The HARDEST Question in Watch Collecting - Variety or Heavy Hitters

[@fhujf]

I recommend the 'variety of heavy hitters' method.

[@cadrniadrctkers]

LOL

[@BruceWilliams]

Thats the goal!

[@joeylopez7978]

If you want to spend your life working for watches then go for it

[@damachine3]

Quality over quantity, always...if you have to choose.

[@ABCdotcom]

Unfortunately we only realise that after n times of buyer's & seller's remorse!! 😅

[@Super3xtr4]

I disagree

[@wristopia4101]

@@Super3xtr4 Each to their own but I really think you should reevaluate.

[@damachine3]

@@Super3xtr4 Cool...rather than enjoying one sh*tter, you can enjoy a few sh*tters. To each their own.

[@sinjinadams2862]

Quality is important but I'd rather have 5 $20,000 watches than 1 $100,000 watch. How about you?

[@joeylopez7978]

What really helped me deal with this conundrum is realizing that I don't need to be like James Bond. That I could just pick my own watch and become someone to inspire to be like and one day people will say that was Joey Lopez's watch.

[@fancycatkit]

I like that way of thinking!

[@forgettmenot]

That's the spirit! At least you now know you have another person across the globe that will think "That's what Joey Lopez would do."

[@WatchUnwind]

For me I went the route of consolidating down into just a few watches. At one point I had 17-18 “cheaper” watches. Now I have a Panerai luminor marina 8 day, Rolex OP 41 green, Rolex explorer II, and Rolex submariner Starbucks. I think I am comfortable going down to a 3 watch collection. I just bought a house so may sell one but I really love these 4. I am trying to go the Bruce Williams way and let my collection be fluid and not get super attached to anything so I can experience different things. I can either sell my Panerai and go 3 Rolexs or sell the Starbucks. I’ll make my initial purchase money back which I can put toward my house and have enough left over to get a used breitling or Tudor. I do day dream about selling everything and getting one heavy hitter but I’ll probably never do it

[@theenavybluemonster]

It’s different for everybody. I needed to experience many different watches to know what I love before plunking down the big money on a watch. What I really found out in the last year is that I love having watches at all price points. I may love the expensive pieces more but the affordables are more fun. Most important is that you’re doing this for you and only you. If you don’t know what you like, I’d say take a pause and try and look at as many watches as you can at AD’s. You can have some experience without buying. This will definitely help with impulse buys online. Or at least it does for me. Don’t chase hype on affordables. That’s where a lot of collectors get in trouble and their collections balloon.

[@lihanou]

always consolidate - you only wear one watch at a time and you should wear the finest.

[@TheSuperGenius]

Get 1 or 2 heavy's, and then have fun with all the micro beaters....

[@t28mcd]

Exactly what I do. Best of both worlds. 😎

[@vjboca44]

Bruce's hair game is off the charts! Well done!

[@korien8976]

My approach is heavy hitters and a lot of fun with Casios and G-Shocks.

[@SaltyWatchCollector]

I've thought about going this route a few times. Great stuff

[@Gumby56]

I started with a Rolex submariner with the Cyclops and Tudor 1926, both gone now. I now own 45 watches, one from every major brand and I wear them. "Buying yourself an education", excellent Bruce👍👍👍

[@OzaineChiarello]

I like the watch I got from AMZWATCH. That rubber strap combo looks really cool! Been wearing it since last year and love every minute of it.

[@jigsaw7019]

I think that every watch enthusiasts shares the same conundrum Bruce. Logic says that we only ever “need” one watch as that’s all we can wear at a time, however there is just so much choice and temptation out there that our “wants” take over our mindset. You’re right by saying to just do what makes you happy. For me there’s no middle ground. Either give me a $20 watch that will do the job, or I’d go for a single grail watch. One and done, not 20 middle of the road models that the shine will soon disappear and leave you searching for “the one”. Love your channel mate.

[@garyh.2487]

There is a ultra high-end watch store in Menlo Park California, which sells used $200,000 MB&F watches, and used $400,000 Greubel Forcey watches because the owners want to get the newest versions. It never ends.

[@vincentschneuwly9783]

I am reaching the 20 watches mark, my collection's spectrum goes from a Seiko 5 to Royal Oak chronograph blue dial. The experience, the journey and the enjoyment are the most important and each single watch brings something different to the table, but I am getting to the point it's complicated to give wrist time to each watch....

