A thoughtful journey and collection. Thanks for sharing! I have also learned the lesson you articulated about attraction vs keeper and number of watches in the collection and come to the same conclusions.

 

What is the latest with your collection ? I know many in the hobby have large numbers of watches as this is such a subjective process.

My collection is in flux, at the moment.

I might have topped out at 30+ watches, but I've been on a major purge, with 10 watches sold over the past couple of weeks. All the easy stuff is gone or up for sale.

Next step will be some harder choices, but I would like to get back down to a dozen or so. Maybe 4-6 core watches, and the remainder to play around with.

I started out wearing one watch, a Seiko SNK809, as an only watch for a couple years. Then I found WUS, to my detriment... and then modding...

 

My collection is in flux, at the moment.

I might have topped out at 30+ watches, but I've been on a major purge, with 10 watches sold over the past couple of weeks. All the easy stuff is gone or up for sale.

Next step will be some harder choices, but I would like to get back down to a dozen or so. Maybe 4-6 core watches, and the remainder to play around with.

I started out wearing one watch, a Seiko SNK809, as an only watch for a couple years. Then I found WUS, to my detriment... and then modding...

That's more or less where I'm at too. There are a number of watches I want to hold on to, but then I realize how seldom I actually wear them, which I'm taking as a sign that I should put them up for sale too, so they can get some love (and I can maybe pick up something new 🙂).

 

I own one, I’ve considered getting an inexpensive dive watch for fishing and on the boat but ehhh why wear a lesser watch.

 

If a man is going to own and wear a single watch, that's the one

 

Finally have a watch for each day of the week. I usually keep one for 2-3 years before I get the itch to swap it out.

 

My collection changes more often than the weather......

 

After experimenting for a decade or so, ending up with these for now, a couple more I'm eyeing but it'll probably be awhile before availability, not really looking to add after that but with this addiction, who knows right ?

 

Here is the story of my 37-year journey...
Massively abbreviated!
Started in 1986 with pocket watches, then wristwatches later that year. Collection all over the place. Then my first Rolex in 1989 (a 1981 Sea Dweller 1665 that was nothing more than a used Rolex at the time). Liked (and collected) Rolex, chronographs, vintage American made Hamiltons, and IWC, plus some odds and ends (Longines, Le Coultre, Omega, etc.). Met a woman and married her, and took a break from watches. Got back into it a few years later and tried to make an Omega Speedmaster Broad Arrow my daily wearer. But it failed too many times and I sold it immediately after the fourth repair. Collection got a little more focused on Rolex and chronographs, then just chronographs.
Today, I have the following routine: on weekdays I wear one of 30+ vintage Hamiltons and Gruens, and on week-ends I wear one of my chronographs (a Habring2 which is my favorite, three IWC Porsche Design, and six Chinese mechanical chronographs). I also have a box of watches that were gifted to me since I was four years old (in 1970). I wear those occasionally, especially on days that are birthdays of the people that gave them to me.

 

Currently at 14 watches. Been double that and half that over the last couple years. 2 are family keepers and will never leave the family. The other 12 are modern watches. Of those 12, 3 or 4 could go and I wouldn’t cry about it but that leaves 9 I would hate to part with and probably won’t. I’ve consolidated before and have mixed feelings on going too expensive as I don’t feel comfortable wearing. So then what if something new comes along and I believe I want it? So I can’t, yet, relate to a 3 watch collection but that would be my goal around age 80

 

Although I have been a fan of time pieces for as long as I can remember it was almost 12 months ago that I went in relatively full steam ahead and went from 7 pieces (2 Rolex Datejusts, 1 Oris Bronze 80th anniversary and 1 Breitling Super Ocean II, Panerai to about 17 others including 2 Seiko King Turtles, Hamilton (including the Murph) and a few other ransoms pieces, also went very hard into Omega as well. It got to a point where I was overloaded with time pieces and had/have some that would not get any wrist time at all. In the last 6 months I’ve gifted a lot of my time pieces to my family, and in 2023 after acquiring 1 Omega Speedmaster, 1 Rolex GMt (Batman) and 1 Rolex Submariner have not acquired any new pieces although I will acquire the New all Gold GMT master II and a Rolex Day Date when they are available at my AD.
But here’s a glimpse of what I ended up getting (not everything is pictured) including my main 4 that I am using consistently:

