*Good collection = a collection that makes YOU happy, not other people.*
@watchartsci5 жыл бұрын
Well and succinctly put EJE! Couldn't agree more-your money, your watch, your happiness! Cheers, Bill
@nssomething83705 жыл бұрын
Incredibly well said!
@h1115515 жыл бұрын
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.
@watchartsci5 жыл бұрын
Indeed Howard, 1 diamond is better then 10 lumps of coal. Cheers, Bill
@gilbertombp5 жыл бұрын
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."
@watchartsci5 жыл бұрын
Hey Gilberto, those are good collection questions. As my collection matures, I find myself asking different questions. More and more I've been asking about living watchmakers, identified as a specific individual like Marco Lang, F.P. Journe, Laurent Ferrier, Kari Voutilainen, Jean-Marc Wiederrecht, Christiaan van der Klaauw and Rolf Lang. Cheers, Bill
@Daveyboyz19785 жыл бұрын
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.
@watchartsci5 жыл бұрын
Daveyboyz, those are excellent suggestions. Documentation is especially important, and it's something often overlooked. Thanks for those insights! Kindest regards, Bill
@timweatherill37385 жыл бұрын
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.
@watchartsci5 жыл бұрын
Hey Tim, great to hear from you! Some treat watch collection as an unassailable hill to defend ... but to [badly] paraphrase Cyndi Lauper, 'Watch collectors just wanna have fun!' Cheers, Bill
@MarcusGLovesWatches5 жыл бұрын
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:)
@watchartsci5 жыл бұрын
Hey Marcus, bankruptcy is simply a way of telling us to 1) save first; 2) choose wisely and 3) negotiate to a price you can afford! Cheers, Bill
@davideljones19825 жыл бұрын
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.
@watchartsci5 жыл бұрын
Hey David, that's the way I look at it too. Any watch that's a 'Case Queen' and I don't enjoy wearing should be considered 'flippable' ... of course, I try and think ahead to what I'd like and enjoy wearing. So no case queens in my collection! Cheers, Bill
@blueshirtbuddah16655 жыл бұрын
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.
@watchartsci5 жыл бұрын
Hey Bruce, thanks man! That picture on the last slide was taken at the WatchTime Show and I was thinking of when we all gathered at the Starbucks (with no tables or chairs) and just yakked about watches. That's the best part of watch collection. Cheers, Bill
@blueshirtbuddah16655 жыл бұрын
Completely agree Bill. I can’t wait for this years show.
@amintaslneto5 жыл бұрын
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
@watchartsci5 жыл бұрын
Hey Amintas, how you doing?! Anyone not having fun collecting watches should probably consider an alternative hobby. Loving both the watch and the journey to it is the essence of watch collection. Great to hear from you. Cheers, Bill
@markphillips20725 жыл бұрын
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 $1500.00.
@watchartsci5 жыл бұрын
Most of us have multiple roles, Mark, and we can enjoy different watches for different roles. Cheers, Bill
@AbdulRWatches5 жыл бұрын
Hi Bill, Great advice, especially for the people that are starting on this journey. I was always interested in vintage watches, and I always wanted a big watch collection, I always tried to get one from each sort of watches, but the main theme is older vintage watches, especially that I like smaller size watches as well. I think that waiting sometimes can backfire, I waited for the Speedmaster when it was still under 1k$ 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
@watchartsci5 жыл бұрын
Hey Abdul, thanks man! Kindest regards, Bill
@dgb63555 жыл бұрын
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.
@surma025 жыл бұрын
DG B jwninsbnlv
@fmalik77362 жыл бұрын
Always very valuable suggestions
@watchartsci2 жыл бұрын
Hey F. Malik, thanks man! Take care, Bill
@mt24Carson5 жыл бұрын
Well done video with lots of great, sage advice. Thanks 👍⌚
@watchartsci5 жыл бұрын
Hey David, thanks man! Cheers, Bill
@lperk55545 жыл бұрын
Nicely done!
@watchartsci5 жыл бұрын
Hey L. Perk, thanks man! Kindest regards, Bill
@davidwanstall5 жыл бұрын
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.
@watchartsci5 жыл бұрын
Hi David, that is indeed a good point. Staying on the narrow path (even a broad highway) requires some kind of guide to where you want to end up. Thanks, Bill
@shothorology91835 жыл бұрын
Like you said quite rightly Bill, research is key! It’s one of the long and exciting processes that I really enjoy.👍
@watchartsci5 жыл бұрын
Hey Stuff! The added benefit of research is that while I'm doing research, I'm not spending money! Cheers, Bill
@desjon60125 жыл бұрын
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.
