How To Start a Watch Collection: Beginners Guide

You’re thinking of starting a watch collection, right?

Well, the trickiest part of this adventure is figuring out where to start. Even if you make a mistake with your first purchase, don’t fret – even experienced collectors have been there.

But don’t worry, I’m here to help. Today, I will give you some tips and mistakes to avoid when building a watch collection. So, if you’re ready, here’s a guide on beginners watch collecting just for you.

To start a watch collection you need to understand why people collect watches in the first place..

Many people think watch enthusiasts are people who just buy watches because they find them attractive. This is wrong.

Watch collector spend lots of time studying brands and models, they love the mechanics, and enjoy the histories. To start collecting watches, you must understand how they work, which leads us to the next point.

Because this is a watch collecting for beginners guide, I don’t want to bother you too much with every topic you should learn.

My advice for beginners is to first learn the difference between quartz and mechanical watches, then move on to types of watches, and top brands in the industry. Over time, you will start to dig more and more and naturally enter the collecting world.

For more watch info, check out our watch page, we give valuable resources for both beginners and experienced collectors.

There are two main types of watches: mechanical (hand-wound and automatic) and battery-powered quartz watches. Quartz watches are precise, practical, and affordable, while mechanical watches are favored by purists for their craftsmanship, even though they may be less precise. Mechanical watches are either hand-wound or self-winding (automatic). 

Some watches are labeled as either Automatic or Quartz, while others, like the Longines example, may not be marked. You can also tell the difference by watching the second hand; it moves smoothly in a mechanical watch and jumps in a quartz watch.

Watch producers fall into two categories: manufactures and brands. Manufactures create their own movements, while brands use movements sourced from manufacturers like ETA. Brands like Rolex, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Patek Philippe, Nomos Glashütte, and a few others take pride in making their movements in-house.

When I say buy it, I don’t mean you should go to a random store without any thinking and just buy the first watch you like. Spend some time thinking about what you like, what your hobby is, and what your style is. If you are more into a classic style, you will not buy a sports watch, instead you will look for old money watches. Spend some time on social media to find inspiration, Pinterest is the perfect place for finding watches.

I will never forget the first time I bought a watch. I was walking through the mall, and I just saw a store and walked in. Without any research and inspiration, I bought a watch. However, after 2 weeks, I realized that I chose a watch that didn’t suit my style. 

My advice is to never spend over $1,000 on your first watch. Why? If you are a beginner and just starting a watch game, you will probably make a mistake after your first purchase. This happened to everyone.

Your first watch doesn’t need to be a Rolex or Cartier, first go for affordable brands and after some time when you become more skilful and more experienced, move on to luxury brands

Best brands for affordable men’s watches under $1,000 to consider are Seiko, Orient, Citizen, Timex, Casio, Bulova, Tissot, Hamilton, Certina, and Fossil. These brands offer a range of styles and quality options to fit your budget and preferences.

You bought your first watch and now you are looking to build a collection. Congrats, but don’t rush it.

Some watches can make your heart race, and you might feel like buying them impulsively. But, hold off on that urge.

As time goes by, you’ll realize that a watch’s overall appearance isn’t everything. Details matter even more. In fact, they’re often more crucial than the watch’s big picture. If a watch has a detail that doesn’t sit right with you, it’s a deal-breaker.

Start focusing on:

• The case shape and size.
• The design and curvature of the lugs.
• The bezel’s size and finish.
• The complexity of the minutes track and chapter ring (or their absence).
• The shape and length of the hands.
• How the day/date window is positioned and executed.
• The color, finish, and size of the dial.

The list could go on and on. When you find inspiration, look for close-up images of the watches you like to better examine these details.

And remember, if a specific detail bothers you on a watch you fancy, don’t buy it. Otherwise, that detail will constantly taunt you when the watch is on your wrist, and your only option will be to sell it!

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Don’t feel pressured to follow watch collection rules. People often insist you must have various types of watches, but you really don’t. You don’t need a dress watch, a beater watch, a chronograph, or any specific style or brand. In fact, you don’t need any watch at all. There are no mandatory watch types or brands to own.

Find your own style and start building your collection, the whole point of a watch collection is to be unique. Your collection tells your personality!

I used to not care about brands, but then I learned about their history and craftsmanship, like with Rolex and Cartier.

So, here’s the thing: You might discover a brand that connects with you because of its story, not just its designs. You’ll want to own a piece from their collection.

Once you realize this, you can start saving for that special piece. Unfortunately, the brands we often love sell expensive watches. That’s just the way it goes sometimes!

When expanding your watch collection, think about purchasing your second or third piece as a gently used watch with a warranty. It’s a wise move. You’ll get a great value, and you can be confident it functions properly.

Problems often surface in the first 2 weeks, so if you’re not overly attached to the watch (especially if it’s a well known model), you can resell it without a significant loss, or even turn a profit. Just make sure to buy from a reputable seller with positive feedback.

My advice is don’t splurge on pricey watches during your first 2 years. Your preferences will change.

If you buy a $200 watch and later don’t like it, no big deal. You might lose $200, which isn’t great, but it’s not a disaster.

However, if you invest in a $10,000 luxury watch and change your mind after 2 years, you might sell it at a 15-65% loss. That stings, possibly costing you $1,500 or more.

Wait at least 2 years to understand your watch tastes before going for an expensive one.