FabR
[Senior Patek Moderator]
26166
I'm probably well known for my faithfulness to a specific and pretty "unique" brand, which came naturally after a few years of collecting....even though I don't mind a little bit of occasional "cheating" (only on special occasions, of course! :-))
Most important and equally serious though, one public rule that I know I share with you and many other good collectors on this forum, is critical to me --- even more so in the current (and likely future) climate: *always* try and buy at MSRP, no matter how difficult it is! 
It's never easy, irrespective of the stage you've reached in your "collecting career," but it will make it truly rewarding! ;-)
Cheers.
Are you a one brand kind of collector?
I don’t think I will ever be…but I know some brands have a great range of models that spans the full spectrum. You can get all bases covered with certain brands. I prefer trying to collect the icons or a good representative of some brands/models to get th...
Pretty much. Occasional flings . . .
. . . but essentially faithful. And I feel a twinge of guilt every time I stray. It's kinda like being married, in a way.
My education in Ω was from outstanding 'professors' - Bill S, Erich, Gator . . .
. . . MSN, Tony C, Ben DG - which is almost like going to Harvard without paying tuition. As for passion, what comes around goes around . . . there's little that gives me greater pleasure than sharing knowledge and experience here in our community. ;-)
That is a very nice spread of beautiful watches from iconic brands. I am not a one-brand person —I am trying to curate a small collection of meaningful watches across brands.
So far — Rolex, Patek Phillippe, Panerai, and Omega. Thinking a VC or an ALS will be my next watch (or maybe a Rolex Cellini).
Of the brands you mentioned, I am tempted to add VC, especially that CdV Chrono…
Someday, hopefully when stars, priorities and funds aligned.
Yes I have the Ed White 321 but watches is not all about the movement for me…
Looks on the front, case are equally important. I don’t need the super nice movement finishes like PD, RR or GF. PP and ALS is very, very good enough for me.
I agree, the look is obviously very important and with your collection you are certainly on the top level of movements and
finish. You can't really go higher
Thank you kindly, Christian....I thought about those ooohs, aaahs of the movement finishes by the living legends...
but after a while, you won't be looking at those polish corners, angles all the time. I like how my watches wear, feel, and function as a wardrobe, not so much of the "inner feel good" because I have a super high end, under the radar, art piece etc. I kno...
your collection is amazing! the finish of many pieces you have is second to none
Lange, Patek, Rolex, Omega no need to go into very exotic pieces just for an higher finish (and way higher price). As you already know most important is to buy what you like and stay away from the hype (anything over MSRP). I have been off the forum for a...
You have great memory...it all started slowly when I got my very 1st PP in June 2014 and joining the forum...
Then Rolex, Omega and Lange started in 2015 and rest is just addiction, lol...well, it's been a wonderful journey and I'm glad with the results so far. I think 2022 will not be as many as 2019/21 but who knows. It is very difficult to say no to some calls...
Ok then, saving up for VC and/or Breguet…
I can already tell you my account is going negative now and pending credit card payment 🤣
Oopsy….the one small thing about the nested threads and comments are sometimes hard to see who’s replying to who 😅
I know there is indentation but when it gets to more levels, I’m lost. It’s all good information to share anyways. Cheers
Clearly many brands in my case as i dont feel i would limit myself to only one brand, no matter how good given there is so much to experience from several great offerings...
Now, not sure i have yet enough watches to call myself a collector, but am certainly an enthusiast!
Anyone with two watches or more is a collector my friend….
You are an enthusiastic collector 😊
Yes. Omega. A few reasons…
1. My intro to the brand was the Seamaster PO Chrono. IMHO one of the finest watches ever made. It was easier to embrace the brand ethos after owning this watch. 2. Service…impeccable, thorough and timely. 3. The movements. Not haute horology in finish (a...
As I was explaining above, I think the definition of a collector is anyone with two watches or more….
And your preference on Omega is pure to the definition of a collector in my books. I like Omegas too, no games, good availability and service like you mentioned. Happy collecting!
wow super nice collection
I like the idea to focus on one brand (well it is too later for me I am afraid) you have all well covered and the DSOTM black black is amazing.
I Was, Mainly... The Realized The Error Of My Ways
Was a one-brand (mainly), but then moved to warmer climates plus no longer needed formal-wear timepieces. In addition, sadly, they changed from Geneva seal to __ and many agreed their quality went downhill on standard production models. As a result, went ...
The great paradigm shift has begun….
But I feel the push or motivation wasn’t right at the beginning. It seems to me it was due to the lack of availability of mainstream brands and high water level auction prices that led people looking for alternatives but I’m glad that created a balanced s...
Agreed, The 2020/21/22 Demand Has Helped Those Who Truly Care
The current / newfound very high demand has greatly benefitted both horological craftspeople and enthusiasts alike. The truly talented are able to begin fulfilling their dreams in producing the most incredible mechanical masterpieces. Decades ago, well, a...
