How many is too many, really ?

[RoscoPico]

A great friend of mine and myself have been struggling with this for years. While his collection is hemorrhaging at 60+ (all AD purchases but his first 30 are sub $500 pieces) I am currently at about 18 (down from a high of 25).

I posited the notion that, of the few people who actually own watches (smart watches not included), the majority probably own 1 or 2. I also suggested that 3 watches could probably every persons needs, truly.

So as I am preparing myself for my 3 grail pieces (one should be incoming in the next few weeks) I am thinking I have to at least get under 10.

Thoughts ?

oh, and of those few who have watches, they will usually not look/care at other peoples watches. I spotted a guy wearing a DD40 yellow gold at the store the other day and said ,"hey nice day date" to which he looked confused and looked at his elbow. Then he said ,"oh this, I didn't even realize I had it on". I thought to myself, wtf is this guy smoking ?
But it made me think, how few of us watch people are even out there ?

[kieselguhr]

When you have one that isn’t being worn,
that’s when you know you have too many

[ltmgeller]

The one who dies with the most at the end wins.

[brandrea]

I think three is the right number for me and I’d like to get down to that number. I can’t imagine owning more than 5. 10 ... that would make my head pop off

[Wcdhtwn]

People have watch desires for different scenarios, work, after work, formal, travel, golf, Saturday night date, or a night out with friends, etc etc. Some think they need a watch for each occasion, some think one will do for all. Others are in between.

If three watches covers all your scenarios then that’s all you need.

60 watches is a tad over the “nuts” line.

[abozz]

2 Rolex

One daily, one backup when the first is at service.

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[derklink]

Everyone's number may be different but a lot of people seem to downsize to 3 as the sweet spot. Regardless of brand, one sport/casual but "nice" model, one dress watch, and one daily beater. I'm at 6 Rolex and am seriously thinking going down to 4.

[QLlector]

I would go for 7 even 5 good pieces (>$3000)
Draw a hard line at 10.
3 is too low.

[zahain]

if you like to have a collection i would say it would max out somewhere between 8-12 watches. That way you have a good rotation but not many more that would sit for months and months at a time. I see someone owning 3-4 sport watches and the rest being complications. I wouldn't own more than 2 rolex's as they would feel identical with the only factor being the colour of bezel/dial distinguishing them

[erekose]

I have about 100 watches, from Gshocks to Rolex.
I have too many, as there are pieces that don't get worn much, but I still enjoy having.

This I suppose is where the collection and accumulation of things you enjoy exceeds your desire to utilize them for their designed purpose.

Better than collection limited-edition chinaware though I suppose... ;)

[AF_Rob]

I have a limit of what will fit in my box (7) and currently have 6. First, I thought I had to "upgrade", so I worked up to JLC (Reverso) and realized it's too classy for me and doesn't fit in my life but still have it and make excuses to wear it.

Through the years, I climbed the collecting ladder, got a little too high and took a couple steps down to where I'm comfortable. I have self-imposed rules to guide me, along with my taste.

For me, it's not so much a number and more of a variety of pieces that fit into my life, rules and taste.

[EEpro]

3-4 is about right for me. Have 8.

[ap1]

I like variety - 8 - 12 as said above sounds perfect. I’ve been higher at times and it’s really just too much to actually wear as I prefer too

[Spencer]

I think it 100% is to each, their own. There is no magic number, however if you have so many, that most don't get worn and or you completely forgot you actually owned one, well......that may seem like a bit too many.

[Easy E]

I’m currently sitting on about 19. I now consider that too many. I’m looking to drop that to 10, but dang, there will be some tough decisions in that deal.

[scooba]

interested in the VAT reclaim

[juve]

If you have a collection there is no limit. For daily wear 2 or 3

[Maxy]

One from each brand is enough!

[Solo118]

Give me 3, I will be a happy camper.

DD40 RG
SS Daytona
SS SD4k or Sub

[campfire]

3-5 work for me.

[Chewbacca]

Originally Posted by kieselguhr

When you have one that isn’t being worn,
that’s when you know you have too many

I have waaaaaaay to effing many then.

[Chewbacca]

Originally Posted by Chewbacca

I have waaaaaaay to effing many then.

Oh, hold on. We’re in quarantine.

Never mind.

[myporsche]

Subjective but my opinion is I think 3-6 is a great number of "quality" watches (Omega or Rolex and up) with the lower side of 3 being all grails and higher number of 6 if you want a niche or specialization piece such as a pilot watch or dress. Any more than that and you are probably not wearing them, I'd rather wear than "collect" or store. My rule is the watch has to be worn and enjoyed or it doesn't belong here. My money can be used better elsewhere whether other hobbies or investments.

[myporsche]

Originally Posted by AF_Rob

I have a limit of what will fit in my box (7) and currently have 6. First, I thought I had to "upgrade", so I worked up to JLC (Reverso) and realized it's too classy for me and doesn't fit in my life but still have it and make excuses to wear it.

Through the years, I climbed the collecting ladder, got a little too high and took a couple steps down to where I'm comfortable. I have self-imposed rules to guide me, along with my taste.

For me, it's not so much a number and more of a variety of pieces that fit into my life, rules and taste.

Well said, I'm right there with you both with the JLC experience and self imposed rules and variety/lifestyle.

[daOnlyBG]

In my humble opinion, numbers are arbitrary. What I think is "too many watches" should be of no consequence to you or anyone else.

I'm more interested in hearing how you (and others) collect. What are your collecting goals? Do you have a philosophy on collecting timepieces? Rules, parameters, guidelines? If I were to look at your collection, what would it tell me about you?

[danwang0520]

more than 10 is too much.....don't have that many wrists to wear a watch

[J-E]

i own two and that is pretty much perfect for me. ill maybe add a dress watch someday, but thats it.

[peterpl]

The perfect number is 7. One for each day of the week. Anymore than that there will be pieces are that never or barely worn. Which is just a waste.

[Rori]

Originally Posted by RoscoPico

A great friend of mine and myself have been struggling with this for years. While his collection is hemorrhaging at 60+ (all AD purchases but his first 30 are sub $500 pieces) I am currently at about 18 (down from a high of 25).

I posited the notion that, of the few people who actually own watches (smart watches not included), the majority probably own 1 or 2. I also suggested that 3 watches could probably every persons needs, truly.

So as I am preparing myself for my 3 grail pieces (one should be incoming in the next few weeks) I am thinking I have to at least get under 10.

Thoughts ?

oh, and of those few who have watches, they will usually not look/care at other peoples watches. I spotted a guy wearing a DD40 yellow gold at the store the other day and said ,"hey nice day date" to which he looked confused and looked at his elbow. Then he said ,"oh this, I didn't even realize I had it on". I thought to myself, wtf is this guy smoking ?
But it made me think, how few of us watch people are even out there ?

I’m still trying / learning to live with two. Missed being the one-luxury-watch man I used to be just a couple of years ago. :-)


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[scooba]

A friend has 106 pieces that to me is crazy