Comments:
After never really being that ‘fussed’ with Rolex when I started buying watches, after my Yacht-Master, I realised I did like a few of the catalogue... specifically, like the new DateJust 41 and the steel SkyDweller:
So, if I was going for a five-watch collection to end my collecting days... which combination of the above would you go for (and why)? The 5960 is a keeper, but I’d consider selling/replacing the other three.
Thanks in advance! I’m really looking forward to reading your responses, views and opinions!
Daniel
One watch collection...? Or two? Or five...!? Collection vs Consolidation?!
Dear all,
A few years ago, I caught the bug. When I was at school my mate’s Dad had a TAG and it was the coolest watch I’d ever seen. I told myself that I’d get one some day.
Fast forward a few years and I was in a position to go ‘proper’ watch shopping. So, I visited a local jewellers that housed a TAG Boutique to fulfil my childhood ambition... and I left with an Omega Planet Ocean Chronograph (they also had an Omega boutique) that was double the budget I had set myself!
That was just over 6 years ago. Since then, I built up a bit of a collection, which included: TAGs (Monaco 24, Steel Grand Carrera, Calibre 1 Manual Wind and Calibre 5 ‘Drive Timer’), Omegas (Planet Ocean Chrono, Dark Side, Grey Side, Bond Aqua Terra, Good Planet GMT, a Green/Gold Moonphase, a LE Apollo 17 and a blue CK2998); and a Limited Edition Breitling Navitimer. I’d never really been in Rolex up until this point, but one day I saw the Yacht-Master 40 and eventually ended up getting the blue dial version. And, I was happy.
I thought I was happy.
Then I met a man who I’ll refer to as “Michael” (that's his name). Michael has a Patek Philippe. We got talking. I’d always been aware of Patek, but I hadn’t ever seen one that I really like the look of - I was younger then and the watches I’d seen in the boutiques just did not appeal to me (which was lucky, because neither did the price tags!) - too small and delicate. However, I couldn’t help but start looking some, watching on-line review videos, etc. Oh, Michael also has an A. Lange & Sohne. (Yes, he’s a very bad influence!)
So, after much research and late-night YouTube video binge-watching sessions I decided to sell (almost) all of my watches and consolidate them in to one Patek Philippe. I went for the 5960/01G-001.
And, I thought I was happy. And, I am happy - it’s a lovely watch! In fact, since I’ve had it I’ve not worn any of my other three watches that survived ‘the upgrade’.
I’ve heard of people talking about a 'one-watch’ collection, or more reasonably, a ‘five-watch’ collection, but I guess the eternal question is: which watches?!
I think I’m in danger or re-establishing a collection. Which, I genuinely want to avoid doing! After all, the last time that happened most of them didn’t get any wrist-time and simply sat in their boxes for months, except when I got them out to look at them! Also, when it came time to sell them, I lost money. However, in spite of this, a month or so ago, I was trying to decide what watches would be in my five-piece collection.
Somewhere along the line, I decided that I need a Panerai. Two contenders emerged after 6* hours of trying on every piece in the AD: PAM01392 and the PAM01535. (*=a conservative estimate)
After never really being that ‘fussed’ with Rolex when I started buying watches, after my Yacht-Master, I realised I did like a few of the catalogue... specifically, like the new DateJust 41 and the steel SkyDweller:
As I mentioned, my “friend’s” influence introduced my to A. Lange & Sohne. Apparently, I’m meant to get a Datograph, but after visiting the AD in Leeds I’ve decided that my top two are both from their Saxonia family: the Moonphase and the Annual Calendar:
So, if I was going for a five-watch collection to end my collecting days... which combination of the above would you go for (and why)? The 5960 is a keeper, but I’d consider selling/replacing the other three.
Lastly... after saying countless times “I’m just not that into white/light coloured dials” I was scrolling through the Patek catalogue online when I saw the 5320G-001... It looks amazing!!
What do you think of a Patek-only two-watch collection? 5960 and 5320...?!
Thanks in advance! I’m really looking forward to reading your responses, views and opinions!
Daniel
Welcome here and thanks for such a first post!
Less is more is a motto we are fond of, here.
A small but well thought collection is something a lot of people is thinking of.
I suggest you take more time, scrolling our pages, the catalogs or web sites of the brands you are considering and you will probably make great choices.
As for Panerai, I would rather go for a more " roots " one such as the Pam 372.
As for Rolex, yes, the Sky Dweller is a good one, but I would suggest you try it, just to be sure.
As for Patek, the 5320 certainly is a good choice, but much more affordable watches could be considered: A World Time, for example ( 5110 / 5130 / 5230 ). Patek World Time are iconic watches.
Selling a big part of your collection to fund other watches certainly is a good thing.
But take your time. And ask, if you have some doubts.
