Rapid Watch Collecting: An Obsession — WatchProSite Forum Digest

sleepy_templar · 2016-10-03T00:31:00Z

New collector sleepy_templar shares his rapid acquisition of 18 watches in 7 months, seeking advice on managing collecting obsession and financial impact.

sleepy_templar

WPS member · Horological Meandering forum

27 replies6274 views1 photos

New forum member sleepy_templar shares his rapid immersion into watch collecting, acquiring 18 watches in just seven months. His post candidly explores the intense passion and financial commitment of a burgeoning collector, seeking advice on how to manage this 'insanity' from seasoned enthusiasts.

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Hey guys!

I’m very new to the forum and very fresh to the WIS world. It all started less than 1 year ago (to be precise, 7 months), but the curve of zest and obsession has been super steep (all the posts in the forums have made a big contribution to it…). Let me list down some facts:

I spent all my salaries and bonus of this year (putting aside daily essentials) and a portion of my savings from last year;
I acquired 18 watches in 7 months, no to mention I flipped over another 7 on top;
I spent 80% of my time checking on anything related to watches, besides work, gym and time with my kids.

There have been some moments that I told myself: “take it easy, slow down, it has been too much…”. So I tried to use my wife as a control point but you know what she said? “since you love it, go ahead”…unfortunately, failed.

My 5 year old daughter drew a haute horology piece as my birthday gift: a jumping hour, split seconds chronograph piece with 13 hours instead of 12! LOL.

My little toddler has been playing with my pieces all day as well, seems that he supports my hobby…

Now, I am seeking for advises here: did you guys all went through this insanity and totally ridiculous and irrational obsession? If so, how did you slow down and restrict yourselves?

Key Points from the Discussion

Many experienced collectors advise slowing down the pace of acquisition to allow for reflection, enjoyment, and maturation of taste, as rapid buying can diminish the pleasure of each new watch.
The initial phase of collecting, characterized by intense obsession and rapid acquisition, is a common experience among watch enthusiasts, often taking several years to calm down.
The author's collection, despite being assembled quickly, is noted for its diversity, including brands like De Bethune, Sarpaneva, and Hautlence, which typically appeal to more advanced collectors.
The primary driver for the author's concern is the financial expenditure, not a lack of passion, indicating a desire to balance enthusiasm with a set budget.
The journey into watch collecting often begins with a need for a 'decent' business watch, leading to extensive research across forums and blogs, ultimately broadening horizons beyond initial brand considerations.

The Discussion

Baron - Mr Red

Oct 3, 2016

welcome....

.....it took me about 6 years before i started to calm down. Look on the bright side, youonly have another 5 or so to go. Buttell me, what drove you into it to start? What watches drew your attention and why? And where do you see yourself going? I think what has happened to you will resionate with a few members here....relax....you are not a freak....well, you may be, but you are amongst your people here!! Welcome again! Joe

sleepy_templar

Oct 3, 2016

Thank you Joe for your warm welcome! The start of my journey may be very conventional...

I guess the story is very similar to a lot of memebers here: there was a moment i felt the need of a decent watch for business occasions. Everyone knows what name pops up in my mind - surprise surprise, Rolex...However, i tend to spend a lot time studying, reading, digging before making any purchase. So i started wondering around forums, blogs...here, Ablogtowatch, Hodinkee, QuillandPad, etc. etc. I started to go to some dealers and sit with them for hours and hours over the coffee, to learn...a

Speedie74 aka Mr. Torquise

Oct 3, 2016

Welcome here!

Well, the road will be long and winding, but the journey is very pleasant! At the end you will know how to rule yourself and your addict, and only the best and dearest will stay in your collection! As for the start, you have chosen quite nice pieces: Journe, AP etc. Please DO NOT FLIP them! Yours, Adam

sleepy_templar

Oct 3, 2016

Thanks Adam!

The current 18 will be stable, i mean, i guess they will stay for long...

VMM

Oct 3, 2016

Welcome.

7 months?! Wow, you better step on the brake, but if you don't, it's ok, we all been there. You already have some very nice and special timepieces in your collection. Thanks for sharing. Vte

sleepy_templar

Oct 3, 2016

Thanks Vte.

A lot of members here have mind-blowing collections. My humble collection is way below being impressive. And that's not my target. I just love the diversity of the haute horology world, no theme for collection as life is too short and budget is too little to really experience the spectrum of them...

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