Starting a watch collection is a surprisingly complicated business. Although it seems simple (surely, do you buy only the ones you like?), The truth is that you really need to think about what you want to achieve with your collection before you start.
Are you collecting for pleasure, for example? In this case, are you worried about buying watches that maintain their value? If so, are there any brands you like? And what about the old watches? And, perhaps most importantly, what is your budget? The list continues ...
This guide will help you navigate the multiple pitfalls that arise when you start your own watch collection and make the right purchases the first time. For this we have turned to our esteemed panel of industry experts, including the deputy editor of this magazine, Bill Prince, watchmaker expert journalist Robin Swithinbank and the collaborating editor of GQ Simon de Burton, to impart his (extremely valuable) wisdom to collect watches.
1. First and foremost, do your own research
“It sounds obvious to the point of the axiomatic, but like good wine, old cars and any other unregulated floating market, there is an entire ecosystem made up of scammers, foreign ministers, and the strange and genuine knowledge of nothing, who will try to stay with something that is not what you think, but it will probably be worth it. There are no guarantees for idiocy, so if you think it is too good to be true, here and now it is almost certain that it is. Keep in touch with suppliers considered honest and never submit to the theory of 'only you know what is best,' Bill Prince.
2. Then decide your budget
“Deciding your budget is essential. I would recommend starting with relatively little - you don't want to spend € 15,000 on the first watch and then think ‘Why did I do it?’. You need to accept the fact that it is not the price of the watch that makes it amazing or you like it more, ”Simon de Burton.
3. Remember that there is security in established brands
"My advice? Keep up the classics. If you are going to pay a fortune, do not be fooled by extreme designs or capricious colors. Trust the names and styles that have been 50 years in the wrists of stylish men. Rolex Oyster Perpetuals, Tag Heuer Carreras, Omega Speedmasters and so on. If within that you can find a turn, like a subtle limited edition that makes it yours, much better, ”Robin Swithinbank.
If you don't want to waste your time searching among hundreds of brands and you don't want your money to be lost quickly, all you can buy is a Rolex. It is an obvious choice, but they are not the best selling watches in the world for no reason. You can always sell it again. You may have to wait five years if you want to get your money back, but you must wait if you want a famous model like a GMT,
4. Don't get carried away by fashion
"I would avoid anything that goes too far. The reason why Autavia de Tag Heuer and Submariner de Rolex are so popular is because, after all, most people like a traditional watch and dial. Things that are 'funky' are not as popular, and the residual value of these more striking watches is like peanuts, keep in mind that most people's tastes are quite conservative, and if you use it every day you don't want to think: 'What an ugly thing, ”SdB.
5. Buy vintage, but also buy smart
“The first thing you have to remember when it comes to buying vintage watches is to do real research. As the market is now, I would not buy a Cosmograph Daytona or even a Zenith Cosmograph, because now, the market is full of fakes. Unless you really know what you are doing, you can easily go wrong. I recently spoke with a dealer who said he will never touch the Rolex Cosmograph Daytona again, because that area is a field full of mines. You can lose a lot of money or you could even lose the watch if it turns out to be stolen and then sold. I would avoid anything that is red hot ”, SdB.
6. Avoid rushing
"Give yourself time. Even if you have the means, there is no hurry to make several purchases. Invest your time working on what suits you best - gather your notes, let your style mature. If you still want a watch after having wanted it for several years, then you know it, ”RS.
7. Do not invest in Kickstarter brands either
“Avoid watch brands that launch campaigns on Kickstarter, because many of them tend to fail over time. A known name is always good, there are no two ways to do it. ”
8. But don't be discouraged by the casualties of the quartz crises
“If you look at the catalogs of antique watches you will run into names of people you had never heard of, because they disappeared in the quartz crisis of the 70s. But when you look at the history of these brands, you will see that many had A really good pedigree before they failed, they just weren't among the brands that revived the big organizations. Not for that reason they are less worthy of your attention. It's worth checking out brands like Universal. They make the most amazing chronographs and calendars of watches; now they are on the rise again ”,
9. Find the right seller
“The Swiss and Bucherer watches - the ones on the main street - are, of course, reputable, but you will pay their full price. A good place to look, if you are not obsessed with the name of a well-known brand and do a little research, is Page & Cooper, ideal for independent brands. For the vintage, auction houses like Fellowes and Watches of Knightsbridge have a great reputation, ”SdB.
10. And be careful with eBay
“Unless you have the opportunity to see a watch before buying it, I would recommend new buyers to actively avoid eBay. What's more, always remember that the original box and papers are important when buying second-hand products, ”SdB.
11. Take a friend
“If you are committed to collecting, chances are you are relatively narrow minded, for example. And like ‘the next’ option on the list, the search for the right dams can take you literally and algorithmically to the ends of the Earth. And if you are going to travel so far, then you need a partner in the crime, or, at least, a friend to advise you, to let you know when you have become disoriented and have moved away from the planet Earth moved by desire or persecution of piece. First of all, instead of asking yourself, ask someone who does not have ‘the skin at stake’ to offer you a second option.
12. If you buy online, also look at the IRL watch
“If you are shopping online, go and try the watch first. The first mechanical watch I bought was a 1969 Omega Chronostop. I bought it for its appearance and forgot to check the diameter of the case and the thickness of the strap. It's tiny and I have big dolls, so I always feel it's too small for me, ”
13. If all else fails, just buy what you like
“Ultimately, you must buy what you like. Most watch collections start with a watch or two, so buy what makes you feel comfortable and safe and something that's right for your purpose, something you'll use. Save purchases from the safe for later ”, RS.
14. Also, think about how you would like to be remembered ...
“It may sound macabre, but think about how you want to be remembered. I have my grandfather's Rolex - I hope one day this will happen and my children pass my watches to my grandchildren (someday) and I would like those watches to remind them who I was and what it represented. A watch has the extraordinary power to communicate personality and values, such as choosing a ring for a woman. ”
where to buy http://www.mistica.com.ve
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