One More Watch: The Collector's Dilemma — WatchProSite Forum Digest

Baron - Mr Red · 2014-10-09T04:44:40Z

Explore the philosophy of watch collecting: what if you could only buy one more watch? Baron - Mr Red prompts a debate on collection size and passion.

Baron - Mr Red

WPS member · Horological Meandering forum

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Baron - Mr Red initiates a profound discussion on the philosophy of watch collecting, drawing an analogy between curating a stock portfolio and building a watch collection. He challenges readers to consider the 'one more watch' scenario, prompting introspection on what truly completes a collection and whether a single 'dream watch' can ever fully satisfy a collector's evolving desires. This post delves into the emotional and practical aspects of collection management.

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OK, this won't be a long philosophical debate about collecting. Those who have read my comments over the years already know that I am tortured about collecting. And those that haven't read those comments need not read them now......or maybe just a bit.

My collection has grown over the last 5 years. It is now at a point where I am wondering when it ends. Of course, there will always be watches that are desirable that are not in my collection. In that sense, will it ever end. Then I remembered some advice given to me when I first started my career. How many stocks should one hold in a portfolio? 10? 20? 50? 100? I was never sure how to answer this question until a really wise guy asked me this: If you had to pick your best idea for a stock, what would it be. Now pick your next best idea. By the time you have reached your tenth best idea, the quality of the ideas will definitely be questionable. By the 20th best idea, potentially downright spurious. I wonder if that wisdom would apply to collecting watches? In the past, I have looked at the idea of owning a collection of 10 watches and what those watches would be. In this sense, one doesn't need to nominate a No.1....merely reject a No.11 against the Top 10. But as new watches and interests develop, a burgeoning collection develops. These are three Omega additions during H2.

I look back on these purchases and do not regret in any sense. But then I ask myself a simple question...If i was only going to buy one more watch, what would it be?

Would I delve deeper into Rolex territory or maybe find something in Patek, JLC or Omega. Those are essentially the manufacturers where I have focussed my collection...in that order of preference. Its a truly tricky question as it is addressing the issue of not only how complete one's current collection is but also whether one can envisage a single future watch that would sooth all future potential qualms. Would I have bought the Omega 165014 if that was to be my last watch purchase? Totally original including the insert...a superb minty vintage Omega.....but IF that was to be my last watch, would I have pulled that trigger. I guess this debate is really about what dream watch we hold in our sights that might conclude a collection......

I have spent a number of years building my Rolex collection and would probably feel very happy with its shape now. I have spent similar years on Patek and JLC, but with many many holes in both. Omega is a more recent theme. I think I know where I would head if i had to make this decision.......

I wonder how many other tortured watch collectors there are out there....!

Key Points from the Discussion

The comparison between stock holding and watch collecting is flawed because watches evoke emotion and passion, unlike the cold pragmatism of financial assets.
Limiting a collection to a specific number, such as 10 or 12, can be a strategy for self-control and ensuring each watch is worn and appreciated, though the concept of an 'exit watch' that satisfies all desires indefinitely is often elusive.
The idea of a 'magic number' for watches is debatable; the pleasure of horology extends beyond wearing, encompassing winding, admiring, and sharing watches, making a strict limit less relevant for some collectors.
Narrowing a collection to a small number, like 10, demonstrates maturity in horology, especially considering the limited wrist space and the impracticality of wearing a large collection regularly.
Passion is a crucial element missing from the stock-picking analogy for true watch collectors, as it drives emotional connection and satisfaction, which may decrease with each additional watch beyond a certain point.
A collector's journey often involves focusing on specific passions, such as Glashütte Original, vintage Omega, or Grand Seiko, and finding satisfaction with a curated selection rather than an ever-expanding collection.

The Discussion

dr.kol

Oct 9, 2014

I would be happy to close the book.

If I could buy only one more watch, it would be Patek Philippe ref. 5078P with white enamel dial. This watch has everything: right size, stunning movement, right case material, enamel dial plus a great complication. At the same time it's not too shiny. If my company's budget for 2015 will materialize, I will walk in to one of the three Patek Salons, order this watch and say: "I'm done!" Best, Kari

pplater

Oct 9, 2014

A magnificent ambition!...

A perfect watch with which to 'close the book'. Good luck with the budget... ...then good luck with thinking "I'm done!" :-) Cheers, pplater.

Tim Jackson

Oct 9, 2014

I second pplater's observation...

and re-iterate, "good luck with being done"... As one's knowledge increases, so does the appreciation and I suspect the ability to "turn off" the world of micro-mechanical art, will be next to impossible to do. Given available funding, you will find other watches that you'll just have to have....it is human nature I believe. Great choice though to attempt to close out the collection ;) Cheers, Tim

Ares501 - Mr Green

Oct 13, 2014

Would you believe me

if I say that Slot machined one would close mine ;)

pplater

Oct 14, 2014

Not if...

...your lips were moving when you said it. :-) Cheers, pplater.

Sandgroper

Oct 9, 2014

Very nice time telling for sure.....

Exquisite taste you have Kari, stunning simplicity. Hope the budget works:) Cheers Francois

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