Rolex

This was meant to be a year where I consolidated my collection....maybe even cut back on a few pieces that were not getting wrist time. It has long been my intention to pare my collection to fewer watches, but watches that I truly loved. I posted a theme....."if i only had 10 watches" earlier in the year. It would , indeed, be very hard for me to pare my collection to 10. Partly, i am a devotee of variation. I love the fact that my collection as it stands is diverse enough for me to choose from one extreme to another. Yet, there is a time for reflection.....and maybe that will be 2015 for me, when one looks at the entirety of a collection and ponders just what happens next. I am a lucky guy in that I feel I have caught many of the targets that I wanted. Having collected watches for a number of years, I know only too well what it feels like to have an itch that is not scratched. To have that "grail watch" that just never materialises. If i am honest, I don't believe in the concept of a "grail watch". I used to, but experience has taught me that once the "grail" has been caught, another grail appears in its place. Grail watches don't exist in my mind any longer.

Another big addition during 2014 was of course the GMT 6542. This is a more controversial piece for me for many reasons. After owning for a few months now, I must say the jury is still out on this one. Of course, it fills an important part of my collection, but with a 1675 and 16710 also in my collection, it is not clear that this was an automatic decision for me. As beautiful as the watch looks, I have to say that I still hold doubts. 

The GMT "bruiser" was also an addition for 2014. A modern marvel, and my favourite modern Rolex.....(though I have to say I have yet to try on the Sea-Dweller on my wrist). I love the black/blue insert.....its my go-to everyday watch.

That represents my Rolex additions during the year. There have been some casualties as some Rolex have left the flock. I was lucky enough to own a Paul Newman that found a new owner. I still retain my 6239 Paul Newman. Also left have one or two others....but not to speak of the dead...... This message has been edited by Baron on 2014-10-28 05:55:17 This message has been edited by Baron on 2014-11-03 06:47:10

As it comes to Rolex and Tudor, a Monte Carlo Chronograph, a 7928 Ci, 7924 ARA, or a 7922, and a Tudor MN are still in my hunting list...

For Rolex, a 1019, A 1675 Underline or Military, a 1665 DRSD MK II PP, and a Daytona 16520 Black...

For the moment... Nothing.

But I spent a lot of efforts in repairing, servicing, and finding good parts for watches I already own, so I won't complain.

I have some Vintage and modern JLCs in the tube, too. Same for a few vintage Blancpain Fifty Fathoms.

And I don't even mention the long list of vintage Longines, Lemania, Tissot, and Omega such as the 33.3 Chronographs, 13 ZN, Big 11....

If my year keeps its viriginity, it will be the very first time for 17 years!

I am very happy for you and your catches this year, my friend. It is just breathtaking!

All the best,

Nicolas

....my total collection is actually unchanged in size.......but finessed. Other manufacturers have seen bigger increases for me....the 3 in Rolex were a gross 3, not a net 3. 

It is too much money and time to maintain all these waches...

Best,

Nicolas

....I have had 7 watches at service this year....and the cost of that would be enough to buy a very nice watch indeed. We have different size collection for sure, but I feel mine is too large......

We never discussed that point, but it is a very important one....

Best, my friend.

Nicolas

......zero can also be more...depending on whether it is accompanied by the mental shift!

I'm sure it has gone to a good home

.....its just never for sale, that one. The nicest 6239PN i have seen.

trying to consolidate my collection. My buying was diverse and low cost but visibly strategic. I managed to sell three of the watches I'm most well known for, but the Rolex Bruiser remains elusive as the best example of said watch has only attracted horrible offers. The grail seems so far away

Also in case for Rolex collecting…

It gave me great pleasure having it on the wrist, and I think this is a worthy replacement to the 5512 chapter ring that I was hoping to get.

......i can easily see a 1655 adding some variety and class to your collection. The 5513 looks amazing by the way....amazing. 

Get a nice 1655 straight hand or even mk1..

No message body

I have been working to consolidate - it's still work in progress, but this year has seen my collection go from 22 to 15, which I think is a good number and one that my wife wholeheartedly agrees on. The milestones is that I have finally added a Rolex Exp II that I like, and will be my only Rolex for a while to come, got rid of ALL the oversized watches in my collection that I hardly wear because I keep on thinking it's too big the moment I put it on, fell in love with PSM's work and added two to the home. All in, I think 2014 has been great....2015 will not see an increase in the collection, but further rationalization now that I realize that I much prefer watches that work best in both a casual and sport setting, i.e. the dress watches really don't get any wrist time and must be replaced.

Thanks for the provocation to look back and consider what the next steps are.

Richard

....I think the trend on big watches is seriously reversing....I will no longer add a watch over 40mm. 

Right now, only two of my collection stand at 42mm, but they wear well. As with you, any future additions will be 40mm and below.

.....i have bought a number at 35, 36, 37 and 38......and I am almost tempted to say that that range is perfect for me. I'd certainly wear a 40mm watch and have no problem doing that, but in terms of "perfect size" for me....well, probably 37mm. I definitely get the feeling that sizing is moving down.

which I am still a little timid to step into, because of the vast varieties and similarities, and huge counterfeit market.

That is why I bought the Cellini Prince, but your 1019 looks great!

I am amazed at how Rolex can produce so much with such high quality. The recent rise in auction prices say a lot about this brand, so I am starting to look a little more.

For me in 2015, I think the other Rolex I'll be very happy with must be the modern SS Daytona 16520 (white or black), if I can be lucky enough to get one.

Thanks for initiating this post.

I agree it's important for us, when reaching a critical milestone and timeline to review our actions, and plan for a new journey.

Rgds

Raymond

 

... your balance of 2014 for your collection and your expectations for 2015.

Your thoughts show the view of a true collector and a wise managment of the pieces which conform the collection.

 It´s so nice to read your closing saying that you can seat back and appreciate the cohesion of your present collection rather than think about which will be our next hit. That´s what I call to reach happiness and maturity in collecting!

I agree with most of your reflections, except I still have a few timepieces which I  view as Grails... pieces which I´m not sure I´ll ever be able to buy but would die for owning them (e.g. a Patek Heures Universailles, and a Blancpain FF)

You say that you don´t believe in the concept of "Grail watches". I guess it is a sign of maturity as collector, and I hope I´ll arrive to same feeling some day.

I´m very happy with the additions I made during this year, but I´m feeling I have to "purify" my collection during 2015, and more pieces will have to go than the pieces I need to hunt. But I need to make my mind and be brave to let go some of these pieces. This is a challenge for my year 2015!

Thank you for sharing this review of your 2014 and expectations for 2015 and the pictures of so great timepieces you got this year and for making us think about our own expectations around our own collections.

Best cordial regards, Abel.

To read your posts Abel. You have a nice way with words and I enjoy reading you very much.