[natejc93]

I have been collecting watches for about 4 years now as I just graduated college last May with a Mechanical Engineering degree. My latest watch acquisitions include a Hamilton Navy Pioneer, with the sub seconds, and a Steinhart Ocean One Vintage Military.


My purpose of this post revolves around moving to the next "phase" of collecting. I have recently been looking for a solid 1601 datejust SS/WG in good condition and at the right price. I found one a couple of days ago that was in amazing condition and for 2200 USD, which seemed fair even though there wasn't a box or paperwork. Nothing seemed dis-genuine, all the numbers were lining up, but I didn't feel comfortable pulling the trigger.


Part of the reason may be because I feel like I may not be ready yet. I am only 22 and have spent a maximum of 700 on a watch, even though I have very little money left on my student loan and I am getting a sizable tax return. My question is when and how did you get into that "tier" of watches? I hate to use the word tier, but I guess I mean something that is above the 1k USD mark. What was your first 1k+ watch?


I have been really fancying the Sinn 104 St Sa, it seems like a perfect everyday watch for me. The day-date of my SKX, amazing finishing, awesome count down bezel, and great modifications to a solid movement. I am thinking of selling off the Steinhart and bringing in the Sinn. I wouldn't be able to wear a Datejust everyday as I need to go out on the manufacturing floor sometimes to look at a machine or take measurements or something.


Maybe the Sinn is a more logical step?

 

[Quadcammer]

I am only 22 and have spent a maximum of 700 on a watch, even though I have very little money left on my student loan and I am getting a sizable tax return. ?

If you have a small amount of loan debt, you should pay that off, then consider rolexes. This assumes of course, that you've sorted out your living and transportation situations and that you have a suitable amount of savings, as well as at least a 3 month emergency fund.

Money invested or saved now is critical for retirement, but don't forget to have a little fun.

 

[friedricetheman]

Well, I bought my first Rolex at 21 to celebrate turning 21. Saved up all my lunch money over the years and also the money from working McJobs after high school and during the summer. I bought it new as I wanted to make my own history with the watch, if you get what I mean.

The Datejust went everywhere with me, from graduation, to touring the world and to my first job interview. It picked up a few scuffs and scratches along the way but hey, at least I could say that I was the one that gave the scratch to my Datejust.

I still have it with me. Even though, I consolidated and sold a lot of pieces over the years, I kept my first real watch that I bought with my own money.

To answer your question, it's never too young to get a Rolex or any watch for that matter. If you really want something, just get it. Life is too short to worry about trivial things like this.

But I would strongly advice you to buy your first Rolex new at an AD as you are still inexperience to tell a genuine article from a very well made fake. Besides, it would most likely be the watch that you keep for the rest of your life, so why not buy new?

 

[scjones88]

I started flipping watches trying to figure out how to start the next phase of collecting once I had a steady job and my debt was paid off. If I had to do it again, I would just start with a speedmaster (handwind hesalite) for my nice watch, and find a nice seiko diver for weekends. So many strap options with the speedy, so you can wear it for any occasion. SKX007 can be had for cheap. Add a strapcode super oyster and it seems like a rolex. Plus you can get a bunch of nato straps and other canvas straps for that watch too. Should keep you occupied until you save up for your first rolex. I personally think Speedy is a more fun watch.

 

[timwilso]

I'm still on the cusp same as you. I know eventually I'll get into that next tier of more expensive watches when the time is right. Up to this point I've really just been trying to take my time a learn as much as I can as I wait for the stars to align themselves. There's so many micro brands out there to keep me busy that I don't feel like I need to rush into anything expensive until I find the right one and am in the right place to spend that amount of $. Stay patient and make sure you're sure you know what you want before you just jump in for the sake of jumping in.

