Collection philosophy: one or multi-brand focus?

[Sinanamus]

I have been thinking about the benefits of each collection path: having a collection mostly focusing on one brand, or having a variety of brands. This even applies to minimalist collections with 3-6 watches. You could have three or more of the watches concentrated in a brand like Rolex or Patek, or you could have several brands in the collection (like four different brands in a five-watch collection).

Do you prefer a collection focused on a single brand theme? Does having a Patek or JLC or (insert brand here)-centric collection give you more satisfaction, or do you like sampling lots of different brands? Are there obvious benefits or negatives to each collection path?


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[Bearxj86]

I think a multi-brand approach is a good one. Each brand has an iconic watch that contains a lot of its design DNA. Some have multiple iconic pieces so worth going after.

[brandrea]

I like variety so I’m more inclined to have different brands

[capote]

I would like a concentrated collection, 3-4 watches, from different brands. Although I can see the appeal of say a GMT master collection, that is not for me.

[KBM]

Different brands for sure. Some many outstanding manufactures out there, with such varied personalities and styles, It'd be a pity to limit yourself to trying only one.

[Old Expat Beast]

Limiting a collection to a single brand is a really stifling restriction for anyone who loves watches, IMO.

[MCMartiny]

I am into the collect the most iconic / special watches from a variety of different brands. That way you can at any time have different "targets" for your next purchases mixing more expensive high-end brands with great value brands. I was as excited researching and getting my Omega "moon watch" as I was when researching and getting my Pateks. It is nice to own a selection of different types and price brackets of watches each sutied for different situations / occasions. Some situations call for a Rolex or Patek others call for something more under the radar and less expensive - and watch events calls for something truly special like a rare indie watch.

[NYG1121]

Why miss out on so much more out there!!


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[Tools]

It's kind of up to you.

However, is it a "collection", or is it just a drawer full of watches?

Shouldn't a collection have some focus or direction, so some collections can have sub-categories or collections-within-the-collection, or stand alone.

For example, I like Dual-Time watches, so that is one collection of a few different makers, although mostly Rolex GMT's and Explorer II's, but UN and Tudor too.

I like Divers too, so again I have several from different manufacturers, but it's a different collection.

I used to have a Chronograph Collection, but I'm down to only 3, so is it still a collection?

Then I have some DJ's, Day Dates, and Date+Day, and other dressy type watches, but I wouldn't put them in any "collection"

I've also got a box full of Mickey Mouse watches; another collection.

[Pw92676]

Originally Posted by Old Expat Beast

Limiting a collection to a single brand is a really stifling restriction for anyone who loves watches, IMO.

Agree. There are a few brands I am more keen towards but I never focus completely on any 1-2. I like to think that I buy and enjoy watches that sing to me rather than collect watches from a single brand.

[Andad]

Can you ‘collect a variety’ of watches Larry?

I have all sorts.

[WatchEater666]

Multi brand for me. There's so much out there. Not really a collector though as I don't like having more than 2 to 4 pieces at the same time.

[vman]

You can choose a focus on multiple venues. For example, if money were not an object for me, I'd focus on "interesting complications." The brand would not matter--as long as there is sophisticated movement, I'd be in.

But I still have to focus for a living so I collect a limited number of underappreciated brands (see the signature).

[Tools]

Originally Posted by Andad

Can you ‘collect a variety’ of watches Larry?

I have all sorts.

Sure..

You can collect socks too.

You could call your "variety" collection pre-apocalyptic, personal, wrist devices of various sizes, shapes, and manufacturers, in no particular order or societal influence.

You can keep them in your sock drawer.

[Sinanamus]

Interesting that nobody in the brand forums who primarily collects one of those brands is offering an explanation of why they primarily collect that brand. I guess it makes sense if a particular brand speaks more to you. And, you would be more well versed in a brand by having a few pieces from it. On the other hand, it is quite limiting, especially with a smaller number of watches.

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[Pongster]

If it’s multi-brand, can it still be called focusing? :)

[thekman]

In my opinion and many may disagree a collection should have a theme. One iconic watch from each brand is fun but for me does not scream the word "collection". On the other, hand having multiples of one watch in different variations wether its year, size, complication, dial color etc sounds like a collection to me.

[LOWERCASE GUY]

Originally Posted by bearxj86

I think a multi-brand approach is a good one. Each brand has an iconic watch that contains a lot of its design DNA. Some have multiple iconic pieces so worth going after.

I'm this type of guy. Too many nice watches out there and too many great brands. I've settled on the iconic piece from the brand strategy but make exceptions for Rolex and try to pick up what I can get Rolex wise.

[PaulFL]

Originally Posted by thekman

In my opinion and many may disagree a collection should have a theme. One iconic watch from each brand is fun but for me does not scream the word "collection". On the other, hand having multiples of one watch in different variations wether its year, size, complication, dial color etc sounds like a collection to me.

I would not call myself a collector, but there is a theme to my madness too: buy what I like regardless of the brand, can find at ADs, and more importantly have money for. :)