Why I Sold All My Watches - Reasons and Regrets

Tim Mosso is like most collectors of luxury watches; he's bought, owned, and sold many brands and models of watch. Tonight Tim discusses the deeper reasoning behind the decision to sell each of his watches. Once well-known as a monobrand collector of Jaeger LeCoultre, Tim sold his JLC collection in 2018. This episode focuses on the internal reasoning behind why he sold of each of his nine watches.

The Jaeger LeCoultre Reverso is its manufacturer's indisputable icon. As one of the longest running and best known watch models from one of the industry's top watch brands, the Reverso has enduring appeal. It also has diversity of style, size, and complications on its side. Tim purchased two JLC Reverso watches in the "grande taille" case size of roughly 26mm wide by 42mm tall. Each watch had a different role in Tim's watch collection, and he sold each for a different reason.

Tim's Jaeger LeCoultre Platinum Reverso Number 2 Tourbillon was the jewel of his collection. Originally launched in 2003 as a limited edition of 500 pieces, this Reverso Tourbillon was never built in the intended quantity. With a solid platinum case, a power reserve indicator co-axial with the hands, and a white gold dial painted with sterling silver paint, this is a legendary watch. Even better, the manual wind tourbillon movement caliber 848 features 18-karat white gold bridges and plates - a practice deployed by JLC years before FP Journe did the same.

While Tim loved his Platinum Reverso and was in awe of its beauty, there were drawbacks. For one, the watch was purchased without boxes and papers - a fact that became more troublesome to Tim over time. Second, the looming cost of a white gold tourbillon service at the factory was daunting. Finally, Tim saw an opportunity to raise money for future goals. To that end, this was the only watch Tim ever owned for free; he bought and sold it for the same amount of money.

Tim's other Reverso was the white gold "Reverso Night and Day." Its rotating case featured two dials with independent time zones. The front dial included Breguet numerals in white a "day/night" indicator, and a glossy lacquer black base. The reverse dial included a second time zone with an AM/PM indicator for use while traveling. Caliber 854, a manual wind movement, enabled the twin time zones to be set separately.

Tim enjoyed this watch, but he also came to realize how vulnerable precious metal cases could be. This white gold watch required hyper vigilance to avoid scarring marks. Scratches, swirls, dents, and divots accumulate on all but the most carefully worn gold watches. Second, Tim just didn't travel enough to require a watch with a GMT feature. Finally, this Reverso's lack of box and papers became problematic as Tim's sophistication as a collector grew. While he enjoyed this watch, it was time to move on.

All of this plus live discussion and watch collector wrist shots appears tonight on "Watches Tonight!"

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[netanelostrov]

You make every week better:) thanks for everything you do!

[JamesCarian]

Tim!

Thanks for getting personal on this episode, it was great hearing about your own journey with watches and stepping us through the JLC collection. Man, some truly epic pieces here. It's amazing how our perception of what we do can be such a factor in our decision making in or around the career. I can only speak for myself but...I'm super glad you're still in the watch industry! Thanks for what you've been doing over all these years. You'd make an amazing professor if you ever decide to leave. 🙂

Cheers,
James

[beyakhad]

Whatever you decide, you are a gift to the watch industry and an incredible source of knowledge and entertainment to many. I don't think anyone has taught me more and kept me as interested and passionate as you have. Amazing video as always.

[Khanh.Nguyen]

Episode we’ve all been waiting years for. You’re the reason I fell in love with the Duometre, realized the dream, and then sold it.

[firminshepherd]

I started watching this same time as I started collecting watches. Tim and JLC=pure class. I also got out pf watches for a time, but heck, I'm getting back in! Thanks to Tim for his outstanding input to the hobby.

[supremegalacticcommander]

Very interesting explanation of your watches Tim. I have a JLC Master Triple Calendar, non moon-phase in steel and I love it. You mentioned "a couple hundred bucks to service it", mine was $1, 200 for a complete overhaul at JLC in 2015, sounds like I got robbed. Sorry if it's in poor taste to mention costs. Loved this video! Take care.
Ps don't undersell yourself as being a mere "YouTuber". You're a walking encyclopedia of horological knowledge, your command of the English language is impressive, you're witty, intelligent and a very entertaining guy to listen to, not to mention you seem pretty good at French too!

