Collection dilemma

[Watchman001]

Need some advice as I am at a crossroads in collecting. I have always loved watches, and was a one Rolex owner for 16 years until I discovered watch forums, and the rest is history.

As many on here I’m sure have done, over the years I have built my collection up to as many as 5 nice pieces and back down to as few as 2 several times. This has allowed me to experience a lot of watches, some even grail level for many. I always struggled with having more than one or maybe two pieces max because you can only wear one at a time. The struggle is that I like a lot more than one or two watches. Eventually, I want to own other watches. However, when I have more than one or two, I have a hard time even deciding what to wear, sometimes switching watches multiple times a day.

I am currently at 4 and was on the hunt for another couple of watches that I really like. I started thinking, when would I wear these, since I already have trouble rotating the 4 nice pieces I have and paused. Then that turned into maybe I should sell everything except my original one and maybe one other tops, since I can only wear one at a time. However, I still want the other pieces too.

I have been down the grail route and that is not an answer.

For others that have gone through this type of thought process/experience, what advice do you have?

[Barada7]

I think what works for me is having several watches that I really want to wear. Such that they’re almost competing for my wrist.

[Hkspwrsche]

Originally Posted by Barada7

I think what works for me is having several watches that I really want to wear. Such that they’re almost competing for my wrist.

This is where I am! If one is missing due to being out for service I start shopping!

Generally wearing a blue shirt, probably one of the Pepsi GMTs, blue Tudors or something like the blue dial Maen 37.

White shirt, gray/black jacket or sweater, probably the white dial speedy or Daytona

Darker green, black, gray or more casual often the black sub or 2254.

Casual khakis with blue tone shirt the vintage GMT.

Super dry nice day driving one of the cars, black speedy on a nato or MN strap in a fun color like gulf blue/orange or martini stripes etc.

New Year’s Eve is often the black sub. The minute hand snaps the date dead on midnight! Usually goes with the color theme for an outfit that is black white and maybe a silver/gray tie.

This is sort of the fun part, right? Daily dose of justification for all these watches!

[GB-man]

I’ve done similar things but not to the point I am constantly changing watches intra day. I usually wear them for 3 days - 2 weeks depending on mood.

I think you have a bit of a compulsive mind for watches haha no worries you are among like minded friends.

I would try and stick with 3-4 watches, none in or out for 6 months and re-evaluate. Maybe try and wear whatever watch you have on for at least 3 days.

[AF_Rob]

If I don't wear watches, they go. One is at the top of the list to get the boot and another on deck. Currently, I'm sitting at 7 and will likely move back down to 5. Though, I have an itch to add a new one.

[WatchTimes]

I have several watches, actually far too many...
Several I haven't worn in forever that I have no emotional attachment to.
A friend and I were discussing "grails" recently and I realized my Rolex grail was actually easily obtainable if I sell some of the ones that I have no reason to hang on to.

For me it is time to decide if I either want to try and trade a few pieces to get my grail and accept Im not getting top dollar but taking the easier route or try to take some decent pics (my photo-fu skills stink) and sell them on my own.

I'd like to get my collection down to about 10 pieces I think.

[~JJ]

Start getting more selective and learn what you truly like. For example, I don’t like the feel of watches outside 38-42mm, or thickness above 12.5mm or dates between 3and6 or leather straps since I sweat. Once you figure out which attributes you value, then go after top of class which takes time. Plus, it eliminates a significant amount of watches too.

For me, the hobby isn’t about buying a watch every 6 months, but rather finding the watch that works the best for me.

[ColoradoTime]

This is a great thread. I have a similar path. 1 watch for about 13 years and then found this forum and some like minded buddies and it’s blossomed to 10. I genuinely love 9 of them. There will come a time when I start to let some go …. But not ready yet. Not sure what the sweet spot is. There are at least 2 that I would consider permanent members of the security council though! Ha!


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[Easy E]

To me that is somewhat of the point of a collection. I can wear one or two, or 5 in rotation for a couple of weeks and then pick another couple to wear later. Who says you have to wear a watch x times to enjoy it? I have a way too many to be honest, I have a good 6-8 that I wear most often, but then I have a couple that I haven’t worn in maybe 2-3 months. When I get around to pulling one of those out it’s a complete refresh in the enjoyment.

[Kingcobb]

Collection vs accumulation is something to always guard against. A man needs to know his limits and not chase the dragon of a new hit just for the hits sake.

I currently have 4 on rotation. Where em in 2 week hitches till bicycle through. I have 2 more I may add at some point. But always be mindful of buying just for the sake of buying.

[Guppydriver]

Originally Posted by Kingcobb

Collection vs accumulation is something to always guard against.

I like this. I’ve mistaken accumulation for collection more than a few times.

Well said, Cheers.