 

[trf2271]

I'm also 22 with a little bit of debt from school. I have a good job and thought about making the Rolex move, but I slowed myself down. I'm not unhappy at all with the Seiko I have. I have a girlfriend that I've been with for going on 6 years, so I'll have to put a ring on her finger before I put a Rolex on my wrist. So for me it will probably go engagement ring, house, and then maybe a Rolex in a few years. If me and my Seiko haven't made too many memories by then

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[timemachineplus]

I really have to agree with Quadcammer. Take your time, don't rush into anything yet. You just graduated and are probably feeling the the new gitters about starting your career and getting a sold paycheck. Pay off your debt first and keep and emergency fund, in case and God forbid, you end up in financial trouble. I've personally seen this a few times with friends of mine. If it was mean, I'd concentrate and pay off any student load debt first. Get that puppy out of the way!!

Don't worry, you'll have plenty of chances in the future to start your collection, just be smart about it. Think with your head, not your emotions.

If you have a small amount of loan debt, you should pay that off, then consider rolexes. This assumes of course, that you've sorted out your living and transportation situations and that you have a suitable amount of savings, as well as at least a 3 month emergency fund.

Money invested or saved now is critical for retirement, but don't forget to have a little fun.

 

[watchvaultnyc]

I have been collecting watches for about 4 years now as I just graduated college last May with a Mechanical Engineering degree. My latest watch acquisitions include a Hamilton Navy Pioneer, with the sub seconds, and a Steinhart Ocean One Vintage Military.

My purpose of this post revolves around moving to the next "phase" of collecting. I have recently been looking for a solid 1601 datejust SS/WG in good condition and at the right price. I found one a couple of days ago that was in amazing condition and for 2200 USD, which seemed fair even though there wasn't a box or paperwork. Nothing seemed dis-genuine, all the numbers were lining up, but I didn't feel comfortable pulling the trigger.

Part of the reason may be because I feel like I may not be ready yet. I am only 22 and have spent a maximum of 700 on a watch, even though I have very little money left on my student loan and I am getting a sizable tax return. My question is when and how did you get into that "tier" of watches? I hate to use the word tier, but I guess I mean something that is above the 1k USD mark. What was your first 1k+ watch?

I have been really fancying the Sinn 104 St Sa, it seems like a perfect everyday watch for me. The day-date of my SKX, amazing finishing, awesome count down bezel, and great modifications to a solid movement. I am thinking of selling off the Steinhart and bringing in the Sinn. I wouldn't be able to wear a Datejust everyday as I need to go out on the manufacturing floor sometimes to look at a machine or take measurements or something.

Maybe the Sinn is a more logical step?

"Growing up" as a collector does not necessarily mean progressively more expensive watches. In my case, my personal collection has now focused on "beaters" (mostly Omega), because I get to wear them everywhere without fear of additional scratches. Currently:

- a beater Bond 2531.80 (clean the toilet duty, used to be a Sub 14060)
- a beater Sword Hands 2254.50 (whats the time while in bed / irritate people in the theater duty)
- 2 vintage Speedy Pros (time the steak, and "I have good taste" duty)
- and an out-on-its-luck Planet Ocean (one must always have a shiny new toy)

All except the PO keeping amazing time.

I stopped buying watches in close-to-new condition for personal use, as it reduced my enjoyment of them. As a corollary, when I sell watches in amazing condition, I get no pangs of regret or feelings of "shoulda kept that mint one for myself"

 

[GCBC]

First "semi real" watch was a tag f1 second hand from another driver coach at the racetrack when I was 17.

First REAL watch was a Breitling navitimer world on croc deployant when I was 20 and started an exotic car rental company in south Florida.

 

[drunken monkey]

My purchasing history has been one or two bigger purchases a year.
I sat down and worked out what that was on a per-week basis and it came to being less than what I spend on chocolate, it put things into perspective.

I have also been very lucky with my timing and even buying in the UK, from ADs, I have never paid mrsp for any of my watches; that takes a little out of the sting, especially the first couple of times.

