patrick_y[PuristSPro Moderator]
28450
A watch must endure the owner's changing tastes...
Feb 01, 2012,09:51 AM
A question worth a deep conversation.
In order for a watch to survive one's collection; it must be purchased with a sound mind, not a mind of buying the watch because it was "hot" when it came out. The individuals who buy watches because they were hot commodities as the latest and greatest new watches but didn't really love the watch, kind of loving the hype surrounding the watch - always seem to regret their purchases at a later date.
Furthermore, a watch needs to be worn consistently in order to be on the mind of the owner. Watches that are bought that sit around forever, aren't being enjoyed and the pride of ownership is not bestowed upon these pieces. In order for a watch to be constantly in the hearts and mind of its owner, it must be worn often and regularly. The owner must be excited and prideful to wear this timepiece; and looking forward to wearing it each and every time.
Lastly, watches of a lower caliber will not survive as the collection endures. The vast majority of watch collectors will eventually upgrade their collections and eventually be wearing more so of their upgraded watches. Thus, the pinnacle of watchmaking; independents, the Big Three (Audemars Piguet, Vacheron Constantin, and Patek Philippe), and watches with important sentimental qualities will be the ones that survive the collection. Collectors will usually wear their newer pieces because they are more descriptive of who they are currently, they are usually more expensive and better pieces, and they will normally get more enjoyment out of the new piece (or else why would they buy it in the first place).
This is why I urge all my friends, and all I meet to buy watches with the long-term in mind. Don't buy the Rolex Submariner in GREEN unless you really love it in Green, buying something because of the rarity and hype is never a good idea. Don't buy a (insert brand here) now to suffice with if you are only planning to wait for your true favorite in the future.
This is my outlook and it is the advice I give to my various acquaintances.