When it comes to watch collecting, newbies have to prepare for a range of things. These not only influence how successful their collections are, but their experience widening their selection. We touched on them below.

Collect Watches You Like

If you’re looking to start a collection, you need to make sure you’re collecting watches that you like. Many people snag pieces they think are classy, or well-respected. This results in great watches being in their possession, but they may not like them. This is disappointing as collecting timepieces is a deeply personal experience.

Before you get into it, you should look around. Go through other people’s collections. This lets you look at all kinds of pieces, knowing which speaks to you the most. For a beginner, sticking these core values onto paper will help them resonate with you, not getting swayed.

They Aren’t All Investments

Many newbies go into watch collecting think they’re securing their future. They’re investing in products that will appreciate. You have to study the market and specific timepieces, as just because one is from a great brand, or is expensive, doesn’t mean that it will be valuable later. If you’re serious about investing in them, you need to do a lot of reading. Just for your information, Rolexes are the likeliest to appreciate.

Collect Watches That Are Your Size

If you’re lucky, you may have an average-sized wrist. Although you’ll be able to wear big watches, they’ll awkward on you. Unfortunately for you, more higher-end pieces are gigantic. This is as size equals status, even with watches. As stated, don’t get pieces that you think you should get. If a watch is too big for you, there’s no point having it in your collection – it’ll just collect dust.

It Is Addictive

You’re probably looking to get into watch collecting as you have a passion for them. The moment you start, you won’t be able to stop. After all, you’re picking up shiny, good-looking devices. Many collectors say that they experience a dopamine rush collecting timepieces. If you’re someone who has poor impulse control, prepare to start splurging. You’ll also be spending a lot of time on your hobby as finding the next watch to purchase requires research.

You’ll Be Doing A Lot of Homework

As mentioned, you’ll be doing a lot of work if you’re going to start collecting. Keep in mind that there are thousands of watches out there. You won’t know which is right for you unless you hunt them down.

If you’re new to it, the first thing you need to do is to get familiar with watch brands. There are probably thousands of watch companies in just one country, and some countries make better timepieces than others. French and Swiss brands are all about luxury and elegance. You’ll know what we’re talking about when you compare Cartier, Audemars Piguet, and Omega to Hamilton and Stuhrling.

Thankfully, there are many ways to learn more. You can visit forums to see what others say about specific watches. They’ll even recommend them, so you’ll be able to expand your horizons. They’ll also talk about a device’s features, letting you know if it’s worth your time or not.

But just because someone on a forum said something, you shouldn’t take their word as fact. Although they’re more knowledgeable than regular individuals, take their points with a grain of salt and fact-check.

Buy In Person

Doing research and finding a watch online is great, but you shouldn’t purchase it over the internet. You get a good scope of how it looks and performs online. However, you need to know how it would look in person. You especially need to see how it’ll look on your wrist – will it match your skin? Is it uncomfortable? There’s no point in getting a watch you won’t be able to wear.

Your Taste Will Change

It’s only natural for your tastes to change. If you end up collecting watches over the years, you’ll notice that the type of timepieces you picked up are different. A lot of collectors start off liking more regal pieces as they are status symbols, so they’ll have intricate devices from brands like A. Lange & Sohn, Tag Heuer, or Piaget. They usually switch to more sporty devices as they’re the easiest to take care of. They also tend to work with outfits better as they’re discreet.

Don’t Be a Snob

Once you start collecting, you’ll most likely interact with others who love watches. As you have a selection under your belt, you’ll likely become snobby about certain brands. You might dislike the Invicta Pro Driver, saying the Rolex Submariner is better. Even though it’s more expensive, it gives the former a run for its money. The fact that it’s much cheaper makes it more appealing.

You might not realize it, but being a snob will annoy some people. So don’t let your hobby go to your head and make you feel superior. It’s especially something that the watch collecting community hates, so keep this in mind.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to watch collecting, there are many things you should know. You might think that you need to get hold of devices that are expensive, or well-known. This is not true. All you’ll be doing is spending a lot of money if you don’t like them. It’s important that you’re not swayed by too many opinions as speaking to other watch collectors may influence you to pick up timepieces they like.

Be prepared to spend a lot of time researching. How else would you know which timepieces are worth your time? Give different forums a look. Make sure to study up on watch brands too, as you’ll know what to keep an eye out for.

In terms of timepieces, they’re testaments to our advancement as a species. That’s why it’s great that you’re collecting them. Which of our above points do you think is the most useful?

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