Malaysia Watch Forum

Main Forums => General Discussion - Modern Watches => Topic started by: sharong on January 29, 2012, 07:13:59 AM

Title: What's the fascination in collecting watches?
Post by: sharong on January 29, 2012, 07:13:59 AM: Hi all

I don' know if this has been discussed before.Anyway, I would like some feed back from all about your fascination in
collecting watches.

I never look at a watch other than telling time. I have gone through the Seikos .Citizens .Casio, the digital ones as well
as the analogue, almost all using cheap quartz movements.- through my schooldays to uni and all through my working life.

Then suddenly, last Oct,my faithful Seiko failed and I had to buy a replacement so I bought a Luminox.
For some reasons which I cannot explain I started to collect watches after that.one after another , and the last one more expensive than the previous.
In 2 months I bought Baume and Mercier Riviera,the Grand Seiko, the Rolex submariner (2nd hand form
a seller from MWF), and a Zenith El primero.

So now I have more watches than I need, I keep them all running, tuned accurately to the atomic clock and see which one
is the more accurate.I have practically watches for all occasion, except for one with a second time zone for which i am thinking of getting the Rolex explorer 2 or the JLC master geographic. Hopefully I will stop buying more watches after that

To me to sustain a hobby there has to be some interaction.I am thinking of doing some photography of watches (there is a book out there on this), and maybe try my hand at resizing bracelets and changing watch straps.

Maybe my perspective is quite different from most of you, as I am about to retire quite soon and our reasons may be
vastly different,Any way I would like to hear from one and all what is your fascination in collecting watches

Cheers
Title: Re: What's the fascination in collecting watches?
Post by: sshark on January 29, 2012, 02:18:56 PM: I can understand your fascination with watches. I too had a similar experience as you were when I bought my first "real" automatic watch. It was a Speedmaster Triple Date. Just like yourself I continued buying more watches since, the price tags were going higher and higher than the previous. I am slowing down now as I have limited income and the number of watches I can own. :)
Title: Re: What's the fascination in collecting watches?
Post by: infinityws on January 29, 2012, 10:07:04 PM: i started collecting watches after I realise it somehow represent your status. Just like gals with their handbags.

I went into a shop in Sydney looking for a Tag Heuer for my wife but the ang mo shop owner don't give me a damn when I have no watch on my hand and on my shorts, doesn't talk to me much and NO DISCOUNT. But his attitude changed the next week when I go to the same shop with my Tag and the same person gave me a nice 20% discount straight away. WTF !

Fascinating??? haha
Title: Re: What's the fascination in collecting watches?
Post by: ivanswk on January 29, 2012, 10:27:44 PM: i buy watches because i am surrounded with people telling me buying watch is fascinating ::)
Title: Re: What's the fascination in collecting watches?
Post by: ston3r on January 29, 2012, 11:27:14 PM: This is an interesting thread... come to think of it, I've owned a fair share of casios G-Shocks and all and my first ever real watch was one given to me by my grandfather, a quartz seiko. I didn't appreciate the quartz movement back then and soon settled back to the digital world of casios. After that I got a few swatch watches and one particular model stuck with me since 2000 until today, a chrono irony. Then I bought myself a Guess chrono watch and when I graduated from uni, I bought myself an Omega SMP, the Bond model.

I sold that after 4 yrs and bought myself another SMP Chrono, my America's Cup Omega and after that, I bought a PO Big Size. I've been hooked on Omega and never regretted purchasing one. However ever since I got the PO, my SMP Chrono gets lesser wrist time as I love the bigger watch. The other one spends most of its time in a watch winder.
Title: Re: What's the fascination in collecting watches?
Post by: musclehedz on January 30, 2012, 06:07:52 AM: for me..it started becoz if the aesthetic value of the watch, then it progressed to become a 'passion'...this is when I began to learn more about watches.....then,gradually.... I became interested in 'movements'.....so, watch collecting is more of a 'journey' for me :-)
Title: Re: What's the fascination in collecting watches?
Post by: meoramri on January 30, 2012, 08:33:35 AM: Ever since I was young, the hobby of "collecting" has always been there. First it was collecting stamps, then it progressed to First Day Covers, followed by coin collecting and now (from the age of 40 onwards) it is watches.

Regardless whether a watch in my collection gets worn or not, I still appreciate it as any collector would do.