Main pieces:

 

Although I have been a fan of time pieces for as long as I can remember it was almost 12 months ago that I went in relatively full steam ahead and went from 7 pieces (2 Rolex Datejusts, 1 Oris Bronze 80th anniversary and 1 Breitling Super Ocean II, Panerai to about 17 others including 2 Seiko King Turtles, Hamilton (including the Murph) and a few other ransoms pieces, also went very hard into Omega as well. It got to a point where I was overloaded with time pieces and had/have some that would not get any wrist time at all. In the last 6 months I’ve gifted a lot of my time pieces to my family, and in 2023 after acquiring 1 Omega Speedmaster, 1 Rolex GMt (Batman) and 1 Rolex Submariner have not acquired any new pieces although I will acquire the New all Gold GMT master II and a Rolex Day Date when they are available at my AD.
But here’s a glimpse of what I ended up getting (not everything is pictured) including my main 4 that I am using consistently:

View attachment 17523979

You have more watches than IHOP has flavors of syrup!

 

I documented and posted my journey in a previous thread. It's far too long to type again so I'll just post the link here instead: The Journey of my Collection (with some lessons)

 

I documented and posted my journey in a previous thread. It's far too long to type again so I'll just post the link here instead: The Journey of my Collection (with some lessons)

Really enjoyed that post great collection

 

My journey:

• Been collecting for about 6 years
• Have been through about 25 watches (mainly affordable and mid)
• Have 4 watches in my collection now and aiming for 5 max
• Found out my long-term keepers are watches that have become iconic in the watch world (but regular people probably don't recognize them or care)
• Started only wanting mechanicals, but have come back around to quartz and appreciate what it can add to a small collection
• Biggest lesson I could impart to any new watch collector is learn the difference between a watch you admire and a watch you have to have (everyone will learn this the hard way through their own experiences and mistakes, though. That's part of watch collecting.)

 

Skipping the dozens of watches that have come and gone thru my collection over the last 2 decades:

2001 - Pulsar RAF Chronograph
Christmas Gift from my parents

2003 - Titan Edge
Graduation Gift from my parents

2004 - Tommy Hilfiger 1985
Spur of the moment duty-free purchase by my parents

2009 - HMT Jawan, Janata, Sona (White), Sona (Black), Sona (Gold)
Purchased by me because I was fascinated

2010 - Casio G-Shock DW 5600
Purchased by me to scratch the Moonwatch itch at the time

2011 - Seagull 1963
Purchased by me to scratch the mechanical chronograph itch

2012 - West End Watch Co. Sowar Prima
Given to me by my (now) ex Grandmother-in-law, passing it down as a family heirloom

2013 - Omega Speedmaster Prof. 1861
Given to me by my parents and sister as a birthday present

2014 - Tag Heuer Carrera Calibre S
Christmas Gift from my parents

2015 - Hamilton Khaki Field
Obtained as exchanged Valentines Day present from my (now) ex-wife who have given me a solid gold ring instead

2016 - F71 Project - Airavata
Purchased because I was interested in the project
2016 - Nth Scorpene
Purchased because the design appealed to me and it scratched the itch that I was getting for a Sinn for much cheaper
2016 - Tag Heuer Carrera
Given to me by my parents as they though I might be depressed during my divorce

2017 - Longines Master Collection Power Reserve
Given to me by my parents

2018 - Carl F. Bucherer Patravi Evotec
Given to me by my parents

2019 - Tissot Couturier
Given to me by my parents to commemorate my first International Marathon (Chicago)

2021 - Casio G-Shock GMA S2100 (Blush Pink)
Won in a YouTube Giveaway from Jenni Elle

2022 - Vostok Amphibia
Won in a WUS Giveaway from MrDisco99

2023 - Pagani Design V5 1701-D (Project Alaska/Mission to Mars homage)
Purchased because it was a steal of a deal

 

@watchsk - we share a similar taste in watches and collecting “rules”. My limit is also 3-5 watches because I want to wear them all regularly. I’m up to four (plus a G-Shock beater) and that feels enough.

