Beginner's Guide to Collecting Watches: Philosophies on Building a Better Watch Collection

Welcome to another Episode of Clock Stock & Barrel, where we offer a consumer's opinion on everything watch related. Today we discuss... Building a watch collection.

- Clock Stock & Barrel

[qwertyuiop]

if you look at your watch to check the time and forget to check the time, it's a keeper

[tombryan]

There is nothing like having over a hundred watches, the choice on what to wear never gets old and when you bring them out its like having that massive soldier collection or marble collection when we were kids. Plus, having dozens and dozens of straps and bracelets makes it even better. I enjoy it.

[robertkumaki]

First discussion I've EVER seen that mentions ChronoSport. Wear one regularly that is over 40 years old. I keep my collection based on type, with generally one or two per category - flieger, diver, chrono, dress, G-Shock etc. with about 10 in rotation. Have several that I don't wear, but will never get rid of for sentimental reasons e.g. gift, inheritance, pocket watches.

[khronokraze]

great philosophies and ideas about watch collecting.

btw, that RW is nice.. a twist on the Paul Newman Daytona.. the subdials font I think are the same. I think Tudor Prince has a similar concept, but will cost $1000's more... will admit this RW is a little more unique.

And the Seiko Marine Master 300.. I find a lot of people will agree with you that it's up there with the best of a lot of luxury watches in terms of quality and performance.

I think trying to keep the collection as small as you will use and appreciate is best. Totally get having well over 6or 7, say up to around 30 roughly at one point (watches sell or get returned during that flux in the collection), was too much. There's a point where you realize there are watches you love wearing and those which are nice to have just to have, but you never really use all that often... so, what's the point tying up $$.. this goes for any collection that get's a little crazy.. keep and use more (if possible) watches (or whatever collection) you REALLY like and say goodbye to the ones that just hide in the shadows of your watch case, closet, or anywhere but on your wrist.

So, I sold all of them at one point and took a break from watch collecting. Getting back into it slowly, and trying to be smarter on what I'm purchasing and keep it simpler to watches I will actually want to keep and wear as much as possible.

Very realistic goals for A LOT of people.. provided they aren't totally married to the idea of spending $3000+ on luxury brand names... more power to those people, but for myself and I think the "average" watch collector, for around $1000 or under for most timepieces is very doable and like you said, you can find A LOT of great watches around that price range.

I think if there's a watch that breaks the price range and is higher up and really something you want, well, then you must have and will appreciate it and will be worth spending more to get that personally special timepiece for yourself.

[giangvu]

I have more than 40 watches and it's hard to wear all of them. But, it is a joy looking at them every day :p

[jaysikes]

Thanks again for another thought provoking video. Every watch you add will change your perspective to at least some degree. A new watch tells you what you like and don't like about your past watches as well as you current watches. Bravo for Adam wanting to get a Flieger sub-collection going. I was considering getting a WWI and or WWII sub-collection going.

[pth]

U guys hit the nail on the head! Wear your watches to build sentimental value, your story, memories... These are invaluable compared to its actual value. Problem with me is I also have a large collection and have big challenge to trim it down. So I actively change my watches, 2 days per watch sort of... Oh yes no need to spend top dollars to have a great watch to enjoy. Buy watches that fit your lifesyle and liking. Thanks!

[theplasticdesert]

Watches and subtle calisthenics, what a great combo! A really great video and pragmatic view on collecting. Thanks, guys.

[FatSamEIE]

I could easily have a collection of 6 watches under a a grand and be happy- mainly seiko and maybe a citizen(I love the blue angels) etc

But for me I'm going towards 3 watches, maybe 4 but gradually getting better quality. I currently have a grand seiko spring drive(work), an omega speedy(weekend) and am looking for a diver(possibly blue pelagos ) and a jlc reverso tribute for smarter occasions.

I also don't count my g shock beater or gifted watches in the proper collection though Haha

Great video as usual- thanks again guys 👍👍

[MisterEleven]

A 6 watch collection in a 6 piece watch box is what I do. My rule to keep my collection under control is if I want something new I gotta sell something. That RW chrono looks amazing. The integrated bracelet design is the main and only reason I've held back on an Oris diver. Great video topic for discussion.

[jasonwebster]

Based in Geneva, Switzerland, Raymond Weil is one of the last truly independent brands in the Swiss watch industry. Raymond Weil's son-in-law Olivier Bernheim now the CEO/President of the company after Weil's passing in 2014. Olivier's sons serve as marketing director and sales director. So, it is still a family owned operation.

[jimsy]

I think for twenty-somethings, sports watches at those price ranges are pretty much spot on, but for those in their 30s and up, most Seikos aren't really up to scratch for certain lifestyles, so the sweet spot for pricing increases in line with disposable income. Also, dress watches - not something many younger wearers will be very interested in, but as you mention, tastes mature, and as they do, the price of what is suitable/ desirable also increases.

[trevbarlow]

Great video! I love watch philosophy videos! Part of the fun of this hobby is discovering your tastes and it sounds like you guys have arrived. Whenever I see a collection of only iconic pieces (AC3), I find it oddly sad as though they had other people's opinions dictate their purchases.

[ajaxforever]

I had a Seiko Shogun (with sapphire) and i have to say, if i ever have to choose 1 dive watch for the rest of my life, that piece might be The One.  Superb wearability and comfort. I sold it for funding some other pieces but a rebuy is a 100% possibility in the future.  And yes, for me Seiko is The most underrated brand on this planet.

[patrickma]

Good stuff. Just picked up a Squale 1545 Root Beer and have a Seagull 1963 incoming. Grail hunting can get exhausting and stressful. Sometimes we need a reality check and appreciate the entire spectrum.

[ozhitch]

loving my new Seiko SRP 775 with a sapphire mod, amazing watch for the money!

[KevG]

loving your videos guys. I have the mm300 in my collection and a sub and know what you mean! As far as cutting down my collection I would really struggle to decide what to get rid of so keep putting off that thought 😁

[jcs]

Interesting video. Do agree that it is important to have a collecting philosophy. I tend to favor watches with mechanical complications and avoid brand redundancy. I have also since starting collecting have followed a rule that I will only buy if I intend to keep that watch forever. That seems to be somewhat atypical but I do think it makes me contemplate each purchase more fully, so while there are many interesting makes and models, it is a rare few that I will actually purchase. Your stage in life also impacts your collecting habits as price does dictate the options available to some degree. There are certainly over priced watches but for some pieces with many complications and high level of finishing, the price may justifiable to a collector; ultimately however, as u both note, u should only buy what u can comfortably afford to own.

[theoneandonly]

Very insightful video, guys. Good job! Cheers!

[crossbones]

Very good video! I'd like to know where you are finding the Aquis for under $1k usd? Everywhere I see them listed, that are north of $1, 100.