What is important to YOU when choosing a watch?

True. That’s where there’s a difference between enthusiast and collector. I’m the former. I like to showcase what I amass on my wrist not a box or safe. There is absolutely nothing wrong with either. In my opinion enthusiasts and collectors may not be mutually exclusive and even when separate, can learn a lot from each other.

I am definitely an enthusiast. I was looking at my Omega Box... First team vs Second Team. Some are out for service...

Omega Railmaster LE (put it on, decided to keep)
Omega Seamaster Professional 2254.50.00
Omega Seamaster 300 (WatchCo)
Omega 30mm CK 2390
Omega 1917 "trench" 3/0 negative set
Omega Seamaster KX 6275
Omega Seamaster KO 2627
Omega Geneve 166.024 (I think?)
Omega Seamaster 166.010

and my dad's Croton Aquamatic wedding watch
Lemania 3010? hand-wind subseconds rose gold

The rest, eh. Though I do like the Hamiton with the 7753? chronograph.

I am pretty much done acquiring watches, though. Need to pay for the latest servicing (underemployed) and then a new bracelet for the 166.010.

That reminds me of a line from my favorite movie, Charade, where (if you've not seen the movie, don't ask) a rare stamp collector returns three of the rarest and most valuable stamps in the world to their rightful owner - when she goes to apologize, he says in that sad but very elegant way French actors have mastered: "No, madame, for a little while, they were mine. For me, that is enough."

I think a lot of watch collectors/hobbyists/etc are like that. If I somehow ended up with a 'Paul Newman' Daytona, I know I'd still be picking up pieces here and there, and I'd probably move the Daytona along. But I would forever then be able to say, for a little while it was mine, and that was enough. 😀

My point, I suppose, is that even with collection goals, I don't think achieving them has to mean you're finished or even that you'll always keep those exact pieces. For some it may be, and that's ok too.

I like the features and uniqueness. I liked the anti magnetism features of the new aqua terras when they first came out. Good values and quality need to be there too, cool features on a watch with quality defects wouldn't cut it.

1. Size is most important to me.
2. Design/appeal
3. Price, depending on materials used, complications, heritage and design.

I don't care to much about second hand value, when I buy a watch I will most likely keep it.

OP is slyly doing market research 😒 Just kidding, it's a great question, touched on lightly in a way in the Vintage watch re-lume thread

I'm quite a utilitarian, form follows function kinda guy, so my top 5 would be:

1) Function: Does it do what i need it to do. Dress watches need to be clean, classy and versatile; dailys can be crazy (loved my Citizen jy8035-54e)
2) Reliability: I don't care for novelty gimmicks, if I pay for something it needs to be a low-hassle item. No more VANOS for me thanks!
3) Aesthetics & Kinesthetics: Simple and pleasing to the eye, comfortable and easy to use
4) Rarity/Uniqueness: self-explanatory
5) Value for money: Pulling all the above into consideration, is it worth it?

That's pretty much the reason I don't think I'll ever buy a stainless steel Rolex, for me it fails at #5. Sadly there are waaay too many (excellently copied) fake Subs out there.

Not important:

1) Brand: everyone starts from somewhere, if you meet my top 5, you're good. What's in a name?
2) Nostalgia: Your story is valuable to you, not to me. If i can find something close for less, I'll go that route Looking at you Bremont
3) Precious metals and bling: Most gems can be made artificially for much less, and I'd rather not have to baby my items for fear of ruining the finish
4) Value retention: I use my items, they are tools and they do a job; there are other investments that I'm more comfortable using.
5) Boxes, packaging, paraphernalia: I'm buying a watch, so long as its pristine, I just need the coffin. Save that packaging materials and cost thanks.

Always the first one disappears or you change them by time. That goes for both watches and....
After a while you will be more wise and do research before you choose the next watch/companion.

Charade has been described as "the best Hitchcock movie Hitchcock didn't make". Stanley Doonen's other movies are well worth a look too.

Two things really for me:
I like it
I am prepared to pay the agreed price
It is however a long time since I bought a watch which is why I come to this forum for my fix!!

My criteria - fairly simple

Must Have's

1. Dial - must be clear, I do not like clutter that takes my eye away from the purpose of the watch, telling the time.
2. Brand - Not fussy about the brand as long as I like the watch.
3. Prefer no date watches as this gives me symmetry on the dial.
4. Prefer large watches, 39mm and above, I have a small Longines dress watch and it looks daft on my wrist and rarely gets worn.

Big No No

1. Skeletonised dials - cannot stand them
2. Cluttered dials - that make the time difficult to read - Daytona's

Helium storage capacity.

So, this is as a collector of watches. A collector who’s trying to stop acquiring.

My chain of questions when I see a watch that tempts me:

First: When I look at it, am I overcome with raw lust to own it? If not, I pass. The ‘OMG, I gotta have that’ rush is critical for me. I mean, I already have too many watches as it is, right?

That craving to own is typically a combination of these things, in this order of importance:
— the visual appearance of it,
— the quality of its manufacture, and
— the elegance of its design.

Here’s three example of pieces that easily met this first test, for me anyway:


Second: Is it a good representative of its reference? This is condition and originality.

Third: What’s the market for the reference? How rare is the reference and how long might I have to wait for another opportunity? How is the piece priced in relation to the market for that reference?

Fourth: If I need to get out of the watch in five years (or five months), how hard do I think it will be to sell it?

This piece is rather rare but will also be hard to get out of, I think.


Fifth: How difficult will it be to have the watch properly serviced? Vintage pieces (with complications makes it worse) can be a challenge to service well, particularly given parts sourcing.

This calls for special service.

Sixth: Do I really want to wear this watch? There are some watches that I fall in love with, but I know I’ll never put on my wrist to wear for a whole day. I have bought very few watches that I don’t want to wear.

I bought this but am not comfortable wearing it. That was silly.

Seventh: Do I really need this watch? Why, exactly?

I keep adding questions, the longer I’ve been at it.

Eventually, I’ll have this up to the twelve step program that it should be. 😉

In my case looks + brand + value retention