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Article: Watch collecting 101

Watch collecting 101
Bremont

Watch collecting 101

Get Started on Your Watch Collecting Journey


Watches have always been more than just timekeeping devices, they serve as accessories that make a statement about your style and taste. For some people, watch collecting is a hobby, while for others it’s a whole way of life. If you’ve been drawn to the world of watch collecting, there’s no better time to start building your collection than now. In this blog, we’ll go into detail on how to get started, and provide you with helpful resources, and tips to get you going. I have found that sentimentality is a key component of watchmaking because let's face it at the end of the day we all have at least one or sometimes two electronic devices that can keep track of time for us. It's easy to look at watches as relics of a bygone age. I think that's the allure of them for almost all collectors. They resonate with memories and nostalgia, and some also look nostalgic but many brands and collections are as modern as one could imagine. I always say that watches don't exist to track the passing of time but to remember the time we have in front of us. when I look at the Oris on my wrist I am always reminded of my son and how I hope to pass a piece or two on to him. In a lot of ways I am a custodian for something and I'm trying to attach as many memories of me with this watch for him to remember and reminisce. My watch helps me be my best self because I want as many of those memories to be as great as possible. Now that I have waxed philosophical let's get into the nuts and bolts of collecting and what to look for and what to look OUT for.



First, let’s talk about the reasons people collect watches. It can be as simple as appreciating the intricacies involved in the design and functionality of different watches or as complex as being a part of a community. Watches come in many shapes, sizes, styles, and materials, which offer collectors infinite options to choose from. That brings us to the next step, research. Doing your research helps you make informed decisions about what type of watches are out there, their functions, and what brands you would like to add to your collection. Websites like Chrono24 and Hodinkee are great resources to browse and compare watches from different brands.



When you’ve narrowed down your search, the next step is to find a reliable and trustworthy dealer who can provide you with genuine products. As you’re just starting out, it helps to choose dealers who have been in the business for a while and offer warranties on their watches. It also pays to read customer reviews before making a purchase. You’ll also want to consider the cost of collecting watches. If you want to start small and keep the costs low, there are plenty of affordable options available in the market. There are also pre-owned pieces that can be picked up for less than new models, but always make sure that these have been checked and maintained by a professional. It's also important to say (and remember I am the person I am about to talk about) a trusted retailer shouldn't rush you into a sale. that being said do your research, go visit a retailer and try things on while also testing them to make sure they know what they are talking about.



With so many watches to choose from, it’s easy to get lost in the trend pool. So, let’s talk about the different styles of watches that exist. Sport watches, dress watches, pilot watches, dive watches, and chronographs are some of the most popular styles in the watch collecting universe. Each style has a unique history and functionality that caters to different personalities and preferences. Not to mention, the movement of the watch is an essential consideration when building a collection. Automatic movement watches, also known as self-winding, require the natural movement of the wrist to power the rotor, while a quartz movement watch is powered by a battery.



While we are discussing movement I want to take a quick minute to talk about a few words that are tossed around a lot in the watch community, that phrase is "in-house movement". When it comes to choosing a watch, one of the most important decisions you'll make is whether to opt for an in-house movement or a mass-produced one like the Sellita or ETA. While these third-party movements may be cheaper and more readily available, they lack the uniqueness and craftsmanship of their in-house counterparts. An in-house movement is precisely that - a movement that has been designed and manufactured in-house by the watch manufacturer themselves, allowing for complete control over the design, production, and quality of the movement. Not only does it showcase the brand's expertise and innovation in the art of watchmaking, but it also ensures that the movement is tailored to perfectly fit the watch's design and functionality. In other words, opting for an in-house movement not only guarantees top-notch quality but also adds a certain level of exclusivity and prestige to your timepiece. So, if you're looking for a watch with a truly bespoke feel, that highlights the mechanical invocation of the brand you picked an in-house is the way to go.



It is a very important thought to note that there is nothing wrong with any of these mass movements. They are what really lead the watch community of the "Quartz Crisis" and remain the backbone of some of the most successful watch brands in existence. It's again a personal preference, I know people who the movement isn't the most vital component of the watch and would rather satisfy the need for a certain style or even brand.



Now, let's move on to price points, for any watch collector, starting out can be a bit daunting. The sticker shock from luxury brands can quickly discourage any newbie from continuing with their new hobby. But fear not, for there are some amazing starter-level watches available that won't break the bank. Brands such as Tissot, Bulova, Citizen, and Hamilton are perfect for those just dipping their toes into the world of watch collecting. These brands offer excellent quality, incredible service, and fantastic value for money - making them the perfect way to get started without breaking the bank. With reliably accurate movements, durable construction, and stylish designs, they are simply unbeatable in the entry-level market. By picking one of these well-renowned brands as your first watch, you're setting yourself up for a lifetime of horological appreciation. Soon enough, you'll be ready to trade up to the big boys of watch collecting.



Have you ever found yourself staring at a high-priced watch and wondering if it's really worth the investment? Fortunately, there are plenty of mid-level priced watches that provide just as much value, if not more, than their pricey counterparts. Brands like Rado, Oris, Tudor, and Omega offer exceptional quality and functionality without breaking the bank. Rado, for instance, is known for its sleek, minimalist designs and use of cutting-edge materials like high-tech ceramics. Oris prides itself on sustainability and producing timepieces that are built to last. Tudor, a sister company to Rolex, features classic designs with modern upgrades. And Omega is a favorite among collectors, thanks in part to its history of innovation and association with James Bond. So whether you're a seasoned collector or simply in the market for a reliable timepiece, these brands are definitely worth checking out.



Lastly, we recommend buying from an authorized dealer or trusted buyer as they can provide an assurance of authenticity, offer a warranty and give you advice as and when required. Don't hesitate to ask questions, take notes and compare different brands and styles to make the right choice. Very rarely will someone pull the trigger on a watch without doing their research. The other thing to really take into consideration is there are many brands that offer watches at similar price points, at that point, it's vital to take into consideration what is most important to you. Are you more interested in a particular style, like a dive watch? Then a Tag or a is probably a great call. Or maybe you are looking for history and movement, then a Oris or Breguet (I know big shift between those two) is the way to go.



Now that you’re armed with the knowledge of how to get started with watch collecting, what are you waiting for? Get out there and start browsing, researching, and building your collection. Remember, this is a journey, not a race, so take your time, explore, and build your collection according to your personal style. With the right amount of passion, research, and investment, you’ll have a watch collection you’ll cherish for years to come. Happy collecting! :)

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