Horological Meandering

Age old question, what's better, a couple of nice watches or a nice multiple piece collection? I currently have a nice multiple piece collection, modern mixed in with vintage. As with everyone, I wear only one at a time and some don't see much wrist time.... 

I decided to consolidate to 4 new pieces that meet my tastes now and I'm very happy with it. Aris

i said 4 maximum & I'm being adviced to think around 10-12 - i think i'll land somewhere in between ;-)

I find myself in a similar situation. There are many pieces I don’t wear although we do have sentimental value and I know replacing that would be almost impossible. However given the situation, do I really keep things that are not being used or move them ... 

I for myself have found a radical solution that makes me feel good. See my post below. All the best Thomas

totally the dilemna. I find that 3 watches seems correct for myself...one has sentimental value (was my fathers) one is a complication (chrono) and one a simple everyday watch....that way I can be sure they are all worn on a weekly basis. For myself anymo... 

I am amazed by the variety of collections I see here. Some collect a brand, some a complication, some a type (divers for example) and others based on a lifestyle. The themes of collecting are endless. If you can determine what the underlying motivation is... 

i love to wear all my watches & i do...so i think the right number should be around 7.... i know it doesn't help you resolve your dilemma but then we're all in the same boat isn't it ?! Best, mahesh.,

If you're a collector, there is no optimal number of watches - the size of your collection should always be changing. If you're the sort of person who wants to wear all your watches, there's a reason to choose quality over quantity. I'd say two watches is... 

I am completely in a phase of consolidation and therefore I unterstand your thoughts so much. Possessing too many things sounds like a luxury first world problem but it really can be a burden. So I have made the decision to get rid of any watch I don’t li... 

would be my guns and fly fishing equipment. Of course you need a different weight rod for different scenarios, so I tell my wife. I won't part with my guns because you're never sure whose hands they will eventually end up in, better safe than sorry, anoth... 

Yes it´s a philosophy that makes me happy. At the moment. But it´s not just a strategy. It´s a way that i feel I MUST go. I also have to confess that regarding some of your watches it wouldn´t be an easy decision...

You’ve perfectly described the feeling that’s shared by most collectors. I don’t recall who wrote it but a while back I read a post on this forum that explained how collectors go through 3 sometimes 4 phases: - beginners: you buy one, get hooked start buy... 

Just to share a point that's less discussed: I think a collection of fewer pieces will have more of a "luxury in moderation" respectability factor than a large collection, even if those fewer pieces are more expensive in total than the larger collection. ... 

But perhaps 3 or 4 should be sufficient for the “core” collection. Having a go anywhere do anything watch (1) is useful to many people; I certainly need one. A dressier piece (2) and a sportier piece (3) is a tried and tested route. Dressier and sportier ...