@watchartsci5 жыл бұрын
Des Jon, you are wise! Secret gems lead us to concentrate on the watch in all respects-not just the price and brand! Wonderful comment! Kindest regards, Bill
@trujr52955 жыл бұрын
Well done Bill. Best line was buy who you are.
@watchartsci5 жыл бұрын
Thanks Trujr! What watches do you like? Cheers, Bill
@trujr52955 жыл бұрын
@@watchartsci oh, you'll like this. I was looking at a Day-Date to commemorate my 50s BD. Then, I ran into a FP Journe Boutique and tried on their simple Chrono Souverain and the whole story behind them. One of their newest ones is the Havana dial. I am just looking into whether I buy it direct or used. The price difference can be 20pct. Great watch, specially in the rose gold case because the movement is in rose gold and it just looks one-piece. Thanks for asking.
@watchartsci5 жыл бұрын
Yes, Trujr, I do like it! IMHO, the FP Journe Chronomètre Souverain is one of the best buys around-new or used. I like the fact that they have a power reserve indicator and the constant force in the double barrels-is a worthy addition for achieving an equal pressure of the main spring. (Also, the boutiques are having parties this month!) Good hunting! Kindest regards, Bill
@trujr52955 жыл бұрын
@@watchartsci I saw that. 1st Tuesdays of every month. They moved their Boutique to downtown Miami. Really nice. Seems to be a trend now to provide a hang out for watch enthusiasts. Good idea.
@gilbertombp5 жыл бұрын
Agreed, "buy who you are" is short and so sweet. Though it may spell doom for people like me who are jack-of-all-trades oriented hehehe.
@mitchgrimes33605 жыл бұрын
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.
@watchartsci5 жыл бұрын
Mitch, that's one of my favorite sayings (admonitions?); 'Measure twice; cut once.' It's so true, and it certainly applies to watch-buying. Take care, Bill
@para_bellum_19845 жыл бұрын
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.
@watchartsci5 жыл бұрын
Para Bellum, enjoy the trip of searching 'watch-dom' for the watches that fit you best. Cheers, Bill
@para_bellum_19845 жыл бұрын
@@watchartsci Cheers!
@tods.99475 жыл бұрын
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!
@watchartsci5 жыл бұрын
Thanks Tod. No doubt there are lots of different ways to look at our hobby, and I try to take 'collector-centered' view. Cheers, Bill
@iliastasikas95535 жыл бұрын
Great video Bill.Very informative for new collectors.
@watchartsci5 жыл бұрын
Illias, thanks man! Kindest regards, Bill
@KiratGurung5 жыл бұрын
Many thanks. 😊
@watchartsci5 жыл бұрын
You're welcome Kirat! The pleasure is all mine! Cheers, Bill
@matthewdavis81995 жыл бұрын
Congrats on 7k subs!
@watchartsci5 жыл бұрын
Thanks Matthew..Bill
@keekeefries62985 жыл бұрын
Great video! Just discovered your channel. Some people like collecting the storied watch from different brands.
@watchartsci5 жыл бұрын
Hi Kiikee, finding good watches requires focus on the quality; not the brand...but you already know that! Cheers, Bill
@davidcallan78445 жыл бұрын
Good advice👍👍
@watchartsci5 жыл бұрын
Hi David, very glad you liked it. Now if I could only follow my own advice! Cheers, Bill
@Giovan_Nino5 жыл бұрын
Wise wise words.. best advice great video..
@watchartsci5 жыл бұрын
Hey Giovan, thanks man! Kindest regards, Bill
@rogerthomas21325 жыл бұрын
thanks bill very good video
@watchartsci5 жыл бұрын
Hey Roger, thanks man! Cheers, Bill
@geroldatlarge18415 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the book advice. The market is high and I’m laying low. Time to hit the library.
@watchartsci5 жыл бұрын
That's a good plan Gerold. I'm doing pretty much the same. Cheers, Bill
@karl_m30133 жыл бұрын
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
@watchartsci3 жыл бұрын
Hi Karl, my Regulator story began with Laurent Ferrier's beautiful Square Micro-Rotor Régulateur ... that was out of my budget. However, I could afford a $200 Perpetual Regulator R-01 Sea-Gull ST1711, and so I scratched my regulator itch with the R-01! Not saying I wouldn't rather have Ferrier's, but a mechanical regulator is a fun watch to own; so I found one I can afford. Take care and be safe, Bill 😷
@nrs69565 жыл бұрын
Good clip. Thank you. Know what you want and can afford it. Importantly be happy with YOUR choice.
