Has your watch collecting matured?

[Fat_ninja]

Most people usually start with Rolex and stay within the boundaries of safe collecting or what I will describe as what most people like.

but some of us have moved passed the consensus and towards what truly makes them happy (now that may still be rolex).

But have you grown, have you come into your own or are you still part of the collective?

Where are you in your journey? Have you found that “whisper”?

[Jona]

[crazymcmichael]

Rolex is a beautifull brand.. I think it should make anyone happy

[haven_seeker]

I originally owned a Movado, after dreaming about a watch like that since age 12 or so.

Then bought a Rolex Oysterquartz, when I really wanted a Bluesy. I was tempted by a Tag gold-plated Aquaracer but held out because of the gold-plate wearing issues I experienced in the time I've owned my Movado.

So with a Movado which I loved to hate (great looking watch but the bracelet and dial did not hold up) and an OQ which I never thought I would own, I was still missing the two pieces I really wanted:

-Bluesy
-a real solid gold Movado

Flash forward a few years and I own both, though the Movado carries a different name, it has the essence of the watch of my dreams.

[Laszlo]

I strayed outside the brand for a while but eventually returned full time and have zero interest in other brands now. Rolex is Rolex and they are special in so many ways. My collection has matured and eventually would like to add vintage pieces in the future.

[East Bay Rider]

Yes I started with a Rolex GMT and then bought a Tudor and omega. Both great watches but they're gone and the Rolex remains. I've since added less expensive watches like Gshock and atomic Eco-drive just because I think they're cool. I will continue adding interesting watches instead of expensive ones. I don't care about impressing anyone.
I also have some vintage pocket watches because, again, I think they're cool.

[NAVY]

Originally Posted by Fat_ninja

[COLOR="Red"]Most people usually start with Rolex and stay within the boundaries of safe collecting or what I will describe as what most people like. [/COLOR]

but some of us have moved passed the consensus and towards what truly makes them happy (now that may still be rolex).

But have you grown, have you come into your own or are you still part of the collective?

Where are you in your journey? Have you found that “whisper”?

Most people ... really?

[Fat_ninja]

Originally Posted by NAVY

Most people ... really?

Spirit of the question... if I insulted anyone I don’t mean to...

[returntorolex]

Originally Posted by Laszlo

I strayed outside the brand for a while but eventually returned full time and have zero interest in other brands now. Rolex is Rolex and they are special in so many ways. My collection has matured and eventually would like to add vintage pieces in the future.

This describes my journey, with the exception of vintage.

I’m finding new, exciting micro brands with unique designs fulfilling at the moment.

[Josh1000]

Collecting is a journey and I doubt I will have a final destination. I have taken many detours along the road, bought the same watches over and over, worried less about realisable value and bought watches that I love and bled more than nicking an aorta

[MSchu]

Tag Heuer<Seiko Automatic<Grand Seiko<Rolex

[locutus49]

His inference is that Most People can't even afford a ROLEX. I think what you meant by Most People is Most Watch Enthusiast People. I could be wrong.

Originally Posted by Fat_ninja

Spirit of the question... if I insulted anyone I don’t mean to...

[locutus49]

As to the state of my collection, I ended up with the very middlebrow brands Rolex and Patek, and will likely remain safely within those two unless drawn outside by the gravitic tug of an independent watchmaker.

[Fat_ninja]

Originally Posted by locutus49

His inference is that Most People can't even afford a ROLEX. I think what you meant by Most People is Most Watch Enthusiast People. I could be wrong.

Yes I meant most watch enthusiast. Not trying to make this convo about money... more about the journey.

[JTL31]

My journey into the Swiss watch world began simply 25 yrs. ago (I must be getting old-Lol) w/Swiss Army. I then progressed to other brands usually just keeping 1nice watch along the way. Hence, Tag>Rolex>Oris>Omega>Cartier> back to Rolex! I definitely have a keeper now in the LVc. Thanks to some on TRF, I’ve also found joy in Seiko :)

[BigAppleBill]

My journey began with vintage (1950s-60s) of various brands. Then extended to modern and mid-modern Rolex. Next came Patek and Journe, with a couple other odd pieces sprinkled in. About to let go of two or three previous purchases to keep the collection manageable.

[GB-man]

Originally Posted by Fat_ninja

Yes I meant most watch enthusiast. Not trying to make this convo about money... more about the journey.

Who is “most people” you speak of???



No I won’t lie and say I have matured. Honestly I was more of a typical collector when I started many years before trf. Mainly because I didn’t have a logical place to trade. Now I like to think I just buy what I like and can afford. Nothing in my watchbox holds sentimental value or is a keeper, family heirlooms aside.

