3-Watch Collection Strategy

[scottwmitch]

I'm seeking your sage advise oh wise Rolex Forum. I want to build a 3-watch collection over the next 5-10 years. I have my first of the three with a Hulk Sub.

For the remaining two watches, I'm shooting for a budget of 30k. I want to be deliberate. I love the whole SEAL-based strategy, but I'm not sure that really actually fills my "first world needs". Speaking of, here are my desirements for a watch collection:

1. The more formal situations. Mr. Hulk is fine, but I'd prefer something a bit more refined. I actually really love the new Everose Datejust 36, but I'm really naive in this genre. Any good "affordable" PP to consider?

2. A GMT of some sort. I'm partial to Rolex and actually really like the new "Root Beer". However, what else is out there that I should consider?

I used to be in love with the Daytona, but I've sort of lost interest in the chrono type watches as these are complications I would probably never use.

Thanks in advance for your suggestions!

[rw2008]

My strategy is:

Daily
Fun
Dress

Wouldn’t worry too much about complications/usefulness because unless your a race car driver, a pilot or a diver, you probably won’t use any of them much regardless. BLNR and Lange I’d look at

[dmash]

Current Favorite
-Rolex Sub
-AP Jumbo
-Vacheron Patrimony Small Seconds

Watch for every occasion and 3 different dial colors. However, I think that's a little over budget and it's missing your GMT. Perhaps this:

-Hulk
-BLNR
-Patek Calatrava

That would fit your all your criteria and be under budget. Another suggestion if you wanted to go to 2 watches:

-Hulk
-Patek 5164

An all Rolex combo:

-Hulk
-Daytona White
-Explorer II Black

[watchwatcher]

Sorry, you lost me at "3 watch collection."

OK, seriously. Just take it one watch at a time. You've got your sights set on a great watch. When you get it, just wear it and enjoy the heck out of it.

Then, at some point (or not), you will (or won't) fall in love with another one. Grab it, then rinse and repeat as necessary.

[Armyguy03]

Originally Posted by watchwatcher

Sorry, you lost me at "3 watch collection."

OK, seriously. Just take it one watch at a time. You've got your sights set on a great watch. When you get it, just wear it and enjoy the heck out of it.

Then, at some point (or not), you will (or won't) fall in love with another one. Grab it, then rinse and repeat as necessary.

Well said. I had five at one point then dwindled down to two, for me, it’s perfect because no matter how diligent I am, I always grab the SD (on a NATO). My GMT only comes out when I have to wear something other than Lululemon (which is super rare since I work for myself). Just my piece of the pie really, two is fine. I’m going to snag a SJ for my GMT for when I have to wear a suit. Sometimes less is more.

[ccaballero]

All time great 3:

16710 blro
16610lv
14060 or 114060

[rmlovett1]

The hulk is a great start for a sport watch that covers most any occasion. But asking what will be the best choice “watch” over 5-10 years is tough. Tastes may change, Basel’s will come and go etc.... As an earlier poster said, I’d be looking at a “strategy” for three watches...Dress, sport, PM or WG, YG, SS....something of that nature

[liuk3]

I've probably used the GMT multiple time zone complication the most of any of my watches as I am typically working with parties from various time zones around the world. That being said, I might not use the strategy of having three. I would just go and search for your next watch "one at a time." You may find that your collection is fine with 2, or go as high as 10 or more. This way, you will also not feel the burning pressure to get to 3 watches, or to stop at 3 in the event that there are a host of others that strike your fancy. Your finances, needs, and tastes may also change over time. Good luck!

[AK797]

I would add the new Rootbeer next, we need live pics!, and then a Lange 1815 or Saxonia for a simple dress piece, better than PP for me.

[underpar31009]

Originally Posted by watchwatcher

Sorry, you lost me at "3 watch collection."

OK, seriously. Just take it one watch at a time. You've got your sights set on a great watch. When you get it, just wear it and enjoy the heck out of it.

Then, at some point (or not), you will (or won't) fall in love with another one. Grab it, then rinse and repeat as necessary.

Well said my friend!

[christopheran]

My goal is the following:
Diver: 116610LV (Hulk)
GMT: 116710BLNR (Batman) possibly flip for 126710BLRO (Pepsi)
Chrono: 116650LN (White dial ceramic Daytona)

Just need the Hulk. Don’t really see the need for a dress watch since I’m a young guy, who wears a white coat instead of a suit to work.

[rmh45]

Originally Posted by christopheran

My goal is the following:
Diver: 116610LV (Hulk)
GMT: 116710BLNR (Batman) possibly flip for 126710BLRO (Pepsi)
Chrono: 116650LN (White dial ceramic Daytona)

Just need the Hulk. Don’t really see the need for a dress watch since I’m a young guy, who wears a white coat instead of a suit to work.

How close does your BLNR match your Long beach blue M2?

[christopheran]

Originally Posted by rmh45

How close does your BLNR match your Long beach blue M2?

The M2 is brighter... but as you can see I’m a fan of the color blue.

[Houston77]

Mine as I am in a suit often:

Dress
Business Casual
All-purpose/weekend

I'm currently flipping a couple and will probably end up with my 1980s DateJust on a black leather strap (dress), DateJust 41 with a blue or radium dial (business casual), and a No Date Sub (all-purpose).