[@henqmusic]

I think that in the end a collection should always be between 2 and a maximum of 5 watches (price doesn't matter). Everything is said in this spectrum. Anyone who is unable to express themselves within this framework has a lack of focus. A collection is always characterized by a common thread. It doesn't get better with more watches. And you won´t feel better. 2 - 5 is sweet spot. And there will always be that 1 watch that you will chose over all the others :))

[@peterkalos6271]

My collection journey as of late has definitely been more quantity over heavy hitters. I prefer to get 4-7 $500 watches a year more than one or two 2-4K watch. Now do I wish I had a seamaster, a datejust, Grand Seiko, or Zulu Time…yes of course. But I enjoy getting a new piece every few months…keeps the journey fresh. Also, Ive been having fun getting into limited editions from micros like Spinnaker, AVI-8, TSAO, Jack Mason, etc….

[@shanephillips8735]

Great video! I feel the most comfortable wearing a max of £1500, as I know if I break it or lose it I'd be gutted, anything more expensive wouldn't get worn properly out of being over cautious. My collecton now consists of anything from £50 up to a couple that are £1500. I'm trying to keep the total number below 20, but the struggle to continually collect or consolidate is ongoing...

[@jjjfffppp]

In my opinion based on my years of collecting and living a very active lifestyle. For me I like having only one or two " heavy hitters". And a nice variety of mid tier and micro/affordable options.

[@Ibowers2]

Great topic and video. For me, I love Tudor watches and I've found that collecting Tudors is a lot easier now that you can pick up great models(new or BNIB) for less than retail. That is a great brand for skating this line. BTW, what watch is that from the video still shot with the large steel bezel??

[@realalexmackenzie]

It really is a different journey for everyone. Focusing on the "different" has helped me enjoy other people's current collections. If I had trouble respecting the difference part, I might risk being overly judgmental and miss out on the chance to learn and appreciate a piece I might not personally choose at this stage. And "journey" because there really is not destination, nor does there need to be. Enjoy that journey. My collection has evolved in ways I would never have imagined 7 year ago when I got into this hobby. It makes me wonder where it will be in 7 more years. As far as the "hardest" question, buy what moves you, when it moves you. Be patient enough to buy at the right price, and patient enough to sell (should that time ever come) at the right price. I have enjoyed the process of both the buying and selling and have so far bought and sold over 100 watches. The net financial result has been positive, very positive in fact. Over time I'm sure the "profit" will erode, and that's okay. I'm sure when all is said and done and the last watch leaves the collection (ideally after I'm long gone), I'm sure the unrecovered money will be money well-spent and much cheaper than a weekly golf game. As to where I'm at now... I buy far less frequently, with a corresponding need to sell less frequently. I am completing the last big purge and plan to go from the current 28 down to somewhere around 15-18 watches. From there I would imagine only a handful of transactions per year. I have done the lower end watches, and they were a great part of that journey. Now with an appreciation for craftsmanship grounded in years of learning, plus a more recent foray into precious metal, I find myself focused on the bigger dollar pieces. The idea of selling everything and putting the funds into a "one and done" perfect grail occasionally pops into my head. Maybe some day, but for now I would miss the variety.

[@M3_86]

Great topic guys. I just got into this game this year. Have a Hamilton KFA titanium Ave recently bought an FOIS. I always go through this dilemma where 2k can be put towards the Rolex I want next but in the meantime there are so many great watches priced way below that. Patience has helped me a lot. Also a Baltic at $600 scratches my itch while not having much of an impact towards the Rolex. Besides I’m still letting the secondary market on Rolex calm down even more than it has (Explorer 1 39mm). Love this format guys Edit: you guys were spot on in the content after I typed this comment!

[@Anditspee]

No wrong or rights but a good idea is to yes get a small selection of heavy hitters say 3-4. However, instead of getting a 5th heavy hitter use that money to buy 5 really cool microbrand/seikos - that way you’re getting depth but also breadth in your collection.

[@evh4611]

Both. Every collection need "lower end / cheaper" watches as well. Or not. I don't know. I like Jeff McMahon his Seiko collection, heck i love it. Everytime i look at his collection i think about adding Seiko's

[@Mall_Watch]

I think the big hitter vs more pieces really becomes a thing after you have that first big hitter. It's hard to take it off. For me as long as the big hitter doesn't overlap another part of my collection, im not going to consolidate.

