duoface caught my eye also and it's a lovely watch, but I can't justify its price point (for me at least).

The Speedmaster is a great watch. I’m very glad I have it. It does see less wrist time than the Submariner but the Submariner is still very new. I’m sure the wrist time will equal out, especially if I add something else to the collection.

My cousin has a Duoface and I genuinely feel that pictures don’t do it justice. The price point is fair for the quality. My problem is 4 $8000-10000 watches could pay for a DD.



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[Yew]

I had a strategy to add a Sub diver to my existing black 16520. The strategy didn’t work and I ended up buying another white 116520.

[AK797]

Originally Posted by aphil

I'm still starting off at the SS rolex phase In my mind now, if i'm lucky enough, I'll follow your same pattern. A mini grail is a WG daytona then a 5205r then maybe an FP journe. Possibly a JLC in between

Well in this topsy turvy new world, you are at the hardest stage now, SS Rolexes, so be glad when you get past it to the world of available watches, the WG Daytona is a good idea, the RG one I had was the closest in feel to a PP I have had with a Rolex, and the others should be normal to buy.

[1William]

I have been into the hobby for more than 25 years and have owned them all from the Rolex line-up in all of the metals. I started with a Submariner and some version of a Rolex Diver has stayed in my collection through the years. I have tried to diversify several times and ended up with watches I did not really like or wear. I now buy what I want, wear what I want, when I want and could care less if a watch in the collection does not get a lot of wrist time as long as I really like it. I have found Grand Seiko and other in the Seiko line-up and am having a lot of fun with them. It is a bad time based on prices to try to start collecting Rolex watches in any metal but it will change. Do your research here on TRF, ask questions and have fun.

[aphil]

Originally Posted by 1William

I have been into the hobby for more than 25 years and have owned them all from the Rolex line-up in all of the metals. I started with a Submariner and some version of a Rolex Diver has stayed in my collection through the years. I have tried to diversify several times and ended up with watches I did not really like or wear. I now buy what I want, wear what I want, when I want and could care less if a watch in the collection does not get a lot of wrist time as long as I really like it. I have found Grand Seiko and other in the Seiko line-up and am having a lot of fun with them. It is a bad time based on prices to try to start collecting Rolex watches in any metal but it will change. Do your research here on TRF, ask questions and have fun.

appreciate the solid advice

[timepieceluvr]

I don’t have a strategy other than to not be impulsive. I bought one watch on an impulse and it turned out to be the only watch I ever sold. Panerai.

Some of the pieces I thought were on my list turned out to lose their luster after I gave it time to think and I’m super grateful I didn’t pull the trigger.

I think if I stick to the right brands and models I won’t have regrets and I’ll be satisfied with the end result.

I do wish I could stop adding, so does the wife and my accountant.


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[inadeje]

I have varied tastes as can be seen below. Just adding a Daytona C Black Dial. I may flip one or two shortly. I consolidated 4 Panerai before they crashed, 4/1 Rolex PM

[Ticknaway]

Your money,your watch buy what you like!

[frankfrazetta]

You need to take my curriculum on Rolex watch collecting.

101 Rolex history and appreciation: $12,000.00
102 Rolex collection strategies for beginners: $18,000.00
103 An historical watch collecting mishmash of watch art appreciation: $53,000.00
NOTE: for the following courses 101 through 103 are prerequisites
201: Advanced Rolex technological features and how they affect collectibility
202: It's not that complicated, buy what you like: $500,000.00

You are welcome.

You better hurry though, an increase is likely soon.

Also, the Frazetta World Conference will be held in Basel, Tanzania, June 3 through 8 this year. Hotels are going fast. Associate attendee cost is only $795.00.

[zjd168]

follow a theme and stick to it, until big goal achieved, then move to the next one

[t65tampa]

I now buy what I like. When I used to try to collect watches to have a series of a model or a specific theme, I ended up with watches I didn't really like and didn't use. If I want a watch, I wait to see if I still want it after a few months, and if I do, I go after it. Makes me happier and everything in my collection is there for a personal reason.

[mlb356]

I agree with most here that a collection shouldn’t be shaped by rules or checking boxes. Sure, it’s nice to have watches for specific occasions, but most watches are quite versatile. Everyone is entitled to get whatever they like, but I think it’s more satisfying to focus on the watches you truly love rather than just trying to cover all the bases for the sake of covering the bases. I’ve found over time that I will get into the brand first before the exact watch itself. I enjoy gaining an appreciation for what makes each brand unique and then ultimately picking the watches that resonate most with my tastes. Where it can get dangerous in my opinion is when you get multiple watches in rapid succession. I like to wear a watch and enjoy it for a while before considering something else. If you purchase multiple watches too quickly, it can diminish the enjoyment you get out of each one.

[Largoshark]

Originally Posted by Seaotter

Buy what you like !

Buy what you really use.

Attachment 1042262
Totally different, both beautiful for a different purpose.

Attachment 1042263
I have never bought a watch to make money.
But sometimes you really can't help it 😇
Sometimes you win sometimes you lose.
But in the meantime, you really have to enjoy what you have.

Attachment 1042264

That Bulgari is a really impressive looking piece!

[mjr24]

Buy what you want.....it's your money. That being said, I'd rather put money into something a little different than having a black Sub and black GMT and another similar black watch....too repetitive.

Right now, I have a watch that I can wear with a leather strap (Navitimer), a general watch to wear with suits or polos (black GMT), or something to wear when I want to be a bit fancier with the PM content (CHNR). IDEALLY, I'd love to get a full gold CHNR eventually and a Hulk to have some color....then sell the TT CHNR.

[AF_Rob]

I buy what I like. I absolutely love each model.

However, my collection is very structured and a lot of thought has been put into it. Each model was specifically chosen to fill a certain genre and to balance it out.

Diver - 14060M (Black face)
GMT - 16570 polar (White face)
Chrono - Speedy Pro (Black face)
Vintage - 16014 DJ (White face)
Travel - JLC Reverso Duo-date (both)


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[kans86]

I buy what I want. I also care about exclusivity, rarity, and value retention of the pieces.

[brucethemanlee]

Buy what u what to wear

Who cares if they're similar or too many of one kind or style or hot or whatever

It's your money and you are the one wearing it


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