Time to Consolidate my Collection - A scary experience
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- Опубліковано 7 вер 2024
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I really need to consolidate my watch reviewer videos. 😅
Hahahahahaha
I’m at 60 pieces. A mix of everything and that sits well with me. Expensive pieces, cheaper pieces, divers, dress , digital, anadigi, auto, manual wind, quartz, mecha quartz…. I rotate through almost all of them and enjoy taking at least 6 of them away when on holidays. Great video James and a good discussion and insight into the conflict we all go through ….😅
Do you take tools away too? Some extra strap as well? Just in case. Sad aren’t we. 😅
Definitely. Hahahaha. Thanks for WATCHing
that awesome hope i can reach that point one day
I’ll second that. I like different types of watches like you, and they each have qualities. I’m at 105 pieces which is too much, but 60 pieces sounds like a good number :-) Not 10.
At one point about 6 years ago now I had over 50 watches. I then began selling off and consolidating and got to about 15.
After that, I had a major financial crisis hit and went to just 1 watch for about 5 years.
Over the past year my collection has ballooned to currently 8, and this is after selling but mostly giving away several. My goal is 10. 5 core and 5 rotating. This includes 1 that I built, not from a kit, but did my homework.
As for selling off, 2 people can equally love the same watch. They can both sell the same watch but for vastly different personal reasons. If it is the right time to let it go, it is the right time.
I am a big fan of the rotating position system. Allows for some great watches to come and go.
I was initially SHOCKED! But as you showed the watches and explained your reasoning, I began to think about my daily watch preferences and the hugely redundant collection stored safely.
An inspirational conversation.
Will have to find your older vid with selling tips.
Thanks James!
Thanks for WATCHing
When the dust settles a Tactical frog will be the last watch standing
Hahahaha. Probably
I agree with you! To keep the watch budget manageable and the collection's freshness, you need to sell. The wrist time is the best criteria of selection.
Every now and then I go thru my collection and when I find the one "Oh, I even forgot I had it", the writing it's on the wall for that one... :)
I just sold my Casio MRW 200H because... well, just doesn't fit me anymore
I'm not looking to make a profit, but I won't let go for petty offers: my watches are well maintained and kept, also descriptions for sale are accurate and honest.
Thanks for WATCHing
Looking forward now to that amazing watch I’ll be able to buy
I have been collecting watches for 35-40 years and own 40-45 watches.
I feel it is wrong:
1) to state you need to wear all watches in your collection
2) to set a maximal number of watches in your collection
Different persons, different kind of collectors. No right, no wrong.
When you’re in the beginning of your watch journey, you may have to learn your personal taste in watches, buying and re-selling them.
Once your taste is clear, you will not buy and sell as many watches anymore. My personal experience.
I think that is spot on.
I for see myself doing that too.
I love that comment. I have 105 watches, which is slightly too many. But like you, I don’t need to wear all watches all the time. I appreciate them for the design objects they are. I would probably sell a few of the older, not used watches, but it’s just a hassle and work to sell. And like you, when I got to understand my own taste I bought less and with more discretion.
I'm in that consolidation phase right now. I started out as an Invicta collector, so it was easy to grab over a hundred pieces. Now, I'm only wearing about 10. Microbrands have become my go to!
I’ve got two micros on order. Which I’m excited about.
@@WATCHingJames I'm sure that video will inspire many new purchases 🤣
Hearing you Trap! Starting with Invicta, as you know and grew to over 100 in a year or so. Then down the rabbit hole , watching UA-camrs and listening and reading and then my collection grew to over 230 ( a variety of Japanese,Swiss and micros) over the next few years. Planning to offload around 100 or so! Sorry... consolidate!
@respectablylate3081 the most interesting thing is how we all connect through this hobby of ours. It's like a movement!
100 invictas?????
I hear you man and it makes sense. having too many you cant enjoy them but ultimately I wonder if we are not just chasing the thrill. That being said I dont sell watches but give them away to other people to start their journeys. Deciding what stays and what goes however is tricky haha!
I do enjoy the hunt too.
But am careful not to let that overshadow my enjoyment of the watch.
Hello James. I've always found that the videos that you do outside straight reviews are insightful and helpful. That's not to say that your reviews are not so (I really like the Oris Atelier and Big Crown Pointer Date). I think that you've carved your own niche amongst the watch influencers on UA-cam. Long may that continue. Best. Mark in Neukölln.
Thank you so much. I really appreciate it.
