The two may overlap, however there is a distinction between the two. A collector acquires watches based on a set theme or requirement. An enthusiast enjoys the subject matter, however broad or in depth. A good analogy is with coins. The coin collector may fill an album of every date and Mint mark for say, a US Wheat cent/penny. Whereas, a coin enthusiast _tends_ to collect coins but the more important component is that the enthusiast enjoys the subject matter--the process of Minting, the history of the coins, the design of the coins, etc.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY 🎉 PETE MY Enthusiasm drives me to explore, hunt, research, discuss, be surprised, exhilarated and disappointed by the physical experience of the Watch hobby, the end result being a 50 year collection of watches with life memories, and journeys. My VC watch buddy says, just buy one watch for life, forget about the rest. It not brand recognition for me, its the above described personal life journey, how it’s evolved through the decades, exploring each rabbit hole for derivations of the design aesthetic and engineering marvel that helps me keep pace with societal time expectations. And it just feels great to put on a great watch, look down periodically and SMILE!
Happy birthday Pete, always good to hear your thoughts. You're so right about people who seem to have ended up with lots of nice watches about which they know nothing. I refer to them as 'watch accumulators'😊.
I do agree with the final comment. All the watch world, manufacturing, brands, social media is, in the grand scheme of things, a very minor topic. Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, Vacheron Constantin, A Lange und Söhne, FP Journe, MB&F, Richard Mille, all could disappear overnight with 99.9% of the world’s population not even noticing. Ok, some people would notice if Rolex or Seiko suddenly vanished. Pete, you had a prior excellent video where you compared owning a watch collection or a collection of watches. In my eyes, the whole idea of collecting means a deliberate effort to acquire specific things for the sake of owning them. Effort measured in terms of time and/or money. That’s not for me. I already have a job which can be demanding, the last thing I want is to be worried with watches. I am happy to be an enthusiast : I have stopped buying watches to impress other people and the painful experience of selling watches has put me off from owning too many pieces.
Happy Birthday, Pete! A very gray subject here. My personal definition is an enthusiast has a collection of what they like and bring them enjoyment. Your example kinda brings down the enthusiast because they cannot collect the cars but forgetting they collect the merchandise, flock to see it and gather parts to say they have some part of the original. In a sense bring their passion for the car closer without having the cars but a collection of sorts. I believe they as well think of the value and other considerations a collector would but perhaps not the same. On average there is a lot of emotions and peer group approval involved. Has little to no vision when it comes to next purchase and makes trendy impulse purchase. Collector values high horology, may have a small or large curated collection. Depends on the person on their criteria are more monomaniacal and focus. The negative side of a collector can be who may very well be existing in a very superficial and money oriented space when it comes to acquiring things. I’ve known a lot of people who have a lot of some thing . . . And they know nothing about their hobby when pressed. Wouldn’t say it’s a bad thing but it is a thing…it’s something i don’t get. I would feel both could have a deep passion and knowledge on watches but the enthusiast definitely does whereas this doesn't always have to be true for some collectors.
Happy Birthday 🎂 Pete! I think that you basically start off as an enthusiast before you start collecting whatever it is you are collecting. You still remain an enthusiast as a collector though (hopefully) ✊
Happy birthday, Pete. Agree that most of us in the hobby are collectors in some form and all of watching a UA-cam video about watches are enthusiasts. I’m not terribly concerned about labels. It’s more one’s actions or philosophies that I find interesting. That said stuff like this is still a fun thought experiment.
You do have a point. In a Venn diagram, collectors and enthusiasts overlap, and I'm not ruling out the existence of unenthusiastic collectors. Personally, I think of myself as a wearer first, enthusiast second, and collector third. I am also interested in watches I will never own. And my collection is not specialised. I used to collect empty brass at a shooting range. Literally. I wanted to have every cartridge I could find, from 6 mm Flobert to 8 mm Mauser. That was pure collecting to me: Having a complete set, or at least subset. My own collection is geared towards variety and wearing. Reluctantly, I have to admit I am a collector in this aspect. But I don't collect watches to add to my collection. I'm not browsing the net thinking "let's see what's there for me to collect." I actually hate the word "collect" just for the sound. I just buy watches that bring me joy when I wear them. And I'm mostly done.
Happy birthday Pete! Another fun topic and thought experiment. I think that you have it right. If I’m interested in gold as an investment and I acquire a certain amount of it, in this case I might not be either an enthusiast nor a collector. I’m an accumulator in this case because I’m not interested in the objects (gold coins) in any way other than their value. Is this a possible caveat. The extreme case of this is hording - whether it’s a house filled with junk, a yard filled with dead cars, or a mattress filled with gems. Also, let’s look at collecting vs. curating if you haven’t done this already.
