FabR
[Senior Patek Moderator]
26166
CC or NLCC or NBCC ('Never Been Clueless Collector'), that is the question! ;-))
Your perfect one-watch collection.
I was discussing, with another purist, the choice of consolidating to a one-watch collection. We both agreed that there would be merits to doing so, but couldn’t agree on what kind of timepiece would fulfill the requirements of such a collection. Hypothet...
Oh wow. I like it; you went 'real big'.
since it would be your only, would there be situations in which you would feel uncomfortable wearing the watch (or where it would be out of place)?
If you mean uncomfortable because it would attract attention, no -- my preferred styling for such a watch would be fairly sterile on the dial side.
Going to Les Cabinotiers would be about having my ideal complications (alarm-related) in one watch, not really about the artistry (which they are certainly capable of). But this is extremely hypothetical because (among other reasons) I already have essent...
I could probably never do so. I am more in the top 12 collection. Which would require a huge effort to reduce the collection to get some funds to be able to pull the trigger on 5 big pieces.
Damn, that makes 17... You see, I am a lost cause. Best, Nicolas
I've been a one-watch guy since my first acquisition 3 years ago...
A combination of luck and patience, but I ended up with something I thought was incredible. A very elegant Moritz Grossmann Tefnut, incredibly well finished, white gold, enamel dial, a perfect size for me at 36mm, and piece unique on top of that! Overall,...
That makes it 2 votes for unique-piece mortiz grossman's; the originally-mentioned fellow-purist went for a mortiz grossman unique piece as well.
your's is gorgeous. hat's off to you my friend; you have achieved horological nirvana.
+1.
Not the best distribution and management strategies, if i may say so. that's what held me back.
Agreed but
some of their watches are just too beautiful to resist - both dial and movement are exquisitely finished, arguably the best from Glashutte and would give Lang & Heyne a run for their money.
If I had to get rid of all my watches today and keep just one,
it would be this Grossmann for sure.
Congrats, you're truly lucky to own this beauty -- a real horological gem! Whenever I see a MG I stare for a few minutes at its hands (among the best in the entire industry, in my view)...
...but this one is a remarkable beauty in all of its aspects! Enjoy.
Thanks, Fab!
Indeed, I was very fortunate to win this one. And as you said, the hands are probably my favorite thing about it!
That GF is lovely Hussam
but rather large at 46.5mm don't you think?! Would a 41.4mm Signature One be a more wearable watch and a great choice for a one watch collection?! My other candidates for a one watch collection would be a Voutialinen 28E, a Roger Smith Series 1, a Charles...
So a signature 1 would be your weapon of choice? I believe that that is the only watch [in that list] that isn't currently in your stable or on it's way to your stable.
I wouldn't argue with you, but would hope that its 3 ATM water resistance isn't a case of overpromising and underdelivering ..and thanks for calling me out on rocking 46.6mm on my puny 6.5 inch wrist
A Signature 1 would be my preference
if I were to pick a watch from the GF stable but I am more of a dress watch guy so a modest Voutilainen 28E in a custom made 37mm case would be my number one choice. A wearable simple time only watch.
This would be hard
From vacheron website As the one watch I'd want wouldn't likely be a good watch for day to day activities in regards to finish holding up and not messing with the complications. Patek 5970 comes to mind as the one watch I'd want. A grail. Something more v...
had never seen a 5970 before today, and that was purely-virtual thanks for Mike H and Mahesh!
Let's keep it at that, because grails are allowed. That being said, these new VC ultrathin perpetuals are formidable. plenty of water resistance too, if i recall correctly. And with that avant-garde easy-change strap system, you can dress it for the pool,...
In my heydays of collecting
Yesterday i’ve got my milestone of 5 mechanical watches. I can only think about expanding, so let’s make all bigger, better, faster.
Nice Kanye West reference 💪🏿👌🏿👍🏿.
What new piece did you get? Did I miss the “incoming” post ? Congrats!
This bird flied to my collection
Revue Thommen. Resurrected some decades ago. I seen it at an auction website and started to bid. I was looking for a Roamer or Louis Erard. Came through this watch, a Airspeed day date per accident. Not expensive what so ever, but good enough to enjoy it....
I couldn't settle for one watch at the present time. This might change but as of now, no, I need the variety
Perhaps this is because I'm a promiscuous dabbler and view monogamy in watches as needlessly restrictive. I don't know. There are too many qualities in too many watches that I want to savour, and it would be difficult if not impossible to find them all bu...
LOL @ "a herd of cow".
One day I want to take a sabbatical from my job (and family?) and travel through all 7 continents. Not camp and rough it up, but also not take extra things that I don't need. I'd love to take along a horological masterpiece which is both tough and beautif...
i came to that realization as I wrote my response.
i'd venture that a modern sapphire moonwatch can fit that niche as well.
