Collecting Fine Watches

The first thing to do in starting a collection--of anything, not only watches--is to find out all about the subject to save time and money.   There are many books on the subject of watches, and auction catalogues from the famous auction houses like Christies, Phillips, Sothebys and Antiquorum in Geneva are a valuable resource of information about what is available and at what price.  They can, however be very expensive to buy.

Visiting auction rooms is also useful.  There are lots of watches on display, and the sales room staff is usually most helpful; they are also experts well worth listening to.  If at all possible, go to previews and then to the auction to allow you to compare estimates with actual prices paid.  It will also help you get a better feel for the market.

The next thing to decide is what you are going to collect.  There are literally hundreds of different types of watches- men's, women's, pocket, wrist, plain, complicated, sports, dress, and so on.  It helps to concentrate your sites on a small area to begin with- -you can always enlarge it.   If you go too wide at first you may find yourself having to sell off unwanted items before you've really even started. 

You should also study up-to-date magazines relating to watches and clocks.  Some are purely trade journals and will give you useful information about current models.  Some are available only to members like Horological Journal, the publication of the British Horological Institute.  Some are aimed specifically at collectors, like International Wristwatch, which contains regular articles on auctions and prices and gives background information about famous brands.

It will also pay to study the history of watches in general.   Certain dates are very important--the launch of the first wristwatch for example--since they provide a reference point on which to base your collection.   Early quartz models from the 1970's might be interesting--the first Swatchs are fetching fabulous prices.   But you should try to be original.    If your chosen type is too easy to come by, your collection will not be very special.   That is why collectors often go for limited editions from the Great Houses--- they know the model is exclusive right from the start.

Finally, when you do decide to buy, keep everything pertaining to your purchase--not only the receipt, but packaging, guarantee, and certificate (if it is a chronometer) as well.   These may be invaluable one day if you decide to sell or to establish the provenance of a particular piece.

Collecting wristwatches can be dangerous. It can become an addiction, and you need more and more... But seriously, collecting watches can be fun and it does not require lots of money to get started. If you go to a flea market and buy any old watch for a couple of bucks, this could be the start of a beautiful friendship. If you are able to open the case or better yet, let a watchmaker open it for you, you will see a small miracle. It is like an living organism with a heart that beats like ours and where wheels spin around each other and work together to form a machine that enables us to keep time. And when you can see the beauty of the tiny machined parts, the wheels set in ruby and gold and the craftsmanship that created it all, you are likely to become a collector yourself.  First of all be aware of what you are buying.

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