Very nice. A tiny tweak: I think a collector aspires to owning *more* than one thing. You're not a collector if you're happy with owning just one watch. That's me: one watch, an enthusiast, but not a collector.
@@PeteMcConvillWatches I think the "must" is implied. Because without purpose it's not a collection - it's a bunch of watches offering choice. Nobody with a lot of trousers calls it a "trouser collection" it's just a lot of variety and that's ok. "Collecting" means there must be a goal or purpose behind it. We are all guilty of misusing the "collection" word but that doesn't make it different that actually most of us do not collect "vintage subs of the 70s with misprint dials".
I agree with "there must be a goal or purpose behind it" but I think that can be really loose - perhaps as loose as "I like them". Its an interesting point, the distinction between a pile of similar stuff and a collection - I actually think it has more to do with the item than the fact there is a pile. For example I own about 6 cameras - basically I upgrade my camera every few years, the old ones arent worth much to sell so I keep them as back-ups, specialist macro cameras etc but despite having a pile of cameras I would never call myself a camera collector. OTOH when I bought my third watch I had no clue of where I was going or what my "collection" was eventually going to be BUT i knew I was now a collector. I think the "intentionality" comes from collecting stuff that is obviously, only and entirely discretionary with zero utility.
That will be most likely revealed to the conversation but I probably owned like 20 + watches over my youth years that were very inexpensive watches but for some reason I kept them all even they stopped working. Then life happened and most of them end up in trash and in next 25 years I just had like three watches that I barley put on. About 12 years ago I bought myself very cheap steps tracker and heart monitoring wrist (watch) After about one year of using it, for some unknown reason to me I started reading about watches and thought to myself that it would be cool to find watches that I had when I was a kid. Now, after over 100 watches later I will considered myself a hobbyist with little of nostalgia in it. Happy Birthday!
Happy birthday mate! Wish you all the best, always enjoy whatever you love. PS I'm either an enthusiast collector or the opposite. Anyways, i just watch...
Happy birthday 🎉 I’m a watch enthusiast, although I do own a number of watches. To me, being a collector implies a greater level of knowledge, which frankly I don’t believe I possess. I think I’m more of an amateur hobbyist, than a knowledgeable collector / expert. Collectors (IMHO) have more savvy. For me, that’s my distinction. Yes I happen to have a collection of watches, but I’m really an enthusiast first.
Happy birthday! I have to respectfully disagree on your definition of a collector. It’s not simply about possession. I have 10 pairs of socks, but I’m not a collector. I have 10 Breitlings, ans that’s beginning to look like an unintentional collection. For me a collector is somebody who sets out to build a set based on some kind of theme, or at least with some intent. When people say they’re more of an enthusiast than a collector, I don’t think they typically mean to suggest that the two are opposites, or not mutually compatible ideas, they’re just expressing their view that they just like watches, and own a few. Each watch is of individual interest, but they don’t really think about their watches as a singular collective entity.
Happy Birthday 🎂 l think you have to be an enthusiast to become a collector. I own a lot of socks and l will probably get more this Christmas but l wouldn't describe myself as a sock collector.
I wouldnt know. I am a nostalgia freak, things that activate memories give me rushes like adenalin. This happens when hearing music from 30 years ago, when I read a first edition 1736 book from my library (not some reprint), or actually wearing a 1960s iconic watch on my wrist, one that was actually produced then during my very own childhood. Do I care about a 2024 Patek or AP, about grand complications or precious metals and gemstones ? Not really. So am I a watch collector or an enthusiast ? I wouldn't know and I don't care much.
I find I have an allergic reaction to the word "true" - always comes with a very gatekeepery vibe. I find the people that use it insist on them being the ones that define whats "true".
![Lp. Сердце Вселенной #60 РОЖДЕНИЕ ЛОЛОЛОШКИ [Финал] • Майнкрафт](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/YoR0pAV9FVQ/mqdefault.jpg)
The two may overlap, however there is a distinction between the two. A collector acquires watches based on a set theme or requirement. An enthusiast enjoys the subject matter, however broad or in depth. A good analogy is with coins. The coin collector may fill an album of every date and Mint mark for say, a US Wheat cent/penny. Whereas, a coin enthusiast _tends_ to collect coins but the more important component is that the enthusiast enjoys the subject matter--the process of Minting, the history of the coins, the design of the coins, etc.