I’ve noticed since I added a fourth watch that I rotate more often - usually 2-3 days vs when I had three watches it was 7-10 days.

Here are my four:

I’ve toyed with selling the Explorer II to help fund a Pepsi or Batman but I think I’d miss it. Another option is to add a Tank but I’m wary it wouldn’t get much wear. Plus, Cartier have put their prices up a lot since I first considered a Tank.

 

I’m interested to hear how you got to your current three if you don’t mind sharing.

Which watches did you let go of and why?

What is it about the three you landed on and made them keepers?

 

It would probably be another post in itself to answer your questions. I will say that at one point, I made a list of all the watches I had let go and it was about 60-70 including some vintage watches. Some of the brands include Omega, Tudor, Rolex, Tissot, Hamilton, IWC, Pelton, Ulysses Nardin, A. Lange, Panerai, Stowa, Seiko, Halios etc. If you would like to discuss the process in more depth, send me a PM. Take care.

 

I started my watch journey 6 years ago;

-Since 2017, i have gotten 20 watches. I sold 3 of them which were fashion watches like Diesel.
-At the moment, i have 17 pieces and almost half of them are quartz.
-The collection includes 6 Casio (2 G-Shock, 2 Edifice, etc.), 4 Seiko (includes Skx007), 2 Vostok (a komandirskie and an amphibia), 1 of each of the following; Timex Expedition, Orient Bambino, Swatch Lonely Desert, Momentus, and Truwood Leaf Green (on sale).
-I am planning to get a Vostok Komandirskie GMT, Hamilton Khaki(Murph), Oris Big Crown (Bronze/Green), Seiko Alpinist Sarb017.
-The collection lacks different type of straps, i usually wear watches with default straps, i need variety.

 

When I was 6 years old, 1970, my uncle Jimmy brought a Seiko 6139 speedtimer back from Japan for my older cousin. Two years later, he brought back a 6138 speedtimer. They were big, heavy, cool, and I could make the hands move by pressing the pushers. I would double-wrist at family functions and time everything. How long dinner took, how long it too for my aunt to drink coffee, how long my dad was in the bathroom. I was, no doubt, very annoying.

At the age of 15, circa 1979, my uncle bought me a Seiko lcd alarm chronograph. At the time, these were very cool and fairly expensive, being the first of their kind. Interestingly enough, even then, I was disappointed…I was a mechanical guy!

My first “serious watch” was a Krieger tidal chronometer. Great piece. Next, around 1998 or so was a 16710 coke bezel
GMT, which I received as an engagement gift (sold it years later after the divorce). Rounding out the field at that time was a Swatch Irony, and a Swiss Army field watch I got with Marlboro points. My first “collection”, as it was.

When I was 40, 2004, I was on this newish thing called eBay, looking for an interesting, affordable dress watch. While searching Seikos, I came across the same model 6138 my cousin had. More eBay searches and I soon found other vintage Seikos, an internet search led me to SCWF, where I found an amazing bunch of Seikophiles, and a collector was born.

Over the next few years I collected nothing but vintage Seikos. Divers, Chronographs, Rally Divers divers, Seiko 5’s….etc

As I got older and had more financial resources, I moved into higher end stuff. I remember buying my first Omega. A pre-owned Speedy. It was the most expensive watch I had ever bought myself at that time. It was to be my one and only “good piece.” Man plans and God laughs. Over the years I’ve owned everything from inexpensive micros to five figure pieces from top brands. So much for one and done.

My focus has always been tool watches. My current rotation is around 40 watches. A dozen are vintage Seikos, divers and chronos. The rest range from Bulova Devil Divers on up to luxury Swiss pieces.

A lot has moved in and out over the years. What remains are truly the pieces I love the most from 20 years of collecting, which is really all that matters. I wish you all the same….


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

I’m still on an Omega kick but I dare say it will pass and it will be some other brand’s turn to empty my wallet.

 

I have very specific requirements of a watch. It has to go on a bracelet. I have a few that didn't come on a bracelet and I don't wear them for that reason. I like to swap to a strap on occasion, but grosso modo: bracelet!