@watchartsci5 жыл бұрын
Thanks Nrs! Cheers, Bill
@everyones.shadow5 жыл бұрын
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
@watchartsci5 жыл бұрын
Good question, Jeremy. For me, it's a matter of intention. Before I had a collection, I had several watches. At some point I decided to focus on mechanical watches with a reputation of high horology. That's when I started thinking of my watches as part of a collection. Only one of my watches that I already had was treated as part of the collection. At what point did your accumulation of watches change from an untutored occasional purchase to a collection? Cheers, Bill
@everyones.shadow5 жыл бұрын
@@watchartsci My bunch of watches was stolen a couple of years back. It wasn't a collection but could have become the inspiration for one based on unusual cases or I could have gone in another direction. Currently I have a bunch of three (Galaxy watch, Luminox pre-Atacama, Thai King Power which the thief missed) none of which I think of as watches, if you know what I mean. A collection, to me, needs to involve a choice of what to wear so the minimum would be two.
@johngentile68145 жыл бұрын
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.
@watchartsci5 жыл бұрын
Perfect John! In a survey of states and per capita educational expenditures; those with the highest per capita investments in education had the highest median incomes. Yes, ignorance is quite expensive. In watch collection, the more research a collector does, the more he'll save (...and I think the more fun he'll have...). Kindest regards, Bill
@aleximd92445 жыл бұрын
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!
@watchartsci5 жыл бұрын
Hi Alex, an emotional attachment to a watch can come from many sources. Enjoy your Sinn all the more because it is a gift from your wife. Cheers, Bill
@aleximd92445 жыл бұрын
@@watchartsci Thanks Bill! Sir! What i need to do for sending you my watch collection to make a sober review about it! I pay , no problem!!!Alex
@watchartsci5 жыл бұрын
Hi Alex, I want no payment. Follow these instructions: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/q7yhdremppPSkas.html Look forward to seeing your collection. Kindest regards, Bill
@publiusvelocitor46685 жыл бұрын
What's an unsuccessful watch collector? Doesn't own any watches? ;-) Just having fun. I like your advice, particularly about exploring beyond the mainstream.
@everyones.shadow5 жыл бұрын
Someone who keeps buying watches and is never happy with any of them? Someone who has lost his job/partner/savings/mental health over his collection? Someone who has had his collection stolen? Someone with watches he's ashamed to wear? Someone who collects replicas but claims they're genuine?
@watchartsci5 жыл бұрын
Actually PV, that's not a bad question. Jeremy's reply is a great one and pretty well sums up a collection and collector gone south... Cheers, Bill
@gilbertombp5 жыл бұрын
Maybe unsuccessful can also include someone who sees cost/price but seldom value while watch collecting.
@paulbrady7015 жыл бұрын
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.
@watchartsci5 жыл бұрын
Hi Paul, I'm glad you discovered the Vulcan. Cool watch. Learn to do your own research and not be too dependent on anyone, including me. Cheers Bill
@TennesseeMike5 жыл бұрын
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.
@watchartsci5 жыл бұрын
Hi Tennessee, good point about quickly escalating-unboxing one watch while thinking of another. It can get crazy. Cheers, Bill
@paulienkhamvaiphei1345 жыл бұрын
I buy to please myself😊
@watchartsci5 жыл бұрын
Well Paulienkham...it's going to be your money; your watch, and it should be your pleasure! What was your latest pleasure? Kindest regards, Bill
@paulienkhamvaiphei1345 жыл бұрын
@@watchartsci Aptly put.Thanks for the kind words.My latest pleasure is a Seiko baby monster.Next i'll be getting a seiko Alpinist and a rolex submariner or explorer2 or milgauss or omega speedmaster professional.Good lord someone help me make up my mind 😊
@mikejones-dx8bx5 жыл бұрын
Archieluxury is a very successful watch collector. Some would call him the Pontiff. Some would call him a god.
@watchartsci5 жыл бұрын
Hi Mike, now that's an interesting perspective...I'm not familiar with the term 'Pontiff' nor 'god' in relationship to Archie, but I've heard quite a few others. Take care, Bill