What I Love About Watch Collecting

Most watch collectors know that we’re riding on an all-time high of interest in our hobby and a period with more small brands in the market than ever before. What’s exciting is that this makes watch collecting accessible to a huge variety of people whose budget allows for entry at any price point.

Watches come in so many sizes, shapes, colors, patterns, materials, and with different levels of technology, etc. There’s something to appeal to the collector's style at all phases of life. In addition, there are so many functions and complications integrated into watches that they are also an occupational tool for many. Watch makers & brands are so creative that there’s almost no end to the options.

My own taste is that I like something a little bit off the beaten path, but not too far. I want to wear a watch that has something interesting about it that I love. Finally, I don’t buy anything that I won’t wear, and I won’t wear it if I don’t love it. Here are a few of my favorite pieces - some from my own collection; some from my aspirational collection.

I purposely chose the Junghans Max Bill Automatic without a date because the clean lines are so elegant. The font is vintage but modern, and I especially love how the super matte silver (almost white) dial delicately curves downward to meet the case. I didn’t know it was silver until it arrived. This one is extra special because I received it as a Father’s Day gift last year.

I’ve had my eye on several colors of the an Ordain Model 1 for a couple years but haven’t pulled the trigger yet. The original Model 1 looked great but was discontinued until the New Model 1 was released a couple months ago. My favorite thing about this is that the dial is an interesting material - enamel - and those syringe hands...

Since I got my hands on the MONTA Triumph, I can’t take my eyes off of it. Even when it’s not on the wrist, it’s on my desk. Mine is the green dial variation, which is sadly out of production. What I love most is the attention to detail in the finishing! Every edge is carefully thought out and the sunburst polish on the fixed bezel is fan-freaking-tastic. It’s as comfortable on a leather strap as it is on a bracelet and is as adept under a suit as it is walking the dog.

I’m making a huge jump in price points here, but I have a few watches on my grail list (looking at you, Hulk) and the two tone silver face Rolex SkyDweller is currently at the top. I had a chance to put one on my wrist recently at my Rolex Authorized Dealer and nearly had to pry it off. 

It’s a little flashier than what I would normally wear, but the flash is what makes it interesting. The fluted bezel catches the light any way you turn it. Further, the GMT circle in the middle of the dial, date window, and month of the year complication make this the most complicated movement manufactured by Rolex.  At 42mm across and 14mm thick, it’s not a small watch, which adds to the flashiness. I wouldn’t normally go for a two-tone, but to me, this doesn’t read as two tone because there’s so much going on that your eye hardly notices the bracelet. In my opinion, this is an underrated variant of the SkyDweller, which makes it very attractive to my taste.

There’s a watch for every taste and budget, and the great thing about them is that they all fit into Everest watch accessories. The roll - cork is my favorite material - holds between three watches. The newly released portfolio which holds extra straps and tools, carries three watches. Finally, all variants of the watch pouch are a great way to travel with or protect your style and investment when they’re not on the wrist. You can shop all of these accessories here.