[@davemcc7713]

I struggle with this question every day. I would like another heavy hitter but I am weak. Every Longines or Hamilton or small brand I buy puts me one more step away from that super, super nice watch. Even though I have more watches than I need, I love every one. They all get worn and they all get appreciated.

[@wristopia4101]

That's the beauty of a Rolex wait list for me. Eat at the Mall while you wait for a table at a decent restaurant.

[@joeylopez7978]

I used to want a heavy hitter. Then I seen the movie 'once upon a time in Hollywood' and seen how cool Brad Pitt looked in that Citizen bullhead chronograph.

[@wristopia4101]

@@joeylopez7978 Brad Pitt would make a Breitling look cool!

[@scottwexlin6456]

I’m going through some of these imaginations myself right now. There are a couple of “heavy hitters“ that I’d like to get problem is, is one or two are going to have to go in order to do that. I should just be happy with what I have.

[@danr.413]

Love these conversations with you two! I hope they keep coming because I'll keep watching

[@MrZanzibar123]

The video going along with your discussion here is perfect! Love it. (That image of three Willards is super tempting; I already have two...)

[@joeylopez7978]

Another thing people need to realize that it's not hard to have a nicer watch than most people these days. Most people wear an apple watch. A nice Seiko or Baltic will make you stand out these days.

[@rogergrant455]

Well, in my many years of experience collecting/wearing watches ( I'm not a rich guy), my advice is to buy as FEW as possible as NICE as possible REGARDLESS OF PRICE!!!!! E.g in my case, I bought a rose gold Nautica with red/brown strap about 15 years ago cost only U$225....I absolutely love this watch!!!! I have a Longines perpetual calender with chronograph U$3500 Love it too!!! Rolex Two tone date just..... As a watch lover there will always be new watches that MOVE YOU but if you keep on buying then when you have to go out, you don't know what to wear!!!!😮😮😮 Too much choice!!😮😮😮

[@BruceWilliams]

Great comment

[@lazerbeam608]

Seiko( also GS) and Rolex. If you stick with those, youll be very happy with your collection, regardless of count. Horology history and heavy hitters.

[@coronetmag]

Another great discussion, guys. Thank you! 👍👍

[@dielalex89]

Great video - Im more the type to enjoy high dollar piece (2 or 3) and then maybe a fun watch or two and thats good for me.. but I enjoyed hearing the different perspectives!

[@ABCdotcom]

5:00 and to many of us guys, shoes and bags are all the same!! 😬

[@jaysterling26]

Some ladies buy shoes & never wear them !? Actually, some chaps have started doing that with sports shoes- I would say crazy but last night I saw onTV one gent's collection of them worth 000s.Nothing makes sense.

[@sinjinadams2862]

This question is a lot easier the wealthier you are. If money is no object it's very simple, Heavy Hitters! If you're a young person just starting out with not much money, Variety! I guess it's the people inbetween that this question really applies to. Then I guess it just comes down to how much money your wife is going to allow you to spend.

[@khronokraze]

Totally. Well put. I can't add any more to what was stated. Currently, I have roughly 3-4 watches and 3x 3-watch watch rolls and a 12-slot watch box. And, those couldn't hold everything I had for a long stretch of time. Can you tell what phase I'm in now?

[@BruceWilliams]

haha you consolidated, and I'm guessing there will be more purchases coming!

[@khronokraze]

@@BruceWilliams I have and, of course, yes.

[@jerryglasses]

Im definitely a variety guy. I just like wearing watches to match my cloths and activities. 10k+ watches dont really appeal to me even though i could afford them. I find more enjoyment in a variety of less expensive watches. I really like the 2 to 5k bracket. So many really good watches. Especially grey and used. I also like to wear them so they tend to get beat up.

[@jackiemoon_lms]

I have 4 heavy hitters, a Seiko and two g shocks. Even at that rate, if I wear one, it feels like a waste to have three other big hitters sitting in the watch box. Almost feels like I’m moving towards the two watch collection of big hitters and the gshocks. Mentally it stresses me out knowing I have that much money sitting in the watch box not getting the wrist time of my main big hitter, the original Omega planet ocean.

[@Nj-gt5fz]

To be honest a few quality pieces made by decent brands .not Chinese homages on ali express.

