Has Anyone Downsized Their Collection?

[corn18]

This is what's happened in the past year:



I'm thinking about going down to 3, but like what I have for now. The 3 on the top left will never go. Everything else is for fun.

[meganfox17]

Flip
Consolidate
Rave
Repeat

Flip
Consolidate
Rave
Repeat

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[schnitzerphilip]

Originally Posted by HogwldFLTR

I've been considering downsizing. Has anyone gone through this process? If so please share about the process.

Yes, but it's not "downsizing". It's consolidating.

In the past 6 months I sold 2 Omega Speedmasters (1963 Ed White + 2005 LE'57) and 2 Rolex Datejusts (1970 14K + 2006 SS) in order to purchase a Daytona Ceramic and an Explorer 1016.

The 4 departed timepieces barely got wrist time, maybe 5x a year each, and we're at the top of the market right now (my opinion) so it made a lot of sense to move them.

Those 4 will be replaced by 2 watches that are must-have's for me and will see a ton of wrist time. Consolidating a bunch of marginal pieces for two very desirable pieces cost me very little money out of pocket and make me much happier. Less is sometimes more.

[HL65]

Originally Posted by schnitzerphilip

Yes, but it's not "downsizing". It's consolidating.

In the past 6 months I sold 2 Omega Speedmasters (1963 Ed White + 2005 LE'57) and 2 Rolex Datejusts (1970 14K + 2006 SS) in order to purchase a Daytona Ceramic and an Explorer 1016.

The 4 departed timepieces barely got wrist time, maybe 5x a year each, and we're at the top of the market right now (my opinion) so it made a lot of sense to move them.

Those 4 will be replaced by 2 watches that are must-have's for me and will see a ton of wrist time. Consolidating a bunch of marginal pieces for two very desirable pieces cost me very little money out of pocket and make me much happier. Less is sometimes more.

Good move and great choices!

[schnitzerphilip]

Originally Posted by HL65

Good move and great choices!

Thank you sir. I seem to be copying you (though truly unintentional).

What's next?

[rmlovett1]

Have downsized a couple times to move into PM. Then built back up. Had 8 at one point, but have decided, for my lifestyle, 1/2 PM watches is perfect, and 4/5 total is the sweet-spot for me.

[HL65]

Originally Posted by schnitzerphilip

Thank you sir. I seem to be copying you (though truly unintentional).

What's next?

A black 16520 - here tomorrow!

[travisb]

Originally Posted by HL65

A black 16520 - here tomorrow!

[locutus49]

I downsized to a single watch. I did not need the money, but I only wore the Platona and hated having watches just sitting around. I am 67. No kids, and nieces and nephews don't care about nice watches. Wife wants the Platona when I pass. YMMV.

[roaddog359]

I got to upsize before I could downsize.

[watchwatcher]

Yes I have...a few times actually. Went down to 3 at one point to put a couple of heavyweights in the collection, but the number seems to keep ballooning up in spite of my best efforts.

My latest attempt was to sell a couple of PM's off and then...wouldn't you know it, Thanh just had to post a watch I really had to have in the classifieds. So...at least I got it down by 1.

[brandrea]

I've never really thought of four as a "collection" but I think it's the right number for me. I'll add one more but most likely try to keep it at 3 or 4 going forward.

[KDS777]

I don't know what technically constitutes a "collection"........but I have a limit......and it's not related to how many watches, but how much they all cost me. I plan on staying with 2-3 PM watches only.

[AK797]

Originally Posted by meganfox17

Flip
Consolidate
Rave
Repeat

Flip
Consolidate
Rave
Repeat

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[watchukev]

I just downsized big time in order to get my first Rolex!


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[Eric Chan]

At one point, my collection was at 11 Rolex watches. Personally, that was too many for me, so I decided to start downsizing. My collection now sits at 6 Rolex watches. 3 PM and 3 SS. I think this is a comfortable number for me as it allows me to wear and enjoy each reference thoroughly. I may want to add one more in the future, but definitely no more than that.

[Portland]

Over the past year I sold everything but these two beauties. I think if you have the right pieces in your collection, you don't need to have a bunch of watches.

[Jfullm42]

Originally Posted by Portland

Over the past year I sold everything but these two beauties. I think if you have the right pieces in your collection, you don't need to have a bunch of watches.

Two classics Paul! Congrats and I agree with less is more sometimes

[mazzini]

I have the same 2 plus some even a 1946 bubble back.

[Al1969]

I think my high point was 6 or 7 watches. 1 or 2 PAMs, 4 Rolex and 1 Breitling.
Had a couple of APs and a SPEEDMASTER. Consolidated to 2 PM Rolex pieces, My Kermit, 1 PAM(233) and a Tudor HC I just picked up.
I'd say I'm done for now.

[ejvette]

Originally Posted by Al1969

I'd say I'm done for now.

Famous last words from a WIS!

[fishingbear]

I've had as many as 13 Rolex at one point, now down to 8 and think that's a sweet spot for me. I'm thinking of shaking my currents up a little as I'm starting to gravitate to a dressier PM watch than my current sport references.

