Tell us about your Watch Phases

[HEWLIO]

Im not sure if this applies to anyone else but I cant be the only one. I seem to go through phases of how I wear my watch or watches. I started of loving two tone subs, then I decided to go classic stainless after about a year. I did the stainless thing for 2-3 years and tried out different nato straps in between then, sort of an alternating back and fourth phase. Now im pretty much strictly nato and I dont see changing anytime soon. Usually I want my regular oyster bracelet back asap but not this time for some reason. Any one else do this? Share your stories!

[SubTTKky]

Presently on the TT phase...stainless steel only when I m overseas/flying with my Omega Speedy...loves wearing my TT daily...

[DC Engineer]

well...i'm pretty much a newb. first rolex was about three weeks ago, bought a GMTIIc SS. i researched and stalked this site for years before purchasing. I'm now eyeing a DJII with fluted bezel and diamonds as a second Rolex. ultimately, i'll trade in my GMTIIc SS for a YG GMTIIs with green dial, get a Exp 39mm and the DJII and be done. I'd also like a chrono, the Daytona is nice, but I think Tag makes a better chrono. thats my collection plan and i'm sticking to it. CHEERS!

[caryyee]

My phases ... 1 watch, 2 watches, 3 watches, 4 watches lol ....

More seriously, I've gone SS -> gold. Next phase is either vintage or another brand.

[joe100]

I used to wear cheap mechanical watches then I found this place. I read and read until my eyes hurt. I've owned about every model they've made. In this order: 16710, 16610lv, 16220, 1665 DRSD, 16710 again, 16610lv again, 16622, 14270, 16570 black, 7928 Tudor, 74010 Tudor, 5500 AK, 1675, 16710 yet again. Of course I sprinkled in an Omega or two but the 5500 is the only constant. I never owned more than one at a time except when the 5500 came along.

Some I loved, others never bonded. One thing I realized is that while the newer models are nice, the older ones have more cache. I also realized with the DRSD that even though it was the top of the Christmas tree, it was a drag. Expensive and unnecessary. I came to the conclusion it needed to be sold. There is no reason a gentleman should be wearing a $30k stainless steel watch around every day. Besides, a vintage Sub of the more common variety fills the same need at a fraction the price. I took the little profit I made from the private sale and kept chugging down the line. Each one was fun for a bit but eventually the enthusiasm died and we parted ways. This is how my tastes have evolved. I like watches in the 34-40mm range, rotating bezels are superfluous, dates are optional, bracelets are not, originality is key. I make no opologies for disliking certain models or liking others. Submariners I find boring and GMTs fascinating.

In the end I've never found a perfect watch except for maybe the Explorer 1. Even then it wasn't to be. I'm sure I'll own a few of the ones listed above again but as I get older and less stupid, I realize that having the most expensive watch in the room isn't necessary.

[zapokee]

Wow, joe100. That's a great summary of the logical progression. Maybe this is what might lie down the road for us all. I wonder if we should all just get an Exp 1 and cut out all the stuff between now and then...

Hopefully though, you've enjoyed the journey as much as reaching the destination. Those are some great watches you've loved.

[travisb]

I tend to go through phases with different brands as opposed to metals or style.

[Runnin' Rebel]

Visit AD
Buy
Wear
Sell
Read TRF classified and buy from here
Wear
Sell
Buy from classified
Wear
Sell
Read TRF classified and buy from here
Scratch head
Rinse
Repete

[beshannon]

My first watch was a childs Timex. As I got older I remember buying a Seiko lcd watch at JC Penney for the unheard of price of $250 in 1978. I wonder what a Rolex would have cost back then.

Went through some Seiko and Casio watches, began to accumulate watches from relatives. Went to the Caribbean for a trip and bought a Citizen dive watch. Thought my wife would kill me for spending $255.

Got interested in vintage watches, started buying, selling and fixing up. Did not work out well, flipped too many, too often and lost interest.

Started watching watch forums, Basel & SIHH, being forever disappointed that what is shown at those shows rarely ever sees a dealer.

Almost quit watches entirely, had several bad experiences on two different forums with very rude members and moderators.

