What's your collecting philosophy?

[Chainring]

I'm sure most who visit this forum are like me. You spend hours every week browsing through various watch websites and reading articles about watches that interest you. In doing so, I have come to realize I like a LOT of different watches at all price levels. Unfortunately for me, I can't have them all so I'm forced to make choices. I've been interested in watches for many years but have only recently began collecting watches that I think are worth owning.

I know many of you have been collecting for decades and have probably developed your own philosophy about what you want to collect and I know many of you don't limit your collection to just Rolex. While Rolex is my favorite brand, I see quite a lot out there that interests me. But before I start chasing various watches I think it's important that I develop a philosophy about how my collection should grow and look in 10, 20, or 30 years, should I live so long.

I'm sure most of you will just say buy what you like and that is easy to do. But I'd like for my collection to have meaning and value beyond just the cost of the watch. I'd be interested to hear your philosophy if you have one.