New Here - Thoughts on my collection philosophy?

[Jack_Bauer]

I'm new here and caught the watch bug a few months ago. Been going down the rabbit hole doing research and believe I have a general plan. I'm looking to build out my watch collection largely centered on Rolex. I want to obtain pieces that will hold/appreciate in value and last a lifetime. I'm currently waiting on an Explorer 1 from my AD as that will be my everyday watch.

I come here to see what Rolex owners think of my plan and receive feedback. I want to see if my logic is sound or if any adjustments need to be made. Down the road I'd love to add a GMT or Daytona but just really want to have a solid starting collection. I'm open to suggestions.

Everyday Watch:

Rolex Explorer 1 - 36MM

Sports Watch:

Submariner

Business Casual / Casual Watch - For situations where I don't want to wear a Rolex. I'm client facing for work and prefer not to show them up or let my managers think they are compensating me too well. I'd like this watch to go well with button down shirt, brown shoes, brown belt and also more casual non-work related attire.

Longines Spirit 37mm - Blue Dial / Brown Strap

Beater Watch

Casio F91W (currently own) - Might switch this up

Future Additions: GMT, Daytona, proper dress watch (really would love Grand Seiko SBGW301 on a brown strap)

[AF_Rob]

I get what you’re aiming for, but get a piece because you like it and not because it checks a box, or it retains value.

I’ve adjusted fire over the years. I was a box checker, and realized if it didn’t fit into my life or style, it wasn’t long for the collection.

I’m business casual most days at the office and I wear everything in the watch box (mostly divers).

If you’re client facing at the office, maybe consider a neo vintage Grand Seiko. It says Seiko at the top, and most people are none the wiser.



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[CFR]

Collecting, for many people, tends to be more emotional than logical despite one's best intentions.

It's a great question, but I think it's premature.

Your experience will trump your planning, so I'd suggest getting the Explorer I, wearing it for a bit, and then reassessing. You may find yourself taking a totally different approach to the "What's next?" question if you find yourself wearing the Explorer I far more often, or far less often, than you anticipate.

[enjoythemusic]

Welcome to TRF Jack, i like your picks. Sub is great, as is the Longines, etc. Maybe add a G-Shock because, well... the Casio is fine yet perhaps also have a G-Shock.

[KatGirl]

Welcome to the forum, Jack! As you pick your watches, buy what you love. Don’t consider value retention, so much as quality. They generally go hand in hand, anyway. I agree you need a G shock. A fun one, perhaps?



Kat


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[Krash]

Welcome!

Generally, I never really worried about classifying the watch I was buying. I always bought the watch I liked the most, period. If it was a second diver, then so be it.

I bought in order:
1) Submariner
2) Speedmaster
3) Seamaster
4) Datejust
5) GMT II BLNR

I consider all of them to be everyday watches, but some are better suited for certain situations. For example, I wear my DJ41 with a suit. Also, my Speedmaster is on a leather strap, so I won’t wear that when swimming or going to the beach.

I also have an Apple Watch and a G-Shock.


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[Njkdog]

Sounds like a solid plan. As has been said before, I would not worry about value retention. Especially if you’re going to keep it for life. I feel like you picked that Longines because you really like it. I bet a lot of your plan will change overtime, including the dress watch

Welcome to the hobby

[codecow]

Have you considered the Le Mans Daytona?

[rmagoo57]

Welcome, Jack. I would re-think your Exp/Sub duo - both black dials on oyster bands. Maybe swap the Exp for a DJ - plenty of dial color/bezel options and you can add the jubilee for variety. Enjoy the hunt!

[Tach24LMS]

Originally Posted by codecow

Have you considered the Le Mans Daytona?

lol. Shoot for the stars right out of the gate. This one is unobtainium in case you didn't catch the sarcasm.


OP, I did the same as you and still have a list with pics at the ready.
But it changes here and there depending on what new ones I see.

Welcome to the hobby!

[Gearjockey]

I don't see how a Submariner couldn’t function both as an everyday watch and a sports watch. I don’t own an explorer and never have but I find myself wearing a Submariner for everything including business attire, which I am required to wear at work. In fact I have several I am now considering selling because I don’t wear them much anymore.

Now if I acquired a 16710 GMT II
It might supplant the Sub! Lol

[Watchsprings]

I think you are starting out right with the Explorer. It has become one of my favorites. It’s ok to have a plan but as you do more and more research you will find other watches that appeal to you. Also a Sub and Exp can coexist in one collection those were my first 2 Rolex watches. Enjoy the journey!

[nosignalbmwdriver]

keep explorer, keep sub, get rid of the rest and add a nice rose or white gold rolex. life’s too short to nerf your wrist at work.

[Jack_Bauer]

Originally Posted by Gearjockey

I don't see how a Submariner couldn’t function both as an everyday watch and a sports watch. I don’t own an explorer and never have but I find myself wearing a Submariner for everything including business attire, which I am required to wear at work. In fact I have several I am now considering selling because I don’t wear them much anymore.

Now if I acquired a 16710 GMT II
It might supplant the Sub! Lol

Now I'm actually re-thinking my decision on the Explorer 1. Truth be told I was set on the Explorer 1 but when I tried it on at my AD it was sort of small. I have smaller wrists ~6.5-6.7 inches but am a taller guy. I might give my SA a call and tell them to hold off until I make a decision on what fits best. I may go with a sub as my first Rolex instead.

