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Watch Collecting

Everyone needs a hobby.  It's something to look forward to in life and keep you both occupied and stimulated.  For me, I love watches and have been collecting them for several years.  I got into collecting about six years ago when I purchased a second watch to complement my aging Guess watch that was then over ten years old.

Quartz Phase
I started with budget brands and picked up Zodiacs, Fossils, Citizens and Casios. My knowledge was limited and I only knew about Quartz and Digital as I had no understanding of 'Automatics'.  As I got better acquainted, I took the leap towards automatics.

Automatic Phase
My first Auto was an Omega Seamaster and was also one of my largest purchases.  Previous to that the only time I ever spent thousands on a single item was either a car or a new computer (when PC's cost that much).  It was love at first sight and I predictably then grabbed a Rolex the following year.  I also picked up several Seikos and Orients as I wanted to learn more.  I also purchased a tool kit, replacement bands and other accessories.

Growing Up Phase
But then I realized it became a bit too much and decided to 'cull the herd'.  Around then I had over eighteen watches.  And for most of last year and now, I've unloaded eleven pieces.  I'm satisfied with the remaining ones and find that quantity is not always a good thing.  An occasional review of ones collection helps in determining your pursuit's purpose and philosophy.  For me, I'm more interested in automatics and want more significant pieces.  But same time appreciate a simple quartz or digital watch for the basic purpose of timekeeping and not having to worry about it getting damaged.

The List
It's also helped me 'explain' or at least justify why I chose to keep those watches or determine reason for a future acquisition or sale.  Here's my segment list:

  1. Luxury Utilitarian (Dress/Sport) - Rolex Explorer 114270
  2. Luxury Diver - Omega Seamaster 2531.80
  3. Budget Utilitarian - Seiko 5 snkk33
  4. Budget Diver - Casio MTD 1010
  5. Budget Chronograph - Armani 585
  6. Sports - Casio GShock 5600 GLX-7
  7. Sports - Casio GShock 5600 GLX-4

    Future Aquistions?
  8. Luxury Chronograph - Omega / Breguet?
  9. Luxury Dress - PP, AP, VC, JLC ?
I am considering a Luxury Chronograph like a Speedmaster or Transatlantique.  Also, a proper dress watch from PP, AP, VC or JLC.  There is also plenty of room on the mid-range between $250 - $3000 categories.  I haven't looked more closely at mid-range brands like Hamilton, Tissot, Nomos and others.  They are worth exploring and see what pops up.  Another thing on my mind is grabbing the Casio GLX 5600-1 to complete the set.  Those are the three official colors for that particular model subset.  Ha ha.  Strange, how collecting watches reminds me of my garage from the video game Gran Turismo.

Next Sale?
I'm presently mulling over selling my last Seiko automatic a White Seiko 5 snkk33. I am growing fond of it now that I've paired it with a NATO strap, as the metal band was crap.

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