How Your Watch Collecting Journey Began

elliot55 · 2019-10-24T09:19:09Z

Discover how watch collectors' journeys begin, from inherited heirlooms to first luxury purchases. Elliot55 shares his story and community insights on building a watch collection.

elliot55

WPS member · Horological Meandering forum

26 replies4089 views7 photos

Elliot55 invites the community to reflect on the origins of their watch collecting passion, sharing his own journey which began with a Rolex Submariner three decades ago. His post humorously tackles the common perception of collectors as 'nutty' and the challenge of quantifying one's collection, sparking a relatable discussion among enthusiasts.

...Whenever I meet a passionate watch collector, I am always curious to know how it all started. As I’ve posted on this very forum, my journey began when I purchased that Submariner some thirty years ago. And in the years since I have accumulated a whole lotta’ watches.

Some even say that people like us are nutty just for having more than one watch, let alone spending more than five-hundred bucks on one. I mean, who can successfully argue with a person who has forty handbags and fifty pairs of shoes, all housed in a special closet that would dwarf some New York apartments.

The other day, a friend asked me (with an almost judgmental tone), “How many watches do you actually have?”

Actually?!? Actually, I had to think about the answer. Did he mean, “How many watches do I own in total?” or did he mean, “How many watches do I wear?” or “How many are insured?” Or…? My answer turned out to be more of a question, “I don’t know, twenty?”

Frankly, now I was curious about the grand total and after spending a few minutes culling together everything this horological packrat has gathered (horded?) over the years, the accurate number of pieces is (gulp) thirty-three. Granted, that’s EVERYTHING. Every piece-of-crap novelty-watch given out as ‘swag’ by some mortgage company; every junky pocket watch picked up while foraging at some NAWCC swap meet; every Timex or Casio I’ve ever owned - running or not – all crammed together in a pile, like Schwarzenegger’s drawer full of forgotten AP’s. Only without all the AP’s.

At the end of the day, the actual number didn’t even matter. In fact, I am reminded by a dear friend who has always made the point “it’s not the timepiece, it’s the story”. So, I have to ask: How did your journey begin?

Looking back, I guess I’d have to say watch collecting is in my family’s DNA. Growing up, my grandfather had a beautiful pocket watch that he kept in the vest pocket of his 3-piece-suit. Whenever I would come for a visit, he trusted me with it and let me carry it around. Of course, as a kid I had no idea what a Breguet was so when I was older and the watch was left to me, I had a minor freak out. And I am pretty sure I’ve never seen my dad as pissed off as he was when the watch was left to me and not him.

Unfortunately, it’s one of those timepieces that is only accurate twice a day and yes, I have explored having it repaired. There are two issues: 1) Parts that need to be replaced must be made and estimates have been received in excess of $20,000, and 2) Even if repaired I am quite sure it would still sit in the box at the bank. I can almost hear my German watchmaker friend saying in his Deutsch accent, “Fuggettaboutit”.

Sometimes the obsession starts with a gift. Another friend of mine was given a Jaeger LeCoutre Reverso by his wife for his 40^th birthday. We’re talking a guy that was all about his G-Shock. Here we are fifteen years later and that same G-shock devotee has got a bunch of Rolex, several JLC’s, a Patek Philippe, a couple of Omegas – well, you get the picture. For others, the affliction comes from an appreciation inherent to one’s own occupation. I know a collector with an absolutely amazing collection of A. Lange & Sohne timepieces.

Each one is a masterpiece, front and back, and when you ask him, “Why A. Lange & Sohne?” He tells you that as a retired engineer there is nothing like it anywhere in the world. He goes onto say no-one-but-no-one can engineer something like this better than the Germans. Or as he likes to say, “Niemand macht es so wie die Deutshen.” This is where curiosity gets the best of me. So tell us: How did your journey begin?

Cheers!

- Scott

Key Points from the Discussion

Some collectors' journeys began with a fascination for technology, like a digital watch, rather than traditional horology, with a love for watches developing later through gifts or significant acquisitions.
For many, the passion for watches is sparked by inheriting a family heirloom, such as a grandfather's Omega or Hamilton, despite potential issues like incorrect servicing.
A first significant watch, like a Rolex, can mark the beginning of a lifelong collecting 'illness,' often intensified by joining online communities.
Iconic watches, like the Rolex GMT-Master 1675, often inspire collectors to pursue their first serious timepiece, leading to a deep dive into the hobby.
Early exposure to complex watches, like a relative's full calendar, can 'transfix' a young mind and set the stage for a lifelong passion for horology.
Some collectors started with a Rolex GMT Master at a young age, which, despite being a foundational piece, might eventually be overshadowed by other brands as the collection evolves.

The Discussion

Bill

Oct 24, 2019

Wore the damn thing for fifteen plus years. Swimming, showering doing everything with it on the wrist. Still in the collection first Rolex till this day. In 2001 a small opening a second Rolex platinum Daydate. Traded when i got the bug. Got the full illness joining the forum in 2005 and all downhill from there. Can’t seem to control myself anymore. I think i love Rolex. Lol.

baufoam

Oct 24, 2019

My first watch, “The One that Started it All” is a Rolex GMT Master in Steel with a Jubilee bracelet. Bought it for myself at the ripe-old age of 21 in November of 1986. Paid High-End retail from a Authorized Dealer in Los Angeles. Happy to say, I still own that great watch. Never seem to wear it though. Now it’s all Patek all the time.

elliot55

Oct 24, 2019

... Addiction. Affliction? Those are some great pieces, my friend.

elliot55

Oct 24, 2019

... And iconic timepiece. I rue the day I traded away my "coke" bezel with jubilee bracelet. Looking back, it was a misstep. But hey, we look forward, right?

cazalea

Oct 24, 2019

My Grandfather Carl died suddenly, and I went back to Texas with my mother and aunt. I was 23. My grandmother took me in their bedroom and gave me my grandfather’s two gold watches - an Omega bumper-wind wristwatch, and a Hamilton pocket watch. Eventually a service was needed on the Omega and I was appalled that they changed the hands (although one was dented when I took it in). Then a few years later I got interested in pilot watches and bought this Bell & Ross. Then the Breitling. Next I w

elliot55

Oct 25, 2019

... My friend. Love that IWC. And the dial on the Omega is gorgeous. The updated hands aren't so bad either. Have a great weekend. - Scott

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