watch collecting strategy

[pam66]

my personal involvement with serious watch collection has started just 14 months ago and i decided in the beginning to go only for PP and some rolex pieces, i have actually no interest in other brands. it took me a while to set up a strategy after some trial and error and this is where i am at currently. on the PP side i own a 5711R, 5980AR and a 5712A (will pick it up in three weeks time from the AD), a 5711A will come in when PP is willing. as far as rolex goes, i have a DD40 YG and a BLNR steel. currently i do not see a point in adding rolexes to the collection, maybe a steel daytona when my turn comes.
so the question is how to go on with PP, other than nautilus. this is precisely were i have struggled so far. i have owned a calatrava 5227R, a 5524G and a 5712R, all gone in the meantime (i said trial and error), i had a 5320G on order for 2019, but i cancelled it yesterday. the reason is that i have decided to go only for higher end pieces from now on, and for me PCs do not really qualify for that. so here is my wish list, which i told my AD about. it is 5131P, 5270P, 5740 and possibly 5170P. when you think about it, the price of the higher end pieces is 'only' two to three times what the 'usual' PPs cost, so in the end i shall have a smaller collection but better quality and possibly better value retention. my AD says that i might not get all those pieces but surely a good subset (5170P is easy, 5740 almost confirmed, 5131likely and 5270P almost sure).
happy to hear other opinions...

[Tz1983]

I like this portfolio you are building. You clearly have a strong AD relationship. What city are we talking here


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[pam66]

Originally Posted by Tz1983

I like this portfolio you are building. You clearly have a strong AD relationship. What city are we talking here


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yes, the owner of the AD has been the family jeweler for a long time. we are talking central europe here.

[goog53]

What a great collection You have! I would get the SS PEPSI, White Dial Daytona, 5711/1A, 5740G, and 5131P and sell the AR and YG DD40 then call it good. I am clearly biased having all but the 5740 LOL!(Push for the 5131P NOW in case they retire it before Basel 2019)


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[pam66]

i really like the DD40, it is really a perfect (almost) everyday watch, amazingly scratch resistant - something that cannot be said about the nautilus‘:::))) the AR... it is really an amazing piece, you need to see it to appreciate it. i feel it is really under-appreciated. it has some bling, but not more than the 5711R. i like it much better than the 5980R (on the bracelet), whose dial is pretty dead compared the blue one of the AR. if you havn‘t try it out:::)))
btw, great 5131P, congrats! i shall press for it:::)))

[rebel_1]

Nice situation to be in for sure! I’ve never been able to develop much of a strategy. I just get what I want and flip what’s no longer in favor. I am with you as far as the brands I own now. Pretty much just Rolex & Patek with me as well.

[16610v]

I think collecting the iconic model for the brands would be nice.

My example:
Dress watch for pp
Sports models like submariner and daytona for rolex
Pilot watch for iwc
Moon watch for omega

[goog53]

Originally Posted by pam66

i really like the DD40, it is really a perfect (almost) everyday watch, amazingly scratch resistant - something that cannot be said about the nautilus‘:::))) the AR... it is really an amazing piece, you need to see it to appreciate it. i feel it is really under-appreciated. it has some bling, but not more than the 5711R. i like it much better than the 5980R (on the bracelet), whose dial is pretty dead compared the blue one of the AR. if you havn‘t try it out:::)))
btw, great 5131P, congrats! i shall press for it:::)))

Please dont think I was taking shots at the AR or the DD40 as both are beautiful pieces. For Me the 5711R would be my choice over those when reaching for one to put on and if You added the other PM Pateks and SS Daytona I just question how much you would wear those two. Nothing wrong with keeping them all if You can.