Absolutely!
Even though I only listed two watches below as one-watch-only candidates, a Speedy would *definitely* be a candidate for me, too.
I hear you. I've done it the other way around. Worked in 40+ countries and now more sedentary. I guess our compasses point us in opposite directions and this may explain basic motivation
If I was to take such an excursion, it would be to visit some of the world's oldest megalithic structures. These are humankind's oldest astronomical, timekeeping devices and can be found in all of the continents. There are an unknown number submerged unde...
count me as a +1 for such a watch.
I've lived in 4 continents so far, but never heard of these structures. would love to visit.
Digression alert! If you're interested in the history of humankind's relationship to time and to timekeeping, you might enjoy exploring ancient megalithic culture(s)
Our ancestors were connected to the heavens to a profound extent. In a number of respects their levels of knowledge and techniques of measurement were far more advanced than we credit. Several cultures appear to have known how to measure the precession, w...
Agree with your verbal point about 'collection'!
But I don't think it's JUST a verbal point. It's also conceptual. If I went down to only one watch I wouldn't be thinking, "I'm still a watch collector, but my collection just happens to have only one member," I'd be thinking, "I'm no longer a watch colle...
Fair point. I like to keep things simple if I can. 'Collection' is a collective noun made up of multiples of something...
... I'm a newcomer to fora like this, and find it entertaining and informative. At the same time I see a sub-tongue that some collectors use that's a little different from what I'm used to. So, for instance, I buy watches; aficionados "acquire timepieces....
Let me respond to your fair comment.
Whenever I buy something that costs more than $100-200, then it better make me feel on top of the world. Any flattering nouns and adjectives thrown at me by the generous and kind purveyors of this forum, are beyond-welcome. We are all fortunate to have fi...
I'm with you on this, Age of Surfaces
There are too many watches in the world needing to be loved to only buy one. When it breaks (and they all do in one way or another) how will you react? I’m a Watch Polygamist. And have done my share of traveling too - I guess I have about 2 watches for ea...
Going 3 watch collection, maybe. Going 1 watch collection? I‘d never do that unless I‘d be forced to for whatever reason.
I „need“ at least one sports watch and one dress watch and something extraordinary.
Closest to perfect one watch collection watch would be my VC Overseas 4500V black dial.
Good water resistance. Not too much of a scratch magnet. Black dial is imho the most versatile one. The three straps with quickchange system also add a nice amount of sports to dress watch versatility.
I know two things about this...
The first thing I know is that I'm not going to stop collecting because one watch is so unbelievably great that it destroys my desire for all others. That's ridiculous! If I became a one-watch person it wouldn't be because I found the One True Best Watch,...
Not sure I could do 1 watch…
… but 2 watch (excl. a G shock beater(s) which I wear daily). I would go mainstream, as the indie bug hasn’t bitten me yet: 1. An AP 15202 for everyday use 2. A PP Perpetual - 3448 (unobtainium) or more likely, a 5327G-001 for those evenings out. I know t...
Thanks for partaking. Two watches is still way better (in terms of the rules of this challenge) than Nico's 12 :-)
And you've chosen quite the complimentary and good-looking duo. Interesting choice of AP 15202 for daily; having never owned or handled one, I re-call other owners' comments about movement fragility and the annoyance of date correction at the end of the m...
I think just 1 watch will be perfect & wise...but then I'm afraid neither of that represents me ;-)
I feel Explorer 1 36mm will be a perfect one watch, with its unpretentious looks will blend well as a dress watch but also could take a swim if needed. BTW that GF is stunning ! Best, mahesh.,
Always the purist, Mahesh. You've chosen well.
And yes, that gargantuan (for my wrist) GF would be the anti-thesis of your perfect-for-the-job 36mm Explorer 1. However, dare I say that is probably more obtainable in today's market 😱🤯
From my current collection it would be the DD40 platinum
Reliable, best strap imho, heft, ageless, wonderful material - and thanks to two dials I can change its face even though it is a one watch collection (and I could add some more) ...
You nailed it with that dial-swap trick. Marvelous.
Killer looks with oyster case robustness and chronergy escapement chronometry. Bravo!
No one watch solves everything
But if I were put into a scenario where I simply couldn't own more than one watch, I would have to pick this one: Grand Seiko's SBGX333. The 9F movement is tougher than almost any mechanical, and with a much longer service interval. The 9F also satisfies ...
that wasn't a post entry; that was pure poetry.
A massive 'head-nod' your way, my friend.
Tough question
I would struggle to have a watch work from beach to gym to office to dinner party. With 50m WR, this choice would scare me in the water, but the ceramic case and reliable perpetual movement would do pretty well. In reality, I long ago took the opinion tha...
I concur as to Grand Seiko . . .
