The Perfect One-Watch Collection: Buyer's Guide

Lankysudanese · 2021-11-21T15:02:29Z

Explore the ultimate 'one-watch collection' debate on WatchProSite. Lankysudanese and the community discuss criteria for a single luxury timepiece, from Greubel Forsey to Voutilainen.

Lankysudanese

WPS member · Horological Meandering forum

180 replies30722 views1 photos

Lankysudanese (Hussam) ignites a compelling debate within the WatchProSite community, challenging collectors to envision their ultimate 'one-watch collection.' His post, inspired by a discussion with another purist, explores the merits and stringent criteria for consolidating a collection into a single, exceptional timepiece. Hussam's personal inclination towards a haute horlogerie independent sports watch with advanced movement technology, exemplified by the Greubel Forsey Balancier S2, sets a high bar for the discussion.

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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.

Hypothetically-speaking:

- The other purist (who may decide to partake in this open debate) went for a unique-piece dress watch from an indie, which is currently part of their collection.

- I would sell everything and buy a sports watch from a an haute horologie Independent brand. Something with impressive shock and water resistance, but with mirror polishing and anglage etc etc. It would have to have something special in its movement tech, either in materials or Tourbillion, constant force etc etc. Something like the newly-presented Greubel Forsay Balancier S2 (see below)

What would you do? Would you ever consider becoming a one-watch guy/gal? If so, do you currently own such a watch, or would you have to buy or design it? If it is the latter, can you share what your criteria would include?

Thanks for indulging me on this post

Hussam

Key Points from the Discussion

The practicality of a one-watch collection is heavily influenced by service considerations; a lengthy service interval or prohibitive cost for a sole timepiece can be a significant deterrent.
Some collectors, like FabR, find deep satisfaction in acquiring specific rare handcraft pieces, suggesting that 'completing' a personal sub-collection can fulfill the desire for a singular, cherished watch, even if it's not their only one.
The very concept of a 'one-watch collection' is debated, with some arguing that true watch enthusiasts inherently appreciate watches in the plural and that limiting oneself to one watch diminishes the hobby's core appeal.
The ideal one-watch often evolves over a collector's journey; what was once important (e.g., extreme expense) may become less so, with practicality and wearability taking precedence over fear of damage or theft.
A one-watch choice for daily wear should prioritize utility and ease of use, potentially excluding complications like date functions that require frequent adjustment, as the goal is a hassle-free experience.
An ultra-high-end, exotic timepiece, while stunning, may not be suitable as a one-watch collection due to security concerns and limited wearability in diverse environments, suggesting an 'under the radar' luxury brand might be more practical.

The Discussion

Nov 21, 2021

VC's Les Cabinotiers may be of interest if designing a one-watch collection with a large budget. What other options exist in that space?

Lankysudanese

Nov 21, 2021

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)?

Nov 22, 2021

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 essentially a one-watch collection, for sentimental reasons.

Lankysudanese

Nov 22, 2021

You answered my question , very succinctly.

And sentimental watches will always win

amanico

Nov 21, 2021

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

Lankysudanese

Nov 21, 2021

you never stood a chance, Nico. :-)

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