06/13/2024
 3 minutes

Building a Watch Collection: One Brand vs. Multiple

By Donato Emilio Andrioli
One-Brand-Collection-vs-Broad-Collection-2-1

Building a Watch Collection: One Brand vs. Multiple

Looking to buy your first mechanical watch? If there is one thing I’ve learned as a passionate watch collector, it is this: Chances are, you won’t want to stop with just one timepiece. Perhaps you’ve already decided to build up your collection. What are the first steps? How should you approach your next move? Is it better to focus on a single brand or curate as broad a collection as possible?

Wie sieht die perfekte Uhrensammlung aus?
What does the perfect watch collection look like?

Why do people collect watches?

Let’s start at the beginning: Why do people collect watches in the first place? My immediate answer would be because it’s a lot of fun! But it’s not quite that simple, nor is it the same for every person. Reasons for collecting watches are as varied as the world of watches itself! Some people appreciate the craftsmanship and design of watches, while others are fascinated by the mechanics or history of certain brands or models. Investment potential certainly also plays a role for some collectors. Even if earning a profit isn’t at the forefront of your mind, it’s definitely a bonus that you usually don’t lose all your money after buying a watch. While your watch of choice may not appreciate massively in price, most will retain their value to some extent (in the absence of damage). This means you can treat yourself to something beautiful and more or less park your money for a while. As you can see, there are numerous reasons why people collect watches. What’s your story?

Omega Speedmaster Professional Moonwatch, ref. 310.30.42.50.01.002
The history of certain watch models has inspired many watch lovers to collect.

How do you build a watch collection?

First, it’s wise not to rush into your first purchase. Before you dive in, consider the following: What are your personal preferences? What’s your budget? What type of watch do you want? Do you prefer modern or vintage? Affordable or luxury? Is there a specific brand you’re drawn to? Taking note of your wrist size is also very important: Jewelry watches should definitely fit your wrist, while sports watches like chronographs and divers can be a bit oversized. Ultimately, the most important thing is identifying and following your personal preferences. If you have yet to buy your first watch, it’s best to start with a versatile timepiece that you can wear for any occasion. Stick with a simple dial color that suits any attire; you can always add bolder dial hues later on.

Colorful dials are perfect if you already own several watches.

One Brand vs. Multiple

Should you focus on collecting watches from a single brand or several brands? While there is no right or wrong answer here, there are clear differences between these two approaches.

If you concentrate on building a one-brand watch collection, you’ll have a nice uniform look. However, you’ll be missing out on the variety and diversity other brands have to offer. If you diversify, you can explore a wider range of styles, designs, technologies, and materials. For this reason, I’d always recommend collecting across numerous brands. The resulting lineup will be more interesting and give you the opportunity to explore and experience more of the watch world. The best part is: There’s no reason why you couldn’t have a small one-brand collection within a broader collection. That way, you don’t have to miss out on anything!

Frühe Version der Breitling Navitimer – Referenz 806.
The world of watches has so much to offer!

Summary: One-Brand Collection vs. Multiple

The choice of collecting one brand vs. multiple brands is ultimately up to you. It depends on your goals and preferences. There are no set rules when it comes to collecting, nor are there right or wrong answers. Buy what you like, what works best, and what brings you joy. Of course, it can’t hurt to keep value retention in mind. After all, we work hard for our money. But first and foremost, collecting watches should be fun. At the end of the day, it doesn’t really matter whether you stick with just one brand or a wide range of brands. What matters is that you enjoy your own personal watch collection.


About the Author

Donato Emilio Andrioli

With the purchase of my Tudor Black Bay 41, I discovered a passion for mechanical watches. I am particularly drawn to iconic watches with long and exciting histories.

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