[cdmorenot]

Originally Posted by Kingcobb

Collection vs accumulation is something to always guard against. A man needs to know his limits and not chase the dragon of a new hit just for the hits sake.

I currently have 4 on rotation. Where em in 2 week hitches till bicycle through. I have 2 more I may add at some point. But always be mindful of buying just for the sake of buying.

What a line!

[mickyd329]

Originally Posted by Kingcobb

Collection vs accumulation is something to always guard against. A man needs to know his limits and not chase the dragon of a new hit just for the hits sake.

Wise words and so true. I'm at that point myself. I have more watches than I can actually wear and with 4 more slated to come in this year, I need to do some soul searching.

[JoseR]

Originally Posted by mickyd329

Wise words and so true. I'm at that point myself. I have more watches than I can actually wear and with 4 more slated to come in this year, I need to do some soul searching.

With that list of watches, you need some therapy.

[Hkspwrsche]

Originally Posted by Kingcobb

Collection vs accumulation is something to always guard against. A man needs to know his limits and not chase the dragon of a new hit just for the hits sake.

Well said!

[Zach69SS]

Change is a good thing, nothing wrong with that. I will change my watch a few times a day sometimes? Or will put something away and later decide I want to wear it again? Back in rotation.

Or I will want something new and don’t get it and later I don’t want it anymore, luckily,
I have not yet been offered a piece I don’t want anymore yet? The exhibition only works for me on occasion.

So it all depends on what you want or don’t want..

Cheers,

[1William]

With a collection of 30-50 watches I am not the person to speak to anyone about restraint. I have been at it for more than 30 years and have walked my collection up and down and sideways many times. I am currently in a less is more phase and have been only wearing a handful of my watches full time. The biggest thing for me is to not overthink it and try to put rational thought to a hobby that has not been rational. Years ago it was a money thing with my watches but not so much any more as I can buy/sell/trade for anything I want within reason. If the OP wants another watch then buy another watch. Don't have the funds, trade. The biggest thing is to have fun and enjoy your watches and collecting and don't over think it. So says the guy with a lot of watches and limited self control.

[ap1]

I’m similar to my man 1william. I go from increasing numbers to shrinking and back again. I’m trying to get better but these companies keep introducing shiny new toys. This forum doesn’t help things.

[Oxfordian]

I have cut my watch collection from 9 down to 7 and feel better for it.

There is a danger (at least for me) of getting sucked in to just buying for the sake of it, having recognised this and made the decision to downsize the collection I am a lot happier.

But we are all different and what works for me may not work for others.

[brandrea]

I’m very similar to you OP (except for the intra day change).

What works best for me is having a tighter 3 watch collection and enjoying what I have. I also have a “one in ~ one out” sort of rule, that helps me keep things under control

Someday I can actually see myself reverting back to being a one watch guy … not any time soon though

[Krash]

I think the problem is this notion that you need specific types of watches for specific occasions. This is perpetuated on social media and YouTube videos.

Some examples:

You need a Rolex Explorer if you go on a 2 hour hike at the local state park.

You need a colorful (yellow, orange, or aqua) watch for the summer.

You need a pilot watch in case you find yourself flying a P-51 Mustang over the North Atlantic.

You need a Speedmaster in case you find yourself in the International Space Station and you’re about to go on a space walk.

You need a dive watch to swim in your 24’ by 12’ pool that has a maximum depth of 5’.

You need a “dress watch” because you might have to wear a suit someday next year.

All kidding aside, I do think having 1 or 2 watches isn’t enough. I think 3 to 5 watches is the right answer. And 3 is probably a better answer than 5. A small collection consisting of a Submariner, Speedmaster, and a Datejust is all one will ever need.


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[Oxfordian]

Originally Posted by Krash

I think the problem is this notion that you need specific types of watches for specific occasions. This is perpetuated on social media and YouTube videos.

Some examples:

You need a Rolex Explorer if you go on a 2 hour hike at the local state park.

You need a colorful (yellow, orange, or aqua) watch for the summer.

You need a pilot watch in case you find yourself flying a P-51 Mustang over the North Atlantic.

You need a Speedmaster in case you find yourself in the International Space Station and you’re about to go on a space walk.

You need a dive watch to swim in your 24’ by 12’ pool that has a maximum depth of 5’.

You need a “dress watch” because you might have to wear a suit someday next year.

All kidding aside, I do think having 1 or 2 watches isn’t enough. I think 3 to 5 watches is the right answer. And 3 is probably a better answer than 5. A small collection consisting of a Submariner, Speedmaster, and a Datejust is all one will ever need.


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Damn!! I've been influenced

Explorer II - Used on dog walking adventures along the river bank and my daily driver.