[dman]

Yes I have. I once had around 9 watches, Rolex and Panerai. I've now paired down to one in the safe and a 16610 I wear 24/7. I was unsure but my heart kept beating and the sun still came up. :-)


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[zoenoadad]

I adhere to the best advice I've seen to-date on TRF: when you wake up in the morning and look at your collection, will you choose [insert said watch here] over [insert other watch(es) here]? If you just can't imagine picking one over the other(s) - ever - then it's time to move it. I think you (like me) are considering the blue SkyD...and I'm pretty sure that when it arrives, if I fall in love with it, I'll find a way to pick it up, even if that means moving certain other pieces and/or finding a new wife.

[HogwldFLTR]

Originally Posted by zoenoadad

I adhere to the best advice I've seen to-date on TRF: when you wake up in the morning and look at your collection, will you choose [insert said watch here] over [insert other watch(es) here]? If you just can't imagine picking one over the other(s) - ever - then it's time to move it. I think you (like me) are considering the blue SkyD...and I'm pretty sure that when it arrives, if I fall in love with it, I'll find a way to pick it up, even if that means moving certain other pieces and/or finding a new wife.

It's definitely something other than the Sky Dweller although that makes wonder how many watches I really need. Wife's pretty secure, fwiw.

[red.earth]

Originally Posted by HogwldFLTR

I've been considering downsizing. Has anyone gone through this process? If so please share about the process.

I recently downsized by one through trading my mint black dial 16570 Exp II + Tudor Ranger (plus some cash) for a new TT GMT. That left me with:

1. Polar 16570: My first Rolex and has immense sentimental value so it's a keeper. It's my holiday/beater watch.
2. 214270 (1st gen): My favourite watch, and although I think I prefer the newer 2nd gen I can't seem me ever getting rid of it. I'm too happy with it - a perfect, smart black dialled watch which is perfect for everything. I wear it for all important occasions as well as frequent daily wear.
3. Montblanc Ultra Slim: Rarely worn, but it satisfies my desire for an ultra slim watch and costs a fraction of the JLC equivalent.
4. Tudor North Flag: A fantastic watch which is beautifully made, a joy to wear and excellent value. I can't think of any reason why I'd let it go (especially as it doesn't seem to be the most popular of pieces, which makes me like it even more). Like the ExpII, it's a watch I can wear without any concerns.
5. TT GMT: I've only had this for a couple of weeks and I'm bowled over by it. It's stunning and unlike my other watches this one *doesn't* fly under the radar.

I'd love an LVc but clearly I don't have a need. I have all bases more than fully covered already. Presumably you have, too? If so, explore reducing duplication.

As for further downsizing, I'm not sure I've many options really. The 2 least worn are the 2 cheapest so the trade in values wouldn't come close to enticing me to let them go, and the other 3 are going nowhere. If I had a larger collection, I expect things would be easier (or more complicated)... but I don't want a larger collection. I'm continuallly trying to simplify my life so I can concentrate on the things that are really important and not waste (too much) time on the things that are not.

That doesn't help you much, but less watches must inevitably translate in to less hassle, so I say make it happen. Trade 2 for 1, sell some... but at each step make sure you're left with at least 1 less in your collection

[ACWATCHES]

I have 2 Rolex 1 omega 1 vintage iwc, quartz tag (sentimental never sell) casio g shock (workout watch), I have a watch now worn by my gf.

I feel like I need a blnr/hulk a speedmaster/chrono and a PM dress watch with awesome movement finishing. I'm not going to sell unless I need the liquidity.

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[Rhialto]

Yes.

First an Explorer 1016, Bell&Ross BR02, Tag Heuer Chrono, Submariner 5513.

Sold them all and got a new Sub 114060.

(although looking at a ROLEX GMT-MASTER II 116710LN )

[RMC12]

I have not really consolidated more flipped. Once I purchased my second Rolex, a BLNR I sold my ExpII to my Brother in Law and then traded the BLNR plus cash for my Smurf.

My other watches, 2 x Tags and a Corum have been kept for sentimental reasons but never get any wrist time.

My plan is to add correctly and hopefully never sell/flip again.

[subking86]

All the watches I have now were either passed down, gifted from my wife, or my 16610 which was my grail growing up and present when my son was born. The only watch that isn't part of that group is my Air King which i think has a permanent spot for a few reasons. So no consolidating for me.

Every watch I've bought on a whim or bc I wanted it gets sold off eventually. So my wife and I have discussed only buying new watches to mark accomplishments or special occasions so they'll always have some kind of meaning to me. To her this means we won't be buying several watches a year just to turn around and sell them a few months later. To me, it'll make think harder about which watch to buy next as I'll know I'll most likely not get rid of it unless it's really not getting wrist time.

We'll see how well my wife's plan works. She also said no new watches in 2017 and then bought me my Omega Aqua Terra in February for our anniversary. She also got a Cartier for our anniversary, so her no new watch for 2017 didn't last long!