Went to look at watches for my 25th wedding anniversary, had a bad experience at a Rolex AD. Bought my JLC Master Calendar as my gift but was so taken by Rolex (not the AD) that I purchased a pre-owned Sub as well that year. Just this past year I purchased a Daytona, which is what I had been looking at originally.

Got on track a few years ago, learned to ignore the close minded and ignorant on the forums, started learning and buying fewer pieces that I had looked at several times. For the past 5 years I have bought just one watch a year and have not sold any of them.

Now my collection is solid and I am happy but facing a new challenge. I have lost 37 pounds by exercising and diet and my wrist has gone from 7 1/4 to 6 7/8. Some pieces that I bought several years ago now are simply too large. I need to sell some to reduce the number of pieces, upgrade the quality of my collection and improve my rotation. I guess this is a good problem to have but the sales are not happening.

All in all my interest is in things I like based on history, tradition and innovation, I tend to prefer iconic watches but will buy something based on quality and movment.

My goal for this year is to add either an AP or PP to my collection and reduce the number of pieces. If I can swing it I would also like to add a Milgauss GV or GMT II to my collection.

[benlee]

My phases? I just got off an insane buying spree. Now I am taking a breather and try to enjoying my existing watches instead of craving / chasing the next one.

[Eagle7222]

took a trip to Bahamas last year. Never was able to find a good watch that fit me. I have skinny wrists and was always kind of thinking they looked to big.

Found a Certina in St Thomas and loved it. 2 days later I was in Bahamas and found a Tag. Wife was ok with taking an upgrade. So now I am 2 watches in in 3 days, getting progressively more expensive as I moved along.

Then I came back home and went to an AD and tried on a Submariner.....Hmmmm. I am in trouble here. I could not get this out of my head. In November I had a milestone in my life as far as sobriety was concerned. 5 years w/o a drink. I said screw it and she gave the green light. I now have a plain black Sub C. Traditional. Love it and have not wore another watch since.

At this point I am all about a 1675 Pepsi or 1680 Red Sub. Liking the aged watches with some beautiful patina. I just need to break her down little by little.

[MichaelB_Can]

It is an addiction . I did the same as the OP , t/t subs -
Then s/s subs(on nato's)-
I'm still there (liking subs) but added a Gmt +
I guess we are all in need of
mental help ..... Well either that or A NEW WATCH !!!

See you at the AD guys !


Mike B , Canada ⌚

[joe100]

Originally Posted by zapokee

Wow, joe100. That's a great summary of the logical progression. Maybe this is what might lie down the road for us all. I wonder if we should all just get an Exp 1 and cut out all the stuff between now and then...

Hopefully though, you've enjoyed the journey as much as reaching the destination. Those are some great watches you've loved.

The journey ain't over yet!

[impalass]

The first high end purchase was a Speedmaster Pro 1975 followed by by a Blue Tudor Snowflake 1978, traded for a 5513 1981, traded for a 168000 1985, traded for a 16610 in 1990 (?), traded for a 14060 in 1997. (thought I could go dateless)

Had a very brief fling with a TT DJ and Speedmaster Pro 125 in the 90's.

From 1975 to 2010 I rotated my Speedmaster Pro and one Submariner after another, and was very content, until I discovered TRF.

2011 purchased a BNIB SS Daytona (black), was to be my last watch ever. Next came a LNIB Omega SMP 2254, followed by a BNIB 16610 LV. Again, thought I was done.

2013, the old guard have found new homes and I've added a Sea-Dweller 4000 to the mix and this time I'm really done, for sure, honest, no kidding.

[Grissom]

Watch Phases? Bad, and worse!

[MichaelB_Can]

I also forgot to bring up 4 Datejust's and 2 Air Kings .
The current line up is 2 Rolex and 2 Tudors
But I'm missing a Datejust , and an Explorer would be nice ! I'm not sure what's coming next but when I find out I'll let you know 😁

Mike B , Canada ⌚

[HEWLIO]

I can already feel my next phase coming, Stainless sub on an oyster bracelet, and either a tudor heritage on a nato or a fastrider on a nato. Just need to pony up for the tudor...