Summer - Seiko King Samurai white dial

Pilot - Oris Limited Edition ProPilot Big Day Date

Space Walk - Moonwatch

Diver - TT SD43 / Omega Seamaster Professional

Dress - Longines 22k yellow gold presented for long service.

I am not planning to add any more watches, it is easy to get sucked in to buying another 'just because' mentality. Equally I am unsure that I want to reduce my collection any further but I may decide at some point that I have too but for now 7 is the magic number.

[Kevin of Larchmont]

Originally Posted by Krash

You need a pilot watch in case you find yourself flying a P-51 Mustang over the North Atlantic.


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What’s life without dreams…..

[Ravager135]

I have just completed the process of slimming down my collection from 12 pieces to 6. I owned some other brands that were not getting wrist time the way my Rolex watches were. I think I liked the idea of having these pieces moreso than I enjoyed putting them on above other pieces. With infinite resources I'm sure I'd own hundreds of watches, but what enabled me to slim down my collection was looking at what I was looking to get out of each watch I owned. For me, that means what occasions I am wearing watches for.

I maybe put a suit on once or twice a year. I recently reacquired a Milgauss after regretting selling one many years ago. The watch is interesting enough to wear with a suit, but also versatile enough that it can make it's way into regular rotation. It's also a subtle nod to my career in science.

I have two Submariners. This is my only redundant piece. The first is a 16610 that was my first Rolex I ever received for graduating medical school. It was a gift from my parents and will never leave my collection. My other Sub is a modern 126610LV. I live near the ocean and this functions as my all purpose watersports watch. Again, versatile enough to wear to any occasion.

I have a GMT-Master II BLNR. This is my most worn watch for work and my travel watch. It's also subtle nod to my time in naval aviation.

I have an Explorer II. Again redunant with a GMT function, but has a white dial. It was the first Rolex I bought for myself. It will never leave my collection for that reason. This would be my "beater" watch.

Finally, my newest watch is a Daytona. I wanted a chronograph in my collection and while I have no specific emotional or need connection to a Daytona, it's basically my "show off" watch or watch I wear going out.

For me, each watch fills a niche. I could probably use a proper dress watch. I had an IWC Portuguese that almost never was worn. It was a waste of such a beautiful piece. The only piece I am looking to add back into my collection would be a Datejust or Day Date. Something a little more dressy and perhaps aspirational for the latter.

[TonyD]

Great problem to have! I've been up and down for decades and have owned everything from Panerai, Omega, B&R to some small boutique divers and worked my way up to owning a Vacheron and Patek.

Still Rolex always occupies the largest place in my heart.

Here is my method (madness?)

As stated if you don't LOVE it then sell it off.

There's no min/max. I don't care if you have 3 total or 30 as long as they all make you happy.

I keep 1-2 watches in my house. The rest are kept at the bank.

I wear one for a full week and sometimes many weeks.

Every few weeks go to the bank and switch it up. See which one(s) catch your eye that day and bring them home.

Its ok to love a watch but put it away for several weeks or months.

Every time I put one on I feel happy. Every time I check the time I get a free smile. Its a great sickness. Enjoy it as best you can.

[Kevin of Larchmont]

Assuming you have the money keep buying the watches you want. Your appreciation for your existing watches changes in the context of the other watches that enter and exit your array. Attrition happens naturally. Just because you haven’t worn a watch lately doesn’t mean you’ll never wear it again but when it’s truly time to sell you’ll know; when I pick up a watch and feel nothing I let it go, if I feel anything I keep it even if only a little while longer. Over my life I’ve let logic convince me to sell many other possessions that I now wish I would’ve kept. I’m in no hurry to make those mistakes again.

[Texex]

Originally Posted by Kevin of Larchmont

Assuming you have the money keep buying the watches you want. Your appreciation for your existing watches changes in the context of the other watches that enter and exit your array. Attrition happens naturally. Just because you haven’t worn a watch lately doesn’t mean you’ll never wear it again but when it’s truly time to sell you’ll know; when I pick up a watch and feel nothing I let it go, if I feel anything I keep it even if only a little while longer. Over my life I’ve let logic convince me to sell many other possessions that I now wish I would’ve kept. I’m in no hurry to make those mistakes again.

I approach my collection exactly like this. My collection is a bit too large to rotate regularaly by I do eventually get around to wearing them all. But more importantly, I enjoy them even while not wearing them.

[KatGirl]

I am an addict, but there are far worse addictions…..

Kat


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[OG1982]

2 Rolex is the sweetspot for me, anything else is over the top.

[TuRo]

Buy a few, don't overpay/buy pristine, try and predict future investment models - not what everyone else is clambering for, think what you like in terms of size, quickset date etc etc and perhaps look at vintage as the reduction in watch size fashion is going that way, AND NEVER EVER PAY OVERS it's a fools game.