This
HAPPY BIRTHDAY 🎉 PETE
MY Enthusiasm drives me to explore, hunt, research, discuss, be surprised, exhilarated and disappointed by the physical experience of the Watch hobby, the end result being a 50 year collection of watches with life memories, and journeys.
My VC watch buddy says, just buy one watch for life, forget about the rest.
It not brand recognition for me, its the above described personal life journey, how it’s evolved through the decades, exploring each rabbit hole for derivations of the design aesthetic and engineering marvel that helps me keep pace with societal time expectations.
And it just feels great to put on a great watch, look down periodically and SMILE!
Happy birthday Pete, always good to hear your thoughts. You're so right about people who seem to have ended up with lots of nice watches about which they know nothing. I refer to them as 'watch accumulators'😊.
I do agree with the final comment.
All the watch world, manufacturing, brands, social media is, in the grand scheme of things, a very minor topic. Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, Vacheron Constantin, A Lange und Söhne, FP Journe, MB&F, Richard Mille, all could disappear overnight with 99.9% of the world’s population not even noticing. Ok, some people would notice if Rolex or Seiko suddenly vanished.
Pete, you had a prior excellent video where you compared owning a watch collection or a collection of watches.
In my eyes, the whole idea of collecting means a deliberate effort to acquire specific things for the sake of owning them. Effort measured in terms of time and/or money. That’s not for me. I already have a job which can be demanding, the last thing I want is to be worried with watches.
I am happy to be an enthusiast : I have stopped buying watches to impress other people and the painful experience of selling watches has put me off from owning too many pieces.
Happy Birthday, Pete!
A very gray subject here. My personal definition is an enthusiast has a collection of what they like and bring them enjoyment. Your example kinda brings down the enthusiast because they cannot collect the cars but forgetting they collect the merchandise, flock to see it and gather parts to say they have some part of the original. In a sense bring their passion for the car closer without having the cars but a collection of sorts. I believe they as well think of the value and other considerations a collector would but perhaps not the same. On average there is a lot of emotions and peer group approval involved. Has little to no vision when it comes to next purchase and makes trendy impulse purchase.
Collector values high horology, may have a small or large curated collection. Depends on the person on their criteria are more monomaniacal and focus. The negative side of a collector can be who may very well be existing in a very superficial and money oriented space when it comes to acquiring things. I’ve known a lot of people who have a lot of some thing . . . And they know nothing about their hobby when pressed. Wouldn’t say it’s a bad thing but it is a thing…it’s something i don’t get.
I would feel both could have a deep passion and knowledge on watches but the enthusiast definitely does whereas this doesn't always have to be true for some collectors.
Happy Birthday 🎂 Pete!
I think that you basically start off as an enthusiast before you start collecting whatever it is you are collecting. You still remain an enthusiast as a collector though (hopefully) ✊
Happy birthday, Pete.
Agree that most of us in the hobby are collectors in some form and all of watching a UA-cam video about watches are enthusiasts.
I’m not terribly concerned about labels. It’s more one’s actions or philosophies that I find interesting.
That said stuff like this is still a fun thought experiment.
Im finding this discussion is like the ones over pronouns - no one cares until they care deeply.
You do have a point. In a Venn diagram, collectors and enthusiasts overlap, and I'm not ruling out the existence of unenthusiastic collectors.
Personally, I think of myself as a wearer first, enthusiast second, and collector third. I am also interested in watches I will never own. And my collection is not specialised.
I used to collect empty brass at a shooting range. Literally. I wanted to have every cartridge I could find, from 6 mm Flobert to 8 mm Mauser. That was pure collecting to me: Having a complete set, or at least subset.
My own collection is geared towards variety and wearing. Reluctantly, I have to admit I am a collector in this aspect.
But I don't collect watches to add to my collection. I'm not browsing the net thinking "let's see what's there for me to collect." I actually hate the word "collect" just for the sound.
I just buy watches that bring me joy when I wear them. And I'm mostly done.
Im enthusiastic watch collector 😊
Happy birthday Pete! Another fun topic and thought experiment. I think that you have it right. If I’m interested in gold as an investment and I acquire a certain amount of it, in this case I might not be either an enthusiast nor a collector. I’m an accumulator in this case because I’m not interested in the objects (gold coins) in any way other than their value. Is this a possible caveat. The extreme case of this is hording - whether it’s a house filled with junk, a yard filled with dead cars, or a mattress filled with gems.