. . . but a mechanical model, if only because of the romance a beating balance imbues. ;-)
I'm predictable, but not . . .
. . . monomaniacal. Actually, a vintage Omega would make an awful solitary watch, as they need to be serviced rather more frequently than less, and parts availability is an ongoing issue. With current GS you get top quality at relatively modest cost and (...
Can’t be more expensive [to service] than that Greubel Forsay Balancier S2.
But whoever insinuated that you were monomanical [smart word]? 🤣
When my then-six year old niece called me 'Mr Omega' . . .
. . . is the moment I realized I was monomaniacal.
🤣 That is too good
In your defense, if there is one brand to collect, Omega is the one. A huge catalog filled with greatness.
I was thinking the same! Trying to go to one sports watch...
Love the GF choice, definitely thinking the same! For The One, I needed decent wr and shock protection, non-pm but also refinishable like steel or titanium, lume, non-proprietary strap attachment, and running seconds. Since it's an everyday watch that wil...
Thanks for expanding upon the reasoning behind your wonderful choice.
Indeed, WR-longevity takes a hit on manual-wind watches. That being said, that beautiful DB28 of yours is perfect for the job: movement material and tech galore + boatloads of mirror polishing + the best shock-resistance tech in the haute horologie busine...
Thank you! The wr over to me was something I had not considered. Maybe better to get an auto or just give up on swimability altogether
Another thing which I also hadn't considered is how watches are such a new social trend. I thought (stupidly?) the DB would be relatively under the radar, anonymity through obscurity, subtler and less recognizable than a Rolex, but not so anymore, thanks ...
Well, well,…
If I was to keep only one watch from my collection it would be the Submariner. It wears well all the time, Now, if I was to buy a new, one-only watch watch, it would likely be a PP Aquanaut (maybe 38 mm), not sure which reference. If you had asked me thre...
Three different [amazing] choices. You are as hopeless as Nico :-)
LOL. If watch collectors were surveyed, the submariner would be the top poll.
I am in this reflection process myself
culling the herd in order to finance a dream piece - Lange platinum up & down 36mm I could live with it... and a simple Rolex OP39
Godspeed on this tough culling endeavor.
That Lange would be lovely. At MSRP, those Rolex OP's are a formidable option, but some of the colors aren't as utilitarian as one would want.
Good discussion, but who is wearing their GF to the gym or when they are working with a power drill at home?
G-shock is the silent companion to the one-watch collection! A white metal watch finely crafted but made to be a daily wearer, such as the Charles Frodsham or an FPJ, are good choices.
Please tell me that you've worn your Charles Frodsham while operating a power drill !!!!
That would be awesome. As for your question: several purists here have posted wearing haute horologie watches (albeit not GF's or RM's) while at the gym. Smart choice? Maybe. I struggle with the weights at the gym, so adding extra weight (even if titanium...
Interesting question....
Since I started this watch game I always wanted to have only one watch, however I never found the perfect one mostly because of the quirks they had, and I couldn’t tolerate at the time. Then as deeper I got in the game, I believed that more expensive is t...
Zsolt. Thanks for expanding upon your reasoning, and sharing your collecting journey. I dare guess that the brand you are mentioning is Journe, but please feel free to correct me (or not respond).
I haven't gotten to the stage where I own something that is too pretty and expensive to wear. I hope to never acquire such a piece. As for your choice, it brings a huge grin to my face, as it was my one-watch when i re-entered this collecting life-journey...
No, sadly It’s not Journe. Back before the hype I owned two Journe pieces and they had to go back “for service” a couple of months after owning them.(I owned then consecutively not at the same time)
Reliability, and serviceability is key for me, so Journe failed. I also prefer a brand that can be serviced by any competitive watchmaker(no special screws), or special materials... So the brand of my choose is the industry benchmark, the one that most br...
Still scarred and still fighting daily battles.
Thanks for the kind words. Wish the same for you, my friend. ...
Yes, I like my 5170, but unless they make a steel version with 100m water resistance, it can not be my only watch.😉(I rank them second), also the after sales strategy, can’t match Rolex( Off course, I’m aware that the level required is different).
But this is only my humble personal field experience...😜🥂
Yes I am, but if you consider my fifteen years relationship of supporting my AD and the brand, it's more like loyalty.😉
Same as you my friend, and there’s nothing wrong with that. Picking up another tomorrow, stay tuned!🤣🥂
A "one-watch collection" is always a fascinating topic, and while I'm convinced it's probably impossible to achieve it (or rather, if it's possible, then we might never know! ;-), I guess all of us have entertained this thought at least once....
Three years ago, I "notoriously" got blessed perhaps not with an ideal one-watch collection, but certainly with my favorite watch *ever* (the marvelous "Boccadasse," of course ) Then, this summer, I completed my personal Patek Rare Handcraft collection by...
