Horological Meandering

dr.kol
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My watch collecting rules

Dear everybody,

I have earlier been discussing that for watch collecting I have made my own "Twelwe Rules". My intention is not to say with my own Rules that i.e. and old brand would be somehow better or more interesting than say Journe or Voutilainen. However, because my goal is to pass the collection to the next generation (in my Jurisdiction I can protect it in my Last Will), the best bet is that the old Brands will be still produced when my yet unborn grandchildren will get my watches. On that very moment when they will get those, I hope that they will enjoy real proud of ownership as well as know the history of the Brand as well as the specific wathes.. Furthermore, my desire is that they can again pass the watches to their children, watches which can still be serviced, watches which are still functional and watches which their grand grandfather weared proudly a long time ago.

So please understand that I am not saying that my Rules would be right. All I am saying is that they suit me as well as to my finances.

TWELWE RULES

1. All watches in the Collections must be produced by true manufacturers.

2. The manufacturer must be a Brand with a history of minimum 100 years of length. In case the manufacturer has been out from business for a short time, this time can not exceed 10% of the age of the Brand (=Qurtz Crisis). If watches have been out of production over 10% of the history of the Brand, the production had to be re-started by a descent of the previous owners of the Brand (=Lange Rule). In all cases the products must carry clear DNA of the Brand. In every case, there must be a production history of watches exceeding 100 years.

3. Only fully mechanical watches are allowed. No quartz or electronics are allowed.

4. All movements based on mass-produced base movements type ETA are prohibited.

5. In case the movement is not produced by the Brand, the same must be produced by a reputable manufacturer. However, in all cases the movements must be finished and decorated according to the traditions of the Brand.

6. The watch cases and the bracelets must be produced of metal and the straps from any form of leather. No rubber, carbon, plastics or other modern materials are allowed.

7. In general, all watches within each Brand must offer good value for the money. The Collection is not focused on Limited Editions watches but to watches which are in the time of purchase on regular production.

8. The Collection should cover all Top Ten Brands fulfilling the first 7 Rules.

9. All watches are acquired new in order to secure a full service history of the watches. All original boxes, stickers  and documents must be stored.

10. All watches are to be weared. Each and every watch is to have a specific task for its usage. When wearing a watch, the Owner must be convinced that he/she is always properly equipped for the occasion.

11. Economical facts when buying the watches must always be taken into account. The complications of the watches, if any, must represent "Useful Complications" with sensible costs taking into account the personal financial situation. If expensive complications are acquired, one example of each complication is enough.

12. All watches are serviced according to the recommendations of the manufacturer either by an authorised dealer or by the manufacturer. The watches belonging to the Collection are bought to be kept. The goal is to transfer all watches to the next generations. In order to add the interest about each and every watch, a file is always established for every watch bought. To these files all possible information as well as articles about the watches in the Collection are collected.

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THE COLLECTION

The collection is divided into three sub-groups. In addition to the collected watches, wearable watches with complications are acquired. However, with these watches the Twelwe Rules will apply. The sub-groups of the Collection are:

1. Ultra Slim Dress Watches. These watches must be made of a precious metal like any colour of gold or platinum. The watches must have a diameter of not less than 35 mm and not more than 40 mm. The thickness of the watch case must be maximum 7 mm and the diameter of the watch must be over five times the thickness of the watch. The watches can be either manual winding or automatic. All watches should have a simple dial with preferably just two hands only; a third hand can be accepted subject other terms are met.

2. Dive watches. The dive watches must be designed for diving and the prefered depth rating of the watchesw is 300 meters. The stainless steel diving watches must have a metal bracelet and preferably an optional strap made of rubber, canvas or water proof leather. The main focus is in stainless steel or titanium watches.

3. Heirs of Marine Chronometers. These watches must have a connection to the sea, navigation or yachting. The name, design or history of the watch should reflect its connection to the sea. All watches must be water proof deeper than 30 meters. The main focus is in stainless steel watches.

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Dear fellow Purists,

The above collection themes are closely related with my work and with my hobbies. Now I would challenge all of you to propose me watches which are fulfilling my strict criterias! Perhaps I have missed something...

Sometimes, in the unforeseen future I will then present you all pictures and details of my dodest Collection.

Thank you for reading and I will appreciate any kind of feedback and comments; both good and bad.

Regards,

dr.kol