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Thread: Shrink the collection...get better watches

  1. #1
    Master
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    Shrink the collection...get better watches

    That's my way of looking at it. Reducing a big collection down to two or three watches, can be good for the soul. What's more, you can afford (arguably) better models. But most important of all....
    You have to decide what aspects of a watch you really care about. So, three watch maximum. Two is better.
    And there will be a few brave souls who decide to shrink to one watch. My heroes.
    Last edited by paskinner; 8th December 2018 at 14:23.

  2. #2
    Master Papa Hotel's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by paskinner View Post
    there will be a few brave souls who decide to shrink to one watch. My heroes.
    I largely agree that quality is more satisfying than quantity, but I just don't understand the idea that a watch enthusiast should aim for a single watch. One watch is for people who don't give a monkey's about watches, not the person who appreciates the nuances of this hobby.

  3. #3
    Grand Master SimonK's Avatar
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    The idea of owning one watch is as vacuous as suggesting you should only own one tie, one pair of shoes or one CD.

  4. #4
    My view it that it’s about maximising the number of watches in a collection given the following constraints:
    - what you really love and want to own (experience counts for a lot here)
    - budget
    - wear time (I like wearing my watches, no safe queens for me)

  5. #5
    Quote Originally Posted by paskinner View Post
    That's my way of looking at it. Reducing a big collection down to two or three watches, can be good for the soul. What's more, you can afford (arguably) better models. But most important of all....
    You have to decide what aspects of a watch you really care about. So, three watch maximum. Two is better.
    And there will be a few brave souls who decide to shrink to one watch. My heroes.
    Nah, too boring.

  6. #6
    Grand Master dkpw's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Holsterman View Post
    Nah, too boring.
    So long as you've approached the problem scientifically.

  7. #7
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    The problem is when you get sentimentality attached to a watch but rarely wear it for whatever reason. The collection then grows 😂

  8. #8
    Quote Originally Posted by dkpw View Post
    So long as you've approached the problem scientifically.
    I have.

    https://forum.tz-uk.com/showthread.p...39#post4961439

  9. #9
    Master subseastu's Avatar
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    I think three is probably a sweet spot in all honesty. A diver, a chrono and a beater would cover most bases most people will ever need from their watches. Within the range you can decide on precious metals, two tone etc. Throw in modern and / or vintage and there's plenty to think about. I've just realised I have nine watches and want a couple (ha) more so am in no way qualified to comment on this.

  10. #10
    Master mrwozza70's Avatar
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    The fact we're here discussing the hobby probably means we're going to be forever collecting, adjusting collection, broadening or focussing... 'all hope is probably lost'

    Very few, very lucky people can simply keep adding to a collection, or have a very clear concept for their personal end game... and then when they reach it just stop!

    I for one accept... I'm an incurable addict... I like to try lots of different brands, new and vintage, and I'm sure I will explore lots of new watches in 2019. However, if I fall on tough times I know that a Casio F-91W would also make a great one watch.

  11. #11
    Master
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    Quote Originally Posted by SimonK View Post
    The idea of owning one watch is as vacuous as suggesting you should only own one tie, one pair of shoes or one CD.
    These days, I think I do only own one tie....and no CDs.

  12. #12
    Master
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    I get the concept and have indeed got down to three at one point and then up again, then down, then up.... and so the circus continues.

  13. #13
    Master Neilw3030's Avatar
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    I like variety and splashes of colour so many is my model. The idea is every so often have a cull as I do have a number that I don’t wear or rarely, trouble is I have a number of micro brands and with the very low production numbers can be a real headache to find again after I miss them too much.
    Three would just never work fo me as I like them on display when not wearing.

  14. #14
    Master
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    I get why most people might only own one car and one house but never one watch. I should expand on that really - one watch is enough for 99% of people, but not for the good people on here.

    We are here because one watch is never enough, neither is 2 or 3, we are to share our obsession, talk about our grail watch and about our perfect duo, or trio or multiple collection.

    We all eventually find that grail, that duo, that trio or that 100 piece collection and then we share it with each other.

    We become happy and content that we have achieved nirvana.

    The odd member or two then ‘retire’ from this game of watches and it’s obsessive behaviour. . . . .

    The rest of us realise that grail watch turned out to not be a grail, that perfect duo or trio, wasn’t quite as prefect as it seemed, so we start the search all over again.

    I’ve had some amazing watches and I’m still not there - think if I was I’d be a bit gutted to be honest.

