Arie - Mr Orange
12472
Love these kind of write ups!
Sadly they are scarce but that is probably the reason why it's such an enjoyable story to read. It's personal. Just like our watches.
In hindsight I have been a WIS since my early childhood years, but knew next to nothing about watches. My mechanical watch collecting has just started recently. 2010 was the year I bought my first mechanical watch (PAM359). 
It has been traded in a couple of years ago and due to this, still very short, watch-journey I cannot see myself buying a watch like this ever again. Never say never though...
The watch that really triggered me into a search for more non commercial watch knowledge was this watch:
And due to acquiring the Christiaan van Der Klaauw Planetarium 2000 I stumbled upon this forum in 2012 while searching the net for more info. Thanks to the members of this forum, especially the 'old timers' and 'heavy weights' like yourself, I have learned so much over a short period of time. I am thankful that people like you take the valuable time creating threads (like this).
For newbies like myself this forum is a very valuable source of knowledge and prevents me/us making mistakes along the route and gives an insight in decades of collecting of others. And that's just brilliant!
Reading your conclusions made me smile because I recognized most of your points and realized that has only been possible thanks to this community and its members.
That leaves me with two more comments:
1. Consolidation being a WIS......possible or a fantasy? ;-)
2. The JLC chocolates are indeed great 
Now I will go back debating the 1815; will I? Shall I? Should I?
My journey to post #1000...
Friends, It has taken me quite a few years to get to 1000 posts. As I hit 999 a week or two ago, I contemplated what to post for #1000. I decided to describe my journey with watches over 30 years, and the influence of ThePuristS.com and PuristSPro.com ove...
I wanted to be first to congratulate you and thank you for being such a great member...
Of this community. It is a real pleasure to read your post and it is always appreciated. We all know it takes a lot of time to research and share our thoughts here in the community. Thank you. Bill PS I can really see a few place where the forum had a han...
Thanks Bill...
They "burgers" were cheap at the time....but try to find one now for sale. I look on occasion but it has been years since I have seen one. I was fortunate to get white and black.
It may have been a little silly at the time but it remains a great watch.
A real conversation piece. Next to your freak you are at a whole other level but in essence we are still in awe of these mechanical marvels. We all want to be you when we grow up. A real pleasure to share this journey with you. Bill
Been looking for something over a year and did not see a single one being offered for sale :(
The other watch from a similar time that seems equally elusive at the moment (was more expensive then, too) is the Seiko Izul collection...
Over the last 3-4 years they are non-existent in the markets. I've had both of mine in white and black for quite some time.
The really tough ones to find -- I've only seen pictures are a very few limited pieces in full SS (both silver and black). Unlikely to emerge. ...
The downside of starting late :(
Who knows, one may get lucky at some point... In the unlikely event that you get bored of yours, do PM me
Your post really made my day!
While I am some decades - and many watches - behind you, your story is really inspiring and I am truy greatful for the time and effort you put into this great post! Surely there will be dreams beyond the Trilogy, too
What a fantastic review! Thank you
For sharing all this history and philosophy with us. I\'m speechless! Mike
Greatissime post, Dave!
Many of us will recognize themselves in your journey into watches, the doubts, the psychological " brakes ", the different steps and so on. It is great to share this with our Community. And to explain, in your conclusion, the different lessons you learned...
Thanks for your comments Nicolas
I do remember your posts on the Sonata. A piece which I have looked at many times, but never quite gotten there. Always something else took my interest
The Sonata is one of these pieces which represents the genius of UN, in my opinion.
It is a matter of time... Best, Dave. Nicolas
Wow! I enjoyed reading about your journey!
Thanks for sharing that with us here. I\'m just reaching the halfway point in terms of years when compared to your very exciting journey in this world of horological wonders, and seeing what you have collected, plus the thoughts and feelings that resulted...
I suppose the GST refunds help...
Plus prices haven\'t been raised yet so with the current exchange rate, it is still a good time though I don\'t know how long it will last.
Thank you very much for this trip down the memory lane Dave
and was it dag5000 back then? Lovely collection and good insights it is always pleasure to read you. Congrats on your 1000th post Sincerely Damjan
I love your post Dave!
And congrats on yet another 1000 posts! It\'s not the number of posts that count Dave. To me, you have been one of the pillars of our community here. Your active participation and sharings have always been inspirational to me, a much younger Purist (as in...
Congratulation, Dave! :)
Wonderful to read about your journey! Fantastic collection! Congrats on the 1K! Best Blomman
The next phase is the hardest...
DaveG, Thank you for the precis of 30 years in horology and PuristS. I can empathise as our time footprints overlap. Even some brands and geography overlap. I agree with your conclusions. Some watch buddies wondered why I kept buying from dealers in Singa...
Well, I think I will come to this phase at some point soon.
Honestly, managing collections in several countries is a bit difficult and going many months between using certain pieces feels a bit wrong.
Thank you!
For sharing your journey of collecting over there years. What a great read!
Thank you for this informative post
I'm barely over a year into watches but I'm really grateful for posts like these to help me along my journey. I'm already developing a preference for watches with no dates J
What a superb write-up.. Full of "deja vue"s, hitting many chords in quite a number of us, I trust.. Topics, such as accumulation, more systematic collection, then condensation and also coincidence, elements of luck vs collectors' riping senses..
.. are shaping and mirroring our own interests and focus. Thx for sharing your experiences & decisions, which are indeed refreshing & quite valuable. All the Best & wear all your tic-tacs furtheron in good health ! Cheers, hs
A Journey to the deep abyss...but one that will have no regrets!
This is an awesome post and very heartfelt experience sharing. Congratulations to your fortunate life with such an expansive (also expensive) collection. This will take a huge support from your other half. I have been wondering about this hobby direction ...
Love these kind of write ups!
Sadly they are scarce but that is probably the reason why it\'s such an enjoyable story to read. It\'s personal. Just like our watches. In hindsight I have been a WIS since my early childhood years, but knew next to nothing about watches. My mechanical wa...
Very nice post and reply Arie
Some nice examples shown. The van Der Klaauw is really a cool watch. Back to my Asia comment, I more than once looked at this piece as there was a dealer in Hong Kong. It really checks the rare and different boxes. Thanks for showing. Dave
Dear Dave, thank you for a wonderful shared journey down memory lane...
the pictures are great (and oh so nostalgic - there's a certain style and perspective in watch photography among those of us who "came up" on the internet during those early years...) and your words... You are indeed a pillar around these here parts and m...
Thanks Thomas for your words and for the forum.
I have read your many posts over the years and know that the effort to build this community took commitment and I am sure resources and time. It is by far the best site for learning and appreciation of fine watches, and a few other things