Also, I'm not fond of watches that don't have a chronograph. I find non-chrono's quite boring and not usable. I use my chronograph's a lot to keep (track of) time, and not having it, annoys me for some weird reason. I also don't like divers, so I haven't invested much in that. I'm also not fond of small watches; anything under 42mm is not even up for consideration. Just, hard pass. So, that leaves me with not much to juggle with. There are a few, very few, sub 42mm watches I enjoy but those are squares, like the Cartier Santos, so they were quite large. No problem for me.

My watch collection follows a few rules.

1) bracelet!
2) minimum 42mm, maximum 51mm. Sweet spot is 45-47 millimeters.
3) When presented with the option, titanium always has my preference over steel.
4) A no-date option is only viable if it is truly something special. It has to be a really, really unique piece for me to forgo the date.
5) I want to be able to wear it almost everywhere I go. A surprise trip to the beach or a pool, a sudden visit to a fancy restaurant, unannounced visit to an embassy: I need a watch that I can dress up or down (yes, all of that has happened to me before).
6) I want the brand to have some heritage, some meaning and gravitas. You won't see me wear a Zelos or Rze. Nothing wrong with those brands, but they don't tickle that itch I have as an educated historian. Ball, Hamilton, Longines, Tissot: they all have pedigree, heritage, history. Even a fairly young brand as Sinn, Damasko, or Bell&Ross has some pedigree. Sinn got its legitimacy via undiluted, pure pilot's watches (and via Heuer), Damasko and B&R via Sinn, and they all stand on their own two feet.
7) The story matters. What is the story of that watch, why does it exist. My Hanhart exists, because it is a wink, a nod, to a bygone era. It has the layout, the design, of a 1940s military chronograph, and the red markers also have a story of their own, truly unique to Hanhart. Same with Hamilton and Ball (railroad watches), Sinn and Damasko (pilot's post WW2), Tutima (WW2 chrono's, post WW2 NATO watches), etc etc. The watches without story, get worn less by me than the ones with. Unless they're too pretty to wear (Zenith, Citizen, Montblanc)... That is a problem.
8) When in doubt, don't buy it. It's that simple.

My collection is not housed in a box; it's housed in an apartment building!

The first level. I have changed up the order a bit because i got a few new ones in recently. The Longines Chrono GMT Admiral moved a tier lower as of this writing. The others are my top pieces. not that level 2 is something to sniff at, but this... this is my very best. The Omega and Zenith are my center pieces, yet, I wear the Omega way more. The Omega is the one I got because I wanted to keep track of the time in Mexico, where my wife lives. I got that one, and it is one of my favorites. It has the Professional case, a bracelet it truly love, and so many more features that just 'work' for me, but will turn the stomach of a purist. And that, my friends, I love. I'm not a purist. I have watches to fill a need, not to fill a spot. The Montblanc is my wife's favorite, but it needs to be repaired but I'm too lazy and cheap to do that! The Damasko, Tutima, and Sinn are all the same: center minute chrono hand chronographs based on the Valjoux 7750, but the execution is completely different. The Tutima is one of the uglies watches I own but I love it dearly. It is so comfortable, so relaxed, so it's own thing. The case is truly ugly, the bracelet is ugly, the bracelet and case integration is ugly. YET... It is so robust and reliable. And comfortable. The Ball is a watch I had wanted for a very long time: triple calendar chronograph moonphase. But now I have it, and I never wear it. Why? No idea. Perhaps I'll wear it more often once I get a bracelet for it? The Longines was a backup for the Omega, but comes in steel instead of titanium, so it's less of a replacement/backup as much as it is a thing of its own in my collection. I'm not fond of this watch, largely because it fits like a pair of gloves fits a dog. The bracelet is amazing and beautiful but the link sizes are so weird that with one link fewer it wears too tight and with one link more, it's too loose! Shame, because it looks kick-ass with its silver dial. The Citizen is the one I'll save in a fire (plus whatever's on my wrist!). My then-fiancée now wife gave it to me, and that watch is worth more to me than the entire damn thing. I never wear it. I can't. It's hers, it's too beautiful. Only on very special ocassions do I whip it out. The Bell&Ross is my GADA, especially now I've got it on a steel bracelet. It's got a flyback center minute hand chronograph as well as a GMT. It's just not funny how versatile this watch is. If Omega ever decided to make a watch like that I'm sure a) it would be fully integrated instead of a module, and b) it would be extremely popular. Or perhaps that's just wishful thinking. The Longines' spot has been toaken over now, by my Hanhart.