[Russell996]

Originally Posted by pam66

my personal involvement with serious watch collection has started just 14 months ago and i decided in the beginning to go only for PP and some rolex pieces, i have actually no interest in other brands. it took me a while to set up a strategy after some trial and error and this is where i am at currently. on the PP side i own a 5711R, 5980AR and a 5712A (will pick it up in three weeks time from the AD), a 5711A will come in when PP is willing. as far as rolex goes, i have a DD40 YG and a BLNR steel. currently i do not see a point in adding rolexes to the collection, maybe a steel daytona when my turn comes.
so the question is how to go on with PP, other than nautilus. this is precisely were i have struggled so far. i have owned a calatrava 5227R, a 5524G and a 5712R, all gone in the meantime (i said trial and error), i had a 5320G on order for 2019, but i cancelled it yesterday. the reason is that i have decided to go only for higher end pieces from now on, and for me PCs do not really qualify for that. so here is my wish list, which i told my AD about. it is 5131P, 5270P, 5740 and possibly 5170P. when you think about it, the price of the higher end pieces is 'only' two to three times what the 'usual' PPs cost, so in the end i shall have a smaller collection but better quality and possibly better value retention. my AD says that i might not get all those pieces but surely a good subset (5170P is easy, 5740 almost confirmed, 5131likely and 5270P almost sure).
happy to hear other opinions...

Great collection and good luck with the incomings. 5740 is a PC, making an exception?

[pam66]

Originally Posted by goog53

Please dont think I was taking shots at the AR or the DD40 as both are beautiful pieces. For Me the 5711R would be my choice over those when reaching for one to put on and if You added the other PM Pateks and SS Daytona I just question how much you would wear those two. Nothing wrong with keeping them all if You can.

yes wearing is an issue...alteady now i change watches twice a day:::)))

[pam66]

Originally Posted by Russell996

Great collection and good luck with the incomings. 5740 is a PC, making an exception?

yes, nautilus is different:::)))

[AK797]

For you I would prioritise a 5270 or even a 5204, don't think a 5740 is as right for you as only a PC and another Nautilus.

[goog53]

Originally Posted by AK797

For you I would prioritise a 5270, don't think a 5740 is as right for you as only a PC and another Nautilus.

Wait for the Nautilus PCC. That is most likely the next version coming.

[Bearxj86]

Why not a Platona? : )

[thomaspp]

Sounds about right. How about some discontinued references? 5970, 5070, 5004 and so on?


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[ap1]

I guess the only comment I’d make on this collecting style is make sure you love the pieces. I too got over losing so much on near term flips on whatever I fancied. I try now to stick to watches that will hold up mainly in value. It’s tough as these have long waits and I struggle with patience. Waiting is the norm now. I do have a few exceptions, like Lange as they are exquisite.

[RussW]

Originally Posted by pam66

my personal involvement with serious watch collection has started just 14 months ago and i decided in the beginning to go only for PP and some rolex pieces, i have actually no interest in other brands. it took me a while to set up a strategy after some trial and error and this is where i am at currently. on the PP side i own a 5711R, 5980AR and a 5712A (will pick it up in three weeks time from the AD), a 5711A will come in when PP is willing. as far as rolex goes, i have a DD40 YG and a BLNR steel. currently i do not see a point in adding rolexes to the collection, maybe a steel daytona when my turn comes.
so the question is how to go on with PP, other than nautilus. this is precisely were i have struggled so far. i have owned a calatrava 5227R, a 5524G and a 5712R, all gone in the meantime (i said trial and error), i had a 5320G on order for 2019, but i cancelled it yesterday. the reason is that i have decided to go only for higher end pieces from now on, and for me PCs do not really qualify for that. so here is my wish list, which i told my AD about. it is 5131P, 5270P, 5740 and possibly 5170P. when you think about it, the price of the higher end pieces is 'only' two to three times what the 'usual' PPs cost, so in the end i shall have a smaller collection but better quality and possibly better value retention. my AD says that i might not get all those pieces but surely a good subset (5170P is easy, 5740 almost confirmed, 5131likely and 5270P almost sure).
happy to hear other opinions...

That’s a very nice collection you have already

For your future pieces you list - the 5131p and 5740 would be definites. I would be tempted to get the 5370 instead of the 5270p and 5170p though.