You do a good job, James. Our tastes concur quite a lot, I long for a 40mm green faced small seconds field watch. Maybe Vario will provide. You can't beat a small seconds field watch in my book. Loved your recent Chrono 24 advice. Trust your instincts, I do. Watch collecting is a disease. Moving back to Blighty soon, I've now reduced my 'burden' to 12 in a Rothwell case (Big up Top Tier Ticker for the heads up on that purchase).But then I see your Tissot Telemeter and I think about the Oris Big Crown Date. And I think about other watches and realize that I'm a horological junkie. I should point out that my biggest purchase was a1000€ Seiko Pogue and my near perfect watch is my Hamilton Khaki Field 38mm. Best. Mark.@@WATCHingJames
@@WATCHingJames My pleasure, James. I'm a fan. 'Feed the faith and starve the doubt' as Marvin Hagler once said. Best. Mark.
Always a good thing to keep the collection manageable.
I think so. It was getting a bit out of hand for me.
But it made me make some hard decisions
@@WATCHingJames it's always hard, mate. I've been there, moreso due to financial reasons in recent times, which makes it even harder.
Hi James , I'm wrestling with the same problem here , I had 20 pieces and reduced the size down to my favourite 8 , now suprise suprise I started wearing them again and I find 8 is the number for me , avoids leaving them gathering dust and buying and selling
Thanks for WATCHing
Biggest shock was the Damasko for me. Most I have had in my collection was around 40 pieces but started to notice many were doing the same job/ had similar looks (still too many dive watches) - now down to about 16 but still love to look out for the next shiny thing 😉
It was very hard to sell the Damasko. But really needed to downsize.
Another excellent video and and issue that many of us have had to confront. At one point I had over 70 watches and I become overwhelmed by my collection and guilty at the number I knew I would never wear again. My solution was to consolidate my collection down to the current 15 watches with the intention of moving on another 5. However, I am about to purchase the WatchDives 50 Fathoms in the current sale, so maybe I have to operate the one in, one out policy to maintain my optimum number.
The one in one out is a pretty good way to manage the collection. It also still gives you the freedom to own different watches.
Interesting perspective on collection consolidation. Well done, sir. Mine is too large also, but the value of 90% of them is simply too low, so I can't be bothered to sell any of them. About 10-15 is in rotation most of the time, the rest only rarely. I can live with that.
Thanks for WATCHing
sad you sold your accutron spaceview your review a while back helped pushed me to get one and I’m still loving mine and wear it often It’s such a unique one of a kind watch
I really do love it and it was a hard decision to make.
But I feel that I had my time with it.
Sold the Erebus. Jody will be shattered! Glad you kept the Stowa. I’ll always keep my expensive Laco.
I have the new Erebus coming. So I’m sure he will be ok. Hahahaha
Getting down from 100 to 30 was easy, still need to go further but finding it really difficult. 7 are gifts that will remain in my collection forever, and I'm allowing myself 10 majors and 10 micros. Trying to oust the last few to get to my target is proving tough.
I know how you feel.
The perfect size collection is always the number you have now + 1 😂! Variety is the spice of life. I’ve never had an ideal number in my head but, like you, I’ve been feeling like it’s too big right now. However, if I weren’t always wearing review watches I would have more time with watches from my own collection.
Maybe even plus 2. Hahahahaha
Ten to twelve watches is the perfect amount, IMHO. More sometimes is less. AGREED!
I think so too
Great video. I agree completely. I am a bit older than you and was wondering if you would do a video on selling watches? Where? How to price? Does the price impact how/where you sell the watch?
I’ve done a specific selling watches video talking about my process.
I think I cover most of those points.
Check out my older videos. It’s in there somewhere
We all come out the other side.
Just adding more and more watches is usually about chasing the gratification of buying or hoarding (or both).
I think a lot of people get tired of that eventually. I did.
I found I can’t really enjoy owning more than 5 or 6 watches. Beyond that it just turns into a number with some almost certainly getting pushed to one side.
If I’ve pushed it to the side I don’t need it and clearly no longer want it. 5 or 6 is the number that works for me so that doesn’t happen.
I’m definitely feeling the same.
Will try to keep the collection under 15 from now on.
Well done! The word we need to use instead of consolidating is actually FOCUS. Focus on what matters in your collection and trim the fat if „nice to have but not essential. Then enjoy the ones left to the max!
