Big collecting mistake/regret?

Larry S

My advice to new collectors is to take it slow. I have a little bit of regret at the speed in which my collection grew once the vintage bug hit me. I think I missed some opportunities. OF course I’ve also not yet learned to let go.

Archer

Over the years I've been in this, the people who tend to come into the hobby, then leave it fairly quickly, are often those who go from one watch to another very quickly in search of what they really want. After a few years of chewing through watches and never really being happy, they end up moving on to another hobby. Not everyone of course, but those that tend to burn brightest also burn out quickest.

I have always tended to be quite deliberate about what I buy, and have kept most of them as a result. If I had bought what I really thought I wanted early on, I wouldn't have any of those watches now. So I am a big advocate of taking it slow and really understanding/developing you tastes before buying.

JwRosenthal

I agree with the first part about burning out - certainly. But I fall into the camp of casting a wide net as I learn. Most of my learning has come from buying and failing- seeing what is possible and what’s just a basket case. Of course we all want to learn from the mistakes of others, but some of us need to fall on our own ass to really get it. I wasted a lot of money on the steep learning curve, but the education I feel is invaluable. Now I don’t make the same impulsive buys I did when I started collecting, but I still fall prey when a new brand/model/style catches my eye about which I know nothing. The frenzy and learning curve starts all over.

bmpennington

Many people actually like buying watches that are in good condition or have been polished.

Syrte

That’s interesting … you’re saying you missed some opportunities because you went too fast? Is it because you didn’t save enough powder waiting for the *right* opportunities?

Larry S

Yep! Should have kept some powder and shot for say, a Clapton when they were still, not crazy. I now find myself with fewer occasions to wear all these watches but I still like em all, even the “mistakes”.

stonestone

As with many things it’s helpful to understand behavioral patterns that can impact our decision making. For a long time I would only look at watches in a certain price range because my previous purchases were in the same price range. I would think “that watch is too expensive” not because it was expensive compared to other examples of the same reference in similar condition, but because it was expensive compared to anything I had previously bought.

Larry S

Yes … so you wind up staying in that lane and not looking beyond, spending the cash there instead of stretching. Good point.