that offers serious food for thought for all watch afficiondos, horology nuts and Purists alike.
I cannot agree more with what you said but allow me to add my two cents worth:
People's tastes may develop and change over time
One day a certain piece may sing loudly to you but suddenly lose its appeal when you wake up - which is why classically designed objects of desire tend to last longer in a portfolio. The lesson is to avoid impulsive purchases - something easier said than done.
It takes time to appreciate one's personal preferences. For me, this learning process has taken several years and is still evolving. At this juncture, I do know what my soft spots are: Roman indices, enamel or guilloche dials, complications (especially the romantic moon) and superbly finished movements. Call me conventional and orthodox but 'transformers' are not for me.
We all like to trade up, subject to financial constraints
I first participated in this forum some five, six years ago - I had about 20 watches then and was fairly proud of my collection, so when a friend of mine told me to keep one and sell the rest, I almost felt offended. Well, I checked again after reading your article and realized that only one of the pieces is still around - I did it subconsciously but how right he was!
One thing I quickly learned - one cannot possibly own every beautiful watch in the world - there will always be another Baselworld or SIHH. We all need to balance between lust and resources, within sensible limits. That is why I occasionally buy and sell watches, like what Nico described, largely for my own peace of mind, and to apply certain disciplines to this otherwise expensive hobby.
At one point, I used to owned some 50 watches but this humble collection is now down to 25. I will not be surprised if one day I trim it down to 5 or 6, all PP minute repeaters or tourbillons.
The hunting process is sometimes more exciting than the article itself
We have all been there before - love at first sight, rigorous research, a prolonged negotiation and, (hopefully) excitement when we bring the watch home and put it on our wrists. Thereafter, when emotions sink in, the love subsides...almost like a marriage when at some point, you wish you were single again! [I am not letting my wife see this ]
I would love to hear others' experience.
Best
Sam
This message has been edited by samwan on 2012-02-01 02:20:49