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How to Start a watch collection

BQ Guides

Embarking on the journey of building a watch collection is an exhilarating and fulfilling experience for those passionate about timepieces. Yet, the extensive variety of collectable watches on the market can present a daunting challenge, leaving enthusiasts unsure of where to start. Whether your preference leans towards the refined sophistication of dress watches, the robust functionality of sports timepieces, or the intricate complications of luxury watches, this guide aims to help you pinpoint your focus and initiate a watch collection that brings you genuine joy.

Styles and Preferences

Defining a focused theme for your watch collection is essential, ensuring a cohesive and meaningful assortment. This approach guides your choices, resulting in a well-curated collection resonating with your personal style.

Consider key factors like brand emphasis, focusing on renowned names such as Rolex, Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, Omega, and Tudor. Decide between vintage and modern appeal, shaping the overall character of your collection. 

Mold your collection to reflect your style preferences, whether it’s sports watches for an active lifestyle, dress watches for formal occasions, vintage watches for nostalgia, or watches with specific complications for added sophistication. Explore the exclusivity of limited or special editions, which often boast unique designs and materials, becoming sought-after treasures. 

By carefully contemplating these elements, your collection becomes a captivating expression of your passion for horology. Whether you focus on brands, eras, styles, or unique editions, each watch contributes to a harmonious and cohesive narrative, making your collection a true reflection of your watch enthusiast journey.

Budget

Establishing and adhering to a budget is crucial when starting a watch collection. Successful collectors gradually build their collections, prioritizing quality over quantity. Set a realistic and affordable budget, with realistic price points, avoiding the temptation to exceed it.

Patience is key in the world of watch collecting. Resist the urge to impulsively amass timepieces; instead, concentrate on acquiring high-quality, iconic pieces in good condition. Focus on watches that not only hold or appreciate in value but, more importantly, resonate with your personal style and preferences.

Remember, the journey of building a watch collection is a marathon, not a sprint. Take the time to explore the market, refine your tastes, and gradually enhance your collection. By setting and adhering to a sensible budget, you lay the foundation for a curated assortment that aligns with your financial capacity and brings you long-term satisfaction.

Lifestyle

Consider your lifestyle when starting a watch collection. Unlike collections displayed on walls, watches are meant to be worn and integrated into daily life. While showcasing them at dinner parties or social functions is an option, the true essence lies in adorning them on your wrist. When building your collection, focus not only on adding value but also on selecting watches that resonate with you and align with your lifestyle.

Think practically about the watches that seamlessly fit into your daily routine. If maintaining a polished appearance is crucial in your professional setting, rugged tool watches may not see frequent wear, despite their exceptional craftsmanship. Likewise, if you prefer a more modern timepiece, opting for an art deco piece may not be the right choice for you.

As a watch collector, prioritise watches that not only captivate you but also align with the practical demands of your lifestyle, ensuring that each timepiece becomes an integral part of your everyday experience.

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Research

Now that you’ve determined your budget and identified a starting point for your collection, the enjoyable part begins – exploring the market. Resist the urge to rush into your first purchase; instead, engage in thorough research to understand the available options, assess the value, and make informed decisions based on your budget.

While immersing yourself in the specifications and provenance of various watches is undoubtedly beneficial, it’s equally crucial to ensure that the market resonates with both your financial constraints and desired features. Exercise patience during this process. By taking the time to shop around and intimately understanding the market dynamics, you pave the way for acquiring highly collectable watches that not only meet your budget but also align with your personal taste and style.

This methodical approach guarantees that, as you embark on building your collection, each timepiece is a judicious investment, offering the optimum blend of quality, aesthetics, and value for your money.

Pre-Owned

A common misconception prevails among new collectors regarding pre-owned watches. Despite being worn and cherished, pre-owned watches, which may not necessarily be vintage, offer some of the best value in the industry.

For those just venturing into watch collecting, there can be a certain apprehension about adding pre-owned pieces to their collection. However, what many fail to realize is that new watches share are like cars – the moment you purchase a new watch and step out of the store, its value depreciates. Opting for pre-owned watches not only provides better value for your money but also allows you to completely sidestep the initial depreciation.

Investing in pre-owned timepieces is a savvy move for collectors seeking quality without the hefty price tag associated with brand-new models. These watches, having been worn and appreciated, often come with character and history, making them a unique and economical addition to any collection. In the world of watches, pre-owned does not mean compromise; instead, it signifies a strategic choice for discerning collectors looking to maximize both value and investment.

Browse our Watches

So if you are looking to start your watch collection, BQ Watches should be your first call.  We stock a carefully curated selection of all the top brands, so you are sure to find your next timepiece quickly and easily.

  • AUDEMARS PIGUET QUANTIÈME PERPÉTUEL OCTAGONALE 25557BA

    AUDEMARS PIGUET QUANTIÈME PERPÉTUEL OCTAGONALE

    • YEAR1983
    • BOXYes
    • PAPERSYes
    £35,000
  • AUDEMARS PIGUET ROYAL OAK 14790BA

    AUDEMARS PIGUET ROYAL OAK

    • YEAR1997
    • BOXYes
    • PAPERSYes
    £38,500
  • AUDEMARS PIGUET ROYAL OAK 15400ST.OO.1220ST.03

    AUDEMARS PIGUET ROYAL OAK

    • YEAR2015
    • BOXYes
    • PAPERSYes
    £33,500
  • AUDEMARS PIGUET ROYAL OAK 15400ST.OO.1220ST.01

    AUDEMARS PIGUET ROYAL OAK

    • YEAR2018
    • BOXYes
    • PAPERSYes
    £32,000
  • AUDEMARS PIGUET ROYAL OAK CHRONOGRAPH 26240ST.OO.1320ST.04

    AUDEMARS PIGUET ROYAL OAK CHRONOGRAPH

    • YEAR2022
    • BOXYes
    • PAPERSYes
    £55,000
  • AUDEMARS PIGUET ROYAL OAK CHRONOGRAPH 26331ST.OO.1220ST.03

    AUDEMARS PIGUET ROYAL OAK CHRONOGRAPH

    • YEAR2019
    • BOXYes
    • PAPERSYes
    £33,950
  • AUDEMARS PIGUET ROYAL OAK CHRONOGRAPH 25860ST.OO.1110ST.01

    AUDEMARS PIGUET ROYAL OAK CHRONOGRAPH

    • YEAR2001
    • BOXYes
    • PAPERSNo
    £34,995
  • AUDEMARS PIGUET ROYAL OAK LADY 15451ST.ZZ.1256ST.01

    AUDEMARS PIGUET ROYAL OAK LADY

    • YEAR2019
    • BOXYes
    • PAPERSYes
    £40,000
  • AUDEMARS PIGUET ROYAL OAK OFFSHORE 15703ST.OO.A002CA.01

    AUDEMARS PIGUET ROYAL OAK OFFSHORE

    • YEAR2011
    • BOXYes
    • PAPERSYes
    £18,500
  • AUDEMARS PIGUET ROYAL OAK OFFSHORE CHRONGRAPH 26470IO.OO.A006CA.01

    AUDEMARS PIGUET ROYAL OAK OFFSHORE CHRONGRAPH

    • YEAR2019
    • BOXYes
    • PAPERSYes
    £32,000

Get in Touch With the Team at BQ Watches

BQ Watches has a vast inventory of pre-owned luxury watches, and we’re ready to help you find your ideal timepiece. If you don’t see the watch you want in our current inventory, be sure to let our team know. We have comprehensive sourcing services to help you find your dream watch. Get in touch with the team at BQ Watches today to talk watches!

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