Horological Meandering

To signal that you are seriously into collecting without flashing serious money. Something no one else would truly appreciate but another collector?
For me, it’s vintage 50’s thru 70’s and perhaps a polerouter, an enicar, or maybe a bubble back. Nothing expensive.

And you? The rule here is it can’t be something that a non collector would know or that costs more than 10k (no Journes, or Daytonas) and it has to be something that would immediately give you away as a collector as opposed to someone who went to an omega boutique

Pretty much anything that isn't a stainless steel sports model from Rolex, Patek, VC or AP.

With Instagram many non collectors buy. The game requires that another collector can identify you as a collector with certainty. Sure you might get the 1/1000 wearing hand me down, but leave them aside, they will be rarer than the watches they wear.

Even Lange is very mainstream now.  Montblanc Villeret wearers are true watch lovers and not status seekers.  

The case, short hands, and megalithic hour makers are easy to spot.

Although with a slightly different watch, not the VFAs but the Specials.

...most people have no idea what the brand is, and the simple pieces will not break the bank...

And I bet some over $10k could be had for less

Where is that strap from?  Here's another Breguet with a nice looking summer strap!  Linen suit, summer strap, on the French Riviera...  Bon.  Tres bon.

...I have a 'Watches' folder on my desktop with hundreds of pics (as I'm sure many here also have) : )

...I was thinking 'under $10k' in 'Collectors dollars' : ) In the grand scheme of things, these are not very expensive as far as this hobby goes...

But from what I don’t own, probably something from unimatic or a airain sous-marine diver.

and know that it won its category, minimum effort maximum satisfaction