Collectors all over the world have found that collecting watches can be a fascinating experience. Some collectors will build their collections on more modern day time pieces while other collectors enjoy older designs that have more historical value.
No matter what type of watches a collector wants to build their collection on, before they do get started getting they had to figure out what type of collection they wanting to build. Did the collector want to create a collection that was based upon a certain era or design or perhaps they wanted a collection that was based on a particular manufacturer or designer. After the collector figured out what type of collection to create, the next step was to begin gathering information about the watches they were going to add to their collection. The more informed a collector is about the items they are adding to their collection, then the less chance there will be for them to get taken advantage of when purchasing items for their collection.
Collectors also need to be aware of the current market values of watches that they plan to add to their collection. If the collector will make a want list of the items they would like to add to their collection in the near future and then research recent selling prices of the same items, then they will get a base price, which will help them to determine if they are being charged to much for a particular item. There are several good sources to purchase watches from which include antique stores, flea markets, collectible stores, jewelry stores, specialty shops, on-line auctions, web sites specializing in watches, and many more.
Many collectors of watches were once consumers, who became watch fanatics. They began purchasing watches simply due to the watches look and style or perhaps it was due to the brand. Whatever the reason was they some discovered that they had more watches than they knew what to do with, but had no thought of getting rid of any of them, so they just started a collection. Collectors do not necessary collect because the item is valuable. In fact, a lot of times that is not the case at all. The reality about watches is that few will ever increase in value. Collectors purchase watches because of their beauty and their appeal, which inspires them.
When a collector does purchase a watch it is very important that they save any papers, the box, and the packing in case they decide to sell it in the future, because it is more valuable with the original packaging. Many manufacturers have begun issuing limited quantities or numbered sets to help promote the collection of watches. In most cases this has been effective. Whenever purchasing watches for your collection the most important thing to remember is to purchase only authorized watches. Then make sure that you get the proper paper work to go with the watch, which will protect the value of your collection in the future.
How To Collect Watches
Just about everyone owns a watch or two, but that doesn’t make them a true watch collector. The true lover of time pieces has a passion for watches and feels driven to acquire them.
One of the first things you’ll want to do as a collector is shop for great pieces. There is a dizzying array of choices for the beginner. It can be difficult to decide on where to begin, so I recommend browsing for your first few weeks to help you define your tastes and interests.
There are sports watches, military style watches, luxury high end watches, early watches, automatic watches, specialty watches (e.g. Mickey Mouse, or more generally Disney watches) mechanical watches, pocket watches, quartz movement watches or particular brands such as Bulova, Seiko, or Omega that can be collected.
Depending upon the type of watch you want to collect you may find them anywhere from flea markets to fine jewelers. Old watches can be a great place to start because they can be found in so many places. Estate sales, yard sales or eBay offer a wide variety of choices.
It will be worth the time to do is basic research on the type of watch you would like to collect. With the Internet it’s never been easier to learn all that you need to know about watches from the comfort of your own home. Once you’ve started browsing, you’ll find yourself in a better position to decide if you want to specialize in a brand or type of watch.
Join The National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors. For an annual fee of $70 you’ll have access to all their publications, forums and online information. They also offer subscriptions to informative periodicals on clocks and watches and have one of the world’s most preeminent collection of books on time pieces.
You will also want to visit the American Clock and Watch Museum in Connecticut and check out all the wonderful time pieces they have. Their website offers a list of rare and used books on clocks and watches that can supplement your research whether you’re a newbie or experienced collector so don’t miss that opportunity to expand your knowledge base.
Be sure to set a budget for your collection. Once you’ve been bitten by the collecting bug, it’s easy to get excited and spend too much – particularly if you are shopping at an auction. Scour the Internet, search for auctions, pawn shops, estate sales, and ask friends and families if they have the watch you are seeking. You never know when the perfect watch for your collection is just sitting collecting dust in a drawer or attic.
A Beginners Guide To Luxury Watches
It’s difficult to determine which watch brand is best since most current watchmakers create truly unique timepieces through complex processes and impressive designs.
This guide is here to explain a bit about the most important brands and try to set you in the right direction if you’re shopping for a luxury watch.
Some well-known brands are considered the best due to intense advertising, so they raised the bar pretty high for their competition.
If you’re thinking about starting a watch collection, or just get a truly remarkable timepiece for yourself or as a gift to someone close to you, keep on reading since there are a few things to learn in order to become a watch connoisseur.
When you’re done with this guide, then the real research work starts since you’ll need to figure out what type of watch you want and what sort of features it should carry, so it best complements who you are and your looks.
Timepieces can be categorized by many things, starting from their unique designs, the dial shape and the watch crystal to the way they work and the features they provide. Another factor to take into account would be their popularity.
Brands popularity indicates superiority among the major competitors in the watch market.
Due to advertising and media, most people know of only overly advertised brands as the best of the best when it comes to watches. They are totally oblivious to the fact that other top brands exist which produce equal if not superior watches when compared to the ones they know of.
The average individual can recognize a few watch brands they they’ve seen over and over advertised on television and in magazines and can recognize them in order of ascending price tag as Timex, Casio, Seiko or Tag watches.
Most people know only of a few brands from the ones that exists, and thanks to media advertising, they might not be aware of truly superior brands that find their way in some people’s collections.
They might not even know what products brands like Alain Silberstein, AudemarsPiguet, Blancpain, Chopard, Fortis, Franck Mueller, IWC, Jaeger-Le Coultre, PatekPhillipe, and UlysseNardin actually make if you were not to tell them.
Top brands like Sony or Bose are known globally and that’s what makes them be at the top of the market choice for average people.
While these brands are known for top quality, they might not always be the best choice.
If you want to impress average people, you will buy brands that are easily recognizable, even for hefty amounts of money and still get a decent watch that keeps time like a 25$ one with no extra features.
Knowledgeable people and aficionados will buy something that impresses them in the first place. Second hand recognition is not that important when shopping for a premium watch.
