*Good collection = a collection that makes YOU happy, not other people.*

Dear Bill, At just under one year in on watch collecting, your video resonated with me. People put too much weight on ownership and too little weight on learning and scholarship. Better to have one watch and a deeper knowledge of horology than to have twenty watches and a superficial knowledge of horology. Best regards.

I'm at the stage of collecting where I constantly ask myself two questions, when looking at the next watch: "is it going to be redundant against what i already have?", and, "where will i use it?" And with these two guide questions, i've managed to rationalize a lot of the wants and "think-i-need" ones. One example is that a gold watch is not only way out of my budget, it's a surefire magnet for muggers here in my neck of the woods. Or to use more colorful language, "an effective way to get my watch hand chopped off."

Hi Bill, I would add a couple of practices... The first is display and storage... I think some collectors throw all their watches in a drawer but serious collectors like to organise them in a nice box or cabinet. Also the practice of cataloging what you have. I document all I can about where I got the watch, what I paid, the serial numbers, model and year, any information I have on when it was last serviced, etc etc Perhaps this is slightly less important in watch collecting than some other fields of collecting where you tend to accumulate more pieces (I can probably remember most of these details unaided) but I think it is nice to record such things for reference.

Bill, I loved this video, and I think the most engaging thing you said was, in essence, "have fun". That is so true. I also believe that being interested in learning about watches and exploring boundaries, even if those boundaries place you far from what you can afford is an essential part of the game. It's no matter if the price of a particular new find is, for yourself, stratospheric; the joy is in surprise and amazement, even on occasion dismay! Great job, my friend.

Thanks, Professor. Always enjoy these measured and well thought out vids. For me, I've just had to realize that you don't necessarily need to own every watch you love so you can stay out of bankruptcy court:)

Great video and advice. Really like the advice to collect for who you are. I always stick to this. It is pointless having an expensive watch that you will rarely have the opportunity to wear.

Yet another fantastic video Bill. As always you offer very sage advise. The research or the pursuit of a particular watch is often more fun than the actual purchase. I have learned more from you about this hobby than anyone else, and I look forward to continuing to do so. Thanks Bill.

Great advices Bill. My main learning as a collector is that we need to love timepieces first and then enjoy the journey to get them. Not the other way around. Watch hunting is addicting as we all know. It's definitively fun but it may turn the watch collecting play very frustrating for the ones who just focus on it. No wonder why there is so much buyer's remorse in the market ;) Best, Amintas

Another great topic . I'm still learning all I can about watches an have been even watching alot of your older videos because it's help me navigate through what kind of collector I want to be . An through learning about watch makers using other's movements was able to find a pretty unknown dive watch that used a Parmigiani Fleurier Twin Barrel movement for $1500.00.

Hi Bill, Great advice, especially for the people that are starting on this journey. I was always interested in vintage watches, and I always wanted a big watch collection, I always tried to get one from each sort of watches, but the main theme is older vintage watches, especially that I like smaller size watches as well. I think that waiting sometimes can backfire, I waited for the Speedmaster when it was still under 1k$ and as the prices started to climb back up I thought it was too late to buy it. I work in research and development, but my most research might be researching watches late at night and on weekends :D I think watch hunting and selling the watches that I didn't like is a part of my enjoyment of the watches. Have a great weekend Bill. Best, Abdul

Ah Bill, you are such a wise man. I couldn’t agree more with what you said, only if I could apply them all... The hardest to do for me is patience, once I have done my research and know what I want , I have to have it ASAP, can’t wait, life is too short. The only thing that stops me is budget. I would also add to plan the collection you want to build, some guys buy what they like, or find while shopping, other prefer to target specific models, functions, dial colour or brands.... based on what they already have. No right or wrong here, just a different view of life. I would say planning your collection would give a more balanced one. Just my opinion. Thanks Bill.

Always very valuable suggestions

Well done video with lots of great, sage advice. Thanks 👍⌚

Nicely done!