A great way to start the Christmas break!
Looking forward to seeing pictures when you get it!
-
Was just looking at the Balancier today...what a beautiful watch. Maybe one day But yes, usually I have one "main" watch and then 2 - 3 other less expensive fun pieces to rotate through.
That is a stunning piece and great candidate for a one watch collection
I think anyone would agree. Would probably be GF for me if I am dreaming. Practicality though, something like and IWC Pilot chronograph Great post, Ben
Agree with your dream and reality, Ben.
Thanks for the thumbs up on the post. Best Hussam
I don’t think i would ever become a one watch guy because i like them all so much .
But tbh i am considering to consolidate my collection in the near future and have only some top pieces and a GF like on your pic is definitely on that list
It is crossing my mind lately my friend,
Also been talking to other collectors about it . It will be tough because i still love them all but i also have watches i am proud to have but I didn’t give some love for nearly two years
GF is definitely on my wishlist and in my top 5
If i will consolidate my collection at some point i def will add a GF to my remaining watches
I can never ever be a 1-watch person…
Help me consolidate these Omegas, Rolex, Langes and PPs into 1 watch please? I’m also having trouble consolidating 😅 I cannot bear to let go some of these just to get a 1 Supreme watch or even 4? ...
Thanks dear FabR…unfortunately it’s not up to me to fill the gap…
I’m sure you know what I mean 😜😉
I totally understand, which is why I never pressure or ask when is any of my desired watches will be arriving….
I always leave it to my sales friends and when they called, viola!
Such gentlemanly-approaches work for top collections such as yourself and NLCC.
For the rest of us common folk, it’s a badgering phone call every week 🤣🤣🤣…
Dear FabR….per your kind wishes…
The top left spot just came in time for Christmas… Unfortunately still not dinner for us as per our deal 😅, close but no cigar Merry Christmas 🎄🎁 ...
Hehe. Thanks Patrick. It really didn’t take any effort, as it is firmly in the hypothetical realm.
I’m as hopeless (in this one-watch collection endeavor) as any of the other purists. Is that sad 😞? Or is that funny 😁? Depends on one’s attitude, I guess. Stay well my friend
This is arguably the most difficult question for any purist.
For me, the ideal one-watch collection should meet these requirements: 1. Water resistant at least 100 mtr with screw down crown. 2. Three hander, without or , with a date , because sometimes I will need to see the date. But it has to be done right, no 4....
Hussam my friend, I love this post; it brings out an introspective nature to all of us I think.......
I'm late to the party here, frankly because I've been pondering this question you posed. Over the weekend, I've thought about the 'one-watch' idea, and of course I've had watches run through my head. Like all of us, I've also looked at their pros and cons...
I had been waiting for your entry, Doug.
And you didn’t disappoint. Indeed, your choice could very well be mine, if I wasn’t forbidden to wear gold. However, they titanium or steel versions could fill in for it. The Blancpain fifty fathom series is the epitome of sports luxury, because they do b...
Impossible is indeed the word.
Nice choice. That makes you a boardroom, private jet kinda guy. Would you not want something that can be worn to the beach, park? Or maybe your 5204P wouldn’t be ‘above that’ Either way. Well chosen. Thanks for sharing your thoughts
You know what I’d just wear the 5204p day in and out and for beaches and swimming I’d wear my swatch ..
Actually I have targeted that maybe after 10 years I would go in that direction
Some of my pieces
Are so heavily and personally customized that it would be impossible to sell them. So no. Couldn’t do it
Wouldn’t expect any less dramatic a response from you, Justin. 🤣🤣🤣
Let me make it a little more dramatic: There is a major natural disaster in your area. You have to grab your loved ones and head out immediately. No time to go to the safe and exchange of grab a couple more etc etc. very low chances of you ever coming bac...
I knew that there was something that I could ‘corner you’ with.
Wear, and safe-keep it, in good health my friend
No one here will ever --EVER--own 1 watch only
The watch you featured, while stunning and exotic, exquisite, etc... a dream watch--nonetheless--could never be a one watch collection--because you could only wear it in 'safe' places. You would never wear such a watch on a dark street etc on your way to ...
Lots of food for thought in your post.
The day that I start affording 205k CHF watches is the day that I start affording armed bodyguards. Neither is gonna materialize into a reality for me. Dreams, just dreams
Of course you cannot be serious
Owing one watch hardly amount to a collection. Nor does owing one chair, or one painting. Why limit oneself to just one, if one is interested in watches (plural)? To what benefit? I read reference in the thread to mono- and polygamy. Are we some so enthus...
“ Every single new watch joining the collection has to be treated as if it were my one and only watch”.
I, too, live by this mantra. A wonderful response, my friend Seasons greetings, and stay well