[RHIII]

Originally Posted by 16610v

I think collecting the iconic model for the brands would be nice.

My example:
Dress watch for pp
Sports models like submariner and daytona for rolex
Pilot watch for iwc
Moon watch for omega

100% agree - a diverse collection of brands and models was my key strategy in building my collection.

A true collector and enthusiast will not look past Vacheron, Jaeger, Lange...etc. Collection diversity is key — and I guess why I don’t get bored...


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[pam66]

Originally Posted by goog53

Please dont think I was taking shots at the AR or the DD40 as both are beautiful pieces. For Me the 5711R would be my choice over those when reaching for one to put on and if You added the other PM Pateks and SS Daytona I just question how much you would wear those two. Nothing wrong with keeping them all if You can.

the 5711R ends up with two more scratches per day of wear:::)) i am really really looking forward to the 5712A, that one will be very prominent in the circulation.

[pam66]

Originally Posted by AK797

For you I would prioritise a 5270 or even a 5204, don't think a 5740 is as right for you as only a PC and another Nautilus.

agreed, 5270 and 5131P have highest priority

[pam66]

Originally Posted by RHIII

100% agree - a diverse collection of brands and models was my key strategy in building my collection.

A true collector and enthusiast will not look past Vacheron, Jaeger, Lange...etc. Collection diversity is key — and I guess why I don’t get bored...


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when i knew nothing about watches (now i know just a little but learning) i thought rolex was top. then i started to look around (i am a scientist , so very meticulous by nature:::)) and i started to like every single patek (some better than others) while the other brands just do not speak to me. i try on APs quite often (last time yesterday) but then...nothing, i do not even get close to flashing my credit card. just yesterday i tried on full gold royal oaks, chrono, two and three hands models and finally the PC. the salesman (in shanghai) then said to me with a soft voice: you are right, your nautilus in nicer::::::)). i was wearing the 5980AR....
re lange: surely great watchmakers but i do not like their (always almost identical) case design. i get the feeling that they squeeze or stretch their basic case according to required movement size. also the dials are -IMHO- nowhere close to what patek does.
other brands: no interest at all. also, seems buying into them seems lie a way of burning money. i am too poor for that:::)))
re vintage pateks: yes, that is for my next life to research:::)))) surely there are some great vintage pateks around but i know nothing about the vintage market. seems to be like a bee hive to enter:::)))

[pam66]

Originally Posted by RussW

That’s a very nice collection you have already

For your future pieces you list - the 5131p and 5740 would be definites. I would be tempted to get the 5370 instead of the 5270p and 5170p though.

5370 is surely tops but i have a limit on the price of a single watch...5370 is far above that limit. 5270P is slightly above but......

[RHIII]

Originally Posted by pam66

when i knew nothing about watches (now i know just a little but learning) i thought rolex was top. then i started to look around (i am a scientist , so very meticulous by nature:::)) and i started to like every single patek (some better than others) while the other brands just do not speak to me. i try on APs quite often (last time yesterday) but then...nothing, i do not even get close to flashing my credit card. just yesterday i tried on full gold royal oaks, chrono, two and three hands models and finally the PC. the salesman (in shanghai) then said to me with a soft voice: you are right, your nautilus in nicer::::::)). i was wearing the 5980AR....

re lange: surely great watchmakers but i do not like their (always almost identical) case design. i get the feeling that they squeeze or stretch their basic case according to required movement size. also the dials are -IMHO- nowhere close to what patek does.

other brands: no interest at all. also, seems buying into them seems lie a way of burning money. i am too poor for that:::)))

re vintage pateks: yes, that is for my next life to research:::)))) surely there are some great vintage pateks around but i know nothing about the vintage market. seems to be like a bee hive to enter:::)))

Totally understand - and appreciate and respect the position - and good that you have an azimuth for your collection.

I would definitely recommend easing into the vintage market — and find a solid, reputable dealer. I love vintage pieces — but provenance is required.

