Jimmy Kay
25
Went though same exact process last year
Hey man I know exactly how you feel. Was drawn to the brand plus de Bethune for my first big boy piece. I ended up purchasing a rose gold CS without seeing it in person and I can share my experience since then.
I paid about 80% of RRP in secondary to get the CS instantly. Wore it everyday for two months until it got too hot in December (southern hemisphere). Since I’ve put it away, I have mostly stuck with my daily rolex explorer I. I still pick the CS up sometimes just to admire it but my initial love has certainly died down a little. I don’t know if it’s because the model I really wanted was the optimum (I settled for the entry level) or that I did not take the time to define my collector’s philosophy properly. Either way, I know I made the mistake of rushing it.
To echo the others above me, take your time to figure what you really like. Good luck!
How do you decide on your first timepiece?
I am at a position today to start a collection. With an overwhelming set of options I have decided I want my collection to be centered around independent watchmakers (De Bethune or FP Journe). I don't want FOMO to guide my decision, but it's proving tough...
The advice is as simple as mandatory.
Try it on. Likely you need to put as many as you can in your wrist, or at least the chosen ones. Then, let it rest. Your wrist and feelings will do the rest. Some love complications, others finishing, others the brand.... It's definitely subjective, time ...
I couldn’t have put it better
That’s the way to do it. Congratulations on going the indie route. It will be an exciting and rewarding journey. With FPJ and De Bethune, you have excellent brands to start with (and both are strong personal favorites). Keep us posted on your journey, ple...
Speaking as an owner of scores of watches; dozens of which have been independents
Buy one or two at afforable prices with no waiting that you think you will like and hold them for 6 months. Take note of what you like and what you don't -- because you will find things you can't figure out in advance without wearing / owning it. For exam...
That was an awesome post 👏 No bad watches from FPJ or DB so a lot of great choices there.
I would add start with small $ so that you find your way and know what you like before spending big $.... But I like where OP's head is at. My first De Bethune now has a shipment tracking number, so excited!!!
Very impressive post!
Your experiences can hardly be valued highly enough!! Thanks a lot for this journey. All the best Thomas
Nice collection!
Thank you for all that detail! I have tried to read and learn as much as I can but there are definitely things that I had not taken in to consideration. Some of those are; issues with crown, how it looks on the wrist. I am under the impression that if it ...
Hi Saile, a warm welcome here.
I hope you will enjoy our forum. We have some great people here, with amazing knowledge and collections. It’s two -great- but certainly also niche brands - you have selected as candidates. Not where one would typically set off and certainly not for everyo...
Thanks for the warm welcome.
Christian, I have been researching brands for the last 2 months and the independent brands speak to me for various reasons: Low production sizes, I enjoy the uniqueness of the watch. Unknown to the masses, it's not a brand that would be easily recognized,...
I think you are making some very valid points
And it sounds like you have done some good research. The process of finding out what you like, is super interesting. The best is when you surprise yourself. It’s all about enjoying the journey and you can even make some great friends along the way. Great ...
The right one is when
you burn 100 percent for her and think about her day and night. You will know for sure when this time comes. Good luck and welcome to our wonderful forum Thomas
This is probably the best advice of all, Thomas
I only buy watches that keep me awake at night now. I have bought pieces that I had hesitations about it others convinced me. I have bought watches that I thought where a good deal and a clever purchase. All those, I had to get rid of again. They never ls...
Agree :-)
However I’ve experienced on occasion that there are some watches that I buy with little feeling... and then I burn for her 100% after owning her. Such is the case for my Saxonia AC.
I think you have to define your collecting philosophy
Most people start by buying what they like. That’s an important starting point, but soon you will realize it isn’t enough, and hence that’s where you’ll make mistakes. As one journeys through his or her collecting years, you will start thinking of history...
A lot depends on budget...
...but independents is a good way to go. If you do go with the 'big boys,' I'd recommend vintage.
I used to have a 'checklist' of what watches to buy for my collection. Now I just buy pieces that "speak to me." So far it hasn't steered me wrong. In love with all my pieces.
The ones I bought when I had a checklist are all gone.
Went though same exact process last year
Hey man I know exactly how you feel. Was drawn to the brand plus de Bethune for my first big boy piece. I ended up purchasing a rose gold CS without seeing it in person and I can share my experience since then. I paid about 80% of RRP in secondary to get ...