Lately, I’ve been thinking on re-doing my watch collection. You know, downgrading and upgrading some pieces, perhaps.

Today, I will be discussing some rules and pointers on how to organise a watch collection. This will also be useful for myself, whenever I will have doubts on how what watch should I get next, it’s really easy to go crazy and make silly decisions. The fact that majority of watch purchases are impulsive, doesn’t help at all, does it 🙂

My watch collection has been a little bit messy and disorganised recently. The major reason behind all this was to provide my readers and viewers with different watches, because as much as I could stick to good old Rolex or Omega, it’s worth experimenting and broadening the horizons with so more pieces. However, the pattern that is very apparent from the watches that I had and currently have, is that everything is sporty. So far, there are only a few pieces that I would buy in solid gold or on an elegant alligator strap. the only instance I wear leather straps is when I want to rock a vintage Speedmaster or Submariner on something different and feel the difference. I don’t say not to buy elegant/dressy pieces, however for me it doesn’t work. I would have to spend a fortune on having a new strap fitted to a watch. For now, I will stick to more durable stainless steel bracelet. 

Next thing, I want to focus on is functionality of timepieces. Watches are one of the most wearable and practical items that a man can purchase. Since I was a child, I was appreciating mechanical movement and their complexity. Each complication means different stage complexity. In my watch collection I like to see variety. Hence, when I say I want to have a three-piece watch collection, you would often find a watch with date, GMT and chronograph functions. This is my ultimate preference. I want variety and I want each watch to be different and interesting. Let’s say, I’ve been wearing a Rolex Explorer II 16570 for a few weeks. Lovely watch and gives so much joy, when wearing on a wrist. However, after a while I might say, this watch’s becoming a bit too busy and I want to sport something a bit more simple. 

In this case, I’ve got a Tudor Black Bay 58, which is my down-to-earth, classic sports watch. Perfect daily wear, robust and affordable. You don’t need to collect watches that people tell you to buy, as they might be fantastic investments. Forget all the stories! Focus on answering one question or maybe two.

Do I really like this watch… and can I afford it?

Who cares if the watch will increase in value tomorrow, next week, next year or never. It all comes down to getting a good deal, the day you buy it! Great example of me and Rolex Explorer II 16570. A few years ago, I bought a 2007 example without box or papers and I paid over £3,000. In fact, it was my first Rolex watch. Sadly, I had to sell it to upgrade for something else. I knew the watch would increase in value, because Rolex market is very easy to predict, as the are many people following the brand and collecting the watches. Recently, I purchased a beautiful example from 2000, accompanied by box and papers – the one you’re seeing in today’s post. I paid more than £5,000 for it. It’s worth more, if I decide to sell it, however it is not the point. My point is that I don’t care what the future value of the watch will be. What matters is getting a watch you’ve been after for ages and getting a good deal on it. I could have kept the original Rolex Explorer II a bit longer, flip it and jump on to the next one. However, at that time all I wanted is to upgrade for something else and hence my decision. 

The last tip you could adhere to is to buy one watch per brand. So, if you’re planning to own 2 or 3 watches, each watch would have to be different. Let’s say one Rolex, one Omega and one Tudor. In my case, I’ve noticed that I’ve got a good synergy with Omega. I simply love the brand. Had plenty of different Speedmasters and Seamasters. A few months back I had an interesting project, which was basically building a perfect Omega trio collection (click here to read). However, ultimately it is not good to limit yourself to one brand. That’s why, I mention this rule. I can spend hours on thinking of different watch collections and how they would work together with each other. I’m working on a new project as you read this post. All will be unveiled, as soon as all the necessary watches are in my possession.

Remember guys, as much as I like to advise the fellow watch collectors and people who are getting into watches, don’t do anything against your belief and ultimately buy watches you really like!