Tier 2. Now, the 45mm Laco has moved a level down because it isn't working (properly), so that spot is filled by the Longines; I always had wanted that Hamilton Big Pilot, and I managed to get it second hand but in new-condition, for 350 euro's. How could I pass that up?! I couldnt'. Funny enough, the Hamilton on the leatherstrap is one of the few on leather, and cemented my disdain for leather. I love this watch, I do. Automatic antimagnetic chronograph with a coin edge bezel, onion crown and pushers, bicompax anthracite layout, and naturally aged lume (wasn't always this yellow!). But at 42mm, on leather, it feels wrong. The leather chaves my skin and gives me an annoying rash that takes a week to dissipate. Even worse, the leather is falling apart now. The Tissot, bottom row in the middle, was a fun watch. Got it for nickels on the dollar. It's an automatic chronograph, with applied indices. It's just not funny how cool this watch is, and I love to wear it, but there are others that are better. The Hamilton Railroad has such a weird, quirky case shape, I love it. I wear it way more than I thought I would. The Converter doesn't get enough wrist time and thats a shame. It is a beautiful piece with a beautiful dial, a great chrono, and the bezel is super useful. The cream-colored watch has a bronze case, hesalite crystal, ceramic bezel insert, and a handwound column wheel movement. I call it my lazy man's Speedmaster. Not sure if that's fair, of course, but hey... we all have our vices? The Orises used to be my Grails, but since I got them, my apetite has dwindled. I just don't like them anymore. It's not the size, perse, but the case shape, the stupid bezel lock, the screw down pushers, the weird connection of the bracelet to the case... Some watches I own, I love wearing for days and days. These two? nop. The Laco, the big one,was a grail, and I love that piece. It's a 55mm replica with a display caseback, automatic decorated movement, sterile dial, but 'correct' case shape, lugs,crown, etc. It is a beast, and I think it's one of the coolest watches ever. The 45mm sibling on its right was rendered inoperable by my ex. It can be repaired, but like the Montblanc: don't feel like it.

Tier 3. The oldies, the leftovers. The graveyard. The Citizen is still working, and that one will be handed down to my nephew (don't have a son; yet?). The Sisu is a piece of junk. An ETA movement, yeah, but the crown won't screw down anymore, so it's not water resistant anymore, at all. The tiny one on the left is my 'dress' watch. It's a handwound Soviet watch with applied numerals. Technically it's a sports watch, but I don't wear it as such. The Seiko5 is my dad's old watch. He got it from his father when he was 16 or so. I can feel the rotor move but to repair this one is more costly than buying a working specimen. The other Seiko is the one I bought myself. I'm not saying it's my first watch, it isn't, but it is the first one I bought myself.

45mm monopusher chronograph. It's ridiculously cool. And my gosh it's comfortable. If it had a date and a clicked bezel, it'd be perfect.

Ball Spacemaster, 45mm titanium chronograph GMT with all the bells and whistles. I was contemplating this watch or the Omega; the Omega won back then, but this one always nibbled in the back of my mind. This year, my grandmother decided to gift me this for my birthday, and I couldn't be happier or more satisfied with it. It is such a cool watch, and because it's titanium it wears like a champ. The Orises have been supplanted, immediately, by this one.

This is my collection, as well as some stories behind each. I don't like the straight, beaten path. I have a Speedmaster, yes, but not the usual one. I have an El Primero, yes, but not the usual one(s). I have a diver with a ceramic bezel, but not Rolex, Omega, Breitling, or Tudor. I don't like the usual suspects. For someone else, sure. Go ahead, I'll applaud your choices, for you. But, it's not for me.

 

I was thinking about all of the changes in my watch collection since the 1990’s and it’s overwhelming. So many watches that have come and gone and so many different ways that I approached collecting.

It took me forever to figure out that there is a difference between an initial attraction to a watch and having it be a long term keeper.

