Any watch collectors/enthusiasts here?
I have found myself getting into the watches in the last 6 months. My current collection consists of a Tissot Le Lecole Powermatic 80 and a Fredrick Constant Index Automatic. I am learning as much as I can before I make my first big purchase.
Anyone else here into collecting watches? If so feel free to share your collection.
I've had the bug for a few years. I've purchased a few vintage omegas along with some cool no name chronographs from the 40s-60s. Daily wearer is an Omega Speedmaster and a Movado Stiri. Really want a Ulysses but I think I'll wait another year or two. Keep contemplating a Hublot on a rubber strap for the summer.
Awesome collection. How did you end up getting the vintage pieces? I love the look of vintage Omega dress watches, but I am worried about buying a fake off ebay, etc.
My next current buy will probably be a Seiko Sarx045. Longer term I would like to get a Tudor Black Bay 58,
Chrono24 has been a great place to pick up pieces. Haven't used ebay, but I know a ton of people who have great experience. A local jeweler has a beautiful collection of vintage watches that span the spectrum from unknown names to top of the line. He's been the best resource for determining if a watch is a good deal. In addition, he does a lot of the work on anything I buy that needs cleaned up. He was a Rolex AD for a long time before Rolex decimated their AD network.
I highly recommend finding someone you trust that enjoys the passion as much as you. The relationship with a good watchsmith will pay dividends
Seiko is awesome, very underrated!
I love watches! My first watch was a 1970 Accutron 214 Spaceview. Since purchasing that I have gone down the rabbit hole. I currently have a 1969 Speedmaster, Rolex GMT Master ii BLNR, and most recently acquired a Seiko SKX013. I am a big fan of tool watches, but I am hoping to pick up something else to wear with a suit.
Keep me updated on your search! There are some great resources for watches online.
What do you think of the SKX013? That has to be one of the most popular affordable watches on the market.
Wow the GMT Batman is a sick watch. Seems like demand for those is through the roof right now.
Well, I have had the SKX013 for about a week now, worn it only 4 days. I took off the jubilee bracelet and have worn it with a nato strap. It wells great and does not seem small when you wear it. It sits a little tall, so if you wanted to wear it with long sleeves just know that you will mostly like have to cuff or pull back your shirt. Other than that, it is great. No complaints really.
Have a SKX009 (slightly larger version of the 013, with Pepsi bezel), and IMO it is a great watch for daily wear. Can be easily dressed up or down, but agree that its a bit tall for long sleeves. Love the automatic movement/lume/200M depth rating at such a low price point.
Next purchase will be either a Grand Seiko diver (SBGA231) or GS SBGJ203 (GMT)...that spring drive movement is beautiful to watch.
I got an skx the other day and I love it. Great lume and just a really well made watch.
Can't stop looking at watch pictures some days! Currently only have a Tag Carrera that I bought myself as a graduation present a few years ago, but I dream of the day where I have to decide between wearing my Milgause or Royal Oak. The r/watches subreddit is a good place to learn more FYI.
r/watchexchange is a fun rabbit hole too
Both are definitely great. I keep finding myself spending more and more time on the message boards at watchuseek. Also, if you haven't already I would check out the video series "Talking Watches" on Hodinkee (start with the John Mayer or JJ Reddick Video).
Yes. Mostly Panerai/Baume/Carl Bucherer along with some random other brands. Next buy is a Lange as soon as I get to try a few on.
+1 for Chrono 24 and WatchUSeek forums.
Travelling right now and only have a Marina with me but I'll post the rest at some point: https://imgur.com/a/VAZC8G0
+1 for Baume. I'm rockin my clifton as we speak
Just trying to get your perspective here. With regards to buying Pateks / A Lange's while being fiscally responsible, how much do you feel one should make at a minimum?
I've thought about it a lot (there's this gorgeous A Lange that I want to get one day, but its 60k), and I was thinking one should at least make 600k minimum to make that purchase. Seeing as you have some perspective on this range, what are your thoughts?
I think you're looking at it the wrong way! You need to find the correct balance for you personally between liquidity and "play money". After that, find "base" used pricing on Chrono24/eBay/WatchUSeek. Your goal should be to purchase for 30%+ BELOW what dealers are selling their used inventory for. That assures (brand dependent) you can resell at breakeven or at a profit. This way you can afford to sit on 6 figures in watches and it's not really going to cost you anything as you can always resell at a profit/breakeven. The cool thing about watches is that once they've depreciated initially they don't drop off too savagely unlike cars.
Currently own a Seiko SKX007, Hamilton Khaki King, Squale 50 Atmos, Tudor Black Bay 36.
Next buy will probably be a Seiko SARB033 as there are rumors that they are now discountinued at Seiko, so I would definitely like to get my hands on one before they're too rare (if that ever happens).
Long term I would like to get a Seamaster 300, Milgauss, Longines Legend Diver, Blancpain Fifty Fathoms, Tudor Black Bay GMT, Grand Seiko SBGH267, Breitling superOcean Heritage, Fortis Cosmonauts (38mm).
