Collector: Do you consider yourself to be one?

[thomaspp]

Just curious (i) what others think the term "collector" means and (ii) whether you consider yourself to be one.

When I started out in this hobby I did not consider myself to be a collector, just an enthusiast (yes, another term with many meanings ). As of late however, I feel I have become more knowledgeable about the hobby (thanks in large part to TRF!), have acquired more watches and wonder, "am I now a collector?".

Look forward to your thoughts.

[J_H]

If you don't consider yourself a collector then I'm not even close! :)

[Clay]

I am a "Collector" of many many things…

This, despite my wife's protests...

[Jocke]

I will never be a collector.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
I'm a hoarder. :clap :

[brettpaul]

Originally Posted by Jocke

I will never be a collector.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
I'm a hoarder. :clap :

This applies to me too!! Right now it's Rolexes and Pugs!

[Kyu]

Originally Posted by thomaspp

Just curious (i) what others think the term "collector" means and (ii) whether you consider yourself to be one.

When I started out in this hobby I did not consider myself to be a collector, just an enthusiast (yes, another term with many meanings ). As of late however, I feel I have become more knowledgeable about the hobby (thanks in large part to TRF!), have acquired more watches and wonder, "am I now a collector?".

Look forward to your thoughts.

but i see you as a collector

i do not consider my self a collector yet either, and i am faaaaaaaar from being knowledgeable for this hobby

[james1787]

I am more of an watch enthusiast than a collector. For a long time I had only one watch, my sub. I've since added a G-Shock (I needed something to wear while my Sub was being serviced). I probably won't be in the position to add anothe Rolex for a while so I enjoy the one I have and I enjoy this forum. I do have other hobbies and do have small 'collections' within them.

[T. Ferguson]

Not really a collector, in that I'm not always on the hunt for the next one. But I suppose I am in that I never sell, only buy, so slowly the inventory grows.

[AbqRolexFan]

I'm also an enthusiast but not a collector. My knowledge pales compared to many of the WISs on this forum, and I tend to buy new watches solely for the purpose of wearing them. I've never really been attracted to 'collectible' watches.

[FTX I]

If I collect records, books, watches etc it means that I try to read as much as I can about it, I think about the subject to have my own point of view and when money is not a problem I try to buy what makes me happy. Having said that, in these terms I consider myself to be a collector of records and watches, but a very humble one because unfortunately I have many other things in life that need my hard earned money.

[MaxCargo]

i collect tattoos not watches

[thomaspp]

Originally Posted by J_H

If you don't consider yourself a collector then I'm not even close! :)

thanks for the kind words!

Originally Posted by Clay

I am a "Collector" of many many things…

This, despite my wife's protests...

Ha! Funny funny.

Originally Posted by Kyu

but i see you as a collector

i do not consider my self a collector yet either, and i am faaaaaaaar from being knowledgeable for this hobby

Haha.. I'm helpless my friend.

Originally Posted by Jocke

I will never be a collector.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
I'm a hoarder. :clap :

Hahaha... indeed you are. I find it so cool that you actually know a fair amount about movements, cases, bracelets, restoration, etc. etc. I am far far away from all of that my friend.

Originally Posted by james1787

I am more of an watch enthusiast than a collector. For a long time I had only one watch, my sub. I've since added a G-Shock (I needed something to wear while my Sub was being serviced). I probably won't be in the position to add anothe Rolex for a while so I enjoy the one I have and I enjoy this forum. I do have other hobbies and do have small 'collections' within them.

Yes - I don't think one needs a bunch of watches to be a "collector" (whatever that means). Be well!

Originally Posted by AbqRolexFan

I'm also an enthusiast but not a collector. My knowledge pales compared to many of the WISs on this forum, and I tend to buy new watches solely for the purpose of wearing them. I've never really been attracted to 'collectible' watches.

Yeah I hear you. I wear everything I have but am starting to find myself browsing vintage listings and others. That is what has me wondering where I might be going with this hobby!

Originally Posted by T. Ferguson

Not really a collector, in that I'm not always on the hunt for the next one. But I suppose I am in that I never sell, only buy, so slowly the inventory grows.

Hahaha... you sound like a collector to me my friend!

Originally Posted by FTX I

If I collect records, books, watches etc it means that I try to read as much as I can about it, I think about the subject to have my own point of view and when money is not a problem I try to buy what makes me happy. Having said that, in these terms I consider myself to be a collector of records and watches, but a very humble one because unfortunately I have many other things in life that need my hard earned money.

We are all humble collectors! (OK except a few special individuals here - you know who I'm talking about!).

You collect records, huh? Interesting. I think watches is the only thing I "collect". My wife collects books.

[thomaspp]

Originally Posted by MaxCargo

i collect tattoos not watches

hahaha... funny. Cheaper hobby and you don't have to worry about leaving your collection behind/at home!

Originally Posted by Base-Z

I would guess I consider myself a collector, however my Bank manager
has a different take on it.

Haha!

[Chrispare]

I am not à watch collector
I have five ,considering selling one to have another and I just buy and wear
watches because I find them beautiful
I know nothing about mechanic , movements ...and I don't care

[thomaspp]

Originally Posted by tkerrmd

I currently own 11 Rolex watches, but don't consider myself a collector more of one that just loves and appreciates Rolex watches. I don't seek out or desire more and more, just when something special comes along I consider it.