[Krash]

Originally Posted by Gearjockey

I don't see how a Submariner couldn’t function both as an everyday watch and a sports watch. I don’t own an explorer and never have but I find myself wearing a Submariner for everything including business attire, which I am required to wear at work. In fact I have several I am now considering selling because I don’t wear them much anymore.

Now if I acquired a 16710 GMT II
It might supplant the Sub! Lol

Yeah, I agree. A Submariner can be his everyday / sport watch.

I don’t see the point in these categories some people assign to their watches. An “everyday” and sport watch are pretty much the same thing.


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[Krash]

Originally Posted by Jack_Bauer

Now I'm actually re-thinking my decision on the Explorer 1. Truth be told I was set on the Explorer 1 but when I tried it on at my AD it was sort of small. I have smaller wrists ~6.5-6.7 inches but am a taller guy. I might give my SA a call and tell them to hold off until I make a decision on what fits best. I may go with a sub as my first Rolex instead.

Good decision. A Submariner covers all the bases. Honestly, all anyone needs is a Submariner. You can start there and eventually supplement it with something a bit more dressy like a DJ41. A G-Shock and Apple Watch are also good to have.


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[cglondon]

Nice plan. I’m betting in a year, you’ll have 6 Gshocks, a modded SKX007, a huge Seiko diver that is far too big for your wrists and a PRX that you never wear. And you would have lost £2k walking over of the Omega Boutique after picking up a beautiful Speedmaster Sapphire Sandwich.

Enjoy the ride and welcome to the forum!


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[John Doyle]

You will find the submariner on so many people's wrists everywhere you go. Proves that it's a great watch but it has become so common nowadays.

[JSCP]

Sow off at office problems… Wear seiko not even grand seiko (no need for the Grand).

[Krash]

Originally Posted by John Doyle

You will find the submariner on so many people's wrists everywhere you go. Proves that it's a great watch but it has become so common nowadays.

This is an urban legend that is perpetuated on the internet. I very rarely ever see anyone else wearing a Submariner. And I’m not someone that lives in the middle of nowhere. Before retiring, I was a Technology Executive for a Financial Services company, I live in one of the wealthiest communities in the US and travel the world.

It’s common on this forum but not in real life.


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[geoach]

just get a one Patek aquanaut...........no need for the rest it will be the one that fits all your needs and situations

[colonelpurple]

everyone is different

any G-shock MRG-B2000 series is all anyone needs ever!

[jimcameron]

Originally Posted by colonelpurple

everyone is different

any G-shock MRG-B2000 series is all anyone needs ever!

You've got that right.

[brandrea]

Welcome to the forum Jack.

The Explorer or the Submariner will do pretty much everything you need.

It’s a great place to start and you just might find you only need one watch

[travisb]

Welcome! Those are some great choices. A Sub and Exp will stand up to anything.
Buy what you love. Don't let your decisions be influenced by hype. Enjoy the journey!

[HHIslander]

I like your current strategy. It will likely change though, they usually do. A collection imo should have at a minimum: sporty daily, dressier and a beater. Mine are 16710, OP39 white and a citizen. You have that covered. Have fun and welcome.

[1William]

So many watches that will work it come down to choice. I like the Explorer but not as much as a Submariner. I would go either/or and I would choose the Submariner for appearance, wear and the glide lock clasp that makes every wear a perfect pick. I would then step away from Rolex and buy a SS Omega Speedmaster Professional with the Hesalite crystal on a bracelet. They say it is a 42mm but it wears significantly smaller. Add a couple of straps and you have a multipurpose watch that can be dressed up. I would then add a Seiko Diver or a G-Shock for my beater watch and I would be done until I had some time wearing what I have.

[Jack_Bauer]

Originally Posted by AF_Rob

I get what you’re aiming for, but get a piece because you like it and not because it checks a box, or it retains value.

I’ve adjusted fire over the years. I was a box checker, and realized if it didn’t fit into my life or style, it wasn’t long for the collection.

I’m business casual most days at the office and I wear everything in the watch box (mostly divers).

If you’re client facing at the office, maybe consider a neo vintage Grand Seiko. It says Seiko at the top, and most people are none the wiser.



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Thanks for the advice. I guess my thought behind retaining value is that I can always liquidate if needed. But I understand that it's not the most important thing.

[Jack_Bauer]

Originally Posted by CFR

Collecting, for many people, tends to be more emotional than logical despite one's best intentions.

It's a great question, but I think it's premature.

Your experience will trump your planning, so I'd suggest getting the Explorer I, wearing it for a bit, and then reassessing. You may find yourself taking a totally different approach to the "What's next?" question if you find yourself wearing the Explorer I far more often, or far less often, than you anticipate.

I'm learning that it's emotional thing ha. I agree that it's going to be slower process and my thought process and taste will evolve as time goes on.

[Jack_Bauer]

Originally Posted by Krash

Welcome!

Generally, I never really worried about classifying the watch I was buying. I always bought the watch I liked the most, period. If it was a second diver, then so be it.

I bought in order:
1) Submariner
2) Speedmaster
3) Seamaster
4) Datejust
5) GMT II BLNR

I consider all of them to be everyday watches, but some are better suited for certain situations. For example, I wear my DJ41 with a suit. Also, my Speedmaster is on a leather strap, so I won’t wear that when swimming or going to the beach.

I also have an Apple Watch and a G-Shock.


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I like your collection, feel like I need to try out a speedy and see how it fits.