Watch Collecting Tips & Thoughts For New(ish) Collectors

Let's talk watch collecting - New format VLOG Style because I'm sick of the same shot in the same office, and I'm sure you are too. Let's discuss how we should interact as enthusiasts and how to help new collectors.

[@Milofchg]

You hit the nail right on the head!!!! Great insight and I use to feel the way you did. Might I add a few opinions and some advice. 1) Watch collecting is a journey 2) having money to buy the latest and greatest is ok, but it’s not organic. It’s not as special as the guy who wears that one watch everyday doing whatever he or she does. 3) the story is unique 4) collecting themes or direction is subjective. 5) You DO NOT need a Rolex to solidify your collection 6) big collections are great but you only have two wrists. 7) build your collection that reflects your lifestyle and income 8) It’s OK to spoil yourself. Sure a Rolex OP, Speedmaster or Cartier Tank IS expensive and arguably unjustifiable… BUT think of this. The hard work to save make the watch more special. The value will retain more than your car in 10-20 years. If you have a wife or person in your life that you are willing to pay $2k - $15k on a ring or more on a wedding???? A watch will retain its value AND its useful jewelry. I mean what can a diamond do for you or your partner???? So when you think $2k or $9k is excessive….. it’s not if you put your hard work and include that watch to be a part of you. 9) You can always pass it down to your son/daughter/relative/loved one/friend….. be it a affordable watch or expensive watch. 10) think of this…. My dad was a steel worker and owns a 5513 Sub & GMT Pepsi from the late 60’s. He rocked his watches all his life. These will go to his grandson. My son will be proud of his grandfathers watches. Why? Because he valued quality over hype. He lived a blue collar life, yet aspired to own something her values…. Time. He once said “Time is something no one can buy, control, or take back, so respect Time. I live in my moments, to me that’s the essence of time. So when I look at my watch. I see time with respect, reverence, and elegance”.

[@Watch_Papa]

There’s also getting a watch because you’re supposed to like it, or the specs are great, or your friends like it or KZbinrs rave about it but ultimately the watches that stay are simply ones that make you feel “cool” when you put them on.

[@temptingfate759]

You nailed it... I have a collection that only applies to my memories...ie 1. Casio Pathfinder - used at Mt Everest 2. Casio G Shock for surfing 3. I scuba dived around the world - my Rolex Deepsea reminds me of that 4. Omega Speedmaster because I saw one in Europe when I was much younger and I loved the space program. It always reminds me of the rocket launches to the moon I watched as a kid. Seiko Prospex Diver: goes anywhere and I always use it skiing. That's it, each watch is used, represents a memory, and is a collection only relevant to my life.

[@thegorn]

I have a friend who will never buy a Rolex Submariner because the man who molested him as a child had one. Might have been a submariner copy but yeah same thing it's all about the memories both good and bad.

[@songoku-jx3cb]

Great video i think the most important thing before you build a collection and put significant (subjective) money into it is understanding why you want said watch and what kind of collection you are building are you a tool watch guy or a vintage guy , a dress guy or a mixture maybe you are more into watches with history maybe you just like to keep collecting multiple watches or maybe you only want 2 have 3-4 the point is you shouldn’t like your collection because of external validation you should love your watches because they are yours and you put thought and effort into them and they have stories and battle scars which make them a part of your life

[@jackcampbell7848]

All very good points. Buy watches for yourself, not other people. Don’t put pressure on yourself that your collection should look a certain way

[@HarrisonElmore]

Agreed!

[@danschlacks7188]

Great video. I recently went to my first watch get-together in Chicago and had the same dilema, what to wear. I decided I didn't have anything attention getting, so I wore a 20 year old Pulsar solar quartz. It looks great, runs very well and garnered a number of comments. Your point is dead on, Rolex can be common (although I don't have one yet), so wear what you like. Thanks!

[@HarrisonElmore]

Nice choice! That sounds way more unique!

[@ColinLack]

I agree with you. I've been a collector for a while now. But, I'm primarily into micro brands and watches that are a bit different. I have 4 watches that ALWAYS get compliments, one of which I don't wear frequently. The one I don't wear frequently is my Phoibos Wave Master gen 1 in blue. I don't wear it often as it's really just too big for me. The others are my Vario 1918 Trench Watch with the grey dial, my red dial Reverie Diver with 12-hr bezel and my Lorier Safari with copper dial. I like them because they're different, and people ask me about them because they're different. Do I have some aspirational watches? Yeah for sure. But I'm mostly happy splashing around in the shallow end with some less common pieces.

[@kojiattwood]

Very cool collection!

[@ColinLack]

@@kojiattwood thanks

[@tab3Gator]

I think a bit like you in that I want roles or slots filled so I have the right tool for the job. I have a GMT for travel, a spring drive for work, a chrono and a sports watch now. I’m taking my time with my next spot, the dress watch. Because once I fill that role, I’m done. Well, until I need to retire and replace a model (which is unlikely at this point)

[@manueljnegrete5048]

I am new to your channel. Your view on watch collecting is spot on for me. For myself the hunt is the intoxicating part of it. My watches expand all the way from a $20 walmart casio to Omegas, Tudors and all in between. But I also have a few old wall clocks and a grandfather clock in our home that has a very special connection from our past. Sometimes I have had regrets about the number of watches that I have but that just comes with my watch passion. All started for me as a boy growing up in a small town. Sorry for rambling on, good day.

