Horological Meandering

Hi everyone! Recently I’ve been considering whether I should consider collecting around a theme (e.g. a function such as chronographs or a brand such as Patek). The reason I’ve been considering this is that I feel the size of my modest collection (7 plus ... 

If it was me, choose a complication and then different brands.

That would be the easy choice as two watches I currently have with sentimental value are both chronos (which would be my choice of complication if I went for it)

There's so many ways to do this, that you need only pick one of the million possible themes (brand, or complication, or even metal, reference number within a brand, year, color, etc. etc.) and begin studying the best way to succeed while creating somethin... 

Although I prefer diversity I have neverheless a large part pf my collection devoted to chronographs and divers.

I work with a theme since i builded up a watch collection. I took Swiss made as a lead. I want to see the movement with the back placed on a watch or look through when it is a skeleton. Wear for every situation a watch, so dress, dive, fly, working, fun, ... 

A theme is so satisfying. Albeit it take some freedom away, while you can not collect any watch. I do it to be satisfied with a purchase. For example, i would be more proud to collect a Vacheron Constantin than a Sinn.

I have always thought about collecting to a specific line like Seamasters or Speedmasters, or Explorers... My tastes have changed over the years so now I am collecting strong everyday wears with high quality and under 10K... SO really i think collecting i... 

I would probably not be as specific as a model line but rather a brand or complication although there are some great model specific collections out there

-D-

5 is too small, even 10 would be small for collection 🤐

if the idea drives your interest. I would be leery of going this route to spur your interest. Maybe take some time with each piece you already own. Look to see what initially drew you to each and let your potential theme develop from there.

Really like chronos (even if I never use the function) and brand wise I really enjoy Patek even if I’m not 100% as to why there is just something that makes me want to have a lot of Patek models. I probably wouldn’t make a drastic change overnight so it’s... 

As much as I love some annual and perpetual calendars, my eyes are finding it increasingly difficult to read the displayed information at a glance. Plus I prefer a less cluttered dial overall. But I still do have and wear a select few less-easy-to-read di... 

The clear alignment in one direction without a strict theme is clearly a great outcome

My vision is not what it once was, so the watches I have purchased over the last few yers have been collected with an eye toward legibility and every day wearability.

to a watch collection is an interesting idea. At the present moment my collection is made up of Rolex watches. It didn’t start out this way but over the years I discovered I love the looks, quality and accuracy of the brand.

For me, a theme is a pattern that is recognisable by outsiders. I have a set of criteria for what I purchase but if my watches were seen together, there is no pattern. My personal experience is that once I set out on a quest to assemble a collection of so... 

Agree that there is a clear difference between theme and rationale, I’ve bought all my current watches for a reason,after significant consideration ,and whilst having a theme could make some decisions easier it could also go the other way

Any watch failing that simple criteria is soon departed. That is the one and only common thread through my collection and has served me well over the decades.

My magic number right now for a collection is ten watches. At any given time, I can tell you the order of my preference of these pieces from one to ten. Sure, this is subject to change, but at any point I have a good idea of this order. If I am considerin... 

. . . the ladies we like . . . . . . are not necessarily the ones we'd want to live with over the long term. In other words, tastes evolve, and usually trend towards simpler pleasures. 😉 ...  

It keeps you focused on collecting certain watches imo . My theme is still ,, get them all ,, 🤦🏻‍♂️😆.

it is rewarding endeavour to collect on a theme. in a way, you'll surely enjoy the pursuit on finding the gems. one thing I can tell, you might have to relax the total beyond '7' - even if you decide to pick 'one best' from each brand on the theme, you're... 

Definitely possible that the number doesn’t decrease if I do this (even if I’d aim to). Lots to consider with all the input!

It may lead to redundancy with some watches being fairly similar to each other. Especially for a smaller collection, I'd prefer to have as much diversity as possible with different brands, metals, complications, finishing styles, etc.

This is more or less where I am now and I’m definitely still considering simply defining the 4-5 categories/type that I want and then pursue what I think is best within each of them. Let’s see where I get to, your input is appreciated!

I am myself in more or less the same position, having six watches I have in rotation. But now I feel it difficult when I find a watch I like to find a place in the rotation for it. If it's to close in appearence to one I have, I don't pull the trigger. I ...