Great video, thanks! I fully agree with your 6 points, but I would add, find a guiding principle for your collection to keep the buying under control (it is kind of a spin on the know yourself point), and to the price range I would add think about the cost of ownership, especially of complicated watches.

Like you said quite rightly Bill, research is key! It’s one of the long and exciting processes that I really enjoy.👍

I picture wearing the watch before I purchase. I also aim for what I call secret gems that most would not appreciate. Also I wear all my pieces and sometimes swap out within the same day.

Well done Bill. Best line was buy who you are.

Hi Bill with time and age, my collection has grown and gotten better. I've learned to measure twice and cut once when it comes to my next purchase. You thoughts are right on target. thanks for your wisdom.

I haven't yet started a real collection, for now I have a Seiko SARB035 and an Orient Mako. These two pieces bring me lots of joy. But I do find myself spending hours on KZfaq and various watch sites looking for information on specific high end models that really speak to me. I've also made a list of grails that I want to aim for over the next 20 or so years. I have found that I am a fan of vintage Rolex and modern Omega. I have even defined my "exit grails", the two (Patek and Lange) that will end my obsession. I would be so nice if those were acquired before a certain age, like 55 (I'm 34 now). I know exactly which models suit my personality, the way I dress and my lifestyle. I'm obviously quite a perfectionist but I enjoy being patient about it all; the strategic planning of finances, keeping tabs on market trends, etc., it's exciting to me. I'm starting a new business and next to that I'm trying to get my dream job this year, all of which will help me stay the course. I don't feel like spending my money on anything else than this beautiful and fulfilling hobby (except for one classic car down the line), but that's how I am sure that I am a collector.

Thanks for your perspective Bill. It is a different way to look at the hobby that other pundits have not covered as well. I need to ponder more of what you have said. Thank you!

Great video Bill.Very informative for new collectors.

Many thanks. 😊

Congrats on 7k subs!

Great video! Just discovered your channel. Some people like collecting the storied watch from different brands.

Good advice👍👍

Wise wise words.. best advice great video..

thanks bill very good video

Thanks for the book advice. The market is high and I’m laying low. Time to hit the library.

Research; that's why I watch you videos Stay in Your Lane; For now. As I learn and earn more I can diverge. Explore Beyond; Regulators fascinate me. Enjoy Learning; always

Good clip. Thank you. Know what you want and can afford it. Importantly be happy with YOUR choice.

Here's a question for everyone... How many watches does it take to make a collection? The man who presents the WatchFinder&co videos has said he will never own more than one watch at once. Given his knowledge, love of watches and depth of thought towards his next watch I think that's legitimate to say that for some one watch can be a complete collection. Taking it one step further, what if you have zero watches but a library of books, spend time in the forum's etc and have a plan... Leaving those two cases aside at what point (in terms of number) does a few watches become a collection? Cheers Jeremy

good stuff. Also the watch magazines are a good source, ie WatchTime, Watch Journal, etc. There is an saying: If you think education is expensive, try ignorance.

Almost every point I agree When I am very stressed I start and read watches. My wife knows that and she is letting me in peace ! Even not an expensive watch can be more valuable because of emotional burden! i have a Sinn from my wife and it means very much for me!

What's an unsuccessful watch collector? Doesn't own any watches? ;-) Just having fun. I like your advice, particularly about exploring beyond the mainstream.

Hi Bill sir , buying any expensive watch you must do due diligence and a little bit of research could save you a lot of money .You say a lot of companies don’t want you to know that behind their high end name is a cheap mass produced movement , do your homework before you hand over your hard earned cash. Me personally I look to people like you and others that I feel I can trust, it was you that opened my eyes to a brand I’d never heard Vulcain.

Good topic. Enjoying learning is key. If I'm being honest when I started my hobby about a year ago I tried watching you but you did not hold my interest. I did watch a ton of content from Island Watch. I know watch little content from Island and enjoy when you release content. Best comment I heard from fellow eunthusiasts is this hobby escalates quickly. Thanks.

I buy to please myself😊

Archieluxury is a very successful watch collector. Some would call him the Pontiff. Some would call him a god.