Indeed, we like to collect things, and we have different reasons for doing it. From doing it for pleasure and wanting to know more about the object to showing team or country loyalty and forming a habit, humans have enjoyed gathering items for the longest time. And out of all the items that can be collected, watches appear to be one of the most worthy and potentially lucrative aside from art, wine, cars, and so on.
If you’re new to collecting watches, though, it’s good to know a thing or two. After all, it’s different from just owning a lot of Jaeger Reverso and other timepieces. In this article, you will read about various things that will help start your journey as a watch collector today.
What Is the Difference Between a Watch Collector and a Collector of Watches?
Thanks to the variety of watches available in the market today, people have plenty of options on which to buy. But did you know that there are two types of people who collect watches? The first one is a watch collector, and the second is a collector of watches. The difference between the two is that the former may own hundreds of watches, and he or she does it for reasons other than it looking good as an accessory to their everyday outfit.
They often own timepieces that are expensive and rare and appreciate the story behind them. They are always looking forward to the next purchase or sale. On the other hand, a collector of watches is someone who owns too many timepieces that they find fashionable. They don’t have any specific or personal reason for owning these pieces.
Valuable Tips for Beginners
When it comes to collecting watches, it’s a good idea to learn as much as you can because it will help you know where to start. It may have started as a hobby and ended up as a passion, so you need tips to make it a success.
1. Purchase a watch that you like
Whether or not it’s going to be added to your collection, buying a watch can be overwhelming. As you want it to be a success and not a waste of money, you may end up pressuring yourself and getting one that you don’t like. Avoid this by making sure that you only buy a watch that you’re comfortable wearing on your wrist.
Although you’ll only be wearing it once in a while, it’s important that you like it and not only because it’s rare or that you’ve got to have it. At the end of the day, the purchase is worth it when you form a relationship with it and are happy to add it to your collection.
2. It’s not always about the high price, complications, etc. that makes it a quality purchase
New collectors may have a misunderstanding that expensive watches are good and that the more you purchase and add to the collection, the better. Again, only buy what you’ll be glad to wear. If you’re interested in only the simplest complications, you might not be happy with a timepiece that needs to be serviced from time to time due to its many complications.
And as a new addition to the club, you need to know that it’s not all about the price you paid for it. Sometimes, it’s the simple ones that end up impressing others.
3. Invest time in studying all these watches
One of the reasons why people start collecting watches is because it’s a good investment opportunity. Most of these watches hold or increase in value, but some lose over time. Nevertheless, collecting means only buying timepieces that you’re passionate about. When you invest time to study these watches, you get to differentiate pieces you want for yourself and to sell. Freeing you from any buyer’s regret, you get to own a timepiece that you’ll be happy to sell or trade in the future.
4. Don’t get influenced by seasoned collectors
As a newbie, you may start your journey by studying what brands and models veteran collectors have. Though it will help increase your education about watches, it is never a good idea to copy the collecting habits of other people. You may be tempted to get a particular brand or model simply because this collector has it.
But going back to the first tip, only buy a watch that you like to wear and add to your collection. When you get influenced, you may not find the joy in owning an item that you didn’t form a relationship with.
Key Takeaways
All in all, it’s the thrill of the hunt that makes it worth it to scour the Internet and local shops for the watch you want to add to your collection. It’s not about the quantity but the quality that makes it a great purchase. Hopefully, this article will help start novice watch collectors with their journey.