  15. #15
    Master
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    I consolidated with no regrets (see pics)

    Will prob add another next year (if only I could get a Pepsi) - then a case of rinse and repeat later on



    Last edited by kultschar; 8th December 2018 at 17:39.

  16. #16
    Grand Master seikopath's Avatar
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    What does 'better' mean?
    Good luck everybody. Have a good one.

  17. #17
    Master
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    Guess “better” in the collectors eyes

  18. #18
    Quote Originally Posted by seikopath View Post
    What does 'better' mean?
    Exactly!

    I can’t see better being a main driver over a certain point. For most a certain brand is more than good enough. For me the Rolex 16600 Sea-Dweller is the best watch ever made, but it’s not going to be my only watch.

    Why limit to 1, 2, 3, or 10?

    I can see the point if you have say £20k for arguments sake (both in ready cash, and in actually mental ability have that amount put aside to spend on a watch or watches). You could buy either one watch, like a steel Patek, a precious metal Rolex (or over RRP harder to get steel), or a number of watches that make you feel good when you wear them.

    For some people the one more expensive watch is the right answer, for others it’s having a few watches that match different perceived uses. Others enjoy trying many different brands and flipping quickly to try the next release or goal. I can only speak for myself, and I buy what I like - I probably have a mental limit of the most I’d like to spend on one watch, but if my 5711 was suddenly worth £60k on the used market that’s different to what it has cost me, and I’d most likely still keep it and wear it, as it was my first Patek. I sold my first ever Rolex as a lesson that there is no point being sentimental about inanimate objects.

    None of the above options is wrong.
    Last edited by Omegamanic; 8th December 2018 at 17:47.
    It's just a matter of time...

  19. #19
    Grand Master seikopath's Avatar
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    I think after a certain point in the game, there's no 'better', only 'different'
    Good luck everybody. Have a good one.

  20. #20
    Grand Master seikopath's Avatar
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    By that I mean that there is not a linear progression, but a circular movement.
    Good luck everybody. Have a good one.

  21. #21
    Master
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    Why does consolidation need to mean fewer more expensive watches?

    If I were to consolidate, in all honesty I'd rather have my PRS29 than my 16660. Or at least until I can get my hands on the white 36mm Everest :) but I'll just keep hold of the lot and enjoy them all seeing as I can :) I like collecting things, so until I am forced to for reasons such as space or money, I'll continue to collect. Be it shoes, guns, knives, watches, bottles of hot sauce, and so on. Variety is the spice of life :)

  22. #22
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    Shrink the collection...get better watches

    Well, yes, 'better' is always a matter of choice. Here's my view of a 'better' watch.
    Now, that's generally seen as a highly sought-after watch. But this is better....better looking, better to wear, more fun.

    And I'd prefer to sell the ceramic, and a couple of other watches, to get it. Purely personal of course.
    Now, here's arguably the opposite. A 40mm DayDate. Quite yummy if you like conservative watches.
    But, is it a lot more desirable than this Datejust?
    Personally, I think the notion of 'better' is more problematic here, given that the DD40 costs more than four times as much, but looks similar and is of similar quality.
    But that's just me.....
    And just to confuse matters, here's a watch highly worthwhile to own, because of inflated values.
    But is it a 'better' watch? Not to me, but clearly the market takes another view.
    And finally (phew) I see this as a 'better' watch, but generally, the market is indifferent. It's quartz, so a none-runner' . So, no real answers.
    Last edited by paskinner; 8th December 2018 at 18:19.

  23. #23
    Grand Master Der Amf's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by seikopath View Post
    What does 'better' mean?
    Something more expensive that you don't like as much

  24. #24
    I would try switching the 5711 to one with a blue dial, that would be something to consider as a "number of watches neutral move", unless you really prefer the white?

  25. #25
    Quote Originally Posted by Holsterman View Post
    I would try switching the 5711 to one with a blue dial, that would be something to consider as a "number of watches neutral move", unless you really prefer the white?
    Just have both, surely?
    It's just a matter of time...

  26. #26
    Quote Originally Posted by Omegamanic View Post
    Just have both, surely?
    Ha, well of course, but he's trying to restrict numbers. Both would be the ideal - if you can find them. The market's gone nuts for these as everyone knows. A great watch I'd certainly love to own. The Seiko looks nice as well. I'm not a Daytona fan personally, but another fantastic watch with a big following. Fluted bezels are too much for me as well, I'm not nearly enough of an extrovert. But they look great on other people.
    Last edited by Holsterman; 8th December 2018 at 20:22.

  27. #27
    Grand Master snowman's Avatar
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    I used to have one watch for years (well 2 strictly speaking, but one I wore every day except for family events).