 

[soyrad]

I bought myself a Datejust to celebrate graduating college using a bonus from my first "grown-up" job to pay for part of it. I would definitely pay off some debt first and wait for that tax return money to be in the bank before spending on a watch.

As for your other question, my first over 1k watch was a Bretling Headwind, but that was a gift from my dad. The first one I purchased was a Tag Heuer Carrera with a Calibre 5. I love the watch but when I bought it (at 20 years old, I believe) the ~$2,000 I spent was a lot of money and nearly an entire month's work. Since then I have become more conservative with spending but I do hope to buy myself a JLC Memovox for my 30th. I have a few years to save.

 

[j_s_martin]

Speedmaster Reduced might be a nice in-between for you. They can be had for around 1200-1500 preowned. And as a chrono, it would also fit a gap in your growing collection. I've been extremely happy with mine, and they look great on most any strap.

 

[chefmhf]

My daughter, who is the same age as the OP, has a different approach to collecting watches. Her strategy usually starts with something like "Daddy......"

It's worked for her so far. She has a B&M Hampton, Apple watch, Michele ceramic, Seiko SKX009 and a David Yurman. I know most of those are sorta fashion, but she's a work in progress!

 

[Rdenney]

Don't buy anything uncomfortably expensive until you have sufficient command of your finances that you don't need to ask this question in a public forum.

And don't buy anything flashy until you have sufficient command of your own style that you don't need validation from strangers.

When the above milestones are behind you, you can decide for yourself whether and how debt is appropriate. Be warned: passing those milestones might take some time. Experience is involved.

To answer your question, my first watch greater than a kilobuck came at age 54. But that's only in actual dollars. In today's dollars, the Hamilton QED I wore in high school cost over $1200, (slightly) more that what I paid for my first Ebel at age 54.

Rick "hard-won wisdom" Denney

 

[natejc93]

OP here: All great responses! Thank you for all of your feedback.

I have been thinking a lot about all of this today and have kind of boiled things down to a couple rules/constraints:
1) No new watches until I purchase an engagement ring, because priorities. This has been my rule all along. Plans are almost finalized, that is why I was pursuing the DJ as a legitimate dress/special occasion watch.
2) Life is very unexpected and too short. I feel like "planning" to purchase watches down the road is kind of lame because you never know what happens in life. If you want a watch, just save for it and get it, simple as that. I am thinking of either a DJ or a speedy pro to celebrate the next milestone in my life. My Hamilton was a piece I got for myself for my college graduation, maybe a Speedy is in line next. The speedy has always been something I have wanted for its rich heritage.

Another question: Do you guys tend to always look at how watches hold their value in a more expensive purchase? Or do you not at all? Is there a balance that should be achieved when shooting for these types of watches?

 

[Btreichel87]

I feel like i'm in a similar boat as you, I graduated from professional school in 2014 and now have gotten into watches. I haven't really considered myself a "collector" per-say, but definitely have caught the watch bug since finishing school. I've been somewhat conservative and haven't bought anything over $1500 thus far. I don't want to extend myself too much for any one purchase, student loans can be a b**** and are a higher priority at this time. My first automatic was a Hamilton khaki King that i still love. Now i'm exploring brands, when i find a collection i like, i might pull the trigger, but it has to be within budget and add to what i already have. I've bought an Oris, Seiko, Longines, Tissot, but not just because... they all have a place among my watches. Everyday, black dial, white dial, Blue dial, dress watch, Leather strap, Bracelet, etc. Buy something you think you're going to love and wear, don't buy a Rolex just to have a Rolex. You got the rest of you're life to build your collection. just my $0.02.

If i were you i'd go with the Sinn. I've recently looked into some of their pieces and have been impressed. I have not handled them, so my opinion is strictly on the design. But also it's a little more under the radar than say a Rolex. For that same reason, a Grand Seiko has been on my short list. Good luck with your decision!

 

[Rdenney]

I'm in the "not much" category on resale value. That said, most of my purchases have been unique buying opportunities for one reason or another, so the potential loss has been minimized by the substantial initial discount.

