Collection Strategy

[nighthawk77]

The additional time indoors and at home has left me with plenty of time to consider what time pieces I'd like to add to my collection, and what will be my next purchase.

On one hand, I'd like my next acquisition to be an Exp2 Polar or a Speedy - both compliment and offer something my current collection does not. On the other hand, I also want to add a Sub, but this conflicts with what I already have in my collection.

I was wondering if others have a strategy behind their buying similar to me, or if I'm overthinking. What do you guys tend to do when it comes to making these decisions?

[77T]

Not a strategy, per se...

Veni - Vidi - Vici - Rinse, Repeat.

But it has worked for me.


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[Ichiran]

Mine is planned - I go for blue SS Nautilus.

[Lex_Ordo]

I started with a Tudor Sub Date in 1989, when I was a senior in HS.
I was working in a marina, and of course everyone wore a Sub. Theirs were all Rolex however. At that time, Tudor professional watches were exact copies of Rolex, just with a different 25 Jewel movement, and less money. I think I paid a little over $400 at that time.

Ten years later, I bought my first Rolex, GMT Master II 16710. I ended up selling my Tudor to fund another Rolex, and now, all I wear and own are Rolex.

I love the designs and timeless style.

[1William]

The best of plans is to have a diverse collection but I tend to track back to divers and modern pieces that look vintage. It is all fun though.

[AF_Rob]

I have a plan. Diverse in size, complication and dial color. I gravitate towards Rolex but have other brands. Historic, sport and military applications play a role as well.

[subtona]

I have pursued those watches that appeal to me.
Early In my evolution of experience I have Often found that the watches I chose were not quite right.

As my awareness grew, the choices I make today are much more deliberate and accurate for my personal taste... I am now faced with a new challenge, my collection is growing beyond the number of watches I would prefer and as a result of my better choices, I am haven’t difficulty making cuts.

I do believe I have captured a diverse collection.
Patek, Rolex, Cartier, fp journe, grand seiko and an omega pending.

[Mr. Drunmond]

For me diversity of brand is most important, it keeps me disciplined, and makes me think hard about which watch i want from the manufacturer.

Diversity of type is 2nd, one diver, one chrono, one dress etc.

Making the collection work for these two "rules" is fun (to me at least)

Do i want the VC overseas 2nd gen chrono as my chrono, as i think it is best bang for buck, but i love the patrimony as the dress option. etc etc.

I love the day/date but my favorite diver is the SD, is there another diver that i love as much as the SD to allow me to get the day/date.

For me the puzzle is fun. YMMV :)

[101031-28]

Pretty planned/Rolex only, over here: professionals, 40mm case with crown guards. Mix of 4, 5 and 6 digits in SS or PM.
No two-tone.

[johnorpheus]

Just buy what I like and see where the collection lands for me.

So far: 116613LB Bluesy; Tudor BB Blue 79220B ETA (just ordered)

There are four more watches that I can't get off my mind that I plan to add over the years when the time is right: 114060 ND Sub; 126711CHNR TT Rootbeer; 116619LB Smurf; 126719BLRO Meteorite GMT (current grail)

[kieselguhr]

-Discover a watch, interest sparked
-Thorough research (dimensions, movement, design, etc)
-Try on watch at Tourneau preowned section
-Interest piques enough to make a purchase
-Hold off on purchase for a month
-If still interested more research
-Purchase

[Pongster]

Planned and unplanned

[ltmgeller]

I only buy watches that appeal to me. I won't buy something I won't wear just because it may be worth more in another market. Watches are a source of enjoyment for me so I buy the ones I know I'll wear well.

[Bob the brush]

Mine is planned. I know what I want to complete my collection, I have the funds, just waiting for the right one to be advertised for sale. Photos WILL follow when I become the proud owner!

[franktehtank]

I've gone through about 2-3 of your choices over my time in this watch collecting hobby. Currently in the last one (buy what I like), who knows where I'll be in a few years.

[nighthawk77]

A wider variety than I anticipated, and top two results were as predicted but a lot closer than I had've imagined. I'm somewhere between a planned & diverse collection and just buying what I like.

[upsidedownbelt]

I go for diversity amongst Rolex sports models. 116610LV, 126710BLRO, 214270.

[AF_Rob]

Originally Posted by subtona

I have pursued those watches that appeal to me.
Early In my evolution of experience I have Often found that the watches I chose were not quite right.

As my awareness grew, the choices I make today are much more deliberate and accurate for my personal taste... I am now faced with a new challenge, my collection is growing beyond the number of watches I would prefer and as a result of my better choices, I am haven’t difficulty making cuts.

I do believe I have captured a diverse collection.
Patek, Rolex, Cartier, fp journe, grand seiko and an omega pending.

