Watch Collecting

The Joy of Watch Collecting

Everyone needs a hobby—it’s a way to find joy in life while staying engaged and stimulated. For me, that passion lies in collecting watches, a journey I began about six years ago when I bought my second watch to complement my aging Guess timepiece.

Quartz Phase

I initially focused on budget brands, picking up watches from Zodiac, Fossil, Citizen, and Casio. My knowledge was quite limited back then; I only understood quartz and digital watches, having no clue about automatics. As my interest grew, I took the leap into the world of automatic timepieces.

Automatic Phase

My first automatic watch was a Omega Seamaster, which also happened to be one of my most significant purchases. Up until then, the only time I'd spent thousands on a single item was on a car or a high-end computer. 

It was love at first sight, and predictably, I followed that purchase with a Rolex the following year. I also explored several Seikos and Orients to deepen my understanding, even investing in a toolkit and replacement bands.

Growing Up Phase

However, I soon realized my collection was getting out of hand. At one point, I had over eighteen watches and decided it was time to "cull the herd." Over the last year, I’ve sold eleven pieces and feel much more satisfied with my remaining selections. This experience has taught me that quantity isn't always beneficial. 

Periodic reviews of my collection have clarified my pursuit’s purpose and philosophy. I find myself gravitating more toward automatics and significant pieces, yet I still appreciate simple quartz or digital watches for their basic functionality and durability.

My Collection

This reflection has helped me justify my choices regarding which watches to keep and what to look for in future acquisitions. Here’s how my collection breaks down:

• Luxury Utilitarian (Dress/Sport): Rolex Explorer 114270
• Luxury Diver: Omega Seamaster 2531.80
• Budget Utilitarian: Seiko 5 SNKK33
• Budget Diver: Casio MTD 1010
• Budget Chronograph: Armani 585
• Sports: Casio G-Shock 5600 GLX-7
• Sports: Casio G-Shock 5600 GLX-4

Future Acquisitions

I’m contemplating a Luxury Chronograph like a Speedmaster or a Breguet Transatlantique. Additionally, I have my eyes set on a proper dress watch from prestigious brands like Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, Vacheron Constantin, or Jaeger-LeCoultre. I also see potential in the mid-range market ($250 - $3,000) with brands like Hamilton, Tissot, and Nomos, which I haven’t explored thoroughly yet.

Lastly, I’m thinking about grabbing the Casio GLX 5600-1 to complete the set—after all, those are the three official colors for that model subset. Funny how collecting watches reminds me of my garage from the video game Gran Turismo!

Next Sale?

Currently, I’m considering selling my last Seiko automatic, the White Seiko 5 SNKK33. I’ve grown fond of it, especially after pairing it with a NATO strap, as the original metal band wasn’t up to par.

Conclusion

Collecting watches has become a significant part of my life, blending passion with purpose. Whether it’s learning about the craftsmanship behind automatics or simply enjoying the aesthetics of a well-designed timepiece, every addition to my collection tells a story.