Best and Worst Watch Collecting Strategies

Here I will chat about some watch collecting strategies and their pros and cons.

Thanks for all the support!

-John P

#watches #johnp

[pth]

Having been in watch collecting hobby for the past 20 years, I have owned and still owned far too many watches in my collection. My suggestion to new fellow collector is start with buying watches that suit your life style and needs first eg if you travel a lot, get a gmt watch, if you live a casual life style, don’t buy a nice dress watch which you will hardly have chance to wear. As you learn more, you will start to develop your own likings and specific interests then you can build a collection on that basis. Hope this helps.

[Richie]

My strategy is to watch videos, find out what’s hot, what’s recommended, which watch is a must have for collectors, which watches make a good investment. Then I completely ignore all that crap and just buy what I like.

[chateaubullion]

Buy what you like and what you can afford but don't go for the second best option. I've been collecting for a while and learned eventually you end up buying what you originally wanted.

[truebluemiata]

I primarily collect vintage chronographs. They speak to me, and I to them. (My Precioussss...)

[canuckwatchcollector]

Here is my watch collecting strategy. I try a watch in a store, if I love it and I can afford it, I buy it.

[kimcoulter]

I have 39 Swiss pieces in my collection and there’s no question about the biggest lesson I’ve learned: if you don’t LOVE IT... don’t buy it!

[mrp]

I developed an infatuation around 1999 for Omegas and ended up with 6 different Seamasters thru the years. I should have probably diversified a bit and bought some Speedmasters. But I have done more diving than racing on a track.

[bubbab]

Still admire the high-end pieces as art only. Can't afford and still use utilitarian... Thanx John P. 🥃

[miguelonful]

I like the point you made about having a “list”. After 14 years of collecting watches, having owned many brands and making my share of mistakes, I feel I’m at a point where I have 3 or 4 watches that I really want and I’m working on getting them on a 2 to 3 year period. Still enjoying my Bond Seamaster that I purchased from you guys last year, which was part of my list! Cheers from San Juan, Puerto Rico.

[DJ-edkg]

John, i have Two collections; that is how I think about it and they are successful

1. A three watch collection you mention; dress, sport and casual
2. A brand specific complication specific collection of Rolex GMTs masters

[MTbone]

I like to pay full retail for watches that are recommended to me after asking for opinions on the forums. Inevitably the watches just don't sing to me and don't get much wrist time, so I trade them to a dealer for the next recommended watch. I continue to trade the watches until the value dwindles to around $400, then I go to Macy's and buy a Hamilton. I love TRF!

[sluny]

One and only strategy!!!! Buy and accumulate!!! Not kidding, but my recent strategy has changed in terms of looking for complications that I do not presently own. For example, trying to find a perpetual calendar to add to my collection. Have recently added a Centigraph (F.P. Journe - black titanium w/ yellow dial). My strategy is definitely what I would call fluid. Thanks for another great video!

[Eddyfromremaxltd]

My first Rolex was a pawn shop find for about 1800$, definitely a bargain buy but I fulfilled a long time dream of mine. My bought my second Rolex because it has a unique story as it’s a corporate gift and I think it’ll hold me over till I get a DD

[CPG-COIN]

Just started adding to my collection.
I have owned two Casio DW6900 watches. Loved them, decided to get the "Casio Royale"... then another Casio, I think I am set on casual digital watches now, and looking to buy some dressier analog models.

[Stanislawnowak]

Themes collecting is very satisfying for me. I personally devote first part of my collection to space exploration. This strategy gives opportunity to learn not only about the horology and it’s amazing conversation starter.
Second part of the collection is the watches i simply liked or need because of the practical reasons.

[-salvman]

Hey John, i love your videos, I think a little more economy of words, especially on the intro, would go really far in making your videos even more enjoyable!

[watchartsci]

I like to collect watches from different watchmakers. FP Journe, Marco Lang, Daniel Roth, Kari V, Christiaan v d Klaauw, Rolf Lang, Roger Dubuis... finding ones that I can afford is the problem.

[misterx]

solid video. my personal strategy is to buy around big life events/goals. But I'm finding that during quarantine I've been re-looking at my collection, and wanting to consolidate for a grail watch vs. having a few options.

[pedrothevenard]

I collect what I like and can afford, but I have a large wish list that changes quite often.

[loriosterweil]

I always thought that I didn’t have a strategy, but I guess I do. I have three Rolex timepieces and one Patek. I realize that I want to experience all the high end brands. The problem is that I’m not wealthy. Lots of collectors talk about the Holy Trinity, but AP and VC don’t call to me. So, what I really want next is either a JLC or A. Lange and Sohne.