    I had no serious interest in watches then.

    Then I got hooked. I have 35 or so watches.

    Sure I have 10 I probably never wear, but all the others get wrist time.

    I sometimes think I should scale it back, not to get a 'better' watch, just to make it more manageable, but when I start going through them I realise most were bought because I liked something about them and when I look at them again, it comes back to me.

    One, two, three watches? For some it's a goal, but I see no appeal personally.

    M

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  28. #28
    I've always thought I'd get rid of everything I own if I had the hugely versatile IWC Aquatimer Titanium - the one with the matt black bezel.

    But in reality, there's about 10-12 watches I've been given for presents or scrimped and saved for that I just couldn't part with. Maybe I'd put them in storage?

    Edit: This one: 3536?
    Last edited by HenPecked; 9th December 2018 at 00:12.

  29. #29
    Grand Master MartynJC (UK)'s Avatar
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    I could probably shrink my collection to these two - but enjoy the others as variety:


    Last edited by MartynJC (UK); 9th December 2018 at 00:09.

  30. #30
    Master
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    Think that’s the steel version, but all 3 variants of 3536 are exceptional 😍
    Quote Originally Posted by HenPecked View Post
    I've always thought I'd get rid of everything I own if I had the hugely versatile IWC Aquatimer Titanium - the one with the matt black bezel.

    But in reality, there's about 10-12 watches I've been given for presents or scrimped and saved for that I just couldn't part with. Maybe I'd put them in storage?

    Edit: This one: 3536?

  31. #31
    Grand Master oldoakknives's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Holsterman View Post


  32. #32
    Master
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    Quote Originally Posted by Holsterman View Post
    I would try switching the 5711 to one with a blue dial, that would be something to consider as a "number of watches neutral move", unless you really prefer the white?
    I do prefer white...but I don't want either. Not that I could afford one these days with prices as they are.
    A basic Grand Seiko quartz and a white gold Daytona would work for me. And these days, gold Daytonas are not hughly more costly than steel.
    I honestly prefer just two or three watches. Concentrates the mind.In fact i'l be selling one this week to keep within my 'rules.'
    Last edited by paskinner; 9th December 2018 at 03:38.

  33. #33
    Master
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    Quote Originally Posted by Omegamanic View Post
    Exactly!

    I can’t see better being a main driver over a certain point. For most a certain brand is more than good enough. For me the Rolex 16600 Sea-Dweller is the best watch ever made, but it’s not going to be my only watch.

    Why limit to 1, 2, 3, or 10?

    I can see the point if you have say £20k for arguments sake (both in ready cash, and in actually mental ability have that amount put aside to spend on a watch or watches). You could buy either one watch, like a steel Patek, a precious metal Rolex (or over RRP harder to get steel), or a number of watches that make you feel good when you wear them.

    For some people the one more expensive watch is the right answer, for others it’s having a few watches that match different perceived uses. Others enjoy trying many different brands and flipping quickly to try the next release or goal. I can only speak for myself, and I buy what I like - I probably have a mental limit of the most I’d like to spend on one watch, .........but if my 5711 was suddenly worth £60k on the used market that’s different to what it has cost me..........., and I’d most likely still keep it and wear it, as it was my first Patek. I sold my first ever Rolex as a lesson that there is no point being sentimental about inanimate objects.

    None of the above options is wrong.
    5711, give it 4-5 years and it will be.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  34. #34
    I sometimes think about shrinking my collection down to 10-15, that would include my most regularly worn, at a range of price points, and a few that I just don’t want to sell. If I can be bothered that is probably what I will end up doing.

    However I have no interest in shrinking the collection to say 4-6 just to buy watches that are more expensive than the decent watches that I have. I have tried on expensive watches on numerous occasions and just can’t convince myself to spend more on a single watch.

  35. #35
    Owning a number of watches helps keep each of them ‘fresh’ for me - I tend to wear one for 4-5 days at a time, which means some could go a month or more between wearing, which allows me to appraise them afresh, noticing new aspects or re-affirming why I bought them in the first place. Staring at the same one or two watches everyday would bore me, I think.

  36. #36
    Craftsman
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    i am only just starting out but I am trying to get very disciplined - only buying in the first place what I love and continue to love for at least 6 months - it’s surprising how many things I like as a fad and then a month later I lose interest. I also have a rule that I buy one watch per year and up to a collection size of 5. Currently I have a sub and a DJ but in 2019 I think I will add a VC Overseas Gen 2.

    I know overs love buying and flipping and each to their own... I like the diversity of the collecting element as well as the collections themselves.

