Thoughts on Thinning Out My Collection?

[Skip Greenwade]

I'll stop short of the "New Year, New Me" cliche' but I am making an effort to simplify/streamline a few things in my life. I will be 59 this month and can see retirement on the horizon - still three or four years out at a minimum, as I really enjoy my work, but I can - for probably the first time in my life - see the logic behind the "sometimes-less-is-more" mindset.

Between my wife and I, we have some 13 watches in the 'collection':

Gent's 18k YG DD 'President'

Ladies' 18k YG Datejust 'President'

Ladies' 14k/SS Datejust w/aftermarket diamond bezel

Gent's Full-Size 14K/SS Datejust

Mid-Size 18k Rose Gold/SS Datejust

Pepsi GMT with beautifully faded bezel

1958 (my birth year) SS Air King

18k Submariner with nipple dial

Full-Size TT Yachtmaster with black MoP Dial

Vintage Seadweller

Rose Gold Prince on black leather strap

WG Daytona w/meteorite dial on black leather strap

SS Explorer II

I would really like to add one of the new, 116655 Yachtmasters to the collection, but I am struggling with the concept of throwing yet another watch into the mix, considering the fact that we generally only wear about six of them with any regularity, the cost of insurance, etc.

So, this is where you come in...I would appreciate any and all thoughts on a path forward from my friends and fellow enthusiasts here on TRF. Which timepieces would you keep to maintain a well-rounded, but smaller, collection and allow for acquisition of the 116655?

A few notes/points of clarification before we get started:

- My wife wears the full-size TT Datejust on an almost daily basis; she likes the size, the fact that it is easy to read, and because it was my late father's daily timepiece for over 20 years and she was very close to him.

- The Prince was a gift from my late Mother, so I don't plan to part with it

- The mid-size rose gold/SS Datejust was a gift to my wife from my Mom as well, so it stays in the collection

I like the idea of owning a birth-year watch, so I plan to keep the Air King.

I think that pretty well sums up the ground rules for the discussion; please feel free to sound off.

I will keep this thread updated as things progress - thanks in advance for your input!

Best,
Skip

[AK797]

As well as your keepers I'd keep the YG DDs, YG Sub, Pepsi and SD, and choose from the rest to get the YM, probably starting with the TTs.

Some pics would be great, sounds like a fantastic collection.

[watchwatcher]

Originally Posted by AK797

As well as your keepers I'd keep the YG DDs, YG Sub, Pepsi and SD, and choose from the rest to get the YM, probably starting with the TTs.

Some pics would be great, sounds like a fantastic collection.

I second this motion.

And...as a fellow 59 year old, I applaud the YM selection. It's a great watch, I think it will be a fantastic add to your collection.

[cht]

Aside from a TT MOP YM being kinda ugly, I wouldn't want two YM's in the stable.
the 116655 looks wayyyyyyyy better than your current one.

Good luck!

[Skip Greenwade]

Agreed - hard to justify two YM's if I keep the Sub and the SD.

Originally Posted by cht

Aside from a TT MOP YM being kinda ugly, I wouldn't want two YM's in the stable.
the 116655 looks wayyyyyyyy better than your current one.

Good luck!

Thanks!
Skip

[Dashimmy]

Any TT watch you don't like can go. The 116655 is on my hit list too. But you got a great collection.

[NeoAnderson]

Get the new yacht, move on from these.


Ladies' 18k YG Datejust 'President'

Gent's Full-Size 14K/SS Datejust

Pepsi GMT with beautifully faded bezel

18k Submariner with nipple dial

Full-Size TT Yachtmaster with black MoP Dial

SS Explorer II

[mtgjr]

This thread really needs pictures.

[Watchwah]

Pics please

[1William]

I would separate the watches that are staying for the various reasons stated. The ones that can be sold or traded should be valued by a TS or two and then go for it. Some times the statement less is more is very true. If you are not wearing or enjoying the watches move them for what you want.

[Skip Greenwade]

Keep the input coming - greatly aopreciated

I'll get pics up this weekend if not before...

Thanks again!
Skip

[Tvall13]

You can sell me your WG Daytona :)

[kilyung]

I'd keep all the gold pieces and add the 116655.

[Dr. Robert]

My vote is to keep all of your watches.

[LuminousMaximus]

This is a tough one that will require more thought than I can give at the moment...

[WAK4]

Ditch any gold or TT pieces outside of the sentimental exceptions (and maybe the meteorite daytona), and add the YM. That's plenty of gold for the collection.

[kilyung]

Originally Posted by WAK4

Ditch any gold or TT pieces outside of the sentimental exceptions (and maybe the meteorite daytona), and add the YM. That's plenty of gold for the collection.

Bill Bill Bill Bill... now what kind of advice is that?!?

[watchwatcher]

Originally Posted by kilyung

Bill Bill Bill Bill... now what kind of advice is that?!?

Beat me to it.

[DCgator]

Skip,

I like your list of "must keep".

[fiftywattmafia]

Yup thin it. Pics first please ;)

[Etschell]

You are 60 next year, get the platinum daytona.

[Skip Greenwade]

Here's a picture of each watch...

18K Submariner:

[Skip Greenwade]

Day-Date, no lug holes:

[Skip Greenwade]

1958 (my birth year) Air King:

[Skip Greenwade]

Sea Dweller:

[soundserious]

Nuclear option: Get rid of all of it. Get a Patek 5980R.

[AF_Rob]

Great vintage pieces! If I was to trim any down, it would start from where you are doubled up. You have a few TT DJs and a couple Presidents. That's where I would begin.

[DramaTurtle]

Absolutely gorgeous and well-worn collection. You are true aficionados...

OK, so your keepers are the Gents TT DJ, the (stupid gorgeous) Prince, the Air-King and the rose gold DJ.

I would get rid of the aftermarket diamond bezel DJ, the 18k DJ and the pearl yachtmaster, in that order.

I know it's hard but that's where I would start!