[brandrea]

I can’t give you advice. My tastes would probably change twice over a 5-10year period

[denmanproject]

I love a good 3 watch collection, perfect number IMO

Daily, dress, diver

[Justindo]

Originally Posted by watchwatcher

Sorry, you lost me at "3 watch collection."

OK, seriously. Just take it one watch at a time. You've got your sights set on a great watch. When you get it, just wear it and enjoy the heck out of it.

Then, at some point (or not), you will (or won't) fall in love with another one. Grab it, then rinse and repeat as necessary.

This is simple advice, but there's a a lot of wisdom here. Certainly, having some sort of overall collection goal (e.g., sport, dress, everyday, etc.) is probably a good idea, as I don't suggest random buying, but it's also important to buy watches that speak to you.

I wouldn't confine yourself to a particular number of watches, as you may find you can get by with two or find that you really want a dozen. (I initially thought I only wanted two watches but now realize that I wouldn't want to get by with less than a dozen.) Another piece of general advice I would offer is to only buy pieces that you really want (don't buy placeholders) and only buy pieces that will stand the test of time and of which you won't tire.

As for specific suggestions for watches, the Hulk is a great sport watch, but it's not really a dress watch. To fulfill that role, I'd look to JLC if on a budget, or Lange or Vacheron if you want a precious metal watch and are willing to spend more. If you want a GMT, which it sounds like you do, the new two-tone root beer you mentioned would be a fine choice and would be somewhat different from your Hulk and add some color.

[TacticaLCawacoL]

My way of watches is:
-watche(s) for everyday work: full white metal with date complication at least like DJ
-watche(s) for sport: chrono on Nato or Rubber like Daytona
-watche(s) for fun, holiday, casual, work again: Yacht Master, Subbie, Explorer II or GMT

[Zedder]

Here’s mine...i’m Planning on a 5 watch collection. Adding a black Daytona and the new Pepsi...I think 😀

[MinMay]

Originally Posted by Zedder

Here’s mine...i’m Planning on a 5 watch collection. Adding a black Daytona and the new Pepsi...I think 😀

nice. I only see one watch - Daytona C

[Hanks]

Originally Posted by denmanproject

I love a good 3 watch collection, perfect number IMO

Daily, dress, diver

That cartier really got my attention. it looks so nice.

[MP5]

Im going

16660
Speedmaster
Tudor GMT

and always and forever Seiko SKX for the beatin

[Kiddodoc]

I think a good all around collection would be
Sub
GMT( or Skydweller)
DJ or DD(Daytona if it's a Skydweller you choose as your time zone watch)

[Khans14]

I use the Sub ND as my daily, the Datejust 41 if I am bit "dressed up" with say a sport coat and the Milgauss Z-blue for fun. I understand that technically a "dress" watch is a simple watch on a leather strap but I cannot justify buying a dress watch that I might wear all of two dozen times in my life. Three watches is perfect for me. Do I love the Hulk..... yes. But I fear it would be redundant and too many watches for me. These three are all different as far as color, bezel, bracelet, functions, etc.
I know many hate the Milgauss. I would just say everyone out to see it on their wrist when the sun hits it. The watch is so interesting. I do not get how one can love the Hulk and hate the Z-Blue but I guess opinions always vary.

[Krash]

Interesting thread. I am in the same situation.

Here is my strategy:

1. Rolex Submariner 114060. I already own this.
2. Omega Speedmaster Professional with sapphire crystal and clear back case on a black leather strap. This will be my next purchase.
3. Something else. Could be anything. Maybe a Datejust with blue dial. Maybe a JLC Reverso. Ideally I would like this to be more formal, but I haven't ruled out a GMT, a Breitling Navitimer, or even a Panerai.

One other thing...Since we went casual at work, I very rarely wear a suit anymore. Only time I do is for weddings or funerals so it is difficult for me to justify a pure dress watch at this time. I do wear a sport coat often, but the Sub is fine for that...

[fskywalker]

Have 5 but trying to get down to 3

[mml4]

Dress-TT SkyD with white dial
Dive/Sport- DBlue
Daily- Yachtmaster 40 with a blue dial
I used to believe three was the ideal number but have decided a PM is required-116508/ YG green dial. That will be my next and last.

[G'ed]

My SEAL lineup also work for dress/casual/beater roles.

Dress : Sky D TT
Casual/weekender : Royal Oak
Sport/beater : Sea Dweller

[jrs146]

I think your off to the right start. I really have no strategy at all. I buy what I like. My tastes evolve and watches I’ve previously loved find new homes. Then new ones come. I guess recently my only strategy has been to really try hard not to sell anything. If I want another watch I need to add it, not replace an existing one. It’s forced me to really be more selective in what I buy. Unfortunately it’s also cost me a few more dollars... but I think in the long run it’s gotten me out of the buy it and flip it mentality.


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[tjbender]

Dress:

If you’re looking for a PP I’d be looking for a 5196 in YG or RG. Perfect dress watch and every collection needs a pm piece. You can get one in new like new condition for $13-18K.

GMT
With the additional funds I’d get a 16710. Adds a little more diversity and is a bit more vintage thank your hulk. $7-10k

Bonus:
If you buy we’ll you could even get a 116234. Many great options out there for $5-6k. Perfect everyday dress watch.