Also, let’s look at collecting vs. curating if you haven’t done this already.
Very nice.
A tiny tweak: I think a collector aspires to owning *more* than one thing. You're not a collector if you're happy with owning just one watch. That's me: one watch, an enthusiast, but not a collector.
A collection should have a theme or a purpose. If you don’t have that, you just have a few watches. And that is totally fine.
I agree it "should" - but should isnt must.
@@PeteMcConvillWatches I think the "must" is implied. Because without purpose it's not a collection - it's a bunch of watches offering choice. Nobody with a lot of trousers calls it a "trouser collection" it's just a lot of variety and that's ok. "Collecting" means there must be a goal or purpose behind it. We are all guilty of misusing the "collection" word but that doesn't make it different that actually most of us do not collect "vintage subs of the 70s with misprint dials".
I agree with "there must be a goal or purpose behind it" but I think that can be really loose - perhaps as loose as "I like them".
Its an interesting point, the distinction between a pile of similar stuff and a collection - I actually think it has more to do with the item than the fact there is a pile. For example I own about 6 cameras - basically I upgrade my camera every few years, the old ones arent worth much to sell so I keep them as back-ups, specialist macro cameras etc but despite having a pile of cameras I would never call myself a camera collector. OTOH when I bought my third watch I had no clue of where I was going or what my "collection" was eventually going to be BUT i knew I was now a collector.
I think the "intentionality" comes from collecting stuff that is obviously, only and entirely discretionary with zero utility.
That will be most likely revealed to the conversation but I probably owned like 20 + watches over my youth years that were very inexpensive watches but for some reason I kept them all even they stopped working.
Then life happened and most of them end up in trash and in next 25 years I just had like three watches that I barley put on.
About 12 years ago I bought myself very cheap steps tracker and heart monitoring wrist (watch)
After about one year of using it, for some unknown reason to me I started reading about watches and thought to myself that it would be cool to find watches that I had when I was a kid.
Now, after over 100 watches later I will considered myself a hobbyist with little of nostalgia in it.
Happy Birthday!
Happy birthday Pete. Have a good one
Happy Birthday Pete from a fellow Sagittarius. Nice distinctions!
(I prefer to be called a watch nut.)
I’m enthusiastic as I don’t want the same of any one kind just watches that fulfil a purpose.
Good Topic. Happy Birthday
Happy birthday mate! Wish you all the best, always enjoy whatever you love.
PS I'm either an enthusiast collector or the opposite. Anyways, i just watch...
Happy birthday Pete!
Happy birthday!
Happy Birthday!🎊🎂🎉 May the Watch god make you plentiful! ⏱️⏰🕰️
Happy birthday 🎉
I’m a watch enthusiast, although I do own a number of watches. To me, being a collector implies a greater level of knowledge, which frankly I don’t believe I possess.
I think I’m more of an amateur hobbyist, than a knowledgeable collector / expert. Collectors (IMHO) have more savvy.
For me, that’s my distinction. Yes I happen to have a collection of watches, but I’m really an enthusiast first.
Happy birthday! I have to respectfully disagree on your definition of a collector. It’s not simply about possession. I have 10 pairs of socks, but I’m not a collector. I have 10 Breitlings, ans that’s beginning to look like an unintentional collection. For me a collector is somebody who sets out to build a set based on some kind of theme, or at least with some intent.
When people say they’re more of an enthusiast than a collector, I don’t think they typically mean to suggest that the two are opposites, or not mutually compatible ideas, they’re just expressing their view that they just like watches, and own a few. Each watch is of individual interest, but they don’t really think about their watches as a singular collective entity.
Happy Birthday 🎂 l think you have to be an enthusiast to become a collector. I own a lot of socks and l will probably get more this Christmas but l wouldn't describe myself as a sock collector.
Happy Birthday 🎁
I wouldnt know. I am a nostalgia freak, things that activate memories give me rushes like adenalin. This happens when hearing music from 30 years ago, when I read a first edition 1736 book from my library (not some reprint), or actually wearing a 1960s iconic watch on my wrist, one that was actually produced then during my very own childhood. Do I care about a 2024 Patek or AP, about grand complications or precious metals and gemstones ? Not really. So am I a watch collector or an enthusiast ? I wouldn't know and I don't care much.
Some are true collectors. Others are just into buying things
I find I have an allergic reaction to the word "true" - always comes with a very gatekeepery vibe. I find the people that use it insist on them being the ones that define whats "true".