[donculp]

TIM! Your contribution to our pashion is not dinky and stupid. You are doing what you love and I assume are making decent money at it with plenty of opportunity to move forward in the industry. Don't leave us. We love you man.

[ameeral-shammaa]

Tim you’re the nerd I deeply admire, and pathologically envy for his vast knowledge of the watch industry! I have to commend you for the great job you do at this channel, and the fact that a lot of people envy you for what you do. You are a celebrity thanks to this “YouTuber” job you do!

[el.priest]

One of the best episodes Tim. Appreciate your honesty a lot.

[donculp]

To wit, It was your watch reviews which are emensly intertaining and informative that were critical in helping me idendify the watch I ultimatley decided to buy. An daunting tast to be sure. I could only get one "big watch" (Breguet Marine Royale WG) There is so much information and choices out there and you bring it into focus for us like no one else. Thanks for being there.

[Newerasamearea]

Good episode 👏
Rare authentic authenticity in sea of youtube posturing.

[lawrenceg]

Thank you Tim for the story! That duometre and reversal tourbillon!

[randys]

Absolutely loved this episode.

Speaking as someone who has gone all the way in education, I wish I could talk to you about the mixed emotions that come through many of your episodes. Maybe you’ll read this, maybe not.

You are not a YouTuber (insert starch joke). You appear to be a mechanical timepiece historian, and may one day be an expert builder or curator.

While I’m sure you could have achieved any profession, you have found one where you could be considered perhaps the world’s authority, and I suggest you jettison modesty and accept that fact. And you do it in a field where you appear to have autonomy and financial success. May we all be burdened with such regret.

[scene.objects]

Tim, I really appreciate your insights here. Just as much as it's fascinating to hear why collectors buy their watches, it's equally as fascinating to learn how and why collectors refine their collection. I don't think we hear enough about the latter, this was fantastic. Also, to refer to yourself as a YouTuber is to refer to Lewis Hamilton as having a drivers license. I've learned the most about watches from you in the 15 years I've been in this hobby, you've added so much value to the watch world and we are all grateful for that.

[FirestormAA]

Thank for sharing the reason why u sold ur collections. Was wondering for years the sudden lost of ur love for JLC, im wrong, ur love still runs deep is just the reasons to sell them outstripped the love u hv. Great show Tim, always appreciated ur show. U aint a YouTuber, , , instead u are a watch representor to me 😊
A guru that share his knowledge with the rest ard the whole world.

[watchpillar]

Tim, that was an exceptional episode, really great! I didn't make it to the live shows unfortunately these last months, but I am enjoying every episode, you are doing a great job!
Cheers from Munich, Alex

[REBA]

Hi Tim -- I'm a long time viewer from the left coast (we met at Watchtime LA in 2019) and do remember that shortly before you were exploring an "exit" grail in a member of the JLC Master Minute Repeater family and I was floored when you decided to sell the collection instead. I always thought the Duometre was "you" and was sorry to see it go. You're more than just a "Youtuber" and I'll continue to follow the content as long as you continue to produce it.
Best,
Ralph B.

[jeffreysbaysurftrips]

Top watch content! Soooo nice to listen!

[RunningFast]

Great show Tim, thanks for sharing your story! Always wondered what happened to your JLC collection. I had a platinum boutique edition Duometre Chrono and an Extreme Lab 2, both ran great, until they didn't, at the same time, and JLC service was a clown show of failures for over a year. When the watches finally came back after multiple trips I was scared to use them the joy was gone, and so were they. On the plus side, their sacrifice made room for my DB28 😉

[RussianStyle]

Just a YouTuber? Brother, you will only realize the freedom you have after you lose it. Being a neurosurgeon, lawyer, insert any professional career, is not any better than a YouTuber. Those people are trapped in their careers. You have freedom. Stay doing what you do best and embrace it!