I went to London and looked at some watches. I tried on the Speedmaster 125 which I loved. I also tried the Marine Chronometer which actually fitted slightly better and again I loved it (despite me never have even considered a quartz before).
It leaves me now looking at these two watches as well as the 176.0014 for my first purchase. Advice appreciated for an everyday wear.

I also saw to see a fine looking Ranchero and Railmaster either of which would have been awesome apart from the prices (still in shock despite being pre-warned on here about shop prices).
To top the day off I got my photo taken with Bill Nighy outside Somlo watches so a great day.

 

There's no such thing as "too many watches".

 

Correct. The proper description is "not enough money".

 

Okay, in all seriousness I remember the days that I wanted everything I saw. Go ahead and have a little fun trying out a few different styles. Make sure you buy them right, or at least fairly, so if you decide something isn't your cup of tea then you don't lose your shirt when you sell it. Buy used too or depreciation will kill not just your shirt but your entire budget. If I'm absolutely sure I've found a keeper, usually because I liked it but sold it and want it again, I'll buy new because I know I won't sell it again. You can move up the ladder this way too, counting on getting what you paid (yes, there will be plusses and minuses but let's keep it simple). For example, the first year you buy 3 $500 watches with your $1500 budget. The next year you can sell 2 for the same $500 and add the same amount from the 2nd year budget so you now have 2 $1000 watches, one of the original $500 watches, and can still buy another $500 watch. Year 3 adds another $1500 annual amount, and you sell the 2 $500 watches and buy a $1500 watch and another $1000 watch. Now you own 1 $1500 and 3 $1000 watches. Year 4 comes and you sell 2 of the $1000 watches, add a grand, and grab a $3000 watch, then sell the other $1000 watch and add the other $500 from the annual budget to snag a $1500 watch. See how you move up via flipping? It got me my Vacheron and a couple Audemars, plus some fairly cool Omegas, IWC's, Longines, and JLC's if I can say so myself. 5 or 6 years ago I was playing with gold filled Bulovas and Benrus. Granted, this is an oversimplified example but if you have a goal and stick more or less to a plan (well, maybe the Golden Squirrel of Distraction bites you once or twice) you'll be moving up from Rookie ball to the Majors in a few years. You'll also have a ton of fun and meet great people. I would never have met many of the guys I know in the real world now if it wasn't for this hobby. Hell, I have a regular WIS visiting schedule during our spring training vacation in Florida. Both coasts!

 

I havent stopped laughing. So THATS the reason for this lot......The Golden Squirrel! (I knew it wasnt my fault!)

I am a focused speedmaster collector, but over the years that animal bit me. I did have one rule, nothing over $100...and now the case is full I've stopped. I could buy another case I suppose, it was only $16.

 

My wife thinks my Ten watch box is too big...I guess I won't tell her I just ordered another one...

 

But really like these...

http://www.swisstgallery.com/watch-cases/volta-watch-cases/volta-rustic-brown-10-watch-case.html


and already have a ten slot version...I figure twenty is plenty, no more after that just flip at that point.

(there was a time when I thought I'd never fill my current box, ha)

 

I remember saying that. 50-ish watches now, going up & down in number as things come & go.

 

I've been on a tear lately...

 

I think we need a new thread called "The Golden Squirrel"....