[Cru Jones]

Well, I knew about “Rolex” long before I knew about other watch brands.

Today, I enjoy watches.

Why? Because it’s a hobby I enjoy and it makes me happy. Not because I’ve “matured”..... I’m probably less mature now, as I want to keep spending too much money on “trinkets”.

[BigBlue1]

To each his own. Me, I only own 2 Rolex and plan on picking up a third, but I am in no rush. I will probably stay a Rolex guy. There are plenty of watches out there, but I am ok with Rolex as they make plenty to choose from, are very reliable, well built, versitile and aesthetically pleasing. I have tried on other watches, but at the moment none of them FEEL like a ROLEX. They command respect. From an investment stand point, who doesn't know Rolex, you can't lose.

Just my opinion.

[joeychitwood]

When I found TRF, I went on a Rolex binge. Bought and kept a Sea-Dweller and black 16613. Bought a blue 16613. Sold it. Bought a white Daytona. Sold it. Bought a couple of Tudors. Kept them. Started looking at other brands and bought them because I like great watches. A Ball, Luminox, a G-Shock. My latest purchase is turning out to be one of my favorite watches of all, a Seikp PADI Turtle. $251. So yeah, I’ve come to appreciate watches more than brands. Especially since Rolexes became impossible to purchase for a reasonable price.

[FrankNYC]

My watch collecting has come full circle. I started with Rolex steel sports model (5 digit ref) and added/traded dressier watches. I’ve had Omega’s, JLC, IWC...and now, I’ve trimmed it all down and went back to Rolex 5 digit sports. Right back where I started 27+ years ago.

[Blansky]

I’m not going with just Rolex although my SD is a great watch.

I also have UN, Parmigiana, Cartier, JLC, Corum, Omega and Speake Marin.

[East Bay Rider]

Originally Posted by FrankNYC

My watch collecting has come full circle. I started with Rolex steel sports model (5 digit ref) and added/traded dressier watches. I’ve had Omega’s, JLC, IWC...and now, I’ve trimmed it all down and went back to Rolex 5 digit sports. Right back where I started 27+ years ago.

Can't go wrong with 5 digits.

[GSDLover]

I am in the camp that has moved on.
I went from a datejust, then to a gold Daytona.
Then i discovered Patek Philippe.
Then i discovered audemars piquet.
F.P. Journe is on my radar as is an open work AP .
Going on 3 years now and Rolex is just not that interesting.

[dddrees]

I've had fun and I'm happy.

Is that what you mean?

[Chewbacca]

I’m drawn to many brands. I started with a Star Wars digital watch when I was 5 and got into Rolex only because family members swore by them for being robust and something everyone should own and take to their grave. They also collected. That’s the start.

Today I’m likely done with Rolex. I’ve bought new, 5d, 6d etc but as I age, my filter fades. I’m not happy about what Rolex seems to represent today, and perception is 90% truth and reality, so ya.

Now I’m back to basics. Entry level. Fringe. If something pops out at me, I’ll try it and learn about it. The Seiko pages are a good example of what the Rolex threads were back int the late 2000s when I lurked and then joined. That’s why I joined actually. Rolex can’t appeal to that person any more. Maybe Tudor, but I’m not holding my breath and there's only so many BB's to get excited about.

[GradyPhilpott]

I've always collected what I like, whether the watches were cheap or expensive.

I've always had a limit of $10k for any watch, so the most expensive watch in my collection is my 116710BLNR.

As far as Rolex goes, I'm only collecting affordable used pieces that might need a full-service, which is fun, too.

I do that with other brands, too.

I still keep buying the inexpensive stuff, but I have given up on quartz, because I have too many watches to get around to wearing all my quartz pieces before the batteries wear down, but I do have the batteries replaced periodically on a piece that I just have a hankering to wear.

I don't know whether or not any of this equates to maturity.

At 70, I live more like a teenager than anyone I know, even teenagers, so maybe not.

[rjd1]

Good question that I've been pondering myself of late. I'd say my path is as below - from as a kid/high school-er to present time - I'm 50.
Timex
Seiko
Tag Heuer
Rolex
AP
Patek
And at present - Vintage Rolex, a few modern Rolex after owning/selling most all of them, Grand Seiko, Patek, Richard Mille. Scattered in here too are some lesser expensive, fun watches - Tudor, Seiko, Oris, etc.

[ArtNouveau]

My first “nice” watch was a Rolex circa 1984 but I’ve had 40+ watches since, only 10 have been from the Crown. I think an all Rolex collection would be boring, so much other cool stuff out there.

[MILGAUSS88]

Nope, my collecting is immature as ever.