But I buy watches to own, not to flip. Others approach the hobby differently. Part of maturing in the hobby is developing your own value formula.

Rick "the more you learn, the more rich heritage there is to enjoy" Denney

 

[Marko.lachapelle]

I'm also 22 with a little bit of debt from school. I have a good job and thought about making the Rolex move, but I slowed myself down. I'm not unhappy at all with the Seiko I have. I have a girlfriend that I've been with for going on 6 years, so I'll have to put a ring on her finger before I put a Rolex on my wrist. So for me it will probably go engagement ring, house, and then maybe a Rolex in a few years. If me and my Seiko haven't made too many memories by then

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Damn it! I wish I was that smart sometimes..
But I'm not lol
Well said tho!

 

[jason1332]

OP here: All great responses! Thank you for all of your feedback.

I have been thinking a lot about all of this today and have kind of boiled things down to a couple rules/constraints:
1) No new watches until I purchase an engagement ring, because priorities. This has been my rule all along. Plans are almost finalized, that is why I was pursuing the DJ as a legitimate dress/special occasion watch.
2) Life is very unexpected and too short. I feel like "planning" to purchase watches down the road is kind of lame because you never know what happens in life. If you want a watch, just save for it and get it, simple as that. I am thinking of either a DJ or a speedy pro to celebrate the next milestone in my life. My Hamilton was a piece I got for myself for my college graduation, maybe a Speedy is in line next. The speedy has always been something I have wanted for its rich heritage.

Another question: Do you guys tend to always look at how watches hold their value in a more expensive purchase? Or do you not at all? Is there a balance that should be achieved when shooting for these types of watches?

I can glean you are an engineer by your posted priorities. (That is a complement BTW)

I remember being your age and starting my collection. I always searched for, and continue to search for, a good value in my mind when buying a watch. I have never paid MSRP and still ended up with some great pieces throughout the years. The great thing about watches is there will always be someone who finds a piece you love attractive enough to buy it from you when you decide to sell it. My advise is to have one true love in your collection for as long as you can before you start branching out into other pieces.

 

[Legion681]

I have been collecting watches for about 4 years now as I just graduated college last May with a Mechanical Engineering degree. My latest watch acquisitions include a Hamilton Navy Pioneer, with the sub seconds, and a Steinhart Ocean One Vintage Military.


My purpose of this post revolves around moving to the next "phase" of collecting. I have recently been looking for a solid 1601 datejust SS/WG in good condition and at the right price. I found one a couple of days ago that was in amazing condition and for 2200 USD, which seemed fair even though there wasn't a box or paperwork. Nothing seemed dis-genuine, all the numbers were lining up, but I didn't feel comfortable pulling the trigger.


Part of the reason may be because I feel like I may not be ready yet. I am only 22 and have spent a maximum of 700 on a watch, even though I have very little money left on my student loan and I am getting a sizable tax return. My question is when and how did you get into that "tier" of watches? I hate to use the word tier, but I guess I mean something that is above the 1k USD mark. What was your first 1k+ watch?


I have been really fancying the Sinn 104 St Sa, it seems like a perfect everyday watch for me. The day-date of my SKX, amazing finishing, awesome count down bezel, and great modifications to a solid movement. I am thinking of selling off the Steinhart and bringing in the Sinn. I wouldn't be able to wear a Datejust everyday as I need to go out on the manufacturing floor sometimes to look at a machine or take measurements or something.


Maybe the Sinn is a more logical step?

Re bolded... Well, if talking about +1k in TODAY'S money, it was a Speedmaster in '89, which even though it cost me $500 (price was in Swiss Francs though...) back then, it is a 4k+ watch these days.
The first time more than $1k left my pocket was in '92 when I bought a two tone (pink gold / ss) chronograph from Girard Perregaux. That cost me CHF 3k or some $2k.

The Sinn would be a great addition. I love Sinn.