It also took me forever to figure out that I can’t manage the collection when I start to get closer to 10 watches. There were always 3-5 watches that I really wanted to wear more than the others, If I was being honest with myself .

One other note about the three Rolexes I own. I know many in the hobby have strong feelings, both positive and negative about the watches and or the company. I love the watches but I hate the hype. I also don’t like how difficult it is to get them from an AD. I have been fortunate that way but know it is frustrating for many. The investment side of the whole thing is not for me. I wear all of them and they all have scratches and I don’t care. I did not buy them to put them in a safe.

So where does this leave me. I currently have a 3 watch collection and I want to wear all of them equally . With 3-5 watches, I can wear them enough so I feel that I have time with each of them. I don’t anticipate going over 3-5 watches again.

What is the latest with your collection ? I know many in the hobby have large numbers of watches as this is such a subjective process. To those willing to share, how about some photos of your current collection . We all have our unique way in which we approach this crazy watch hobby. View attachment 17523168 View attachment 17523170 View attachment 17523171

Curious to know how you rotate these 3 in a given week. Or do you go through longer term wear phases with each.

 

I tend to wear each watch about 2-3 weeks

 

My serious watch collecting years started around 2002 and if I reflect on what's happened, I would say,

1. In the early years, I bought several Oris watches, a great brand with great value.
2. I bought and still have several "classics" such as the Tag Monaco, Omega Speedmaster, IWC mark 16, BB58.
3. I bought a Rolex Deepsea in 2011 and picked it up the day after calling Wempe - remember those days !
4. A few years after, I bought a Planet ocean chronograph.
5. In 2021 both the Rolex and Omega were sold as I realised both were too thick and not seeing much action.
6. By that time I was also becoming sick of Rolex and all the negative BS around the brand.
7 My cheapest watch cost £70. My most expensive is a JLC costing just less than £10k. And I love my Casio's, Seiko's and Timex as much as the posh ones.
8. The thing about my collection of 28 watches is the variety which I have sought to expand on over the years.
9. My last expensive "exit" watch was purchased in April, a JLC Reverso.
In the last 5 years, I got to realise the beauty of brands such as JLC, Zenith and Mont Blanc.
10. Just want one more watch and I'm done, looking for a relatively inexpensive German made watch.

 

I had a helpful epiphany recently when my thinking went from “that’s beautiful and different and I want it” to “I can truthfully imagine wearing that on a regular basis”

Granted, it would’ve been more helpful if I’d seen the light about 20 watches ago, but better late than never.

 

Great collection sir!

I agree with your sentiments on Rolex - I feel exactly the same. For me, the only watch I'd really like to add is the Pepsi on jubilee. It's been a favorite of mine for years, but I could never have it as my "main" watch. With the Sub on hand as a "main" and the Cartier from my new wife covering dress duties, the Pepsi would be great to round out my little collection.

 

It’s good to read that people are wearing their watches regardless of the size of the collection. I have never been a fan of having watches that I only look at once i a while but don’t
make it on to the wrist.

 

I started with old fashioned watches and now I am more interested in modern design and futuristic watches.

No hands, springs or gears. No smartwatches.

The only exceptions would be something like an Omega Z-33 or an analog digital Casio GShock.

 

Love the stories and different paths that have been taken! I've realised that I'm happiest with 3 or 4 watches so had to move a significant chunk of my stable off to greener pastures. I think I've become a bit more minimalist and utilitarian as I've aged so I've got a Cartier Santos that the missus gifted me and a Sub to match a DJ that I'm about to give her. I've got an Explorer 2 Polar coming from my AD this year and I think I'm about done once that's in hand. I don't really think I even qualify as a "collector" anymore with only 3 watches in the box but I've seen how my previous collection suffered from lack of use and so I've become more conservative and considered in my choices.

My past priorities were:
Different categories should be ticked off (eg: pilot/diver/chrono/dress/GMT/tool...etc)
Different brands should be covered (eg: Oris, Omega, Rolex, Tag...etc)

Current priorities:
Sentimentality (Santos & Sub)
Function (all three)

I think these three covers everything that my previous collection (even at its maximum) encompassed with the exception of a chrono but I seldom used it on my Speedy when I had it.