  37. #37
    Master
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    Perhaps this just comes down to whether you are a 'collector' or not. I seem to wage a constant battle to keep-down the number of possessions. As I enjoy possessions, this is not easy. I hope, one day, to have just a single watch. Like normal people. Not there yet.....

  38. #38
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    I got down to one watch.. then realised each day is different.


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  39. #39
    Master
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    Quote Originally Posted by KingKitega View Post
    I got down to one watch.. then realised each day is different.


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    I had high hopes of you......

  40. #40
    Master
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    Quote Originally Posted by paskinner View Post
    I had high hopes of you......
    To be fair, my ideal watch is not out there..

    Lume
    Titanium
    GMT
    Day function
    Super accurate
    38-41mm size
    Prestige

    Hence my search continues but happy to rotate three watches until someone makes the above watch.

    Sent from my EVR-L29 using Tapatalk

  41. #41
    Master
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    Well, I assume the nearest to that specification is likely to be a spring-drive at some point. A mechanical watch won't be 'super accurate'. It's a very demanding set of criteria.

  42. #42
    Well it will be 99.99% accurate if it’s one of the latest specifications.
    It's just a matter of time...

  43. #43
    Grand Master Neil.C's Avatar
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    If I could get it down to a hundred or so.....

    But why would I want to? They take up very little room and really it's money in the bank.

    I have a few Rolexes but they are on the whole pretty boring . I am always on the lookout for interesting or great looking watches that don't cost the earth so it won't matter (if as often happens) I never wear them. Microrotors, unusual designs, movements etc etc.

    If watch collecting ever became boring to me i.e a variation on the same theme, I'd sell the lot, but it would take a while.
    Cheers,
    Neil.

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    http://www.freewebs.com/neil271052

  44. #44
    Master
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    Quote Originally Posted by Devonian View Post
    I get why most people might only own one car and one house but never one watch. I should expand on that really - one watch is enough for 99% of people, but not for the good people on here.

    We are here because one watch is never enough, neither is 2 or 3, we are to share our obsession, talk about our grail watch and about our perfect duo, or trio or multiple collection.

    We all eventually find that grail, that duo, that trio or that 100 piece collection and then we share it with each other.

    We become happy and content that we have achieved nirvana.

    The odd member or two then ‘retire’ from this game of watches and it’s obsessive behaviour. . . . .

    The rest of us realise that grail watch turned out to not be a grail, that perfect duo or trio, wasn’t quite as prefect as it seemed, so we start the search all over again.

    I’ve had some amazing watches and I’m still not there - think if I was I’d be a bit gutted to be honest.

    I am still interested in watches and enjoy reading about them as well as gawping at YouTube but I have totally lost the urge to buy any others. I have 8 and that is it, game over.

  45. #45
    I'm at 25 or so right now. I could pick my favourite three to keep, but next week it could be a different three.

  46. #46
    Having a decent small collection of interesting vintage watches I have come to the conclusion that it maybe time to move them on a get one or two 'proper' watches to replace them. One keeper and one replaceable. Understand the OPs sentiment. For me it gets to the point where maintenance of vintage watches and my own apprehension of damaging them, and subsequently reducing value, is not enjoyable.

  47. #47
    Master mycroft's Avatar
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    Peter, I don’t understand for the life of me why you would aspire to get down to a single watch “like a normal person”. You spend time here which means that by definition you’re not “normal” - none of us are!

    I do absolutely see the point in consolidating a collection to upscale it - I’ve done that more than once in that I’ve sold several to use the funds to buy one at a higher value. I sold all 7 of my Seikos at the time to buy my first Breitling. More recently I sold 5 watches to raise the funds to buy my Doxa Sub 1500t.

    That activity has seen my collection size vacillate between a high of 27 to a low of 11 - I’m now back up to 15 (although one is with a friend on long-term loan) and I’ve just agreed to buy my first Rolex (which will completely clean me out!).

    I’m now convinced that the lowest I would ever want to go down to would be 9...

    Simon

  48. #48
    Master
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    Getting down to a single watch is still a noble aim; it forces you to choose what really matters. You can still enjoy other watches, just no need to own them.
    After all, quite a few of us enjoy great sports cars, without ever even driving one.

  49. #49
    Master
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    I've just begun the process of reducing the collection with the intention to improve the overall quality, but just one watch?.
    No thanks.

  50. #50
    Craftsman
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    One watch?

    One watch for each brand (for a small number of brands) is perhaps more achievable than just three watches, not to even think about one watch!

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