If you’re reading this you’re probably a fellow watch collector or maybe you’re looking to start a small collection or buy your first watch.
No matter which stage you’re at, I want to point out a few things that I think are important to consider when thinking about buying a new watch or building a collection.
I’d bet that most watch collectors and enthusiasts have had their ups and downs throughout their journey. One purchase is the best one ever, whilst the other feels good for a while and then over time you lose your passion for it.
In my opinion it is important to have those wins and mishaps as it is part of the journey. You learn from your mistakes. What I want to help you with, is to minimize those mistakes to make your watch hobby more enjoyable and fluid.
DON’T MAKE IMPULSIVE PURCHASES
I think this is by far the most important point. Don’t make impulsive purchases. Buying a watch on a whim and with little thought can be a great decision, however in most cases it isn’t.
I can’t think of the countless times I’ve bought a watch and then a year or so later I look into my watchbox and have almost forgotten its existence. This is obviously an exaggeration, however I do have to admit that I find less joy in impulse purchases and come to wear them less.
I advise to put a lot of thought into the purchase of a watch and perhaps even time, as then you will become most certain of your next purchase or might even avoid your next mishap.
TAKE YOUR TIME
As I’ve sort of just mentioned: TAKE YOUR TIME! The more time and thought you put into a watch, the more pleasure you will find in it. Think about it: Do you need it and really want it or would it just be another unnecessary addition to your collection?
How do you determine which is the case? First off, just sit on the thought of getting it for a while. Over time you will figure out whether it is something that will work for you or not.
When taking your time you are not allowed to do one thing. That is building up expectations. If you build up expectations for a watch and it doesn’t come to match them, you will quickly come to dislike it.
To avoid such expectations, try the watch on and see how it works for you. You’ll be able to decide from a very early stage on, whether it is a match or not.
Another way to take your time, is by saving the purchase of the watch for a special occasion, such as your graduation or promotion. This will make the watch more memorable and more special to you.
TRY IT BEFORE YOU BUY IT
Try the watch on before you buy it. The specs might all be right, the watch looks great on pictures and seems to be the perfect match, however when you finally get it, something is off.
That is because you never actually looked at it in person and never tried it on. In the real world the depth of the dial or the sharpness of the case is different than on pictures.Whilst the case diameter is just right, the lug to lug distance may be too large.
All these aspects you’ll only be able to notice when you’ve tried it on, so if you have the possibility and time to do so, please do it! Depending on the price of the watch, it might even be worth it traveling a few hours to do so. It is probably the best decision you can make before purchasing a watch.
DON’T FOLLOW TRENDS
Another advice of mine is to not follow trends. Just because a watch is being talked about a lot or was recently released you do not have to buy it.
This closely correlates with the aspect of impulsive buying and can be seen as such. In most cases trends don’t last, so yours and the watch community’s avid interest in the watch will eventually die off and it will turn into a lonely discussion.
So it doesn’t make sense to immediately follow trends. However after having taken your time and still showing interest, it might not be wrong to consider the watch.
DON’T ALWAYS LISTEN TO OTHERS
Similar to following trends, you shouldn’t always listen to other people’s opinions. Your opinions and preferences are mostly the ones that should be respected when purchasing your next watch.
If you like the designer watch, you like the designer watch. If you like quartz watches, you like quartz watches. I personally prefer mechanical timepieces, however I think there is nothing wrong with quartz watches. Both have their benefits and disadvantages.
If you listen less to other people’s opinions you will make a more personal decision and thereby the purchase will reflect more of your personal taste than the taste of others.
ENJOY WHAT YOU’VE GOT
Lastly, I’d like to point out: Enjoy and embrace. You don’t always need a new watch. You can also lean back and appreciate and enjoy your watch or watches.
Once you stop looking for something new all the time, you will spend more time with what you have and learn to appreciate it more. This is a great and important learning experience. More doesn’t always equal better.
But in the end all that matters, is that you get what you like and want and are happy with what you have and find your own path that you personally enjoy.