Best,
Nicolas
Future-proofing.
Hi Amanico, thanks for your comments.
All the watches (or variations of), except the 5320, have been on my wrist at some point.
I’ve always bought to keep and not flip or sell for profit, but one’s tastes change over time - which happened to most of my previous collection (especially the TAGs!)
I like smaller (not small) size watches now and I’m not sure that ‘trends’ in changing tastes reverse? I can’t imagine wanting to wear a 45.5mm PO Chrono again - similarly with Panerai - I’m not a fan of their cases larger than 42mm - just too big for me, which is a shame, as I do like the design of some bigger pieces.
BW, Daniel
All the watches (or variations of), except the 5320, have been on my wrist at some point.
I’ve always bought to keep and not flip or sell for profit, but one’s tastes change over time - which happened to most of my previous collection (especially the TAGs!)
I like smaller (not small) size watches now and I’m not sure that ‘trends’ in changing tastes reverse? I can’t imagine wanting to wear a 45.5mm PO Chrono again - similarly with Panerai - I’m not a fan of their cases larger than 42mm - just too big for me, which is a shame, as I do like the design of some bigger pieces.
BW, Daniel
So avoid Panerai. The interesting Panerai watches are somewhere between 44 and 47 mm. 47 mm even better. [nt]
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Good point, well made...
I know it’s a “Panerai thing”, to be big, but... I can’t help but like 1392 and 1535!
You'd better like them, because if you want to sell them, it won't be that easy. [nt]
No message body
every man needs a Rolex
but seriously the 5960 is great but it isn t fine in water I d definetly keep that YM blue which is a very versatile piece imho if you want some upgrade replace it w the SkyD t but a proper WR watch is important in any good collection The rest of your questions are based on personal preferences , I think a 5pieces collection is decent at least my final plan having not more than that in active rotation .My collection based on manufacturers omega,Rolex and PP and a mix of complications and so far i m happy with the path i did. Briefly my advice is to make a plan , don t make impulse buys you may regret tomorrow rather give some time to yourself and follow the route you ve set.
Better to regret what you did vs. what you did not...?!
Hi George,
Yes - I’ve had buyers regret more than my fair share! Although, I don’t buy on impulse - I always take time to research / visit the boutiques many times... But, I still end up with watches that haven’t held my attentions for very long. This is what I’m trying to avoid from now on and the purpose of my post... (although, like you said personal preference might be the strongest factor!)
I like the idea of having ‘one’ Rolex. If I was lucky enough to get a blue dial Sky Dweller, I’m not sure I could justify keeping the YM, too...? Too similar from the same brand?!
Same with the Panerai - I know they’re almost the same in looks / movement, etc., but it’s the same differences...!
BW, Daniel
Yes - I’ve had buyers regret more than my fair share! Although, I don’t buy on impulse - I always take time to research / visit the boutiques many times... But, I still end up with watches that haven’t held my attentions for very long. This is what I’m trying to avoid from now on and the purpose of my post... (although, like you said personal preference might be the strongest factor!)
I like the idea of having ‘one’ Rolex. If I was lucky enough to get a blue dial Sky Dweller, I’m not sure I could justify keeping the YM, too...? Too similar from the same brand?!
Same with the Panerai - I know they’re almost the same in looks / movement, etc., but it’s the same differences...!
BW, Daniel
Welcome, and thanks for a beautifully written account of the road you've traveled as a collector --- I always enjoy reading other collectors' experiences, thoughts and accomplishments! :-)
Regardless of the number of watches (but I have so many that I never use that I should definitely cut on the number too! 
, I totally share your feeling of improving the quality of a collection. I think it's a great (and in a sense, courageous) step for all of us to take after reaching a certain stage.
, I totally share your feeling of improving the quality of a collection. I think it's a great (and in a sense, courageous) step for all of us to take after reaching a certain stage.Personally, I started this "new period" --- after several years of collecting and quite a few mistakes --- by focusing on Patek, and then gradually on pieces that are a tad more "exclusive". For me, it mostly means rare handcrafts at the moment, but of course for others this might lead in a different direction, or even to a different brand altogether.
So which next watch to fit into your collection is perhaps too difficult/subjective of a question, but if I just had to add a couple of suggestions, at the good point you've reached I might consider either a Worldtimer (currently they have the 5230, 5930 and 5131, and at least the first two are not difficult to find at an AD), or also a more casual/youthful piece, like a Nautilus or even an Aquanaut. Several models in both steel and rose gold IMO are just spectacular! Then you may want to see how you feel, and naturally go from there as you keep "upgrading" an already impressive collection...
In any event, please do keep us posted --- you've conveyed lots of genuine passion for a beautiful adventure, so no matter what, I wish you all the best! And of course, don't forget to share some pictures!