For me, having such a hobby - whatever item collected - is like being a curator of your own museum.
Title: Re: What's the fascination in collecting watches?
Post by: mcqueen on February 01, 2012, 05:45:19 PM: clothing shows ur status, bunch of dog eyes
Title: Re: What's the fascination in collecting watches?
Post by: Hoegaarden on February 01, 2012, 06:19:18 PM: i collect watches because i like watches...is that simple :Laughing_on_floor:
Title: Re: What's the fascination in collecting watches?
Post by: hanz079 on February 01, 2012, 06:39:33 PM: I collect watches because when I look at my wrist to check the time, I wanted to give myself something nice to look at.
Something that tug my heart strings.
Men can only have so many hobbies... gadgets get outdated, stamps get stale after awhile, in Malaysia, there is no buying a boat and going fishing kind of stuff, the cycle of fashion/clothing gets outdated, no extreme sports, no rock climbing, cars are way too expensive with loans to service, bonsai gardening is for retired age, photography is too technical with gears getting more and more expensive...
Which leave 2 hobbies that I can think of... Watches and cooking...
And I do both... ;D
Watches? Timeless and most importantly... if taken care of well enough... can still pass to your kids...
Best thing is watches need not be expensive... there are pretty good affordable mechanical watches at any price point.
Title: Re: What's the fascination in collecting watches?
Post by: Awee on February 03, 2012, 10:12:09 PM: Everyone has their own reasons for collecting watches. Mine is more to fascination with the brand and model history, dial designs that 'speaks' to me and price range that suits by budget. i am also into large cases usually 44mm and above. Anything smaller would normally be for specific model that I must have.
Title: Re: What's the fascination in collecting watches?
Post by: joskovic on February 07, 2012, 12:28:51 PM: hi all, as some of u might know. i'm new in MWF.
my real passion on watches starts when i got my 1st rolex. after dat, i couldn't stop looking at what's on others wrist wherever i go. i just love looking at watches. Staring at the sub-second hand ticking every second feels good.

n what's fascinating about collecting watches to me i guess it gives me satisfaction & to some extent gives me some self-confidence as well.
Title: Re: What's the fascination in collecting watches?
Post by: am_sober on February 07, 2012, 06:31:49 PM: Self satisfaction in owning a watch perhaps..? ><
Owning a watch brand that give u that status u want..
Owning a watch that have the design that u like..
Owning a watch that have the movement that u like..
Owning a watch that have the function that u need..
Owning a watch that have a rich history..
Owning a watch that is rare..
Owning a watch that is wanted and envied by other people.. ;D
Title: Re: What's the fascination in collecting watches?
Post by: TheHobbit on February 07, 2012, 07:04:08 PM: Something small and mechanical on your wrist.
Title: Re: What's the fascination in collecting watches?
Post by: dpkong on February 07, 2012, 08:03:55 PM: 1. knowing there's something mechanical ticking away on my wrist and keeps very good time everyday

2. i don't like jewelry other than watches
Title: Re: What's the fascination in collecting watches?
Post by: JPSP on February 08, 2012, 12:24:47 PM: i can't collect women
i can't collect stamps cos will attract termites
i can't collect wines cos no space
i can't collect cars cos too expensive

so i collect watches lor... :Laughing_on_floor:
Title: Re: What's the fascination in collecting watches?
Post by: sshark on February 08, 2012, 12:41:11 PM: James, you can start collect cameras.. what happen to ur boat collection idea? :)
Title: Re: What's the fascination in collecting watches?
Post by: JPSP on February 08, 2012, 12:42:53 PM: Quote from: sshark on February 08, 2012, 12:41:11 PM
James, you can start collect cameras.. what happen to ur boat collection idea? :)

boat too expensive...now waiting for property prices to correct itself and hopefully i can buy something... :Dancing_banana:
Title: Re: What's the fascination in collecting watches?
Post by: Ted baker on February 09, 2012, 08:17:10 PM: For me collecting watch is a passion...i do some research about the movement, design, history of the watch and te market value.and the value for watch is increasing 5-8 % a year...something interesting to start with...
Title: Re: What's the fascination in collecting watches?
Post by: Angryrodent on February 10, 2012, 05:57:52 AM: dad inlaw gave me an Omega speedmaster... never heard of Omega just Rolex, Seiko and Casio... got it checked it out online and got stuck 12 watches later and a heck of alot poorer
Title: Re: What's the fascination in collecting watches?
Post by: meoramri on February 10, 2012, 06:13:24 AM: Quote from: Angryrodent on February 10, 2012, 05:57:52 AM
dad inlaw gave me an Omega speedmaster... never heard of Omega just Rolex, Seiko and Casio... got it checked it out online and got stuck 12 watches later and a heck of alot poorer