That’s a better word. I may have to use it 😁
I’ve never sold a watch that I like. Only watches I’ve sold are ones I bought for the wrong reasons (e.g., impulse buys that I looked at later and asked “wtf was I thinking) these were all from my early days of collecting. Since I’ve evolved in the hobby, I only buy pieces that I’ll have have no reason to part with because I have evolved my taste and purchasing process. As for wrist time, I actually enjoy the process of deciding which watches to wear. I make conscious efforts to wear everything. Some more than others, sure. I even play games like days of the week - Monta Monday, Tudor Tuesday, Wild card Wednesday, Panera Friday (don’t ask)…weird? Absolutely.
Thanks for WATCHing
That's why I like collecting in the economy watch spectrum, less financial pressure and I can spend as much as 1k USD on several watches over months than have to buy one once a year. I'll go back to Swiss eventually after finding out what my liking is
Thanks for WATCHing
Im addicted to watches and cologne. I couldn't imagine consolidating either.
It is a hard thing to do
And guns ?
@@martinpankhurst2683 of course, but watches and cologne have been overtaking my gun habit lately. Ammo and guns are too stupid priced right now.
As always, it's really interesting to see how deliberate and thoughtful you are with your collecting, whilst at the same time retaining your enthusiasm and enjoyment, and not letting it become an exercise in accounting, which consolidation seems to imply sometimes.
Thank you so much.
Well done on your fortitude to sell off some pretty great pieces! Youve improved your watch potency as Jeff McMahon would say 😄
It was hard to do. But I feel like I’ve had my time with them and there are others that I want to experience.
I have over 40 watches, and I wear about 10. I can relate. I know I need to sell a bunch, but they all give me pleasure, and I just need to bite the bullet and get rid of a few. I'm betting my wife agrees! Thanks for your thoughts James!
Hahahaha. Mine certainly did.
I commend you for consolidating your collection and selling off some great watches. Well I kinda sorta was forced to consolidate. I too am in the midst of moving houses. So I had to bring a very small collection to my current address. And by small collection means I only brought 8 watches with me hahahaha! But at least they are watches that don’t usually get a lot of wrist time. Great video!
Thank you. It has been hard to let some go. But it was time.
Wow, you've moved on some big hitters out of your collection, some big decisions and difficult ones. But you can't keep them all and if they're not getting wrist time they are just ornaments 'gathering dust'. I'm having a bit of a clear out myself just to rebalance the bank account after a recent purchase (was saving up, but got a deal i couldn't pass up) so some lesser worn pieces plus some ive 'upgraded' from are going. Fancy moving on that lovely Tissot and that awesome Bulova😱😉. Cheers James.
A few were hard to let go. But it was time.
I'm thinking a Sinn 104 for a daily with a quick adjust clasp and a Tudor Royal for the weekend. Casio's for the garage and field. Thanks for the video.
That would be a great collection
I run a spreadsheet of what I sell and buy each year. On average I sell 15 watches and buy 15 watches. This year I have really slowed down buying 5 and selling 4. I am at a happy place with my collection right now and the excitement of buying watches has dropped off for some reason not sure why. I may pick it up again in the fall but nothing really excites me at the moment and really there is nothing that I want to sell. I have sold some watches that I ended up buying again because I missed them to much. I also need a break from dealing with the tire kickers, scammers, and time wasters on Facebook Marketplace where I mostly sell my watches because I wont sell on platforms that have a fee or commission. I also enjoy buying straps and bracelets to dramatically change my feelings on how a watch looks its a game changer for some watches in my collection.
It does get tiresome sometimes with scammers and low ball offers.
But it keeps money coming back into my account that I can use again to buy something new.
Good point with the strap change-ups👌
I find myself getting very jaded at the 2nd hand watch market. Seems to be now every watch for sale is rare, discontinued, sold out or incredibly sought after. People are advertising used worn watches for hundreds if not thousands of dollars over rrp. It’s just perpetuating fomo. I recently bought a brew retro matic from the supplier at rrp. A few months back someone in my area was trying to sell one above rrp because they were always sold out. They’re not. It’s getting out of hand.
Thanks for WATCHing
I love my Tissot 1938. Different dial but still loving it. Some of my fmost worn watches are inexpensive like my bronze mech baltany. It is looking so nice as it absorbs my sweat this summer time. I also bought a colourful cheap mech that I wear to the cottage and BBQs.
I do love the Tissot. But have had my time with.
I have over 75 watches at this point I and I am at the point where I want to sell some I no longer wear and get some others that I will wear. I don't have a number I want to be at I just want watches that I actually wear at least a few times a year. Great discussion James.
