I think I’m done collecting for now…

I just started the adventure of collection and have a few unique guys coming my way. I am really leaning towards mechanical artwork for my collection.

Not really missing anything. My collection is a pretty personal thing. I don’t have to run any bases to feel happy about my watches.

Can you explain mechanical artwork clearly? I’m curious about what you think.

Since you’ve said you’re just beginning the madcap voyage your point of view interests me.

Nothing missing. I am more than content as I can't fit in any more watches.

I hear you man. For me, I don't feel my collection is missing anything - if anything I have a few too many watches, so have a couple up for sale. And I'm debating my more expensive/luxury timepiece, whether I want that much capital tied up in a single watch. Maybe I'll "right size" and sell and replace with a different piece.

Overall though, I'm headed to where I need to be

I feel a level of general satisfaction and gratitude for what I have, though I'm not quite done. My preference is for a highly-curated, small collection, promising myself no more than six watches. That's just me though. I'm mulling over exit watches, but I'm trying to be very deliberate about it all.

I work in tech, mainly AI, so I have had my fill of soulless artificially created stuff. Mechanical watches to me are the epitome of human ingenuity, creativity, and a vector for artistic expression. There is something incredibly soothing knowing that on my wrist is a heart of pinions designed to measure the flow of time. A concept both entirely human and at the same time, a universal phenomenon. I love the fact that a watch dial can be the canvas for different forms of artistic expression from gold wire expertly positioned into different shapes and filled with enamel that is fired to create beautiful pictures to automatons that with even more complex gears can enact a scene.

I admit, I am a romantic. I would purchase a De Bethune in the blink of an eye because it represents the physicality of a genius's imagination and artistry. I love how a watch strap can help "tell the story" of a watch with its color, material, and threading. If you offered me a Rolex Daytona Le Mans or a Rexhepi Chronometre, I would choose the Chronometre without hesitation. I could spend hours gazing at every element of that watch.

Thanks for such a thoughtful and interesting reply. I know exactly what you mean now. I’m also fascinated by the tiny machines.

I love having a small spring powered device on my arm that accurately - enough - gives me the time, sometimes the date, the day; the list is long.

I’m well into this peculiar interest. I’ve learned quite a lot about my tastes. It’s not as simple as loving a colour, a brand or a particular style. I find that it’s ineffable, really.

Recently I posted my pared-back collection and was interested to see and have pointed out that there was in fact an idea of “watch” running through it. This was simply my natural interaction with watches as an ideal, I suppose.

Since you’re starting out I’ll clamber up on my little soapbox and encourage you to take it slowly and try not to get caught up in an intense enthusiasm without stepping away and having a long think. Above all, have fun!

Funnily enough - much the same as you

I do have in incoming but that feels like the last one for some time.

Just looking forward to leaning into my collection and enjoying it

Without the urge to buy

Totally get it! I’m right there with you. I was recently wanting to add some type of pepsi bezel to my collection. I was thinking about dropping another $250-700 on a watch that I really couldn’t justify. So I finally realized I can just mod my 5kx with a $55 bezel insert and call it good. And SO much more rewarding doing the work myself.

I'm getting to that point.

I have 3 very specific pieces I'm pursuing and one idea of a piece and then I'm likely out on growing the collection or adding anything else; even on a 'one in, one out' basis.

I have the same feeling. I’m content with my collection for now. There is no itch.

I got to a little less than you have now - a round dozen - and sold it off almost completely, on three separate occasions before rebuilding, until I finally sold up and got it down to 4, and now feel next to no interest in buying any more watches for now. So it can happen!

I love this answer. You have summarised and articulated my feelings as well.

Art, science, a millennium of history, all combined into a beautiful little mechanical Pokémon that sits on my wrist. And for me, hand made holds great power in the overall appeal.

Debethune for you, probably credor’s eichi II for me.

Ever since watching return to oz and seeing Tik tok return to life after winding him up I’ve loved these things

I used to think I wanted to collect. And then realised I'm just after maybe 3 very good watches - a daily, a "beater" and something for special occasions. I would struggle with more than 3 watches. Currently I sold everything, so only have casios and an old dressy Enicar. So I'm starting again

I'm missing some key brands: IWC, Omega, Sinn, Damasko, Grand Seiko. Then it will be a game of refinement...I have a long way to go 😂

I've embarked on the exit train about 5months ago. I did review my collection, let some go and added to it. But like you, now, the rush is gone and I want to calm down and enjoy what I have. I guess it really just comes with age (in a good way)

My heart still wants more but my bank account says i'm done🥲

I'm on the same boat as you. I am satisfied with the diversity and cohesiveness of my collection at the moment and don't have plans to replace or buy any new watch for a while. I'm just enjoying what I have and thinking only about a couple practical upgrades in the realm of straps and clasps for this summer.

I only have a few big hitters to get over the next few years and then I'm done. I may pickup the odd fun watch if it's limited in number and Under £1000.

I'm pretty happy to just enjoye from afar now and when new watches come out I can just go see them at the AD and walk away :)

Like some others here I think I’m pretty much done for now. I made it an aim at the start of this year to pick up those watches that I had always admired, but only if I could do so at the right price. I’ve managed that over the past few months and, whilst there are always great watches being released, I have seen nothing lately that I feel would significantly add to my collection. So, for now, I’ll enjoy what I have.

My 14th should be arriving in a few days. I’m not missing anything but there are two I’m thinking about that will add some variety to my rotation if I decide to get them. I’m almost done.

I have one more to add to my collection: the Cartier Tank Must large on the bracelet. It’s not just a dress watch, for me, it is THE dress watch. It’s an icon of design. I have wanted one for 25 years.

My core collection includes: a diver (Zelos Mako MOP, purchased & on its way), a Bauhau-inspired watch (NOMOS Tangente 38 Tiefseegrau), a grail watch (Grand Seiko Shunbun), and the Tank for a capstone.

I love great design. No doubt I will add a couple of exceptional microbrands or other new releases over time here and there. As much as I love GS, I can’t afford a second GS. And I think the core collection will dominate my wrist for the foreseeable future. Happy, happy

I am like you. I too have a large watch collection which satisfies what I need with what they do. I am not looking for a similar watch or one that is more expensive and will not get much wrist time. I too have decided not to ourchase anymore watches but do enjoy forums such as these and seeing what new (similar) watches are coming out.

I'm always adding, but definitely at a point where I feel like some consolidation is necessary. The only thing stopping me is that selling watches is one of my least favorite activities. Ugh...

With what I've spent recently, I had better be done for a good, long while.

I hear ya. I’ve dreaded it but it’s kinda fun going back and forth. I’ve sold on both eBay and chrono24. I much prefer Chrono24 because of the payout.

I have 18+ watches I could buy more but so far I have it under control. I might down size a bit if I have too but I’m enough satisfied with my collection.