I am just happy and lucky I have what I have and my family and I can all enjoy them to there fullest, as they were intended.

So going with enthusiast.

You are a very generous "enthusiast" my friend and it's wonderful you share this hobby with your family! I would say anyone with a platinum daytona is serious about this hobby!

Originally Posted by REDiesel

Well said.

At some point I went from being a Rolex enthusiast to a collector.

That's how I'm feeling my friend.

Originally Posted by Chrispare

I am not à watch collector
I have five ,considering selling one to have another and I just buy and wear
watches because I find them beautiful
I know nothing about mechanic , movements ...and I don't care

Haha! Enjoyment is number 1 in my book! Enjoy it my friend.

[Frosty]

I am not sure. I think I am on the first step on the bridge to a collector. I thought of myself as an enthusiast. Then I bought a GMT 16750 & Seadweller 16660 with matt dials. Then I bought the Guido Mondani GMT and Submariner Books. I think I am on a slippery slope!

[T. Ferguson]

Originally Posted by thomaspp

Hahaha... you sound like a collector to me my friend!

Well maybe, but now that I think about it collectors of most things do flip and trade from time to time. I don't really have any theme or reason for a watch I buy other than it's one I'd like to wear. But it's not like I'd go buy a root beer GMT just to complete the set. TBH though, if I had all but that one I might change my mind that, though with the introduction of the BLRO completing a set of GMT's just became a smidgeon more difficult.

[REDiesel]

Originally Posted by FTX I

If I collect records, books, watches etc it means that I try to read as much as I can about it, I think about the subject to have my own point of view and when money is not a problem I try to buy what makes me happy. Having said that, in these terms I consider myself to be a collector of records and watches, but a very humble one because unfortunately I have many other things in life that need my hard earned money.

Well said.

At some point I went from being a Rolex enthusiast to a collector.

[Base-Z]

I would guess I consider myself a collector, however my Bank manager
has a different take on it.

[tkerrmd]

I currently own 11 Rolex watches, but don't consider myself a collector more of one that just loves and appreciates Rolex watches. I don't seek out or desire more and more, just when something special comes along I consider it.

I am just happy and lucky I have what I have and my family and I can all enjoy them to there fullest, as they were intended.

So going with enthusiast.

[Ken B]

Yes, I can say I think I am a collector. Albeit not a huge collection, eight watches. 75% of my watches are Chronograph movements. I plan on replacing the ones that are not Chrono with ones that are. Also most are Automatic style movements. Two are quartz but those are what I set all my watches to.

[thomaspp]

Originally Posted by Ken B

Yes, I can say I think I am a collector. Albeit not a huge collection, eight watches. 75% of my watches are Chronograph movements. I plan on replacing the ones that are not Chrono with ones that are. Also most are Automatic style movements. Two are quartz but those are what I set all my watches to.

Very nice! I don't think number of watches matters that much, but that sounds like a solid collection you have!

[Snow-Dweller]

This forum has taught me that my knowledge is extremely limited....I am certainly an enthusiast.....and I suppose "collector" sounds better than "addict"! I just love the watches.

[Daytonaman799]

Avid enthusiast. One day I hope to be a real collector. I'm simply not there yet.

[Danex]

For me, "enthusiast" seems like a better word than "collector". I imagine that collector implies other connotations, such as expert or knowledgable. I imagine a collector has an agenda or theme that drives the selection of the pieces in the collection. I'm driven more by "that one looks pretty"

[Angrypuppy]

I like the word enthusiast.

I have more pieces of silverware in a drawer than I have watches, I don't consider myself a spoon collector.

[thomaspp]

Originally Posted by Clivek

This forum has taught me that my knowledge is extremely limited....I am certainly an enthusiast.....and I suppose "collector" sounds better than "addict"! I just love the watches.

Haha! True and it sure does! I will be in France next month. See this link in the event you are around. Best.

http://www.rolexforums.com/showthread.php?t=366246

Originally Posted by Daytonaman799

Avid enthusiast. One day I hope to be a real collector. I'm simply not there yet.

Yup. I suppose none of us are "there" as we all seem to be nuts about getting more/different watches all the time.

Originally Posted by Danex

For me, "enthusiast" seems like a better word than "collector". I imagine that collector implies other connotations, such as expert or knowledgable. I imagine a collector has an agenda or theme that drives the selection of the pieces in the collection. I'm driven more by "that one looks pretty"

Haha... Funny and quite true. My initial introduction to a new watch is usually based on looks initially. Book by its cover I suppose.

Originally Posted by Angrypuppy

I like the word enthusiast.

I have more pieces of silverware in a drawer than I have watches, I don't consider myself a spoon collector.

Haha... And me! I wish I could open a drawer and have as many watches. :)

[crowncollection]

yes i believe i am a collector

[broulstone]

I think so👌

[thomaspp]

Originally Posted by crowncollection

yes i believe i am a collector

Cheers to that!

Originally Posted by broulstone

I think so��

Wow! Nice closet! That's one hell of a view every morning.