[@micahsexton4281]

There's something to be said for long time collectors coming back to their roots/appreciating the ones they also started with. Someone who is a little into the hobby won't be as impressed by my casio as someone who has been collecting for so long that they've come back to a classic casio for nostalgia.

[@twoedc4202]

Sound, lighting, candidness, flow... I'd have to say this is some of your best quality content yet. Really digging this natural style. Looking forward to your reasoning on why you let the Pelagos 39 go. Cheers!

[@HarrisonElmore]

Appreciate it!

[@KP-wp5sz]

Hey I really love the honesty here. I found that, and perhaps it my years of working with spreadsheets, but I can’t really tell the watch brand from afar. You buy watches for you, not for others because most of them don’t care anyway! Keep up the good work!

[@robertp5123]

Excellent video! You are spot on with your approach of a watch collector / enthusiast. I strongly believe that it is absolutely fine with whatever collection of watches one may have. If you enjoy a watch and it tells your journey and story, this is what it is all about.

[@jaymt1982]

I have been so guilty of this. The value of my collection isn't crazy its affordable. Thanks for this video.

[@nickabraham8060]

totally struggle with this too. the line of what's too much or not enough in the collection has really torn me recently. Really appreciate the perspective and way you think about struggling with it too.

[@CoteTocantes]

Great video. It is a question of perspective. The first question you shoud ask yourself is why you are a watch enthousiast. I can afford a Rolex but don' own any luxury watch. The favorite watch in my collection is an unkonwn brand from the 50's that I bought for 20 euros on a flea market.

[@yitza2698]

Love your content! Can’t wait for more. Great work 🎉

[@HarrisonElmore]

More to come!

[@jroobz]

Cool topic to discuss. I’ve seen a lot of online vitriol about the blancpain swatch, looking down noses

[@janihellberg6911]

Feel that for most people you need to get a rolex in you're collection so you can kind of get it out of you're system. I felt that after gettin few it freed me to look beyond that tier and better find my style. I bought and love my Selten series 00.00 and I don't think I would have bought that watch if I didin't feel my collection had an "anchor" piece. Now I'm thinking sellin 2 out of three and get my first "heavy hitter". I still think I will always have one in my collection, it's kind of an benchmark.

[@Chavez_inc]

Great video

[@borassictime918]

Absolutely right. There are great, interesting, watches at every price point; just look at the new Bulova Jet Star - a fabulous reimagining of a design from 50 years ago you can pick up for

[@supaflymicros]

Everyone is different, one watch may bring enjoyment to one and not the other. Get what works for you and never compare to anyone. No matter what you are comparing, someone always has less than and someone will always have more.

[@simonwright6882]

I don't follow any rules in my collection. I have a number of watches in three different price brackets. Right now I'm actually enjoying a new model san Martin and I'm blown away by how good it is for little money.

[@salukibeancounter9589]

Well said. Great video, as always.

[@stevethompson7910]

Bingo!

[@luckybastard9118]

Right on target with that! Good job.

[@HarrisonElmore]

Thanks!

[@CjR88]

Great video!

[@HarrisonElmore]

Thanks!

[@lrbrown]

Interesting points and I think most people have that inferiority issue at some stage. The funny thing is, the people I know with Patek’s and similar don’t give a crap about watches - they’re just rich…..

[@antg.3846]

Great vid! 👍🏽

[@HarrisonElmore]

Thanks!

[@tightlines106]

My monthly budget is $600 Aussie dollars on seiko citizen orient Casio

[@MrFloRolf]

Are you treating it like actually buying $600 worth of watches a month or is this also seen as your savings, so either a 600 watch this month or a 1800 watch in 3 months?

[@RabbitWatchShop]

Within a year and a half, you're in Rolex territory. Save your money and purchase a Tudor, Omega, Rolex, Breitling, Grand Seiko, and so on. All those brands will provide something that will make you smile every time you look at your wrist; something your children or grandchildren will be happy to inherit.

[@aulzhoefer]

@@RabbitWatchShopIt’s an individual thing, although I tend to agree better to buy a quality watch worth handing down than a draw full of $100 watches. That doesn’t mean a few less expensive watches aren’t enjoyable. Then again I think a Hanhart, Christopher Ward or Stowa are great watches. I still ultimately want a Rolex but it’s not a pinnacle.

[@RabbitWatchShop]

@@aulzhoefer I agree. I also own affordable watches, but own luxury pieces too. Although I enjoy both, I’m proud to own the luxury examples.

[@aulzhoefer]

@@RabbitWatchShop after stumbling into a watch addiction I initially was drawn to the brand names, now I see the value and beautiful in the smaller brands, there are some interesting German watches with equal quality and heritages that hasn’t been corporatised.