Grail watch would be a Blancpain Villeret Grande Date Jour Rétrograde and a Snoopy Speedmaster (the Apollo 13 one)
Personally I find YouTube to be a great resource for pretty much everything watch-wise.
Funny how nobody realizes just how great Blanc is. Really cool history too.
I have heard of the brand but honestly don’t know a lot about it. I’ll have to check out the history though.
Omega, JLC and Rolex. Love vintage Omegas though.
Definitely got pulled into this hobby last year - currently have a Tudor Pelagos LHD (#4501 / XXXX) and a Tudor GMT. Really stuck for next piece - want a birth year Rolex Explorer 16570, love vintage Omegas, dig the Speedmaster CK 2998, etc etc list goes on.
Is that the Pepsi Tudor GMT? How did you get your hands on it if you don't mind me asking?
Fair question, been asked before. I got an allocation from having bought the Pelagos LHD and having a good bond with my AD. There was no "list", don't buy into that BS, but I also wasn't the first. My AD got 6 in 2018, I got the 6th and that was a back-out of another customer, I literally walked in the shop that day because I was in the neighborhood and that customer said he didn't want it that morning, AD offered it to me then and there and I pulled trigger.
Long time vintage watch collector here, I own Rolex Gmt master Ref.1675, Cal.83 IWC from the 40s, Omega Deville. Picking up a Zenith El Primero in a few years and perhaps a Patek when I turn 30
What Patek would you like to get? The 5970 would be one of my grails. The blue aquanaut is a personal favorite of mine too.
Ref 2526 is all I want. I'll try to hunt for one from the first series in the 50s. I always love wearing small dress watches
As for complicated watches i would love to own a A. Lange & Sohne Datograph
vintage watch collecting is a drug
Hell yeah, I'm getting into watches right now.
My first watch is a Hamilton Khaki Automatic, purchased about a year ago when I first got into watches. I think for my first big purchase I'll stick to the $3-8k range and go for an IWC, Omega, or Rolex Datejust.
Long term: I know that my dream watch is definitely an A. Lange now. A good friend of mine took me to see try on some watches at my AD and cop an Omega. Afterwards, he was able to try on a $90K up and down. Absolutely mad.
Lange makes an "entry" level watch you can snag for 7k to 10k used. I would grab that over the Rolex. If you do go Rolex 100% go used as they hold used value well and are generally super liquid.
The liquidity and resale value of Rolex is very intriguing to me. If I ever got a Rolex it would be a white dial Oyster Perpetual.
Current daily watch is the Seiko Blue Lagoon Samurai Limited. Absolutely beautiful blue dial and quality build for the money.
But on my list for the future (in order hopefully):
Zenith El Primero
JLC Ultra Thin Moon
Grand Seiko Snowflake
Rolex Daytona
Kinda basic but these are just watches I've grown to admire and ultimately want.
Snowflake and ceramic Daytona are some my favorites too. The snowflake is so lightweight because of its titanium case, I believe it would take some time to get used to on the wrist.
Any thoughts in Richard Mille? I have mixed feelings about the brand.
The complications are cool and very intricate but the watches are pretty gaudy. Even if I had the money, I couldn't see myself wearing something like that.
Very well said. The first time I saw them I couldn't believe how much they cost.
Personally, its nuts how much they cost and they really shouldn't. They are extremely good at marketing because you are never able to get them. Most Richard Mille watches are sold pre-owned and they go for 100k+ over retail price.
I've been a watch lover for as long as I can remember. Currently own an Omega Railmaster. Next piece will definitely depend on the bonus, but I'm searching for a Rolex Daytona. Then my dream watches are obviously Pateks, specially the Nautilus Ref. 5711 and the Patek Ref. 5205G, which in my opinion is one of the most beautiful dress watches ever made. Will be on the waiting list real soon for these two PP pieces.
I have a 34mm Omega Seamaster that belonged to my grandfather. Eventually would like to get a Rolex Air King (vintage) and a cartier tank with a black leather strap. I like small, conservative, very simple watches and I think those three would be all I'd want.
Would highly recommend the Tissot - recently purchased one and love it.
Bought from JomaShop, also a great site.
No issues with Jomashop? I have heard it's hit or miss. Also warranty from Jomashop not the manufacturer.
Ordered from them roughly 5 times now and never had an issue with them. Would definitely recommend it.
Never had an issue with jomashop, they are legit
Just a few of my thoughts on watches:
Learn as much as you can about the watches in question.
Learn and understand your tastes. Not your buddy's or the internet's, but your own.
Don't buy anything you don't truly love, period. You'll know the feeling when you do. This boils down to: don't settle for a similar watch to the one you want just because it's cheaper. In the long run, it will cost you more to buy a bunch of watches than if you just save and wait for the one you truly want.
Go to watch stores to actually see and FEEL the watches in person. Who cares if its one of the boutiques in the UES or some Chinatown store, just go see it. I can't tell you how many times I thought I loved a piece online until I actually held it and realized it wasn't for me.
Another benefit to stores is that you may discover something you really like, that isn't being touted as the next hot piece. Plus you can make relationships. The watch hobby, by nature of its size, is one that benefits from having relationships with dealers/salesmen and other enthusiasts.