Always loved your collection, Gus! You'll be due a group photo when the Omega comes in!

[subtona]

Originally Posted by AF_Rob

Always loved your collection, Gus! You'll be due a group photo when the Omega comes in!

Thanks Rob.

[Gui Gui]

Originally Posted by nighthawk77

On one hand, I'd like my next acquisition to be an Exp2 Polar or a Speedy - both compliment and offer something my current collection does not. On the other hand, I also want to add a Sub, but this conflicts with what I already have in my collection.

I love to think carefully about my collection as a whole, and like each watch to serve specific 'purposes' (normally just matching my outfit/activity) and try not to have too much overlap on the formality spectrum.

Going by your signature, the Explorer 1 seems to be your dressiest piece, although still a sports watch. If you don't have any interest in anything more formal than the Ex1, and wear exclusively sporty/casual pieces, then I'd be looking at the Speedy out rather than the Ex2 as you already have GMT and robustness covered.

As for a sub, well the SMP covers that as you've alluded to. If I had your collection, and wasn't looking for anything formal, my choice would be a vintage Sub or Tudor Sub, or something else slightly older. Maybe an IWC MarkXV or something. You don't need more brand-new sports watches, so these would still fit your aesthetic preferences, but would offer something a little more 'interesting' to many watch collectors, and would be great to wear to meet-ups where a current Rolex steel sports watch wouldn't start a conversation.

Have you considered anything a little older?

[Andad]

I buy watches I like.

Any brand plus a sprinkling of spur of the moment and a touch of impulse on occasion.

Last option was my choice.

[nighthawk77]

Originally Posted by Gui Gui

I love to think carefully about my collection as a whole, and like each watch to serve specific 'purposes' (normally just matching my outfit/activity) and try not to have too much overlap on the formality spectrum.



Going by your signature, the Explorer 1 seems to be your dressiest piece, although still a sports watch. If you don't have any interest in anything more formal than the Ex1, and wear exclusively sporty/casual pieces, then I'd be looking at the Speedy out rather than the Ex2 as you already have GMT and robustness covered.



As for a sub, well the SMP covers that as you've alluded to. If I had your collection, and wasn't looking for anything formal, my choice would be a vintage Sub or Tudor Sub, or something else slightly older. Maybe an IWC MarkXV or something. You don't need more brand-new sports watches, so these would still fit your aesthetic preferences, but would offer something a little more 'interesting' to many watch collectors, and would be great to wear to meet-ups where a current Rolex steel sports watch wouldn't start a conversation.



Have you considered anything a little older?

Wow - great response and almost the exact same chain of thought to myself. Likewise each of my watches serves a purposes and I have built my collection this way so far.

As a matter of fact yes I have considered something a little older by way of a 5 digit sub. I’ve been doing some research of late into these models. I prefer the aesthetic of these pieces and they do have a certain charm about them I’m not sure the 6 digits will ever achieve with the ceramic bezel always retaining its as new look. There are some photographs I have seen of the current ceramic models where it appears a little loud and almost blingy which isn’t really my style.

My only reservation with 5 digits is the bracelet and clasp which I’m worried will be a disappointment. The EasyLink on the Explorer and the on the go adjustment in the Omega have probably spoiled me, so this is something which I’m a little cautious about...a little more research on my part but thanks for your input

[Gui Gui]

Originally Posted by nighthawk77

Wow - great response and almost the exact same chain of thought to myself. Likewise each of my watches serves a purposes and I have built my collection this way so far.

As a matter of fact yes I have considered something a little older by way of a 5 digit sub. I’ve been doing some research of late into these models. I prefer the aesthetic of these pieces and they do have a certain charm about them I’m not sure the 6 digits will ever achieve with the ceramic bezel always retaining its as new look. There are some photographs I have seen of the current ceramic models where it appears a little loud and almost blingy which isn’t really my style.

My only reservation with 5 digits is the bracelet and clasp which I’m worried will be a disappointment. The EasyLink on the Explorer and the on the go adjustment in the Omega have probably spoiled me, so this is something which I’m a little cautious about...a little more research on my part but thanks for your input

Seems we have similar taste. I didn't bite, but was very close to buying a 14060, the last of the tritium models. In my opinion, the new models will always look new, and not really show evidence of their era in the future as they won't degrade/patina in the same way. This model for me would have been something to wear for classy yet casual events, not as an everyday watch, so the relative lack of durability/sophistication of the watch and bracelet weren't an issue to me. I also think the 14060 models look great on thick, brown, leather straps too.

And if you buy something of that era, then you'd be very unlucky to lose any money on it if you decided to sell it again further down the line.

[garyk]

I sat down yesterday and figured out I had bought 14 Rolexes from 8 ADs over a 40 year period. Lots of trades buying and occasionally selling over the years so I guess I’m a collector?!