You are definitely infected with the "virus"!! :thumbsup:
Title: Re: What's the fascination in collecting watches?
Post by: Watchnewby on February 10, 2012, 08:18:45 AM: I started getting fascinated with watches, especially the mechanical (not the quartz) type when my friend told me that quartz watches may "die" off one day due to corrosive batteries but mechanical watch will last longer, even a lifetime with proper servicing.
Then I start joining MWF and after that, I couldn't stop looking at what's on others wrist wherever I go. Love looking at the dial, its colours, the different hands, the different sizes, the bracelet linking the watch, the sweeping second hand ticking every second sounds good.

One can say I got "poisoned" by watches. Initially I am interested in "odd watches" like Russian made (Poljot, Maktime,Vostok), later dvelved into Asian made watches (Seiko, Casio, Orient, Citizen). So far I have encountered a French brand (Hermes), Swiss/HK brand Titoni, US brand with Miyota movement (CAT, a quartz watch), Swiss brand (Swatch - all quartz). What's fascinating about collecting watches to me is the satisfaction of looking at the watch that "sings" to you and taking care of them like your children (unless a daily beater or for extreme sports which I will require tough to break/scratch watches).
Title: Re: What's the fascination in collecting watches?
Post by: jefnando on February 12, 2012, 06:30:36 PM: I remember it started with the parnis.... now i have more than 12 watches but still 2 wrists...
Title: Re: What's the fascination in collecting watches?
Post by: Cyma2011 on February 12, 2012, 06:33:51 PM: IMHO, every1 here has a fascination with things that 'move'. I've read here that this incls boats, cars, cameras, etc. And generally it involves men.
Think about it guys, we like things that 'operate', with a 'function', and to some of us, has 'beauty/aesthetic' and, a limitless combination to suit everybody.
Watches includes all the above i've just mentioned. I got bitten when I got a Cyma with moonphase (not sure whats the model) real cheap from a jilted lady who got the watch back from her boyfriend. To add insult to injury, my company gave me a Tissot GMT when i resigned. That got me hooked. I guess that there is a trigger point whereby we all have stories how our passion/obsession began.
Today, I've got more watches than I can use, for sure. They mostly range from vintage watches (coz they're more affordable) swiss that are aplenty in the market to a few contemporary ones. I've even got a Seiko Chrono Triangle from a MWF member here. What a catch.
I take them out once a week or so to appreciate them just like any piece of art, to be appreciated, valued, (some even loved), shown about, or just to satisfy our fascination.

Cyma2011.
Title: Re: What's the fascination in collecting watches?
Post by: Enkidu on February 13, 2012, 09:22:28 PM: Quote from: sharong on January 29, 2012, 07:13:59 AM
For some reasons which I cannot explain I started to collect watches after that.one after another , and the last one more expensive than the previous.
..... To me to sustain a hobby there has to be some interaction.I am thinking of doing some photography of watches (there is a book out there on this), and maybe try my hand at resizing bracelets and changing watch straps.

Collecting watches will get more fun once you learn about the history of the particular time pieces, the famous personalities that had worn the same watch(es)...like for example Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin wearing the Omega Speedmaster Professional to the moon, or James Bond wearing the vintage submariner.
Title: Re: What's the fascination in collecting watches?
Post by: gck on February 13, 2012, 09:40:13 PM: i used to be happy with my tag heuer, it has been my dream watch the Aquaracer, i stayed happy with it for so so long...until MWF came along and i start bleeding ever since..
:(
Title: Re: What's the fascination in collecting watches?
Post by: meoramri on February 14, 2012, 06:36:51 AM: Quote from: gck on February 13, 2012, 09:40:13 PM
i used to be happy with my tag heuer, it has been my dream watch the Aquaracer, i stayed happy with it for so so long...until MWF came along and i start bleeding ever since..
:(

I hear you bro....been in ICU for the longest time :Confused:
Title: Re: What's the fascination in collecting watches?
Post by: siodee on February 14, 2012, 07:06:33 AM: Collecting watches are very much personal preference, some born with it, some like it as accessories, some like to show off, some just want a buddy on his wrist, some keep watching it turn until eye swollen, some listen the tickling sound until having nightmare.

And worst part, once you start, you never stop, and if you are here in MWF, that will accelerate your bleeding ;D...cause the bug keep crawling.

