Benefits of watch collecting as a hobby
Watch collecting can sometimes seem like a daunting hobby, but the personal and financial benefits are very appealing. In fact, with a little bit of understanding of the watch collecting market, you can start your collection with confidence that the pieces you choose are a worthwhile investment. As a beginner watch collector, it’s important to select timeless pieces that are likely to increase in value over the years. So, with no further ado, here’s our guide to starting a watch collection.
Understanding the watch market
Before starting a watch collection, it’s important to understand the market. This means deciding what types of watches you want to add to your collection, their price range, and brand considerations.
There are three main types of watches: mechanical, quartz, and smart.
- Mechanical watch are traditional watches that use a mechanical device to drive the hands to move. Mechanical watches can be further categorized into manual winding and self-winding.
- Quartz Watches use batteries as an energy source and utilize the vibrations of quartz crystals for accurate timekeeping. Quartz watches are considered to be the more accurate and affordable option.
- Smartwatches integrate computer functions and can usually be connected to other devices such as cell phones to provide a variety of smart functions such as calendars, communication, and sports tracking.
The best watches for beginner collectors will usually be either mechanical or quartz, as these tend to be more classic and have a longer value on the resale market. The technology of smartwatches can often mean they become outdated and less valuable over time—even if they have some useful features [2].
So, what are the best watches to start a collection? Well, in terms of watch value for a starter collection, mechanical watches are usually better crafted and, therefore, a good place to begin for novice watch collectors. These pieces are almost like small works of art, carefully designed and hand-built to last for decades with proper care. So, if you’re hoping to start a watch collection and eventually resell them, mechanical watches tend to increase in value the most.
Entry-level watches from popular brands
When starting a watch collection with a budget in mind, it’s important to balance affordability with high quality. Watch collection staples for beginners include brands like the Seiko Prospex Line, Casio’s newer and more retro pieces, and Timex offerings like the Waterbury or Q Timex Reissue.
By choosing well-known brands for your start in watch collecting, you’ll ensure that the pieces remain relevant and sought after as time goes on. These are key factors for anticipating how the watches may increase in value. So, research market share, growth rate, and customer segments to better understand the competitive landscape before you purchase. This will ensure that your watch collection will stand the test of time.
Things to consider when selecting your first watch
Starting a watch collection can be very exciting, and choosing your first watch is an important step! This starter watch should also have some personal value and significance outside possible resale value. Here are some important things to consider:
- Do you like the style?
- Do the features appeal to you?
- Are there any specific features that you simply must have?
- What drew you to this particular watch?
- Is it within your budget?
- If it isn’t, is the stretch worthwhile?
- Does the metal finish or leather color go with your clothing or jewelry? (Especially consider your wedding ring!)
- Is it a legacy brand or something newer on the market?
- Are you buying it brand new or used?
- Do you plan to wear and use it regularly, or keep it preserved?
- Does the watch have good reviews online?
- What is the warranty like? What service options does the company provide?
Basic care and storage tips
After building your watch collection, it’s crucial to learn how to properly care for your starter watches.
As mentioned, you must decide whether to wear the new watches in your collection or simply store them. Even if you wear your watches during the day, always keep them in a case while not in use – ideally, one with a pillow to maintain the shape of the band or bracelet. Also, don’t forget to clean your watches regularly or take them to a trusted professional cleaner.
Mechanical watches will also need to be wound regularly [3] – again, this is something you can do manually yourself or with the aid of a watch winder. At Mozsly, we offer a stunning variety of watch winders to match your style and needs. As a beginner in the watch collecting market, we recommend using a watch winder to preserve the integrity of your new or vintage watches. A watch winder won’t just save you time manually adjusting your watch collection; it reduces the risk of over-winding and creating unnecessary damage to your timepieces.
Beginner watch collecting basics: a recap
Starting with watch collecting is a fantastic investment and a fascinating hobby! Whether you plan to build a vintage watch collection, scour the market for starter watches on a budget, or simply select a few beginner watch collection pieces to preserve over time, the best watches for a novice collector are always the ones you genuinely love. Select pieces you appreciate for their aesthetic value, craftsmanship, or timeless brand.
As part of your journey in watch collecting, we recommend you consider a Mozsly watch winder. As mentioned, a watch winder will save you time and effort in hand-winding each watch in your collection, prevent damage, and also become a part of the watch–collecting hobby itself—many of our watch winders are stunning pieces on their own!
Building a watch collecting empire can take time and research, but getting into the watch market early and making smart choices will help you create a lasting investment. A beginner watch collection should include pieces that you’re proud to show off – whether you wear them daily, on special occasions, or just show them off to visiting friends. So, how do you want to start your watch collection? Comment below with the first piece you plan to buy or the watch that started your journey!
References:
[1] https://atoliovegas.de/blogs/the-history-of-automatic-watches/the-history-of-automatic-watches-a-beginner-s-guide
[2] https://www.finewatches.berlin/en/watch-blog/smart-watches
[3] https://www.martinsjewellers.co.uk/winding-a-watch-a-look-at-the-dos-and-donts/
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