One More Watch: The Collector's Dilemma

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

54 replies15911 views3 photos

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.

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

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

amanico

Oct 9, 2014

Way out: How to reduce the collection to 10 watches? Way in? How to add 10 more watches to the collection? I never told you, but I am a total dumb in Maths. ;) If I had to buy only one more Watch, it would be by brand: Longines? Big 11. Blancpain? One more Fifty Fathoms. Omega? 2998 Lollipop FAP ( if FAP + Lollipop exists ). Patek? 5100G. Vacheron? Mercator Jeanbrugge, or better, Sputnik. JLC? Modern? ouch... Vintage? Polaris II Red. Panerai? 6154. Rolex? 1019. GP? Peseux 260. Gruen? Antarctica.

nilomis

Oct 9, 2014

Joe, Even if I go broke, there is always a $ 25 Casio that looks cool. And then, another one. It's endless, my friend. Going to the hypothetical "only one", it could be a real NOS Seamaster 300 165.024 with the original box and papers (I know that there are those somewhere). Cheers, Nilo

amanico

Oct 9, 2014

If I have to rationalize, then I should rather jump on the 1019. If I let my heart speak, and that I don't have to play this game, then, of course, 1665 MK II! ;) Best, Nicolas

Baron - Mr Red

Oct 9, 2014

I think if the day comes when I can say, I just bought my last watch, then I will probably be a happy guy....not a sad one. When Kari says that he could happily buy his next Patek and conclude..."I'm done".....well, I have to say, I am jealous of that.....I am jealous of that contentment. I wish Kari the absolute best, but I want to be where he is!!!!! Like Nicolas, I could quickly hit a number of targets in a number of manufacturers....but I suspect that the list would just continue to expand a

Continue the conversation

This thread is active on the Horological Meandering forum with 54 replies. Share your knowledge with fellow collectors.

Join the Discussion →

Key Points from the Discussion

Continue the conversation

More from this Forum