Every passionate watch collector needs to start somewhere. For some, it begins with their first sight of an outstanding Patek Philippe seen online and for others, it is the allure of the global reputation and kudos of owning a Rolex.
There is a lot of joy in building a watch collection. Some collectors like to curate specific kinds of watches, while others appreciate all types and garner an eclectic mix. But whatever ticks your boxes (apologies, pun intended), there is a fantastic market in collector's pieces and vintage pieces, brand new and pre-owned watches, that the impassioned or the business-like are easily able to build a fabulous personal watch collection.
Of course, to achieve a well-rounded collection that seasoned collectors would be proud of, there are always going to be certain boxes that need to be ticked. These will be factors including anything from the types of watches that you seek out, their price range, whether you focus on Swiss brands or innovative design, very expensive watches or affordable watches and whether you want to acquire specific models.
Here is our handy guide on how to start building a watch collection of your very own.
Do Your Research
Research is incredibly important in watch collecting. If you're a hobbyist, you won't mind poring over resources that give you insights into everything in the world of watches. You can learn about the difference between automatic movements and mechanical movements, what makes an elegant dress watch, why automatic dive watches and field watches are so sought after and why you should chase a certain Audemars Piguet or Vacheron Constantin model.
Research also extends to any individual watch you are considering buying. All collectors end up having regrets about certain purchases they made or didn't make, but this can be minimized by doing your homework on a certain make or model before committing to a purchase.
Cover all of the basics like how much you should be expecting to pay for the watch you have in mind, seeing which brands are reputable and which should be avoided, and what types of watches are the most sought after and popular within the collecting community.
All of this research can be done by doing things like visiting blogs, watching YouTube channels, browsing forums and lots of other online outlets where enthusiasts get together to share their expertise.
Decide On A Budget
One thing to remember about watch collecting is that it can become a very expensive hobby very quickly if you are not careful. It is absolutely essential to set a budget for yourself before you dive head-first into the world of luxury watches especially if you are looking at your watch collection as an investment.
Some collectors are happy to stay within a very affordable, middle range for their collections, while others are more tempted by the true luxury brands and historic names. While luxury watches have demonstrated they are able to maintain their value over time unless you intend to trade regularly, you should be more focused on buying the pieces that speak to you emotionally. They might not always be the priciest!
In general, around $500 should be sufficient to take baby steps in the collecting world. You can pick up a great quality Swiss mechanical watch for that kind of price, or perhaps spread the cost and switch from Swiss watches to more affordable Japanese watches instead.
Whether you are working with $200 or $20,000, the key is to stick to your set budget and don't get carried away and overextend.
Don't Disregard The Second Hand Market
Though everybody loves the idea of a brand new, shiny luxury watch to add to their collection, this won't always be the most realistic option for you depending on the makes and models that you are interested in.
Generally, however, a watch collection is regarded as being based on older and vintage pieces. Vintage watches are classed as those from earlier than the 1990s and there is a fantastic pre-owned market that is truly global.
With the exception of names like Rolex, Patek Philippe and other really high-end brands, most watches will experience a significant drop in their value once they have been bought in-store, which means that you can stand to pick up some great bargains on the second-hand market. With it being so full of passionate watch enthusiasts who look after their accessories, you will often find watches in perfect condition that are a fraction of their retail price.
The second-hand market is also where you are going to find fantastic watches that are termed as collector's pieces. True collecting really is in pre-owned watches rather than the latest models. A valuable watch collection is based on classic styles that have appreciated over a period of time.
Popular Watches To Look Out For
To point you in the right direction, here are some of the most popular styles of watches that you will find in any high-quality collection. Many of these are often described as 'holy grail watches' for collectors, who will spend a lot of time and money seeking them out.
Dive Watches
Dive watches are definitely the most popular style of watch for men at the moment. They boast a rugged, tough character and really do look great in every kind of situation. These watches are defined by their high level of water resistance, commonly around 200m, and they have a screw-down crown that helps with aquatic adaptability. Another key feature is a dive bezel, either interior or exterior.
Some popular and sought-after dive watches are:
- Christopher Ward Trident Pro 600
- Rolex Submariner
- Omega Seamaster
- Tudor Black Bay 58
- Tag Heuer Aquaracer Professional 300
Dress Watches
Dress watches are the most classic type of watch to start a watch collection. This description refers to pretty much every type of men's watch prior to the advanced technology that introduced specialty watches like pilot watches and dive watches that developed into the sports watches so common today.
Generally smaller than sports watches, dress watches are more understated, with less ornamentation and fewer complications. (Complication is the term to describe any mechanical aspect of a watch that isn't involved in telling the time - for example, a perpetual calendar, compass, or water resistance).
Dress watches were traditionally made from precious metals like gold, but that is less common these days and collectors can spend a lot of money seeking out the rarer gold dress watches on the market. For a more affordable option, there are plenty of great quality stainless steel dress watches to explore.
Some popular and sought-after dress watch names to look out for include:
- Tissot Heritage Visodate Powermatic 80
- Frederique Contact Classic Moonphase Manufacture
- Cartier Tank
- Jaeger-LeCoultre Reverso
- Orient Bambino
Field Watches
Field watches are a type of timepiece that was developed during the Second World War, providing a simple-to-use, easy-to-read, no-nonsense watch that could stand up to the rigorous nature of battle. The design and nature remain pretty much the same to this day.
The key features of a field watch are easy-to-read numerals and a 24-hour scale for military time. Some say that they are rather lacking in decorative elements, but the minimalism and simplicity are often what attract a collector to the design.
A field watch collection might be the best place to start if you like to keep things simple and casual in your fashion and accessories.
Some popular and sought-after field watch names to look out for include:
- Timex Expedition North Field Post Mechanical
- Hamilton Khaki Field Mechanical
- Monta Triumph
- Longines Heritage Military
- Seiko Prospex Alpinist
Getting Started
If you are ready to start your own watch collection, then look no further than Watches And Watches. Browse our site to discover all of the different elegant designs that we have. We guarantee fair prices and honest descriptions of condition.
You will fall down the rabbit hole and be amazed by the number of affordable luxury and vintage watches at your fingertips. With such a varied assortment of watches, we are confident that you will find something to get your collection started. Happy hunting!
