Watch Advice I Wish I’d Heard Sooner

Watch collecting should be enjoyable, but many collectors make common mistakes. To avoid these pitfalls, it's crucial to try on watches to gauge comfort and weight distribution, as well as to not get overly fixated on movement details, which are often more about marketing than practical differences for most collectors. Prioritizing how a watch looks and feels is more important than obsessing over specific calibers or features.

Furthermore, be wary of overvaluing unpolished watches, especially modern ones, as polishing during servicing can make them feel new again without significantly impacting their value in high-volume production. Avoid accumulating unnecessary accessories like watch winders, which can actually increase wear. Investing in quality tools is essential to prevent damage, and resist impulse buying, especially on platforms with no return policies.

Finally, don't let brand snobbery or the pursuit of limited editions dictate your choices. Focus on what you genuinely like, as your collection's value lies in your personal connection to each piece, not in comparison to others or in their potential as an investment. Watches are a fixed asset, but not a perfect store of value; therefore, buy what brings you joy.

• Always try on a watch to assess its comfort and weight distribution on your wrist before purchasing.
• Don't over-obsess about watch movements; focus more on aesthetics and how the watch looks and feels.
• Don't be overly concerned with polishing watches; modern watches are produced in high volumes, and polishing during servicing is acceptable.
• Avoid getting too involved with unnecessary accessories like watch winders, which can lead to increased wear.
• Resist impulse buying, especially on platforms with no return policies, and prioritize buying watches you genuinely like rather than as investments.

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Trying on Watches for Comfort [1:57]

• It is important to consider wearing a watch every day to understand its feel.
• When trying on a watch, rotate your wrist to simulate how the weight shifts naturally.
• Holding a watch flat in a store doesn't accurately represent how it will feel when worn.
• Pay attention to how the weight shifts and avoid watches that wobble or feel unbalanced.
• Be mindful of the crown digging into your hand or wrist.

This section emphasizes the importance of physical experience when selecting a watch. Trying a watch on and moving your arm helps to determine how it will truly feel throughout the day, preventing discomfort from issues like crown dig or shifting weight.

"Because without that, you know, if you just hold it like this and you look at it in the jewelry store, all that weight is balanced perfectly. And that's not indicative of how it's actually going to feel with you wearing it at your side."

Over-involvement in Watch Movements [1:15]

• The movement is often a primary area for marketing, with functionalities that may be marginally different across various watches.
• Collectors can over-complicate by obsessing over specific calibers, origins, or features like coaxial escapements or extended power reserves.
• These movement features are often "creature comforts" and not necessarily true price multipliers.
• The rationale for purchasing expensive watches is often aesthetic ("I like how it looks"), not solely based on movement specifications.
• While a reliable movement is helpful, its impact on the price multiple in the luxury market might be overstated.

This part argues against excessive focus on watch movements, suggesting that while reliability is good, the intricate details of a movement often serve more as marketing tools or justifications for high prices rather than core reasons for enjoyment. The speaker believes the aesthetic appeal is the primary driver for most purchases.

"And so, if you just make it plain and simple, I like how it looks, that's why I bought it, then I think that's pretty self-explanatory."

Concern with Polishing of Watches [3:52]

• Many collectors are overly concerned with keeping watches unpolished to preserve value, often influenced by vintage watch collector narratives.
• For individuals who use their watches as tools or everyday wear, polishing during service can make them feel new again and is a positive experience.
• The value of maintaining an unpolished state is questioned, especially for modern watches produced in high volumes.
• With mass production (e.g., 100,000 watches of the same model per year versus 5,000 vintage ones), polishing is unlikely to significantly affect the overall price point in the future.
• The value preservation argument mainly applies if the intention is to sell the watch; for personal enjoyment, polishing is a valid choice.

The speaker advocates for a more relaxed approach to watch polishing. For modern watches, the impact of polishing on long-term value is minimal due to high production numbers, and it can enhance the owner's enjoyment by restoring the watch's appearance during servicing.

"So, when it comes to polishing, if I have a new watch, I'm not planning to sell it. Maybe my kid eventually will plan to sell it, but in the meantime, if I service something, it's nice for me to have it feel like it did five, six, seven years ago where it gets polished, it comes back to me, it looks like a brand new watch."

Getting Overly Involved in Accessories or Knick-Knacks [7:20]

• Collectors can spend excessively on accessories like watch boxes, spring bar tools, straps, and watch winders.
• Watch winders are considered unnecessary and even detrimental, as they keep the watch running constantly, accelerating wear and service intervals compared to letting the watch rest.
• Basic tools like a set of small screwdrivers (e.g., 1.6mm, 1.4mm, 1.2mm, 1mm) and potentially a pin and collar adjustment tool are usually sufficient for basic bracelet adjustments.
• When buying tools, it's better to invest in quality ones rather than cheap alternatives, which can lead to damage and regret.
• Expensive, specialized tools like a high-quality bezel remover, while costly (e.g., $300), can be worth it to prevent damaging the watch.

This section advises against unnecessary accumulation of watch accessories. The speaker particularly criticizes watch winders for increasing wear and recommends focusing on essential tools, investing in quality to avoid damaging one's watches.

"Watch winders are a great point in that. I think watch winders are silly and unnecessary. They're convenience tools so that you don't have to wind it again, but they mean that the watch is always running."

