Three Tiers of Watch Collecting Through Accessories & Tools

The beauty of watch collecting lies in its endless possibilities for enjoyment. Some have a Timex Easy Reader that they love and wear every day, others hoard vintage Swiss chronographs and have drawers full of bracelets, watch rolls, and spare parts. 

Beyond the watches themselves, collecting offers endless opportunities to experiment with new gear, accessories, and tools of the trade. There’s really no limit to how deep down the rabbit hole you may go. Today I’d like to explore the watch collecting journey through the lens of accessories, dividing it into three tiers. Of course, no collecting journey is linear and accessories certainly don’t define who you are as a collector, but there are definitely common trends when it comes to investing into the hobby.

Tier 1: Basics

I’d say the most common “toe dip” into watch enthusiasm, aside from obviously buying your first watch, is buying a strap. Putting your watch on a new material, color, or style of strap can completely change the way it feels, giving you a deeper understanding of the watch itself. 

Now that you’re swapping straps, you’re going to need a spring bar tool. From my experience, the simple spring bar tool is the most ubiquitous piece of kit you’ll find in the drawers and boxes of collectors. In fact, I found one in my car’s center console the other day. (How it got there I may never know).

When you’re getting started you may also look for some simple storage solutions for your watch(es) such as a pouch. These are great for general safe keeping, but are excellent for travel if you’d like to bring an extra watch or two.

Tier 2: Extras

You’ve been around the block, you have a watch or two (or three or four) that you wear with some regularity, and a rotation of straps to spice things up. You find yourself changing your own straps quite often and have somehow become the go-to resource for family and friends who “need a new belt for their watch.” Now is when it’s nice to step up from a simple spring bar tool.

A full-size spring bar tool, preferably one with replaceable tips, and a small screwdriver will come in handy when sizing and removing bracelets. The Everest Premier Tool Set fits the bill perfectly. You may find yourself needing extra spring bars, as well as more storage. Like the simple pouch, a well-made watch roll is a great solution for at-home and on the go with plenty of room for your ever-expanding collection.

Tier 3: Full Go

You’re past the point of no return. You have Chrono24 notifications set up for strange vintage references. Your AD knows you by first name, you’re attending RedBar events, and your local watchmaker has a drawer with your name on it. You have a potentially concerning amount of watches, straps, and accessories.

At this point, you likely own a nice watch box. It’s the go-to solution for at-home storage and (hopefully) resides in a safe. Due to the frequency with which you install and remove bracelets, you have a pair of spring bar calipers to make your life that much easier. You might even have a screwdriver set that fits various flathead sizes (1-1.6mm) to size bracelets. Short of throwing on the finger cots and taking apart your watch’s movement, you’ve got the tools necessary to get the most out of your collection.

Final Thoughts

Watch collecting is a deeply personal journey; there's no one-size-fits-all approach. Whether you're just getting started or you're fully immersed in the hobby, the joy comes from owning, wearing, and sharing watches. Still, the tools and gear you pick up along the way will certainly make your life easier—they might even enhance the experience if you know what you need.

No matter where you fall on the spectrum—whether you're swapping straps for the first time or curating a drawer full of vintage finds—the thrill of collecting lies in the endless possibilities. There's always something new to discover, another layer to peel back, and that's what keeps the passion alive.