Essential Watches: Collection Mainstays — WatchProSite Forum Digest

Aquaracer1 · 2023-10-06T16:38:47Z

Discover what makes a watch a 'mainstay' in a luxury collection. WatchProSite collectors share their enduring Patek Philippe, Vacheron Constantin, and Audemars Piguet timepieces.

Aquaracer1

WPS member · Horological Meandering forum

57 replies25571 views3 photos

Aquaracer1's reflection on 'mainstay' watches, those enduring pieces in a collection, resonates deeply within the WatchProSite community. This discussion explores the personal connections and horological merits that elevate certain timepieces to indispensable status, offering insights into what makes a watch truly timeless for its owner. Aquaracer1 initiates the conversation by showcasing a specific reference that embodies these qualities for them.

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Yesterday I was chatting with another enthusiast, and we shared our stories of watches that come and go, and those that are mainstays in our collections. We’ve all been there, flipping one for another, falling out of and then in love again with something, hunting for a piece that we are exceptionally passionate about.

What are the staples / mainstays in your collections? Any that stand out and exhibit the most “Staying Power?”

I enjoy all of mine, but the mainstay, and undoubtedly the piece with the most “Staying Power:”

The proportions, simplicity, robustness, bracelet, history and cool factor all contribute to my particular fondness of this special watch

Key Points from the Discussion

The Vacheron Constantin Overseas Retrograde Date is highly valued for its animated dial, intricate movement finishing, and compelling history, offering exceptional quality for its secondary market price.
For some, a collection's mainstays include a diverse range of watches, from a slim, functional world timer to an elegant, minimalistic piece, a watch with twin swan neck regulators, and a classic Reverso, each chosen for distinct aesthetic and mechanical appeal.
The Audemars Piguet Millenary can rekindle a collector's passion, demonstrating how modern watches, with their evolving designs and complications, can re-engage enthusiasts who previously focused on vintage or more traditional pieces.
While some dive watches offer extreme water resistance, others, like certain JLC models, are considered 'enthusiast homage pieces' with lower water resistance, distinguishing them from professional dive tools.
A reliable mechanical timing device, such as a robust chronograph with a rotating bezel, is essential for activities like boating and skiing, allowing for simultaneous timing of multiple events and operation in water without needing screw-down pushers.
Focusing on acquiring only 'mainstay' pieces is a common aspiration for collectors, though often challenging, with re-edition models frequently becoming core components of a collection due to their historical significance and modern appeal.

The Discussion

TeutonicCarFan

Oct 6, 2023

I've actually only sold or traded 1 watch

But I agree, no date sub does it all and is a favorite

Aquaracer1

Oct 6, 2023

Looking good!

History has shown: I’ve owned 100 different watches. Now only 5 remain. There’s been a whole lot of “try outs” in my journey 🙂

SALMANPK

Oct 7, 2023

Great Thread, these are mine

myles721

Oct 6, 2023

For me….

Because I truly rely on it and to my knowledge there are very few (if any) other pieces that do what this one does…as well as it does it.

Aquaracer1

Oct 6, 2023

Awesome

Do you use the chronograph function when boating?

myles721

Oct 6, 2023

All the time…

Gas gauges on boats are notoriously unreliable… In fact, boats are notoriously unreliable🤣 it’s very important with my skis and my boat that I have a completely mechanical timing device that allows me to roughly compute fuel burn. I also love that with the rotating bezel I can time two events at once i.e. total trip time, and time between refueling. I also love the fact that the pushers do not need to be screwed down and can actually be operated in the water.

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