Would you sell a collection to get your grail?

[SWISSAHOLICS]

Originally Posted by SteelerFan65

Depends and for me the problem with a so called grail is that once you have it there will always be another.

Exactly. We are never satisfied and a new grail will come along so I would not mess with a collection unless you don't plan to wear or enjoy any of them. Then it's a different story.

[AK797]

Originally Posted by SaddleSC

AMAZING AP, Neil!

Thank you, Charles, love your sub too.

[Chainring]

If you have to ask us then maybe you aren't sure about doing it. Only when you don't need the opinions here will you be ready to part with all your watches for the one. If I had any doubt, I wouldn't do it. But it's all just stuff. It can be replaced later in most cases. Do what makes you happy.

[DanCousins]

A lot of the watches in my collection mean something to me and have a lot of sentimental value as well as monetary value.

I'd sell some of mine, but not the ones that were 'special'.

[Balsquat]

Originally Posted by NukeMan

X2. The implicite meaning of a grail is that it is unobtainable. Once you "get it", you are likely to discover after a few months that the grail has moved to being another model. If you can afford a watch you really want (by swapping another watch and/or by cash you have saved up) - then go for it! But bear in mind Nidal's quote above.

x3.

You will regret selling previous watches you loved in my opinion.

[Ru4scuba]

I have to agree with the previous poster who said a true grail is unobtainable. For mine, I'd have to sell my house...which seems ever so slightly over the top for a watch...

[masterserg]

I'll quote one of our trusted sellers:

"get what you love and what you love wearing"

If you put everything into one, such one will cause enough brain damage (perceived imperfections, wear, etc) to prevent its full enjoyment ... Then you might decide to trade back ... And that can be painful ... All from personal experience.

You gotta remember ... We are not normal people here .. You know, the kind that just buys one nice watch, are not even sure of what it is and just enjoy it from then on.

Having a collection of, say, 4 and chopping 2 is a different story

[eeh100773]

I'd have to start a collection then consider what my grail is before I can answer this. In the meantime, I'm happy with my 14060. Wear it and enjoy it everyday.


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[KINGROLESAR]

Sort of done this now regret selling 2 of the 4 - 1 of which I may need to buy again to wipe the regret from my mouth. Be very careful is my council.

[Racerdj]

I'm not sure of selling all of one's collection is very smart, but I don't think trimming it down a little is a bad idea.

[Roller07]

No I wouldn't. I would just save up for it. I can't make myself sell any of my watches.

[zion_rasta]

Indiana Jones did it.... Just saying...

[Daytonaman799]

I have actually done it and it was more than three watches to get one of my grails. I flipped around 4 watches to get a PP 5970J last year. This was one grail BUT there are always others. I just picked up another grail in a COMEX 16600. There is never any just one grail. When I was younger my grail was a YG DD? I still have it but it gets very little wrist time. Tastes change and are always in flux. I say go for your grail but have more than one watch. Today's grail becomes tomorrow's beater because you have it, wear, and it loses something when the chase is over. It will always make you smile but it's just not a a special when you can actually hold it, wear it and not have to give back to someone to put back in the case. That's what I would keep in mind but I would still do it. My grandfather always said you only get to go around the park once so you might as well enjoy the trip. Good luck.

[Cc1966]

Never...each of my watches mean something to me (as you can tell I'm not a flipper). I save for the next, and cross it off my wish list! My ultimate, unobtainable watch (unfortunately) is a Milgauss 6541. Stellar examples are selling north of $200K now.

[changemgr]

Absolutely! I recently sold most of my collection and (re) discovering the joy and fulfilment of building my history with 1 watch. Imagine in a few years, you will be looking at your watch and be able to remember everything you went through with it...I guess it is harder to do with multiple watches

[SixPak]

Originally Posted by SteelerFan65

Depends and for me the problem with a so called grail is that once you have it there will always be another.

This is precisely my opinion on a grail as well. To me a true grail watch is unattainable otherwise you would have several grails in the collection.

Regarding OP's question, no I wouldn't trade the farm in order to have only one "grail" watch. I would need at least two watches so save up and trade in two of three watches is my advice.

[lhanddds]

I've thought about this from time to time. In the vintage world however, it's hard to replace the ones you give up. If your watches are modern, all you have to do is plunk down the cash. I have an emotional attachment because of the hunt that somewhat prohibits me from selling out, not that it can't happen maybe later in life. Good luck and keep us posted.

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[Griffi]

Depends what you have as collection. If something really difficult to find, I would keep it (assuming you enjoy the watch, still), if not then go after your grail.

You would think all the watches in your collection is very important because you bought them, right. I am sure if you really think about each and everyone of them, some can go away...

[bde]

Originally Posted by SteelerFan65

Depends and for me the problem with a so called grail is that once you have it there will always be another.

This is my problem...

[mvmbles]

I've done it once before, and currently thinking about completely reconfiguring my collection again. All of my watches have been modern, easily replaceable sports models though, so my response would likely be different if they were older or more rare examples. Also, the prices of the watches in my collection have stayed relatively consistent since purchasing them, so buying replacements if I really started to miss one of them wouldn't be wasting money.

[lmcgbaj]

What I have learned from this thread is that some people's grail is someone else's beater. So it's all relative and as your collection changes, so does your grail. I would only flip what you have if you don't enjoy them. If you are doing it because you 'might' enjoy the grail more, you might make a mistake....

[Jason71]

NO way that I could flip my collection for my grail. There are a couple that would be VERY difficult to replace.

[mgent]

If you can trade your current watches, then it's probably not an actual grail, but just a significant desire or your current favorite... If you don't get much Joy out of your current, then go for it... better to have something you dream about then 3 somethings you never think about... Personally, I wouldn't go 3-1, but 2 + cash, if you are able to swing it... I'm in the process of consolidation now, going either 9-7 or 9-6 this weekend, and plan another step in a few months down to 4 or 5...

I am of the belief that a grail is 'unattainable in current circumstances'... When I first started my working life, a YG DD was my grail. At the time, I had a 2-tone DJ which was a gift, and buying a DD was far from reality... Years later and many circumstances have changed, I now have one and it doesn't feel like a grail. New watches have taken it's place, which purchasing today are far from reality, and represent my new grails... This is the watch lovers death spiral, or cars, or boats, etc... These 'grails' represent a goal to achieve, working your butt off to be able to afford these luxuries... Once you can afford them, they don't feel as special, and almost feel 'expected' and replaced with a new set of goals...