Impulse Buying on eBay [10:34]

• Getting caught up in bidding wars on platforms like eBay can lead to impulse purchases.
• While eBay can be a good resource for rare items at decent prices, it's risky due to "as is" sales and no-return policies.
• It's difficult to assess a watch's true condition and service history solely from pictures, potentially leading to unexpected repair costs.
• Purchasing a watch without fully vetting its condition or service history can result in spending more on repairs than initially saved.
• It's recommended to buy from sellers who offer return options, allowing for assessment of wearability on the wrist and potential issues.

This point strongly cautions against impulsive buying on eBay, especially without return policies. The risk of hidden issues or unexpected service needs can quickly negate any perceived savings, making it more economical to buy from reputable sellers who allow returns.

"And a lot of times if you're buying it without fully vetting that you want that specific watch in your mind and or figuring out from the reseller exactly what the service history is. You could be buying something that costs you money."

Overly Complicating with Limited Editions or Scarcity [13:20]

• The allure of exclusivity and scarcity, especially as collections grow, can lead collectors to seek unique pieces.
• However, limited editions are not a requirement for a collection and don't inherently guarantee value retention.
• Scarcity is often a marketing tactic to drive sales, appealing to a niche market or creating urgency.
• Limited editions can be niche and may not be desirable long-term, or they are used to quickly boost sales through perceived scarcity.
• The economic rationale for limited editions might not always align with the consumer's long-term satisfaction or value.

This section advises against prioritizing limited editions or scarcity. The speaker suggests that while these aspects can be appealing, they are not essential for a collection and may not always translate to sustained value or long-term desirability for the collector.

"Just because it's limited doesn't mean it's going to hold perfect value at the same time. It just means it's a limited run."

Brand Snobbery [14:35]

• Brand snobbery exists across all price points, with some collectors dismissing watches above a certain price or fixating on specific brands.
• The price of a watch is often tied to disposable income and the level of enjoyment derived from a purchase, not just its mechanical merits.
• Purchasing expensive watches is not inherently superior to buying less expensive ones; the enjoyment is relative to one's financial capacity.
• Brands are businesses focused on sales, and collectors shouldn't form overly personal connections that dictate their preferences or judgments of others.
• A brand should not define one's identity, and it's perfectly fine to appreciate watches across a wide range of brands and price points.

This point tackles the issue of brand snobbery, emphasizing that personal preference and financial capacity should dictate watch choices, not external validation or the perceived hierarchy of brands. The speaker encourages enjoying watches from any brand that appeals to the individual.

"Your brand shouldn't be your identity. I like brands up and down the list. I have expensive watches. I've bought $13,000 independent brand watches. I bought recently a $100 I have a $200 Timex right over there..."

Value in Watches as Investments [17:47]

• Watches should not be considered investments; they are fixed assets whose value fluctuates significantly.
• Brand perception plays a major role in a watch's value, and market shifts can impact the worth of even iconic models.
• A loss of 10-30% of the purchase price is common when selling a watch, especially if selling back to a dealer who needs to make a profit.
• Even brands perceived to hold value, like certain luxury models, may depreciate significantly over a few years, particularly when sold privately or to dealers.
• It's advisable to keep cash or other investments separate from watches, as watches are not a perfect store of value.

This critical point underscores that watches are not investments and will likely depreciate. Collectors should anticipate financial losses when selling and prioritize cash or other stable investments over watches for financial security.

"Your your watch is not an investment. It is a fixed asset. Yes, you can sell it because it is a store of value. But that value is very very up and down."

Overcomplicating Collecting Philosophy [19:45]

• Collectors often create rigid mental checklists of watch types (dive, pilot, dress, chronograph) they feel they "should" own.
• This can lead to justifying purchases of similar watches by assigning them specific, often arbitrary, roles in the collection.
• Categories like "field watch" or "dive watch" can be functionally similar to everyday watches for most people, especially if they don't engage in activities requiring specialized gear like dive computers.
• The need for specific watches like GMTs is often overstated unless one travels extensively and frequently changes time zones.
• Ultimately, the focus should be on wearing and enjoying watches that are liked, rather than adhering to an unnecessary collecting structure.

This section advises against overcomplicating one's collecting philosophy by adhering to strict categories. The speaker suggests that most watches can serve as everyday wear and that pursuing specific types like GMTs or dive watches is often unnecessary unless directly applicable to one's lifestyle.

"So, just know a GMT, a traveler sty watch, a diver watch, they're all basically the same. You don't have to over complicate it."

Overly Comparing Your Collection to Someone Else's [21:48]

• A collector's journey and reasons for acquiring watches are personal and unique.
• Comparing one's collection to others, especially those with higher-priced or more prestigious pieces, is unproductive and can lead to dissatisfaction.
• The feeling of not having a "good" collection due to the absence of expensive brands or specific models is a misconception that persists even at higher price tiers.
• There is no definitive end to how much one can spend on watches, and constant comparison will always reveal someone with a "better" or "cooler" collection.
• The emphasis should be on personal enjoyment and the stories behind the watches, rather than external validation or comparison.

The final point strongly discourages comparing one's watch collection to others. The speaker emphasizes that personal satisfaction and the unique narrative of each watch are what truly matter, as endless comparison is futile and detracts from the joy of collecting.

"Just know that you shouldn't compare your watch to someone else's cuz someone always has a better collection. someone always has a cooler, better, different watch."