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.

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

amanico

Nov 21, 2021

Damn, that makes 17... You see, I am a lost cause. Best, Nicolas

Lankysudanese

Nov 21, 2021

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)?

jleno

Nov 21, 2021

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, it's a perfect one-watch for me because suits my taste, style, and I just don't see any other watch looking better on my wrist (especially with the size constraint). That being said, there are some other pieces I might consider acquiring in the

Lankysudanese

Nov 21, 2021

your's is gorgeous. hat's off to you my friend; you have achieved horological nirvana.

sham1

Nov 21, 2021

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 Frodsham or a Gronefeld Remontoire. My bias might seem to be towards high end dress watches but at the other end of the scale a Grand Seiko SBGY 007 would also tick all the boxes for me. The Voutilainen 28E The Roger Smith Series 1 The Charles

TeutonicCarFan

Nov 21, 2021

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 versatile would probably be better, the VC overseas perpetual ultrathin

Continue the conversation

This thread is active on the Horological Meandering forum with 180 replies. Share your knowledge with fellow collectors.

Join the Discussion →

The Perfect One-Watch Collection: Buyer's Guide

Key Points from the Discussion

Continue the conversation

More from this Forum