At What Point Does Your Obsession Become A Collection ??

[Tools]

Let's say that you have a few watches. Let's further state that you rotate through them so they all get some wear time..

So, do you have a collection ? Are you a collector ? Or do you just have an accumulation of time-pieces.

Do you need to be a collector to have a collection ?? Does your 'collection' or 'accumulation' of watches have to have a theme (divers, dress, GMT, etc.) in order to be a collection ?

Can a flipper be a collector ? Or not ?


I've never consciously thought about collecting watches....they just accumulate, but I'm called a collector - am I really ?


I don't know...

What do you think ??????

[BigHat]

At first blush, I'd say the transition to "collector" starts with the incorporation of two behaviors. 1). More interest in having / displaying than wearing. 2). Focusing on a facet of the hobby, maybe rare old pieces mindful of the value and potential upside of ownership.

Can a flipper be a collector? I'd say he has to be unless he was unlimited wealth. Even then though a collector would be buying and selling to maximize the collection's appeal.

I feel I'm an accumulator of watches, I have no interest in potentially making money at this and can't imagine buying something I wouldn't wear.

[JJ Irani]

Can a flipper become a collector? Good question, Larry.....one to which I've never given any serious consideration. I've just been enjoying the brand so much, I've never ever thought of becoming a collector in the true sense of the word.

JJ

[SPACE-DWELLER]

When the basic "Rolex ABC" becomes "OCD", I guess one's obsession has become a collection.

[Tools]

So let me further complicate this in the case of JJ and Bo...perhaps. i.e., can a flipper be a collector.

If you have a list of reference numbers that you have owned, do you have a collection, although your collection is fluid...

I postulate that a flipper can indeed be a collector

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by Tools

I postulate that a flipper can indeed be a collector

Hmmm.....I guess you have a point there, Larry. I've gone through 22 Rollies over a period of 27 long years. I've enjoyed each and every one of them (with the possible exception of one DATE model which I regretted due to its ridiculous 34 mm size).

I wish I could have genuinely afforded to keep all 22 Rollies - that would have made for quite a collection by today's standards.

But, to be honest, the flipping and buying did give me intense pleasure over the years.

JJ

[Silvio]

I consider myself a watch lover, I have a deep passion for watches and my passion hasn't change a bit in 31 years. I never buy a watch just for buying or to add another one to my collection. I don't want to accumulate watches, I want to collect and enjoy them. Now, regarding your question "Can a flipper be a collector ? Or not ?", I wouldn't be able to enjoy the hobby as a flipper.

[astcell]

Collection: You get an estimate for watch insurance.

Obsession: You get an estimate for mental health insurance.

[marshallr47]

I don't consider myself a collection per say. I do love watches, in particular, Rolexes. I currently have 5 and I plan on adding more. I think mine is more of an obsession but does obsession and collection go hand in hand?

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by marshallr47

.....but does obsession and collection go hand in hand?

Certainly does, Ron. Without the obsession there can be NO collection - end of story!!

[astcell]

If you skip a meal to save the money for anything, then you are obsessed.

[Silvio]

"Does obsession and collection go hand in hand?"

Yes it does Ron. Without obsession you can't have the motivation to spend $5,000 + on a single watch.

[marshallr47]

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

Certainly does, Ron. Without the obsession there can be NO collection - end of story!!

JJ, it's amazing how our minds think alike. I think we need help

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by marshallr47

JJ, it's amazing how our minds think alike.

You think of cleavages too, Ron?

[Prince]

Well, I have made a conscious effort to collect the watches I own. I specifically targeted the model I wanted, and patiently waited for the right opportunity to acquire it. I'm most satisfied with my collection, and do not intend to flip them.

The only other Rolex on my "desire" list is the Bark DD, and I am prepared for this search to be a long one.

[Dan Pierce]

The real question is when does your collection become an obsession?
dP

[f16570]

Collector or mildly obsessive.
I don't see the difference.
Seriously, collector I think is someone who does not wear or uses their pieces

f

[mike]

Interesting question Larry and one that gets asked on occasion on various fora.

I guess any grouping of watches can be viewed as a "collection" however most of the collectors I've delt with have a common factor--focus.

Collections can have a number of different focus depending on the goals the collector pursues.

Collections I'm aware of include;

Diver references, aviation references, year, theme, evolution of a make (or makes)-mine.

Some collectors only specialize in acryllic. Some only collect complete examples with B&P. A select few (with deep pockets) collect rare and exotic references--Mil. subs, COMEX, DRSD, etc....

Can a collector be a flipper? Sure. In some sense I think so, though I would call them "replacers". That is replacing an example with a better one as it is found.

I know one collector that only collects variations of the 5513--a very focused collection indeed (and a really nice one!)

I do think that for many of us that foucs changes as we learn more about a particular brand, reference, or timeframe.

[marshallr47]

Originally Posted by JJ Irani

You think of cleavages too, Ron?

Of course. And when you are going to show us photos of your sales lady? Been dying to see her.

[JJ Irani]

Originally Posted by marshallr47

Of course. And when you are going to show us photos of your sales lady? Been dying to see her.

Now picture this - hey, young lady, would you be kind enough to bend over and place that watch in the display cabinet. I'm about to take a picture of that delicious cleavage of yours as you do so!!

Wonder if I'd ever be invited over to that AD again?

[clbcpa]

Originally Posted by Dan Pierce

The real question is when does your collection become an obsession?
dP

1. When you call a Christmas bonus "my annual watch purchase"
2. When the wife comes home with a piece of funriture and you think... YES!!! new Daytona!
3. When you no longer call spring spring but instead Basel!

[Orchi]

Err buddies...Orchi doesn't know whether it would be specifically or a combination of collection...obsession or possession.

But would like to add another possibility in here...which is addiction.

"Might as well face it...I'm addicted to Rolex"

[bran]

Originally Posted by Tools

So let me further complicate this in the case of JJ and Bo...perhaps. i.e., can a flipper be a collector.

If you have a list of reference numbers that you have owned, do you have a collection, although your collection is fluid...

I postulate that a flipper can indeed be a collector

I say a flipper cannot be a collector...they are not collecting anything. Their temporary collection is constantly changing. Maybe they could have temporary collections like a museum displaying a collection on loan or perhaps contemplative collectors. They contemplate while in their possession and decide it is not good enough for their permanant collection.

[Rockrolex]

Originally Posted by Prince

Well, I have made a conscious effort to collect the watches I own. I specifically targeted the model I wanted, and patiently waited for the right opportunity to acquire it. I'm most satisfied with my collection, and do not intend to flip them.

The only other Rolex on my "desire" list is the Bark DD, and I am prepared for this search to be a long one.

My sentiments exactly, Allan. I specifically targeted each watch I've acquired and would not give up any of them.

Where we differ is what's on the "desire" list. For me, it's the meteorite Daytona on a black strap.

[astcell]

I love the meteorite daytona. A friend wanted to get me one, I said that's an engagement watch. I think I scared her away. :-)