Enthusiast or Collector?

[tedscott3]

I have been on this forum for a little bit now, and it seems that there are 2 different type of members here. There are the people who enjoy watches for their function and/or aesthetics. These are the people that don't care what serial number their piece is, or if it was a bit over polished. They ask about different Rolex mods, or adding an aftermarket diamond bezel. Collectors ask what is the most desirable serial number on the 50th anniversary LV to own, and talk a lot about how they hate Rolex mods and how "if you enjoy it, then that's all that matters", or talk about how they would never get their Rolex polished and how it will ruin it. You get the idea. I before I came to this forum I never considered a lot of the things that are talked about around here. I just consider myself a watch enthusiast. I don't take a lot of the numbers, and small things that 99% of people would not notice or care about too serious. Not to say that if you do that something is wrong with it, but I would consider you more of a collector than an enthusiast. Before you say you are a bit of both, I would consider anyone who is a collector to have a great love for watches, but you take it a bit more serious than your average Rolex enthusiast. Most of the people I know that own Rolex(s) just like the brand Rolex and have never considered what serial number they have or would not think twice about getting their watch polished with a service. If you have to be on one side would you consider yourself an enthusiast, or a collector?

[kilyung]

You're forgetting those of us who just wear what we like.

[Darlinboy]

I don't consider myself to be solidly in either category. I do care about some of the details you mentioned depending on the watch, but other brands than Rolex have my interest as well. Enthusiast is probably closer to the mark for me. I buy watches I like & have an appreciation for the history and workmanship of various manufactures. My preference is to wear them regularly, so I have a pretty small stable vs. what I think of as a "collector". YMMV.

[Beef]

I am an enthusiast and a collector. I admire the form and function, have been known to swap tritium dials and hands to Luminova, I cannot spout off movement and serial # info, but I do have a fairly good sized collection of vintage and modern watches. I hope this creates a third category....

[chopper7]

Enthusiast. Big enthusiast

[motoikkyu]

I wear most of my watches, valuable or not. I'm not shy to modify, but I always save original parts and pieces to return to stock if I decide to move them along. We may not be 100% enthusiastic about serial numbers and variants but trust me, I like to know exactly what I have.

[cop414]

I'd say I'm 90% enthusiast maybe 10% collector. Interesting take on the whole WIS family...

[FTX I]

Collector but with no income to get everything I want. Im the kind that knows Omega and Rolex serial numbers, calibers, details etc etc. My passwords are always based on watch serial numbers. My only regret is not having the skills to fix my own watches (vintage) since I had a chance to learn with my dear friend (watchmaker) that passed away few years ago.

[Jfullm42]

I buy what I like and what suits my life / current budget, but I also pay attention to details within my purchases as I like the best possible example of each watch I own

[beshannon]

I buy what i like to own and wear.

Labels are for the easily confused and narrow minded

[SixPak]

Being an enthusiast or a collector is not mutually exclusive. One can be both and you can safely say each one of us here is an enthusiast.

[GsurgBM]

Both.

[mfer]

I'm just a chump

[landroverking]

One enjoys and one collects.
I think it is better to enjoy.

[joe100]

Originally Posted by mfer

I'm just a chump

Quote of the day gentlemen!

I like watches. Rolex was my first love but I can appreciate almost anything that ticks. I have been fortunate enough to own some heavy hitters in the Rolex world but my tastes have changed.

[boogiebot]

Originally Posted by kilyung

You're forgetting those of us who just wear what we like.

[FremStar]

Originally Posted by kilyung

You're forgetting those of us who just wear what we like.

Exactly my sentiments!

[Knappo 1307]

I'm a watch enthusiast, but not Rolex only......

[MitchSteel]

I'm a 100% wearer

[Laszlo]

I don't know what I am. But I do know that I love watches. And this is a new journey for me. And I'm enjoying it.

[datejusting]

Some of us are just aficionados of fine watches.

[Presa canary]

I'm a enthusiastic collector

[Tudor Fan]

Originally Posted by datejusting

Some of us are just aficionados of fine watches.

[Chainring]

I'm just a guy who is fascinated with watches. I don't have the knowledge of many here but I'm working on it and I'm enjoying learning. I have a few watches I like but what I like seems to change regularly. I spend too much time on the internet pursuing this hobby. I wish I could love just one. That's who I am.

[fliphandywork]

I wear what I like and move it along when I'm done.

[Old Expat Beast]

A bit of both here; a Collectiast, if you will.

[bobert]

I'm an enthusiast until I save enough money for another watch...then I'm a collector.....and the cycle starts all over again.
-B

[Hairdude1]

I buy what I like at that moment across the spectrum

[CWIN]

I just love watches and buy what I can afford or maybe can't afford, haha.

[Armyguy03]

I just love the sweeping second hand