Making a connection with your watch...or is it just another form of currency?

[Eric88]

Hey folks,

I've noticed an uptick in the posts like "thinning the collection," or "I've found the one and only," or "I once owned 40 watches and now I have just 2." There are also some folks lucky enough to say, "I bought this watch in 1966 and have worn it every day since then." These posts have become enough of a trend that I wanted to spin it a slightly different way based on my own experiences and get thoughts from the forum.

I have bought, traded, sold, re-purchased and flipped many, many watches. I have not kept so many of them. Each one that comes into the collection represents a few months of "wow!" and then all of a sudden becomes the target of my ADD fickle watch flipping habit. I've gradually expanded the collection to the point where I can move through some nicer watches by way of selling one or two as the mood strikes me. It is all a lot of fun and I enjoy it as a hobby and way to blow off some steam and relax.

However, I have started getting sad about rotating watches, believe it or not. Here's why. I really cherish my watch, whichever one I'm wearing...I also cherish my life's experiences, whether it be a fun vacation trip, a short excursion to go canoeing with the kids, a bike ride, even a business trip, whatever. I have noticed that I've started to file away a mental note of which watch was with me when I did XX. I still have vivid memories from last summer with my orange PO. And some from the fall with the 2254.50 (I don't have these Omegas any longer). Yet more from this summer with the Rolex Sub and the GMT Master (still have these).

The sad part is that I think I'd be happier if ALL these memories included just one watch. It is like the watch can help me relive some of my memories and when I'm constantly rotating and ultimately flipping watches, I'm actually flipping away some memories or diluting them. This sounds crazy, I'm sure. It all leads me to this point...I think I might need to thin my collection to one uber nice watch and a beater. Then just step back a bit from the forums and the constant "what can I buy next?" speculation. What do you think? Do you connect with your watches and build memories with them? Or do you move through them regularly?

The poll may not cover all options, but I tried to hit the main dimensions.

[kcmo]

I totally understand where you're coming from and it makes sense

[BarkMaster]

I am with you 100%.

[Art 1]

My dad has worn the same watch for 58 yrs.

[ObscureLight]

I just buy what I like I guess. While many people prefer to buy pre-owned and take into consideration resale value (which is smart dont get me wrong), I prefer to buy new and just keep it for as long as possible. I'm not thinking about how much im gonna sell the watch 5 years from now. I am just considering do I like the watch enough to wear it instead of leaving it to collect dust. I still have my calculator casio watch from when I was in junior high school

[rfknauss]

I buy my Rolex watches for the long term. Been wearing my 5513 Sub for over 30 years!

[Chipmunk]

I buy mine for keeps.

[dddrees]

I have only had mine for a couple of months, and I intend on keeping them for the long haul. In fact one of the reasons I have 3 is because I intend to leave 1 watch to each one of my 3 sons.

I would like a SS Daytona, although I don't know who I would leave the fourth to. But I don't plan on getting rid of any, in fact I have also purchased 2 of mine brand new, and only one slightly used.

[FremStar]

For me the game plan is to collect 10 strong iconic Rolex pieces and then auction my set off at Christies or something. I would say just having fun building my stable now

[sakuraba]

I buy the watches that make me drool, and keep the ones that that make me look forward to wearing them.

[scl6118]

I always buy my watches for the long term, but have flipped the first two of three nice watches I have had. I do plan to keep my GMT IIC, but who knows, maybe one day it will get flipped too.

[ersnyder]

Only flipped one, my Sub LV for the new Sub LV and I'm kinda sorry I did it!

[andrew79]

long term here...

[Kokyuryoku]

I buy watches for the long term.

Originally Posted by rfknauss

I buy my Rolex watches for the long term. Been wearing my 5513 Sub for over 30 years!

That's just awesome!

Originally Posted by sfirempong

For me the game plan is to collect 10 strong iconic Rolex pieces and then auction my set off at Christies or something. I would say just having fun building my stable now

That's an interesting idea. Are you hoping to break even, make a profit or is it just for the hell of it?

[tulsaokusa]

I'm a one God, one woman, one watch kinda guy.

I have found my God and my watch - which are (for clarification) not the same.

[Matrim604]

Originally Posted by Eric88

Do you connect with your watches and build memories with them? Or do you move through them regularly?

Even though I own a lot of watches, I buy them all for the long term. In fact, I have never flipped a watch. I definitely wear some more than others, and there are a few watches which I consider to be my "daily wearers", but the ones that I only pull out for "special occasions" are just as important to me as the ones I wear on a regular basis. And the older ones that I hardly wear at all still hold many precious memories with me and at the very least i'd like to be able to pass that watch down to someone close to me one day. Every watch I own tells a story about my life.

I can't remember where I read this quote, I think a watch magazine somewhere, but it really stuck with me. I'm not sure if this is accurate word for word but it's close enough:

"A watch isn't about telling the time, it's about your relationship with time. A watch is about style, a story, and the history of both your watch and your own life."

[Dan Pierce]

My method in collecting is finding Oysters for a specific use that WILL be worn on a regular rotation. I have 6 now with one more on my list, per Dr Robert's, one for each day of the week, wearing regimen.
In the past I've enjoyed the thrill of the search and accumulation of knowledge. Now and in the future I'll reap the fruits of those endeavors.
dP

[Numismatist]

Interesting post. I bought my DJ while in St. Thomas as a commemoration of a fantastic vacation. Every time I look at it, it reminds me of that vacation.

I recently bought a seadweller because I also wanted a sport watch; there was no 'upfront' connection to this watch. It'll build it's own memories as time moves forward.

One day, I'll buy my grail (A. Lange Sohne, Lange 1 moonphase).

That should do it for me, I can't possibly make a connection to more than that - and I enjoy the connection as much as the watch.

...time will tell...

[cdweller]

I am definitely a 1 watch kinda guy. I like the idea of having one watch with me through all of life's experiences and then passing that watch along to somebody I love someday.

[fc3s2k]

My sub will hopefully stay with me for a long time, I got it as a milestone in my life when my daughter was born.
My Panerai 177 I got after graduating college. Othern than that my other collection I can flip, sell, etc.

[garGARgar]

The only watch that I have (other than my Timex Ironman which I use when doing swim/bike/runs) is the Sub LV my fiance gave me as a wedding gift. It was basically the only watch that I wanted and I plan keep it till I croak. This forums makes it difficult to want to purchase more but being that this watch was given to me as a gift, and the only "timepiece" I have, makes it extra special.

[cdnwatchguy]

I usually don't keep them more than a couple of years.

[rolexnovice]

Heirloom!

[Rolesor]

I plan on keeping mine for ever. Even my lessor watches (bulova, citizen etc.) but ESPECIALLY my Rolex.

I can't wait to pass it on to my kid after wearing it for 30 plus years!

[tifosi]

I plan to keep mine for the long haul. I flipped my first Rolex, a 14060M, only because I got tired of not having a date function. My LV is here to stay. Any other watch I get, Rolex or not will be in addition to my LV.

[Gerardus]

I am very restless unfortunately when it comes to watches.
I hate it but can not help it

[TheVTCGuy]

Originally Posted by Art 1

My dad has worn the same watch for 58 yrs.

Art, I would LOVE to see a pic of that! And here's to your dad!