Rolex Collecting.... Passion, or Folly.....

[Tools]

I love watches... I've scaled back and only have about 30 now.... I threw out the ones I took apart and have no hope of ever putting back together.. A couple of keepers are waiting repair...

And I've scaled back on Rolexes.... 9 currently....Maybe 11 if you count the DJ's I let my son and son-in-law wear..... (as if I could ever get them back)

It's my passion... or weakness.... or is it complete folly..

I'm not as old as JJ...but I'm getting there....and there are still watches I want/plan on having..

Where, exactly, do we draw the line..

Actuarial or life tables tell me that I could wear one of my watches per year and there would be some left over at the time I bit the dust....

So here's my point, if there is one... For who or what reason do I have/need for all this.... The kids don't really care...at least not like I hope they would..Is it wrong in this day and age to collect toys for which I have no practical use beyond self-indulgence...

Who else needs "just one more" ????????????????????

[JJ Irani]

Good thread, Larry.

Personally, I wouldn't mind just one more - possibly a GMT-II with PEPSI bezel......but, for now, I'm very comfortable with the 2 that I have.

Wear each for a couple of weeks and then start to desperately miss the other.....which then comes onto the wrist.

This perpetual cycle keeps me quite happy!!

[WatchTimes]

Buy what you want, the watches mature in value.
Of course don't keep all of your money in watches or
any one thing.
Also, leave instructions on where and how your heirs should
sell or distribute these items. I have had a couple friends pass
which collected firearms and their wives were clueless about
the value as they were custom pieces which matured, luckily
both friends specified a person they knew would get fair market
value of those items for the estate (and the person got their
pick of the collection both times)

PS Odds are your heirs will pick a piece or two that reminds them of
good times with you and then they will get cash, usually tax free for
them as well...

[Dan Pierce]

If it makes you happy it can't be that bad, according to Sheryl Crow. But really if you get enjoyment out of it, have the resources, and it doesn't affect anybody in a negative way, then it's all good.
dP

[Welshwatchman]

I've asked myself the same question Larry and have subsequently "moved on" two Rolex from my relatively modest collection in recent months.

No one else in my family has any interest in the watches and would only have sold them for a song if I popped my cloggs.

I was seriously tempted by an older Daytona and the new toy bug nearly got the better of me but that has passed.

I can see me getting down to 3 watches in due course.

[Jedi]

I'm considering the state of my Rolex collection at the moment. I don't wear the Daytona much for example, but I won't flip it.

I've thought about flipping the Coke, but my wife wears it now and then.

I can't flip the Expy II Blanc because it was a wedding present from my in-laws.

And I won't flip the Pepsi because it's a classic.

The SubDate will never leave me because my dad gave it to me.

And I need some new gear for other hobbies.

Solution? work harder.

[Chris B]

Originally Posted by Tools

I love watches... I've scaled back and only have about 30 now....

That's brilliant


I just need the TT GMTIIc & I'm all done (where's the Pinocchio emoticon?)

[marke]

it is hard i must admit, i find myself at a crossroads as to which direction to go. what to do what to buy, what to sell etc.

but i must say it has become an addiction and hobby for me, my collection is ok but is nothing compared to some forum members, but i love every single piece i have and try to give them wrist time when the mood suits...

marke

[sea-dweller]

It's a passion for me that started in 1994. I'm up to 7 Rolexes now. Eventually, I've considered scaling back to only 1, but have not been able to get myself to do it.

[SLS]

I have given this topic much thought as well and the answer that I keep coming up with is that, for now, I really enjoy this hobby. At some point in my life, If I find myself disinterested with watches I will sell them off and move on to something else. For now I am happy with what I have and can really see myself only adding a few more vintage pieces to my collection. (I agree on that pinnochio icon!)
~Scott

[kcmo]

I've thought about this A LOT!

I remember saving up for my very first Rolex and how long it took. It was sooooo worth it though!

I would never have imagined that at this point in my life, and at 31 years old, I'd have THREE of them! I'm so very fortunate!

I'm going to really focus on enjoying the 3 I have. I'm guilty of always 'wanting more' but am now going to just sit back and wear my beauties! I already feel guilty that I have three of them!

[haakon59]

When do you stop? Good question--I'll let you know after I actually stop.

[mike]

This is something all of us in the hobby wrestle with at times. As some know I've recently gone through a mild "re-focus" of where I want to go. While a few pieces have gone I find myself enjoying my little group more.

For me a big part of this hobby is the research and learning about these watches and the wonderful history they (and the company) have.

I am eagerly awaiting the DSSD. After that.......

[Perdu]

Larry, You have way too many watches. I think you should send one to me

[James T]

Originally Posted by haakon59

When do you stop? Good question--I'll let you know after I actually stop.

i don't think it will ever stop...

[buz-lh]

There are five more on my list and then I will be done. Until I see something else. I'm like Steve Martin in The Jerk. I don't need anything.....except this book of matches....that's all I need....and this lamp....That's all I need...this book of matches and this lamp.... and this Daytona and this 1680 and this 1675 and this.................Fortunately I have to plan for these purchases so I have a few years left of collecting. However, I'm thinking I should have cashed out of everything last year and put it all in Rolexes. Would probably be better off now.

[CKay]

I can't see myself stopping for now. But, I would always think about the option of flipping dome of my watches to buy new ones. I don't think I will ever own 30 watches though. If it makes you happy and have cash to spare, why not buy another Rolex?

[Widows Son]

I'm all set on my high end stuff. Rolex, Omega, and vintage Hamiltons. I'm having fun searching flea markets and antique stores for diamonds in the rough. I went into my jewelers today for straps for a rose gold Elgin, and a gold Bulova, both tanks from the 40's. My jeweler asked if I was interested in 7 "runners." So for $35.00 dollars I have two round gold Helbros's, one SS Helbros, one SS Elster, one gold round Bulova with a black dial, one SS round Westclox, and one round gold Elgin day/date. The last two don't actually run. The Bulova will need a new dial and crystal, and the two gold Helbro's will need a case polish and new crystals. The Elgin I already gave to a Lodge Brother who collects Elgin's. Of the five which actuall run, two are wearable now, and the other two will need crystals and a case buffing. Not bad for $35.00.

[Singslinger]

If it's your passion and it doesn't hurt anyone if you pursue it, then I say go for it!

[DCGuy1965]

When I bought my LV in 2005, I went thru Hell trying to get an AD to allow me to purchase it because of the scarcity at the time. An AD in TX said "One Rolex is NEVER enough." THis was an effort to get me to buy two by using the LV as a carrot to dangle kind of like the SS Daytona. I thought he was crazy at the time but today as I look thru the four I have I can honestly say I love them all. I wanted a Patek so bad but the cost became an issue. People I know chastise me as they lease their luxury cars and have these questionable mortgages but oh well, not everyone understands. Thats why I love this forum. There are others out there that share the same passion.

[Yume-sama]

It is a bit of an addiction, it really is. I don't really know if I just need "one more"... I currently have 4, but... I just purchased this as maybe a sign of things to come


http://www.orbita.com/pages/12720.htm

Rolex is just one of many passions that I have. Just enjoy yourself so long as you don't get yourself in to trouble financially or otherwise.

[Z-Sub]

Pa$$ion and commitment!

[RsqVet]

I do this with pens and watches.... I will be settled for awhile then need to go for another.

Funny thing is I am predominantly a 1 watch guy --- the rest are for their beauty and uniqueness. I don't switch it up on a weekly or even monthly basis.

Have 1 primary wrist (SD) and 1 pocket (Hamilton 992b in a stainless case). About 20 other really worthwhile and many more project / parts.