The advice is as simple as mandatory.

Apr 19, 2021,09:55 AM
 

Try it on.
Likely you need to put as many as you can in your wrist, or at least the chosen ones.
Then, let it rest.

Your wrist and feelings will do the rest.

Some love complications, others finishing, others the brand.... It's definitely subjective, time and your taste will set your path

Simone

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How do you decide on your first timepiece?

 
 By: saile : April 19th, 2021-07:21
I am at a position today to start a collection. With an overwhelming set of options I have decided I want my collection to be centered around independent watchmakers (De Bethune or FP Journe). I don't want FOMO to guide my decision, but it's proving tough... 

The advice is as simple as mandatory.

 
 By: piccolochimico (aka dsgalaxy1) : April 19th, 2021-09:55
Try it on. Likely you need to put as many as you can in your wrist, or at least the chosen ones. Then, let it rest. Your wrist and feelings will do the rest. Some love complications, others finishing, others the brand.... It's definitely subjective, time ... 

I couldn’t have put it better

 
 By: mrds : April 19th, 2021-10:20
That’s the way to do it. Congratulations on going the indie route. It will be an exciting and rewarding journey. With FPJ and De Bethune, you have excellent brands to start with (and both are strong personal favorites). Keep us posted on your journey, ple... 

Speaking as an owner of scores of watches; dozens of which have been independents

 
 By: cazalea : April 19th, 2021-10:35
Buy one or two at afforable prices with no waiting that you think you will like and hold them for 6 months. Take note of what you like and what you don't -- because you will find things you can't figure out in advance without wearing / owning it. For exam...  

That was an awesome post 👏 No bad watches from FPJ or DB so a lot of great choices there.

 
 By: Fastwong : April 19th, 2021-10:46
I would add start with small $ so that you find your way and know what you like before spending big $.... But I like where OP's head is at. My first De Bethune now has a shipment tracking number, so excited!!!

Very impressive post!

 
 By: MTR : April 19th, 2021-11:13
Your experiences can hardly be valued highly enough!! Thanks a lot for this journey. All the best Thomas

Nice collection!

 
 By: saile : April 19th, 2021-11:48
Thank you for all that detail! I have tried to read and learn as much as I can but there are definitely things that I had not taken in to consideration. Some of those are; issues with crown, how it looks on the wrist. I am under the impression that if it ... 

Hi Saile, a warm welcome here.

 
 By: ChristianDK : April 19th, 2021-10:58
I hope you will enjoy our forum. We have some great people here, with amazing knowledge and collections. It’s two -great- but certainly also niche brands - you have selected as candidates. Not where one would typically set off and certainly not for everyo... 

Thanks for the warm welcome.

 
 By: saile : April 19th, 2021-11:32
Christian, I have been researching brands for the last 2 months and the independent brands speak to me for various reasons: Low production sizes, I enjoy the uniqueness of the watch. Unknown to the masses, it's not a brand that would be easily recognized,... 

I think you are making some very valid points

 
 By: ChristianDK : April 19th, 2021-12:08
And it sounds like you have done some good research. The process of finding out what you like, is super interesting. The best is when you surprise yourself. It’s all about enjoying the journey and you can even make some great friends along the way. Great ... 

The right one is when

 
 By: MTR : April 19th, 2021-11:16
you burn 100 percent for her and think about her day and night. You will know for sure when this time comes. Good luck and welcome to our wonderful forum Thomas

This is probably the best advice of all, Thomas

 
 By: ChristianDK : April 19th, 2021-12:14
I only buy watches that keep me awake at night now. I have bought pieces that I had hesitations about it others convinced me. I have bought watches that I thought where a good deal and a clever purchase. All those, I had to get rid of again. They never ls... 

Agree :-)

 
 By: Mr.Gatsby : April 20th, 2021-11:24
However I’ve experienced on occasion that there are some watches that I buy with little feeling... and then I burn for her 100% after owning her. Such is the case for my Saxonia AC.

I think you have to define your collecting philosophy

 
 By: Mr.Gatsby : April 20th, 2021-11:16
Most people start by buying what they like. That’s an important starting point, but soon you will realize it isn’t enough, and hence that’s where you’ll make mistakes. As one journeys through his or her collecting years, you will start thinking of history... 

A lot depends on budget...

 
 By: mdg : April 20th, 2021-15:59
...but independents is a good way to go. If you do go with the 'big boys,' I'd recommend vintage.

it's part of the Journe[y]

 
 By: cmmnsens : April 22nd, 2021-09:04

Went though same exact process last year

 
 By: Jimmy Kay : April 21st, 2021-19:53
Hey man I know exactly how you feel. Was drawn to the brand plus de Bethune for my first big boy piece. I ended up purchasing a rose gold CS without seeing it in person and I can share my experience since then. I paid about 80% of RRP in secondary to get ...