I like this hobby because I enjoy all the above journey... ;D
Title: Re: What's the fascination in collecting watches?
Post by: rgbs on February 15, 2012, 05:29:41 PM: Well, i am going into my 30's. I am more like a follower. I collected toys (Cousin), stamps (froends), cigarate box( Friends), paint ball guns (brother);now...watches(cousin). This is my longest 'addiction'. Still got lots to learn, i am very interested in the movements n acuraccy; thats y i am into dive watches...simple n practical. But now i am going to try out the nice n complex looking type. Maybe starting with Steinhart...I guess we have a looooooooooong way to go.... :Dancing_banana:

Mooooooreeeee To Come!!! :Dancing_banana:
Title: Re: What's the fascination in collecting watches?
Post by: Angryrodent on February 25, 2012, 02:30:26 AM: I might have less cash nowdays.. but I must say the watches made me feel better... bad day at the office? go to the toilet and check out ure watch... come back and work better :D Better pay and better life all thanks to a watch :Dancing_banana:
Title: Re: What's the fascination in collecting watches?
Post by: chrisyen on February 25, 2012, 07:39:12 AM: Quote from: Angryrodent on February 25, 2012, 02:30:26 AM
I might have less cash nowdays.. but I must say the watches made me feel better... bad day at the office? go to the toilet and check out ure watch... come back and work better :D Better pay and better life all thanks to a watch :Dancing_banana:

:thumbsup:
Title: Re: What's the fascination in collecting watches?
Post by: miseralim on February 25, 2012, 12:14:33 PM: Wow... this is just like a AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) meeting, everybody is sharing their experiences one after another in a forum.

For me, collecting watch is like a love affair, if you don't take it seriously, it's no fun, if you do, it'll break your heart/ bank account.

Got the above from a golf quote, but i think it still applies.
Title: Re: What's the fascination in collecting watches?
Post by: watchmanu on February 25, 2012, 02:02:27 PM: Quote from: Angryrodent on February 25, 2012, 02:30:26 AM
I might have less cash nowdays.. but I must say the watches made me feel better... bad day at the office? go to the toilet and check out ure watch... come back and work better :D Better pay and better life all thanks to a watch :Dancing_banana:

:thumbsup: :thumbsup: :thumbsup:
Thanks to bro angryodent for sharing this tips. I will try this method if my project director taruh me up side down. :Cheers:
Title: Re: What's the fascination in collecting watches?
Post by: Cocas on August 18, 2016, 10:57:03 AM: Quote from: sharong on January 29, 2012, 07:13:59 AM
Hi all

I don' know if this has been discussed before.Anyway, I would like some feed back from all about your fascination in
collecting watches.

I never look at a watch other than telling time. I have gone through the Seikos .Citizens .Casio, the digital ones as well
as the analogue, almost all using cheap quartz movements.- through my schooldays to uni and all through my working life.

Then suddenly, last Oct,my faithful Seiko failed and I had to buy a replacement so I bought a Luminox.
For some reasons which I cannot explain I started to collect watches after that.one after another , and the last one more expensive than the previous.
In 2 months I bought Baume and Mercier Riviera,the Grand Seiko, the Rolex submariner (2nd hand form
a seller from MWF), and a Zenith El primero.

So now I have more watches than I need, I keep them all running, tuned accurately to the atomic clock and see which one
is the more accurate.I have practically watches for all occasion, except for one with a second time zone for which i am thinking of getting the Rolex explorer 2 or the JLC master geographic. Hopefully I will stop buying more watches after that

To me to sustain a hobby there has to be some interaction.I am thinking of doing some photography of watches (there is a book out there on this), and maybe try my hand at resizing bracelets and changing watch straps.

Maybe my perspective is quite different from most of you, as I am about to retire quite soon and our reasons may be
vastly different,Any way I would like to hear from one and all what is your fascination in collecting watches

Cheers

Well said Bro :thumbsup:

Wish you have a happy and fruitful retiring life(if happen you have already retired now).

My watches always accompany through out all events and occasions, especially the memorable one.

Used to read a book that analyzing human behavior. Our human behavior are mainly developed and being shaped during Caveman Stone age era, For man, we are categorized as hunter or predator, we hunt in a group or alone, patiently waiting, spot the perfect moment to strike, regrouping, and timing the retreat....etc, all in all are about timing.

Finally, when timing device or watch are finally invented.

We are just kind of drawn to that.....

:D