Watch Collecting vs. Wearing: A Collector's Guide

Jim14 · 2022-05-10T18:54:51Z

Jim14 explores the collector's dilemma: wear or preserve? Dive into the WatchProSite community's insights on F.P. Journe and A. Lange & Söhne Datograph ownership.

Jim14

WPS member · Horological Meandering forum

29 replies6577 views1 photos

Jim14, a respected voice in the WatchProSite community, sparks a compelling discussion on the evolving nature of watch collecting. His personal dilemma—whether to acquire a coveted A. Lange & Söhne Datograph that might become a 'safe queen' like his F.P. Journe—resonates with many collectors who grapple with the tension between wearing their watches and preserving their collectible value. This thread explores the deeply personal motivations behind collecting, challenging the conventional wisdom that every watch must be worn to be enjoyed.

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Am I willing to buy watches that I probably won't wear?

What you see here is the first watch I have procured that I have never worn! It sits in the safe and brings me joy from there. I always think about wearing it, but it is so valuable as a collectible, I am quite shy to do so. I bought it because it is such a beauty and for sure it looks great on my wrist (as you can see), but I have so many watches that are also stunning and this one never beats them to my wrist. I love this Journe and I cannot imagine letting it go, but at this point, it is a safe queen. And my first one.

I was inspired to write this post because I am about to pull the trigger on another watch that may share the same "fate" as this one: a first generation platinum A. Lange & Sohne Datograph with black dial. And I honestly don't know if I want to go there because I have always been a guy that "uses" my stuff. When I had three pre 1970 automobiles, I drove them all in rotation. (I now have the one first generation 911 that I take out almost every weekend.) So, I like the idea that I wear all of my watches. But I do enjoy this Journe, and I am in love with the Datograph already.

If I tell the truth, I have other pieces I never wear and just enjoy -- I recently bought a ladies Borel that I am very proud of and love to look at it. I also have several Heuer stop clocks built around the same time as my Porsche 911 (~1970). These sit in my safe as well and get admired from time to time.

I guess the question that I am trying to send out to the purists here is this: should I go for the Datograph even though I will rarely wear it? I have several other chronographs and don't "need" to wear this one. Should I still get it?

Thanks for reading this!

Cheers,

Jim

Key Points from the Discussion

The ultimate purpose of collecting is personal happiness, regardless of whether a watch is worn regularly or kept as a 'safe queen.' The joy of ownership, the thrill of the hunt, and the aesthetic appreciation can be sufficient.
If a watch causes worry about depreciation or damage rather than joy, it might be a sign that it doesn't align with one's collecting philosophy and should be reconsidered or sold.
Collecting often involves a journey of self-discovery, where personal values and preferences for wearing versus curating a collection become clearer over time.
The perception of watches as investments is a relatively recent phenomenon and could change, suggesting that enjoyment should remain the primary driver for acquisitions. If a watch isn't being used, selling it while its value is high could fund other enjoyable pieces.
Jim14 ultimately decided against the Datograph, realizing his interest was swayed by its increasing value rather than pure love for the piece. This led him to commit to wearing his F.P. Journe, reaffirming his passion for the mechanical artistry over investment potential.
Collecting goals and values are not static; they evolve over a lifetime. What brings joy in one phase—like ownership—might shift to divesting and gifting in another.

The Discussion

mdg

May 10, 2022

I think I'd need a little more context here...

...are you talking about being a collector to buy and sell and make money? Even if you have a very large collection you can still wear them...

Jim14

May 10, 2022

Thanks for the question @mdg --

I am not talking about making money on these pieces -- it is more that I have pieces in the collection that serve a similar "purpose" be it "dress" or "chrono timing" and there is no great reason to wear these watches that are in mint condition and will lose tremendous value if I start wearing them. Nevertheless, I have no intention of letting go of the FPJ and the ALS will be one that also stays with me forever.

mdg

May 10, 2022

If you're worried about them retaining value then you are thinking that you might sell them...

...but it also depends on your level of wealth, age, etc. My wife asked me recently, 'what are you going to do, die with a bunch of money on the table?' I've always said that if I were really rich (I have a number in my head that I'll never achieve), I would buy vintage Ferraris and daily-drive them. Who cares if they lose value.

takman

May 10, 2022

For me the answer is no

I try to be mindful of pieces I choose so that everything in the collection is unique in its own way. Some are worn more than others but I keep them all wound and taking time. Only 4 slots in the watch box so that helps a bit from over expanding 😉

Jim14

May 10, 2022

@takman I have been of the same mind as you for many years, but I am still strongly compelled to expand my collection.

I cannot wear all of them often enough to make me feel like they are getting the use they deserve and yet I don't want to move them on because many took many years of hunting to find.

myles721

May 10, 2022

Me? No.

But no one can answer that question except you. Plenty of people own art that they keep in storage as an investment.