I've been through dozens of watches and am currently down to 1: Rolex Explorer 214270 Mk2. If everything goes well, I like to think that everyone's collection eventually culminates in a select few pieces that they truly love.
My current day-to-day watch is a 1953 Omega Seamaster.
I turn 30 this year, so am planning on getting a nice timepiece for myself. Top choices at this point are a Breitling Navitimer or an IWC Pilot Chronograph.
SKX009 pepsi on a leather Nato, Hamilton field day date on various canvas straps, Seamaster 300M coaxial, Seiko SARB033 on the original bracelet. Holding out for a GMT BLNR, but also in the future, really want to add a birth year Submariner 5513 with some patina on the dial, Speedy...BUT...If I cannot get a GMT soon, I may go for either a Black bay 58 or Rolex Explorer I .
I've got a Tag Carrera, a Raymond Weil Tango Blue, and a Seiko Age of Discovery
Next watch will be a Vintage Omega Speedmaster Moonphase that'll probably set me back 5k. Hoping to get it in 3 years
In super deep here and have been for a few years. In my current rotation:
Daytona 116528 YG Black Newman Dial Day Date 118238 YG Silver Dial Royal Oak 15450 Silver Dial Steel Cartier Santos de Cartier Rose Gold on Leather
Really want a Patek 5711r and 5170 blue with diamond baguette batons but seemed to have missed the boat on both...
Wow!
You've got some heavy hitters!
Thanks appreciate it.
The Rolex Daytona (in general) is my all time favorite watch and as crazy as it sounds I think the value in the market for Daytona's is on the precious metal side right now. Premiums on the steel ceramic versions are just astronomical with the white pandas listed at ~$23k on a $13k msrp watch, bananas. I was able to get a precious metal version with what is in my opinion the best dial for not much more than the steel ceramic on the grey market. You're starting to see upward pressure on the PM versions as people start to realize they are priced out of the steel and may as well spring for the gold.
Of course this all goes out the window if you are somehow lucky enough to source a steel from an AD at MSRP!
Been a watch fan since undergrad but only own one big piece and thats my Breitling Colt Chrono. I have my eye on a Rolex Explorer for right after graduating bschool. Long term I hope to get my hands on a Rolex pepsi GMT. Love the way those look.
I do admire looking at Omegas across the board and Breitling Bentley but I dont think Ill ever pick one up.
Justs got back into watches a few months ago. Current collection:
Next up I want either the Polar Explorer 2 or the Bulgari Octo.
The Octo is such a nice watch!
It really is. I got to try on the Octo Finissimo recently and its such a cool piece.
Love the Polar! Should've pulled the trigger a few months ago when it was offered to me
None yet, hoping to build as I age.
My dream piece is Che's Rolex.
Watches are one piece of art every man can appreciate, and definitely a collection I hope to continue building out when I'm more established. So far I have two automatics:
1) My first watch that I saved up for was a Hamilton Khaki King Automatic with black dial and brown leather strap. Although relatively entry level, it has a treit-and-true ETA 2834-2 movement (I believe the newer model has their in-house H40 movement with an 80-hour power reserve, but as far as I know, this is just a modified 2834-2 with a larger mainspring), and can be worn casually and formally. You can pick them up for around $700CAD I believe, and for this price it's a solid piece.
2) More recently, my parents got me a used (but mint condition) Omega Seamaster 2831.80.00 for my graduation gift, and I'm in love with it. It's the first Seamster that James Bond wore (Pierce Brosnan in all of his films, except GoldenEye, in which he had the quartz-movement version of the same watch), and the crazy thing is it was bought in 2004 for $2600CAD and my parents paid $3400CAD, and if you go on the BOC's website inflation, you can see the watch has pretty much kept up with inflation in lockstep since then.
For people looking at Rolex, Explorer 1/2 and Milgauss are easy to get / not as popular. Just something to keep in mind if you plan to pay full retail price.
For people looking at Rolex, Explorer 1/2 and Milgauss are easy to get / not as popular. Just something to keep in mind if you plan to pay full retail price.
Picked this Cartier up a few days ago https://ibb.co/vm18TQz
Not usually a gold guy but I got a good deal so yolo.
That watch is sick
Just about to say the same thing! Don’t see these in gold all that often but that’s a nice timepiece.
Picked up a Lange & Sohne: https://imgur.com/a/M2Zz0Cr
A. lange & Sohne is straight up art. Can't afford one of those for a while lol, but my next piece is going to be a Glashutte Original Senator Panorama Date
That is sick. How did you decide on that watch?
I always keep tabs and when something pops at a decent price I bag it. Haven't lost money on a watch in a while. :)
Have a connection with a guy in China who gets some excellent fakes. All real parts, just assembled by his people. Picked up some neat pieces from him. Favorites include Omega Seamaster Diver 300M Pro with the wave dial and the dark gray and steel Rolex Yacht Master. I wear that Seamaster almost every day. Had a Speedmaster Dark Side of the Moon that used to be my daily.
Def want to get into collecting real pieces once I start making some money (obviously) but these suffice for now.
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