Wow. 75. Makes me feel a bit better. Hahahaha
Thanks for WATCHing
Thanks James! Best channel on UA-cam.
I’m about were you are on watch count. Want to sell about half of mine…
Hi James great update . Where do you find the best place to sell your watches ? I'm thinking about slimming my heard . Cheers
I mostly use the watch sales specific groups on Facebook marketplace.
There’s a couple of good ones here in Australia.
I also use eBay and chrono24. However need to take into account the fees.
Any decision which results in your favorite watches getting more wrist time is a good decision. Period
Well said
yes it is scary and I'm doing the same thing. 50 pieces is my ideal limit
Thanks for WATCHing
Great video my friend. It's good seeing that I'm not by myself in this matter. You sold some amazing watches, but I completely understand.
Thanks mate not was a hard thing to do. But it was time.
It’s impossible for me to really consolidate. I can’t sell the ones I’ve been gifted, I jave irreplaceable vintage pieces, and several watches that I’ve bought marking special occasions in my life like when I started my own business. The ones I could sell would net me probably enough to get a turtle
A very good point.
I have some in my collection I could not sell for similar reasons.
I’m terrified of selling any of my watches… I don’t know what to do, where to start, how much hassle is it…? Can you help?
I’ve actually made a video about selling watches.
It might be helpful.
Have a look back at my older videos.
Well said, James. I don’t like it when collectors imply that there is an ideal number of watches. I don’t sell my watches as I buy a piece to celebrate something… from a special holiday to a life event. I change watches regularly, often twice a day. Therefore, accuracy is not a major issue for me. Each to his own!
Thank you.
Ahhhh the collector conundrum! I have almost 60 and so I definitely need to consolidate but I just say I do wear them, just not that much haha. I buy a watch because I would like to wear it, but yeah I have a problem! And a good chunk of the watches I could sell I’m not going to make any money on them, and the eBay fees! I have the same problem, on a bigger scale as you! Follow up video on how you are feeling haha.
Hahahahaha. Feeling fine.
They were wonderful watches. But I had my time with them.
Thanks for the video. My collection is like a slow accordion. It gets to mid 40's then back to 30ish. Currently it is 30, with 3 on the sales block. Ive sold and rebought watches. I don't think Id sell 10 or 15 and buy one, not worth the options out there. I prefer to have a range and many options, rather than a few. Cheers from Atlantic Canada!!!
That’s a perfect way to describe it.
I’m exactly where you are mate. Super conflicted with consolidating😬
Thanks for WATCHing
Can't believe you sold the Accutron!
Me too
I agree, my collection is now up to around 120 watches and so many never see any wrist time. About 15 are currently for sale.
Wow. Now that’s a collection
Thanks for WATCHing
Hi james haven't watched many videos recently but this one made me think.i feel a bit guilty for not wearing some of my watches but still aren't willing to let them go is this a bit strange? Because watches are made for a purpose but I just like owning them for the collecting factor .I do understand where you are coming from with your collection as they are manly more affordable watches and are readily available I think it's maybe easier to let things come and go. great video thanks John 👍.
There is no wrong way to collect or own watches.
Whatever works for you. Is the right thing to do.
Another thought, instead of selling some watches give them away and get somebody’s watch journey a kick start, that’s one of my favorite things to do
A very generous idea
If I’m truly done with a watch I give it to a friend or family member. My nephews have Seiko 5s now
That is a great way to start someone on their own watch journey
Im at 24 (2 watch boxes). You just gave me the motivation to make the decision to reduce! Some never get worn and are not worth much (eg older Raketa models Id hunted down) but I'm trying to simplify my collection.... and even selling Lego models I've had for decades!
I did a big clear out of a bunch of things I owned before staring this channel.
It was time to let a few things go and the money it made was how I really kicked off my collection
I think of this often and know that there are a handfull that I just don't wear ... I like them but don't wear them. Where do you sell your watches?
Mostly on watch sales groups on Facebook. But also eBay and chrono24
I would have loved to know how and where you sold the watches. I'm trying to sell some myself.
Mostly on watch sales groups on Facebook marketplace.
But I also use eBay and chrono24. Keeping in mind the commission costs.
Where gave you had the most success selling the watches James?
Watch sales groups on Facebook.
We have a few good ones in Australia. A bit of a community.
RIP the damasko, wearing mine now on bracelet. Any more thoughts on why it was time to go?
It is a brilliant watch. But I felt like I needed to make some hard decisions.