I'm probably well known for my faithfulness to a specific and pretty "unique" brand, which came naturally after a few years of collecting....even though I don't mind a little bit of occasional "cheating" (only on special occasions, of course! :-))
Most important and equally serious though, one public rule that I know I share with you and many other good collectors on this forum, is critical to me --- even more so in the current (and likely future) climate: *always* try and buy at MSRP, no matter ho...
Exactly this is the golden rule for me, and I got all my from ADs and Boutiques…unless for discontinued, pre owned models.
I just cannot justify the love of a watch that I MUST have and pay too much over retail. However, I do know some people with no so-called “relation” and spending history that they rather buy from grey dealers and they can get it right away without the sil...
Indeed, and another honest point I always make -- to beginning collectors and to the more experienced alike -- is: if a brand (be it Patek, Rolex, FPJ, or anyone else) would rather sell to someone else than you, why do you still want their product??
But while the initial stages of collecting are of course more challenging with the sought-after brands, then as we well know, there's a point where the journey suddenly gets much easier and more rewarding....it just takes some patience, lots of passion, a...
I think with a bit of patience..
you can find any watch (if still in production of course). If you are cordial with the AD /Boutique you will then receive a call and your watch ..patience, perserverance, respect for the staff always worked for me.
I agree! great advice and actually...
I always bought (mostly in 2015, 2016) under the MSRP from AD and boutiques. These were the times were good clients could get something off OR very nice gifts if a discoutn was not possible. Now is simply unthinkable in certain brands (usual suspects) but...
yes ! I always politely asks and also depends on the circumstances. Recently I came across two
very known ADs that are losing or lost some brands because the new strategy of some brands is to have their own boutique. In these cases there are some deals available! Obviously price is not the most important thing but I would never buy above MSRP becau...
Actually I read a report that multi-brand ADs are making a comeback. Apparently some brands' boutique model business has stopped...
and they are now relying on ADs again, interesting developments. Yes, those gifts are always nice and good surprises too.
interesting, I can report that here in Zürich the opposite is happening
a lot of boutiques that opened (and are opening) simply took back their brand from many ADs. Many monobrand boutiques are also fairly empty (given Covid, no tourists) but then again watches from Rolex, Patek, AP are rarely found in stock. Plenty of other ...
Respect 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
I wonder what the marketing dept of that brand is doing? Blancpain and Breguet used to be on my radar and well known but the former is now mostly on dive watches and latter seems too quiet. I know and understand great watches probably don’t need publicity...
They are neglected by swatchgroup, mostly just re-dials now.
But those new dials are lovely. Breguet has been doing silent movement upgrades for the last 5 years, silicon parts added to the entire line. Another example, the new blue enamel minute repeater has a new gold gong and has a patent on the design.
That is very sad to take over a nice brand with deep historical importances and kind of shelf it sideways...
My AD said the same about Breguet and how they actually are very advanced and value for money.
I try to be both
Doxa Family Seiko Family Omega Ploprof Family Rolex Family Panerai Family ...
I always think about Bill opening a Rolex store remember?
Now I changed, he can open a distribution center for multi brands…amazing, that’s what a call a collector 👍🏻💪🏻
Thank you! There are still some very nice watches that can be had for less than MSRP...
like even for Lange 1, Saxonia, Richard Langes, Cellini's, Calatrava's, Golden Ellipses, Omegas...someone's lost is someone's gain.
Great list, thanks. Got my latest purchase
(Grand Seiko) from an AD with a discount and I’m quite pleased. Don’t get me wrong, I’d love another Rolex, but I’m not going to beg for one.
Some day tides will turn around…
What goes up must come down, we all know that, just not knowing when 😅
In watches (unlike marriage) my eyes always stray 😂
Definitely can’t stay loyal to one brand. Too many temptations out there!
Good thing watches don’t talk or give you the death stare 😬
I agree the temptations are hard to resist 👊🏻
Not be brand but among the brands one favorite
I’m not a single brand collector. No matter how great that brand would be, ignoring other brands might be ignoring or failing to recognize their craftsmanship. Having said that, I would argue most of us do have their own favorite brand. It clicks more app...
I agree at a point when we have to choose, there will be a preference towards a favorite...
VC is a super nice brand and you did very well with all their nice pieces, drool-worthy for me. We are fortunate in this sense that there are options for us consumers, not brands choosing us. Cheers!
This is a thought-provoking question.
While I don't deliberately go for a single brand exclusively, my experience after having the fortune of owning several watches from varied brands made me appreciate Lange even more. But while that is a firm favourite, that doesn't stop me from enjoying wa...
This will be a good challenge for the brands....
How they can capture the hearts of collectors to not look at other brands. I do think there will be some collectors who are just dedicated to a certain brand but you're absolutely right, we like good stuffs. On the flip side for me on Langes, I always hav...
It would be Lange's loss if you ever give up on the brand.
A brand can only cement its legacy by cultivating a long relationship with its clients. Let's pray that Lange doesn't neglect that.