I am currently thinking of starting a watch collection. My budget is around (+/-) $1,200 per year. I am looking to buy one watch per year or maybe every two years if the one year budget is not enough. I know i won’t be able to get any high end watches but would like to buy something that keeps its value or even increases (is this even possible with watches in this price category?).

  • what brands should I avoid and what not?
  • any specific models recommended?
  • what is a good place to buy a watch and how can I determine if it is a fair price?
  • at what point should I invest into one of those automatic watch boxes?

Thanks!

  • cgknight1BEnglish
    1·
    11 months ago

    but would like to buy something that keeps its value or even increases (is this even possible with watches in this price category?).

    Virtually impossible and on the rare occasion that watches in this category do increase in value, nobody can predict in advance.

    The rest of your questions don’t really make any sense because they just treat watches as interchangeable pieces and what you collect is down to your personal interests and style - none of that information is present.

  • clm1859BEnglish
    1·
    11 months ago

    As someone already said. No, they will not increase in price. Price increases happen thru scarcity. But anybody can walk in and just buy a watch in this price range. So there is no reason anyone would pay you more than retail for a used one.

    As for what brands are worth it (as in nice and high quality, not as investments) in this price range here are some:

    • below that price hamilton, tissot, certina, orient
    • around 1k new: mido, some upper tier ones of the above mentioned brands
    • maybe can be found new, but certianly used, for 1-1.5k: oris, longines, rado or (with some luck) nomos or even a tudor 1926.

    I dont think making a plan ahead makes much sense tho. Your tastes will change with experience, your budget with career advance and level of interest in watches and there will be new releases in the watch industry.

    So just buy something you like, wear it for a few months. See what you like about it and what not. Then buy another one and repeat. You’ll build your taste over time.

    Also a good resource: teddy baldassare on youtube or his blog has many overviews of different styles of watches or watches at a certain price point. Watch some of that.

  • MyNameIsVigilBEnglish
    1·
    11 months ago

    1. Buy whatever looks interesting to you.

    2. After you own one watch for a while, consider what you like and don’t like about it, and then buy another based on that impression.

    3. Many places sell watches. You can determine if an offer is fair by comparing it to other offers for the same watch.

    4. Watch winders are almost never necessary, but you can buy one at any time if you want.

  • JennysparkingBEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    Hmm. Maaaaybe, if you bought like, an old vintage watch in good condition that was interesting in a way that won’t fade away? Like an antique Vulcain Cricket or a railroad-age Ball pocket watch. Other than that, though I think you’re out of luck.

  • bc6619BEnglish
    1·
    10 months ago

    As others have already mention forget the appreciation aspect. It will help if you can start by doing some looking around on your own and getting a feel for what you like. Some examples:

    • Bracelet or Strap?
    • Automatic, or quartz?
    • Silver, or other?
    • Diver?
    • Complications?
    • Dial color preferences?
    • New or Used?
    • Chronograph?

    Your price range will weed out a lot of options, but there are definitely watches out there you will find. The willingness to look at used will also help, but again, you can find options for new watches in this price rage. Once you have some things you are looking for it will make targeting brands/models easier.