A Beginner’s Guide to Watch Collecting
Whether you’re drawn to timeless design, intricate mechanics, or the thrill of the hunt, starting a watch collection is a journey worth taking.
Getting Started With Watch Collecting: A Timeless Investment
A Beginner’s Guide to Choosing, Caring For, and Growing Your Timepiece Collection
Thinking of starting a watch collection? Congratulations! It’s an exciting and rewarding choice that can bring pride and satisfaction for generations to come. But like with any sizable investment, it’s important to identify why you’re deciding to opt in and ensure you’ll be making the most of your purchase.
When it comes to watches, this means selecting a model that suits both your budget and personality, as well as one that will increase in value over time. Proper care and maintenance are, of course, key to ensuring your watch’s longevity. Read on for some helpful tips to guide you through the first of many important purchases.
Define Your Purpose
Why Start a Watch Collection?
Before you begin building your watch collection, it’s good to examine what you hope to achieve with it. If you’re simply looking for something flashy and exciting to invest in, watches might not be the best choice. Timepieces — especially those that come from established, high-quality watch houses — are intricate and technical, requiring care, attention to detail, and money to maintain.
On the other hand, if you truly appreciate the craftsmanship, mechanics, and aesthetics of watches, have a desire to increase your knowledge and understanding of the market, and want to make a long-term investment for yourself and future generations, a watch collection might be a great fit.
Do Your Homework
Research Is Key
As a newcomer to the world of watches, it is imperative that you do extensive research before making any purchase. It’s not only important to deepen your understanding of the watch industry to get a sense of which brands and models will appreciate in value, but also to ensure you won’t get cheated by fraudsters. The market is flooded with fakes — some of them very convincing — and it’s easy to be fooled if you don’t know what to look for.
Be sure to consult with and purchase from reputable sellers, especially at the beginning of your collecting journey. Seasoned collectors might be able to hunt down a good vintage piece on eBay, but until you really know what you’re doing, it’s wise to be conservative. For brand-new, well-known watches, purchase from trusted retailers like Watches of Switzerland, Tourneau, or Bucherer, or visit your local fine jewelry store. Try Page & Cooper for lesser-known or niche brands, and consider established auction houses like Christie’s or Bonhams for vintage or pre-owned finds.
Choose Your First Piece
Style and Brand Matter
When making your first watch purchase, it’s smart to choose a classic, well-established brand and style that is likely to hold its value. Rolex is always a reliable place to start, as demand for their watches is consistently strong, especially for models like the GMT Master or Submariner.
If you’re fortunate enough to consider high-end pieces, brands like Patek Philippe, A. Lange & Söhne, Vacheron Constantin, Breguet, and Audemars Piguet are considered the top-tier of watchmaking. These timepieces will always fetch a high price on the resale market.
Other reputable brands include Omega, Seiko, Movado, TAG Heuer, Breitling, and Blancpain. These manufacturers produce a wide variety of styles, so you’ll need to research which models are most likely to appreciate in value. Fads and trends can be fun additions once you’ve built up your collection, but they’re not the most secure investments initially, as their popularity can be unpredictable.
Most importantly, choose a watch that you genuinely like — one that looks good on you. While some collectors choose not to wear their timepieces often, you still want your choices to reflect your style and sensibility. Try on any watch before buying it, since photos don’t always give a good sense of proportion or fit. Ask yourself: Is this a piece I’ll still love 10, 15, or even 25 years from now?
Care and Maintenance
Protect Your Investment
Once you’ve made your purchase, proper care and maintenance are essential to protecting your investment. We recommend having your watch professionally cleaned and serviced every 3–5 years. This is also a good time to replace the battery, if needed. My Jewelry Repair employs a team of certified watch repair specialists trained to care for, maintain, and restore fine watches.
If you wear your watch frequently, inspect it regularly for signs of wear and tear, and address any issues promptly. Quality timepieces are less likely to suffer breakdowns, but external elements — especially humidity — can still cause problems.
Storage Tips
Preserve Value with Proper Storage
If you’re storing your watch or displaying it in a case, keep it in a cool, dry, and dark environment. You can invest in a specialized watch storage box that controls for temperature and humidity. Even if you choose not to store your watch in its original box, it’s crucial to retain the original packaging and paperwork. These items play a key role in validating your timepiece’s authenticity and value — particularly if you or an heir chooses to sell it in the future.
Final Thoughts
Your Collection Begins Here
Follow this advice and you’ll be well on your way to building a beautiful, valuable, and meaningful watch collection. With patience, knowledge, and a genuine appreciation for craftsmanship, your first purchase can serve as the perfect foundation for a lifelong passion in horology.
From the First Watch to a Lifetime Collection
My Jewelry Repair Is Here Every Step of the Way
Whether you’re selecting your very first timepiece or expanding a growing collection, My Jewelry Repair provides the expert support you need to preserve and protect your investment. Our Certified Watchmakers specialize in the care, maintenance, and restoration of luxury watches — from battery replacements to complete mechanical overhauls.
We understand the sentimental and financial value of each timepiece in your collection. That’s why our services are performed in state-of-the-art facilities, including NASA-level ISO-certified cleanrooms, ensuring the highest standards in cleanliness, precision, and security. With our nationwide mail-in process, maintaining your collection is effortless and secure — no matter where you are. Each repair is handled with the same level of care and craftsmanship you’d expect from the world’s finest watchmakers.
Build your collection with confidence. And when the time comes, trust My Jewelry Repair to keep every piece ticking for generations to come.
Interested in Servicing Your Timepiece?
Awesome read.