[@SaltyWatchCollector]

Great conversation buddy, after doing this video I still don't know what the right answer is. Just buy what you like and let the chips fall where they may

[@matthewjaskot3470]

I just obtained my grail watch and now have the perfect 2 watch collection Pelagos LHD Omega Ultra Deep

[@VMIyanks04]

This is the second time I’m watching this video because I’m in the middle of this conundrum right now. Do I save up for a pre-owned BB58 Blue or get 3-4 cheaper watches that I also love and are keepers?!

[@quarters-eye8922]

How about a variety of heavy hitters. 👍 If only I could afford it. 😔

[@BruceWilliams]

The ideal situation haha

[@joeylopez7978]

Amelia Earhart, Humphrey Bogart, Albert Einstein all wore Longines, and Bruce Lee wore a Seiko. Are you a better person than them?

[@sinjinadams2862]

This is kind of a silly question isn't it. Everyone would be a heavy hitter if they were wealthy. Dammed money always getting in the way!

[@joeylopez7978]

@sinjinadams2862 I disagree. I have a friend with a 4 watch collection of Panerai's. After seeing Panerai IRL I wasn't impressed at all. I have nicer watches at a fraction of the price.

[@siddhant46s54]

I have watch rotation anxiety, can’t deal with a huge collection. 6-8 heavy hitters and i’m at peace

[@KeepingWatchUK]

Lots of varied heavy hitters! 👍🏻

[@malkinmalone]

If there is one thing I wish I would have learned sooner is that microbrands lose their luster pretty quick. I think pretty much all of them only get worn the first couple of months I owned them. For all the microbrands i purchased in my first 2 years of watch collecting I could have purchased 4 or 5 really nice watches. I think you see a ton of micros all over KZbin because it is unlimited content for creators. Most creators are not actually buying or wearing those watches. I still enjoy watching the content at times but to anyone who is starting out stick to buying brands people know for the most part. If you want to sell a Hamilton or Tissot that you bought for 500 bucks it is much easier to get more of your money back than a random microbrand that no one will remember the name of in 5 years.

[@brunogravena9742]

Variety of watches you like it can be from a fun watch to sport to dress, But something you will look at your wrist and say I made a good purchase for my taste. Yes people will say what they want about it but others can be envious about it, every body have their taste that's why is difficult to become popular

[@jonnypescado1]

I'm going for a core of keepers & a periphery of experience watches. Also, define "big hitter". That's under $15k for me.

[@quarters-eye8922]

Bruce - When are you going to get your GO Panomatic Lunar ?

[@wristopia4101]

It's all about the watch. Don't buy any watch unless it holds its own at its price point and certainly do not buy a Tudor or whatever if you want a Rolex etc. So important to get that discount on all pieces for future selling too. Consolidation is very different to selling off dead wood. I considered a VC Overseas, but now think I would rather keep three Rolex's. One Rolex is better than three Tudors though, and seven Pagani's are the biggest waste of money ever!

[@petewilson2314]

I agree that it's about the journey and one needs to go down the road of multiple cheapo's before you learn what you truly appreciate

[@BRV2728]

I sold every single watch I had except 2 of my G shocks lol looking to add 2 pieces, Rolex & Omega. With those ill end my watch journey

[@derekbrettell8121]

I like to have 3 or 4 really good watches that i can rotate through weekly. Its stressful enough as it is without having a dozen plus watches 😂 that sounds like a headache

[@watchfalcon122]

Trust me...skip the shitter phase and just get the heavy hitters you really want. "All roads lead to Rolex" Learn it early or learn it the hard way.

[@wristopia4101]

The answer to most of these either/or questions is.......... Both.

[@mariog7213]

If your conclusion was quality over quantity then save up 500k for a Greubel Forsey instead of wasting your money on a bunch of Rolexes

[@tab3Gator]

Anybody who trades a classic for multiple microbrands needs to have their head examined.

[@Reese1105]

i have been collecting for 12 years: Buy a Certina as a starter watch. Wait maybe 1-2 years. save money. save enough so that you could buy a Rolex or Omega. Then decide what you want. if you have children or plan to have children, try focusing on something whcih retains value and which has a neutral size (39-41mm). Rolex or Omega should offer a variety of choice to pick from.

[@RinMagoo22]

This other guy isn’t it

[@richreyes1214]

1st 🏆