For me - my hobby and passion for watches has been for 25+ years — and it is just that - a passion - as is my collection. Not an investment strategy, nor pigeon hold to whatever reference is the ‘du jour’. And all my references have a story.

Cheers!



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[pam66]

Originally Posted by RHIII

Totally understand - and appreciate and respect the position - and good that you have an azimuth for your collection.

I would definitely recommend easing into the vintage market — and find a solid, reputable dealer. I love vintage pieces — but provenance is required.

For me - my hobby and passion for watches has been for 25+ years — and it is just that - a passion - as is my collection. Not an investment strategy, nor pigeon hold to whatever reference is the ‘du jour’. And all my references have a story.

Cheers!



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that sounds wonderful! watches are not an investment strategy for me either. but when i was into cars (still am....come to think of it) i kept loosing money on every sell/buy although i always told my wife: you will see, that F or L or P car keeps its value or even increases in value....when i went into watches i had to promise not to loose big money on a hobby again::::))))

[nyc2la]

While buying watches isn’t an investment strategy, I have learned that losing your shirt is not fun. So I’ve moved to buying watches that will hold their value and/or buying at the right price. Modern GCs (including some of the ones you listed) must be bought right or it will be painful in the event you (or future generations) decide to sell.

[RHIII]

Originally Posted by pam66

that sounds wonderful! watches are not an investment strategy for me either. but when i was into cars (still am....come to think of it) i kept loosing money on every sell/buy although i always told my wife: you will see, that F or L or P car keeps its value or even increases in value....when i went into watches i had to promise not to loose big money on a hobby again::::))))

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[pam66]

Originally Posted by nyc2la

While buying watches isn’t an investment strategy, I have learned that losing your shirt is not fun. So I’ve moved to buying watches that will hold their value and/or buying at the right price. Modern GCs (including some of the ones you listed) must be bought right or it will be painful in the event you (or future generations) decide to sell.

absolutely d'accord. may AD does understand that POV.

[incontrol]

Originally Posted by goog53

What a great collection You have! I would get the SS PEPSI, White Dial Daytona, 5711/1A, 5740G, and 5131P and sell the AR and YG DD40 then call it good. I am clearly biased having all but the 5740 LOL!(Push for the 5131P NOW in case they retire it before Basel 2019)


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You forgot to keep the 5711R, he is then all good.


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[1688]

Originally Posted by goog53

What a great collection You have! I would get the SS PEPSI, White Dial Daytona, 5711/1A, 5740G, and 5131P and sell the AR and YG DD40 then call it good. I am clearly biased having all but the 5740 LOL!(Push for the 5131P NOW in case they retire it before Basel 2019)


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Interesting! Do you think PP will discontinue the 5131P so soon? I thought it was released not too long ago in Basel 2017? How long do you think a P version of a watch is in production before the reference is “retired”? 2-3 years?

[jon_jon]

My advice is to take your time and enjoy the journey. 14 month is a relatively short time for collecting Pateks and Rolexes. The watch collecting journey is not a sprint, but a marathon. Within the next 14 months, your watch interests may change and even more so the following 14 months.

Spend some time reading about the history of Patek Philippe and their watches. It is easy to just go after the "popular pieces" (i.e. Nautilus collection). However after you read about the history of the first wristwatch perpetual calendar or how Louis Cottier introduced the world timer to Patek, then you will have a enhanced appreciation of Patek Philippe as a watch manufacturer.

If you haven't yet, make a trip to Geneva on your own and visit the Salon and the Patek museum. Eventually if the opportunity arises, your AD will invite you to go on a factory tour. The factory tour will give you an even higher appreciation for the Patek Philippe, much more than the current line of "popular Nautiluses".

As for the 5131, it is a great aspiration watch and a grail for most Patek collectors - to own the enamel dial World Timer. Hopefully your AD will get one for you, although it may be a long waiting game. The allocation process of these pieces are made higher up and the AD may not always have a lot of influence on when they receive one. But the wait will surely be worth it when you finally wear that 5131 on your wrist.

Best of luck