I’ve had my time with it. Loved it. And now mostly ok to let it go.
What Australian sites did you watches? Do you recommend a site for selling microbrands!
I use a few.
Primarily the watch sales groups on Facebook.
Also eBay and chrono24. But keeping in mind they have costs associated with
Consolidating can be a good thing
Scary. But good
At the end of the day, the Chinese are making it harder and harder to justify buying more expansive watches. For example IMO, my Hruodland Turbine ($140) is way nicer that the original IWC "MARKUS BÜHLER" going for 100x the price. Obviously the movement is not the same, but I still appreciate the hand-wound mechanical ST3620 in my Hruodland. The other reality is that "high end" watch makers have been creating over complicated movements simply to justify the selling price. The $10,000 movement in the IWC does exactly the same job as the $40 Seagull.
Hey that is totally cool if that works for you. A Kia brings you from A to B as well as a Porsche. Some people prefer to travel in the Porsche, some don't see the value in doing so. One of my most worn watches is a Casio. But man, do I enjoy wearing my heavy hitters. Plus they keep their value, as I normally don't buy them new.
Thanks for WATCHing
@@koolpep Actually I feel the same way about cars! My buddy has a tow truck and he picks up mostly Mercedes, BMW and other luxury cars. These things are always breaking down. Once a month he picks up a Toyota or a Honda.
What is the yellow and checkerboard item in the background?
That’s the most asked question I get. Hahahaha.
It is a replica of a taxi Lancer from the game gears of war.
@@WATCHingJames I like it, very eye catching with the contrast between the yellow and black & white 😊👍
I was a little surprised when I saw some of these pop up on eBay, I thought I saw the Stowa listed. Not sure if it was ebay or one of the fb sales forums, it wasn’t there for long, you must have changed your mind pretty quickly, if I’d been flush when I saw it I would have pulled the trigger instantly. I’ll be keeping my eyes open 😏
It did show up but then very quickly removed.
I’m glad that I decided to keep that one.
@@WATCHingJames I thought so, good call keeping it, it would definitely be a permanent collection piece for me.
Hi, are you guys collecting watches then getting them serviced?
Some I never service, others occasionally and some regularly
James do you still have that turbine fliegerr watch that 1 is my favorite. Neil from Adelaide
That one is never going to leave the collection. One of my favorites and worn a lot.
I'd never let go of the Accutron Spaece view if i had one.
That was a hard decision.
What I can say is that I am so happy to have owned it.
I had the same feeling until I went to purchase one. The watch is HUGE. They need to cut down the dimensions, reduce the polish and lower the price. The new Evolution is now 5k CDN. The other negative is service.
I think you are crazy to sell the Tissot
I feel crazy selling it.
Just consolidated: a GMT Master II 126713 GRNR, Blancpain Fifty Fathoms Bathyscaphe Blue Ceramic into a unworn May 2024 Daytona 126500LN - so yeah, it’s a real thing to slim down your selection into higher end but lower amount….
Sometimes it is just time to let some go. Plus it frees up cash for another purchase
Surprised you sold the turbine pilot!
No. That one has remained in the collection. I don’t foresee it ever leaving.
@@WATCHingJames that's pretty cool tbh, the fact that you sold more expensive pieces and kept the hruodland is quite a testament to the watch
👍
👍
Where did you sell them ?
Mostly on watch sales groups on Facebook. But also on eBay
You shouldn't have parted with the Damasko.
It was a very difficult decision
I’m at 0 pieces but I do have 12 watches. Lol
Thanks for WATCHing
I couldn't care less about the brand names. And it's hard for me to justify spending multiple thousands of dollars on a single watch when I can get a watch with an 80 hour power reserve and decorated movement for under US $150. Or a watch with a mechanical chronograph movement (column wheel / swan neck adjustment) for under US $175. Both watches with a sapphire sandwich.
Thanks for WATCHing
Why even stop there? Buy a $50 solar powered quartz and you don’t have to worry about movement servicing etc. or buy a Casio F91W for $12 and be happy. And why even stop there? Just check the time on your phone or computer and don’t get any watch.
My point is: Watches are redundant pieces of (old) technology and much more men-wrist-jewelry than necessity. It’s pure luxury to wear any watch. Which watch you wear is just a matter of personal budget and taste.
You are a watch junkie like the majority of US. Everything you mentioned here most of us have experienced the exact same thing.
Hahahahaha. Yes. I think I am.
@@WATCHingJames HA, sad but true.