We all value time.
Time is finite.
It's our most valuable commodity.
So what better way to keep track of time than with a watch you love?
But soon – one watch just isn't enough.
If you are at this stage, it's time to start a watch collection.
It's not as easy or as simple as it sounds. How do you start? Where do you start? How much do you spend?
I've written this article to help guide you on your journey. Collecting watches is exciting. It's challenging, it's rewarding and most importantly – it's enjoyable.
#1. What do YOU want from your collection?
This is the first question you need to ask yourself. Take some time to think about it.
Building a watch collection is for you.
No one else.
You might be building a collection as an investment or you might be building a collection for enjoyment.
Maybe you're only looking to buy one brand of watch, a certain style of watch or even watches from a particular era.
Or perhaps it's a combination of the above.
This isn't something I can tell you how to do and there's no right or wrong here. It's a personal choice. But you should decide what you want and stick to it.
#2. What do you want from your watch?
Some men love Rolexes and some have a penchant for digital watches. Others won't entertain anything without a sweeping hand and some guys would sooner go without than wear anything with a metal strap.
An important part of making your decision is deciding what you can afford. Work out your budget and set aside an amount each month – solely for the purpose of buying watches. This amount will be dependant on your circumstances and can always be adjusted as necessary. It's a good idea to set out a budget early on and then to stick to it.
#3. Don’t buy on impulse
This advice will stand you in good stead.
We've all been guilty of it at some point in the past. Buying on impulse is foolish – be strategic and very strict with yourself.
Set yourself a target and a plan. Keep a ‘most wanted' list of the watches you desire and understand where they will fit into your collection. You should take time to research and find the right watch for you. Ensure you set aside time each month to do this.
Don't buy a watch on a whim just because it looks good on your wrist. You will regret it later when you find you can't purchase the watch you really want!
Remember, quality is more important than quantity. 5 quality watches are better than 20 mediocre ones.
#4. Know where to buy
Do your research. Know your market. You should take time to read magazines and online forums. There's a wealth of information out there.
Spend time visiting local dealers and building relationships with them. Dealers will come into contact with more watches than you and you want to ensure you're at the forefront of their thoughts when they come across that perfect watch.
You should also consider purchasing pre-used watches to maximize your buying power. It's important to take maintenance and insurance costs into consideration when buying.
#5. Don't buy too many watches too soon
It's human nature to over-reach.
It's tempting to buy many watches to grow your collection quickly but this is a mistake.
Firstly, where's the enjoyment in that? You should seek to build up your collection over time, learning as you go and enjoying each purchase.
Aim to build your collection over a few years, developing your knowledge as you go along. You will enjoy adding to your collection when the time is right. Collecting isn't a race!
Don't forget that watches have associated costs. Factor in maintenance, insurance and security.
You wouldn't buy a fleet of super-cars without insurance or maintenance considerations and this is no different. Plus, a poorly maintained watch will be worth less, should you decide to sell in the future.
Don't become impatient and remember – Rome wasn't built in a day.
#6. Make sure you can buy when the time is right
Plan your finances carefully to ensure you have the capital to buy when you see the object of your desire. You want to ensure you have that cash free. You may happen upon an amazing deal any time or any where and you want to be able to make that purchase there and then.
You can also sell your unwanted watches in order to free up capital for new purchases. And when buying, you may be able to negotiate with cash to get a great deal.
#7. Enjoy yourself!
Remember this: enjoy yourself. Building a watch collection is fun! You will learn and you will improve. You will make mistakes along the way but ultimately you will – over time – obtain a wonderfully personalised watch collection that is yours and that is something you can treasure.
You may be building your collection as an investment but don't make that your sole reason for doing so: buy for the passion. If you follow our steps, there is no reason you can't have a wonderful, personalized collection which you can add to and enjoy for years to come.
So what are you waiting for? The clock is ticking…
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