End-Game Luxury Watches: Collector Discussion

pplater · 2023-07-16T05:12:05Z

Explore the 'end-game watch' concept with WatchProSite's pplater. Collectors debate if a single timepiece, like a Patek Philippe 3939 or Haldimann H1, can truly end the collecting journey. Discover expert insights and personal grails.

pplater's recent forum post, 'Re-connection, and end-game watches...', delves into the profound question that resonates with every serious collector: what watch would truly mark the culmination of their horological journey? Inspired by a rekindled connection with an 'old-timer' Purist, pplater explores the concept of an 'end-game watch'—a piece so satisfying it would bring an immediate end to further collecting. This article synthesizes community responses, offering diverse perspectives on this ultimate horological pursuit.

A couple of weeks ago, out of the blue, an ‘old-timer’ Purist got in touch just to ask after a particular watch, almost as if it were an old mutual friend (which, in some ways, it is!). That sparked a couple of weeks of casual email conversation about watches once loved; watches now loved; watches won, watches lost and watches that may yet be.

The conversation was so easy, and so enjoyable; it brought to mind quite vividly the sort of dialogue that enthusiasts were able to enjoy on the boards in less busy, more intimate times. It was a delight to re-connect with someone from days past; hopefully they will read this in NJ and know how gratifying it was for an isolated Antipodean to see that passion, knowledge and …(what was that third thing???)… are still very much the touchstones for many in the collecting community. Indeed, it would be great to hear from some of the other ‘old-timers’ as well, even if it’s just a ‘hello’ to let us know you are still out there, and doing well.

Inevitably, perhaps, the dialogue turned to that age-old question of ‘what is your end-game watch?’ It’s a question which we have probably all asked ourselves more than once. For some of us, the answer has changed from time to time; for others, the answer will have remained steadfastly the same. It is a question which often appears on the forum and it may even have appeared recently; apologies if it has! Stimulated by that recent exchange, though, here is the question again: what watch, if you could acquire it tomorrow, would be so completely satisfying that it would be the end of your collecting journey?

Here’s a couple of thoughts to help focus your thinking. First, it probably isn’t in your collection already; if it were, then you wouldn’t still be collecting and you probably wouldn’t be here! Second, it may be – but it may not be – the same as your ‘grail’ watch. Some enthusiasts have been lucky enough to find their holy-of-holies, the nec plus ultra, but continue to collect anyway. Some enthusiasts who may never obtain their ‘grail’ may have in their sights a different watch that would be the end to their collecting.

From a personal perspective the answer remains unchanged, at least since 2015. It may be surprising, but after years of wandering amongst the big brands and the independents, gradually identifying preferences and refining tastes along the way, this is the watch that would bring an immediate end to it all:

(Photo credit: ‘Origami’ on Chronomania)

If you can be persuaded, it would be interesting to know whether you have an end-game watch, and perhaps to see a picture of it.

Cheers,

pplater.

End-Game Luxury Watches: Collector Discussion

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