Watch collectors or... Collectors?

[Gagebuilder]

Interesting thread. After selling my house in April, I have finally taken possession of my condo. For the last 5 months, most of all my "stuff" has been in a 10' x 20' storage unit or a safe deposit box 35 miles from where I've been staying.

I don't miss any of it. Well, I did have access to my Camaro and enjoyed it all summer.

This winter, a lot of my "collections" are going to be sold. Will I hold on to some of the stuff? Sure, but only to the point where they are displayed (for sentimental reasons) or used on a regular basis.

I wear my SS GMT every day and (strangely, to me) a PAM on weekends. I'll certainly keep these 2 (for now) but all the rest could really go. It surprises me, as the DeepSea is still my favorite, but I simply don't wear it. I haven't worn either of my TT GMT's (the watch that really started my collection) in probably a year. It's fun and I continue to meet cool people through this hobby. I still plan to go to GTG's, most of the people in this hobby are really the gems I've come across in my watch habit.

[Scot_3]

Comic books, watches, pocket knives,hot wheel cars,pens,antique hand tools, old books,and evidently my favorite angry looks from my wife,

[EEParker]

Originally Posted by boogiebot

I don't think I can classify myself as a collector. More of an enthusiast. I like watches but don't have enough to classify as a collector.

That brings up a good question... how many pieces do you need to be considered a collector? I have 5 good watches and consider myself an enthusiast too, though I'm sure in the eyes of some I'm a collector (not necessarily people on this forum, but people in general).

[boogiebot]

Originally Posted by EEParker

That brings up a good question... how many pieces do you need to be considered a collector? I have 5 good watches and consider myself an enthusiast too, though I'm sure in the eyes of some I'm a collector (not necessarily people on this forum, but people in general).

I only have 4 so you're a head of me lol.

Seriously though when I think of a collector I see someone Who is passionate and very knowledgable about various pieces and their affect they have had in that community as well as how It may have affected main stream culture.

Also a collector would seem to go after rare and sought after pieces. Things that would be a focal point or pinnacle to the sub culture that follows it.

But hey.... I'm not a collector so what would I know.

[EEParker]

Originally Posted by boogiebot

I only have 4 so you're a head of me lol.

Seriously though when I think of a collector I see someone Who is passionate and very knowledgable about various pieces and their affect they have had in that community as well as how It may have affected main stream culture.

Also a collector would seem to go after rare and sought after pieces. Things that would be a focal point or pinnacle to the sub culture that follows it.

But hey.... I'm not a collector so what would I know.

Guess I'm not either by that definition!

[bobernet]

Vintage fountain pens (Parker and Esterbrook), loud unmentionables, old books, sharp things, HP programmable calculators, children

[htc8p]

dust

[Lion]

Yes, I'm a "Collector" at heart, Coins(Early American Copper coins), Fountain pens, Horticultural Reference books, Succulents & Cactus, bicycles, Tilandsia's, Miniature Hosta varieties and sports-Outside, W. R. Case & Sons kn.v.., friends, Native Loom Beading Art and the list goes on!!!

[77T]

Ideas. Collect a lot of those

[james1787]

Vintage radios (I have shrunk down the collection though.. they take up too much space), morse code keys. I build lots of radio stuff so there is always a collection of 'stuff' around used for various projects.

[AK797]

To call yourself a collector, and really it is only you that can decide if you feel you are one, means that you have a real passion for the hobby. Ultimately it is not about how many you have or how rare they are, it is all about emotion and your connection to your pieces.

[SearChart]

Watches and books.

[EEParker]

Originally Posted by AK797

To call yourself a collector, and really it is only you that can decide if you feel you are one, means that you have a real passion for the hobby. Ultimately it is not about how many you have or how rare they are, it is all about emotion and your connection to your pieces.

Sounds reasonable to me. I like the sound of enthusiast better though now. To me, collector implies you are collecting for a tangible purpose... as an investment, to fill walls or a room, to have a complete set of something.

But if you are an enthusiast, your passion is fueled simply by your love/appreciation for the items.

I am a watch enthusiast, but probably an art collector.

But maybe I'm complicating things!