Automatic Watches
How to Start Your Own Watch Collection: Tips for New Collectors
By Argos Watches
Collecting watches is entering a world of style, history, and craftsmanship. Whichever type it is-a ticking heart of the mechanical watch or sleek modernity-starting a collection is both thrilling and overwhelming. Fear not; I've got your back. Let's break it down, so you can build your collection with confidence and, above all, joy.
Step 1: Start Simple, but Meaningful
However, resist taking the deep plunge into luxury brands. The best collection is more about the quality and personal meaning attached to it rather than the price tags associated with it. The first purchases should reflect one's style and daily needs. Look for affordable yet well-crafted watches that you would actually wear.
Entry points that are truly great often include automatic watches, such as the Apollo 3-a mechanical elegance that does not break the bank. A quartz watch might not be as endearing to one who appreciates mechanical timepieces, but it is reliable and precise, not to mention often more affordable.
Determine what types of watches appeal to you. Do you like dress watches, dive watches, or chronographs? Begin with versatility: a dress watch for formal occasions and a casual piece for everyday wear.
Entry points that are truly great often include automatic watches, such as the Apollo 3-a mechanical elegance that does not break the bank. A quartz watch might not be as endearing to one who appreciates mechanical timepieces, but it is reliable and precise, not to mention often more affordable.
Determine what types of watches appeal to you. Do you like dress watches, dive watches, or chronographs? Begin with versatility: a dress watch for formal occasions and a casual piece for everyday wear.
Step 2: Learn Your Watches, like being a Car enthusiast!
Watches are pieces of art more than mere accessorizers; they carry stories. A good starting point would begin with the very basics-the movements (quartz vs. automatic), the key brands, and some popular styles.
FUN FACT: James Bond's association with the Omega Seamaster made this watch an iconic piece among enthusiasts. Before this, however, 007 was synonymous with Rolex, specifically the Submariner. You probably won't begin with these A-listers, but knowledge of such pop culture history can make your selections more interesting and even lead to fascinating banter among collectors.
Step 3: Value matters, but don't obsess over it
Of course, at the outset, it is easy to get caught up in the "buying things that are going to appreciate in value" mentality. Yes, some watches will appreciate in value-say, certain limited editions or models from Patek Philippe-but unless that is something that really speaks to you, avoid being led around by the nose by trends.
Classic, well-conceived designs tend to retain their value steadily.
Swiss brands are often renowned for craftsmanship, but don't neglect Japanese brands like Seiko, which really offer great value to new collectors.
As your collection grows, you could soon consider vintage pieces or limited-edition watches, but start with timeless designs you'll want to wear rather than keep in a box.
Swiss brands are often renowned for craftsmanship, but don't neglect Japanese brands like Seiko, which really offer great value to new collectors.
As your collection grows, you could soon consider vintage pieces or limited-edition watches, but start with timeless designs you'll want to wear rather than keep in a box.
Step 4: Watch Care 101, a little care can keep your watch going for ages!
You want to take good care of your watches just as you would when choosing them. Automatic watches call for a little tenderness when investing in one.
Wind your watch periodically when not used, or invest in a watch winder for automatic movements to stay in check.
Keep away from extreme conditions: Water and dust can become enemies of your watch even if your watch has the possibilities of being a diver's model. Learn the water resistance of your timepieces.
Regular servicing: A mechanical watch should be serviced every few years in order to keep it running smoothly. It's a bit like getting a car tuned up—keep everything in working order before big problems arise.
Don't forget about storage. Keeping your watches in a box with soft lining prevents scratches. Watch rolls or dedicated storage boxes are affordable and practical options for a growing collection.
Keep away from extreme conditions: Water and dust can become enemies of your watch even if your watch has the possibilities of being a diver's model. Learn the water resistance of your timepieces.
Regular servicing: A mechanical watch should be serviced every few years in order to keep it running smoothly. It's a bit like getting a car tuned up—keep everything in working order before big problems arise.
Don't forget about storage. Keeping your watches in a box with soft lining prevents scratches. Watch rolls or dedicated storage boxes are affordable and practical options for a growing collection.
Step 5: Enjoy the Process
It's not so much about having the most expensive, nor the rarest. It's a timepiece that speaks to you in any way. Part of the pleasure is the journey-the excitement of finding that new model, or the history that's attributed to a brand.
Watches are so ingrained in pop culture that you don't even know they are. Take the Casio G-Shock, for instance: the watch, once marketed as "tough enough," has really a huge following – even rappers and members of the military wear them, and you can get a very reasonable price for one. It is durable, iconic, and adds a cooler-than-cool factor to any collection.
Final Thoughts: More Than Just Watches
Starting with your own collection of watches is an exciting adventure that does not have to be complicated or expensive. Mix it up with your favorite watches for the way you look and feel. You will want to remember that care is essential in making sure the quality of your collection is well taken care of; last but not least, enjoy yourself!
Watched with great interest and delight, function aside, stories are shared, memories are created, even possible nostalgia or perhaps great conversation starters. So whether it's the first Seiko, quirky Swatch, or that dream Omega down the line, you are well on your way to being a thoughtful collector.
What will be your first piece?
Watched with great interest and delight, function aside, stories are shared, memories are created, even possible nostalgia or perhaps great conversation starters. So whether it's the first Seiko, quirky Swatch, or that dream Omega down the line, you are well on your way to being a thoughtful collector.
What will be your first piece?
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