A Dream Collection for Under $10,000
Daniel PintoHave you ever wondered how to build an exceptional watch collection on a budget? This article will guide you through creating one for under $10,000, emphasizing the importance of research and careful selection. Discover three distinct approaches: a versatile collection for any occasion, one that delves into technical complications, and one dedicated to a single brand, like Omega.
It's the eternal question we collectors ask ourselves. If $10,000 seems like so much money, why are we never happy with our collection, even though we often have several times that amount invested in our watches? The reality is that with a lot of discipline, proper research, and clear direction, one could easily put together a collection for less than $10,000. And by collection, I mean any grouping of between two and five watches. It's a mental exercise we love to do, not only to try to organize our collection, but also to put ourselves in different imaginary scenarios of the type of collector we could, should, or fantasize about being.
An adventurous collector who only buys diving watches to explore the depths of the ocean; a wise and seasoned collector who specializes in mid-20th-century chronographs; or a collector passionate about a brand, who seeks to study it through a perfect dissection of all the stages of the brand's history, expressed in three or four watches. Our imagination runs wild when money is imaginary. More than likely, you're like me, and your collection has grown in an inorganic, disorganized, and often 100% impulsive way, guided by desire (although we find it hard to admit) and influenced by the opinions of friends and social media, without a hint of philosophy or guiding principle. I'm here to tell you that's okay. Don't overthink it; this is a journey. A long journey, more like a marathon, made to be enjoyed every step of the way.
Now, if you're looking to explore this path with our 100% subjective opinion, here are three collection options for three different types of collectors. We hope you're one of them, or at least that you can appreciate not the watches, but the philosophy behind the selection process for each of these collections. That said, some rules need to be clear:
- The price of the watch is the current market price and not the original price.
- Modern and vintage watches alike, all are valid, but they should be pieces that are easy to find and not unicorns that make it impossible for anyone with a computer, internet, and 10,000 in the bank to replicate this selection.
- We'll likely have some spare change. Resist the urge to spend that extra money and save it to maintain your watches. Perhaps some of your options are vintage or neo-vintage, which is why I always recommend starting your life with that watch with a thorough maintenance that will ensure years of faithful service.
1. A collection suitable for any occasion
From the boardroom to a weekend trek, everything must be considered to have a watch on your wrist and wear it appropriately and with pride. Therefore, this first collection seeks to cover all aspects of modern life with diverse, design-focused choices that can look good with a variety of looks. Watches must be robust to avoid technical issues and emphasize a greater number of parts, rather than fewer but more expensive ones. The chosen ones are:
- Casio G Shock DW500: USD 150
- Tissot PRX Auto Tiifany Blue: USD 850
- Tank Les Must de Cartier Vermeil 1990: USD 2,000
- Rolex Datejust 1601: USD 3,500
- Doxa Sub 200T: USD 1,500
- Tag Heuer Carrera Caliber 16: USD 2,000
2. Watches with interesting complications
For my second collection, I imagine a total nerd, a fan of studying the technical details of his watches, obsessed with the unique stories of unknown brands, and willing to delve deeply into whatever his area of interest may be. In this case, I'm going to imagine his area of interest is watches with interesting complications. You might say this idea is too niche, too specific to have applications and implications in the collecting strategy of 99% of fans, but that's precisely the idea. We want to imagine an interesting collector profile, get inside his head, and try to deliver the maximum value for his $10,000. That's why this collector has spent years studying to finally collect and present us with this eclectic mix of truly delightful horological rarities.
- Bulgari Diagono Regatta Yach Timer: SD40SRE: USd 1500
- Christopher Ward Bel Canto: USD 4,500
- Seiko Bell Matic: USD 500
- Meister singer Perigraph: USD 1,000
- Lip Mach 2000: USD 1,500
- Zenith Time Command: USD 1,000
3. The fanboys' collection
Finally, I can't leave out the fanboys. Those sometimes annoying, pontifical priests of a brand to which they declare their eternal love, their absolute loyalty, and swear to forever recite the Gospel of each of its achievements. In every social setting of their lives, even when the rest of the guests don't understand and don't want to hear about the polished Zaratsu or the celestial transcendence implied by the creation of the Spring Drive, they are there preaching. I admire this type of collector because they are able to marry a single ideology and a single logo adorns their wrist. In a way, it becomes part of their identity. Their personality is now an extension of the values of the brand they choose to worship and associate with. I don't think I could ever achieve such a level of loyalty, much less be able to go through life without criticizing this brand, since a large part of what we love about this hobby is tearing apart every decision those poor executives in Switzerland make. For this type of collector, we'll say that his heart is with Omega, which is why we have selected these pieces for him:
- Omega Seamaster 600: USD 1,000
- Omega baby Ploprof: USD 3,500
- Omega Moonwatch 3570: USD 4,000
- Omega Sensorquartz: USD 500
- Omega Dynamic 166.108: USD 1,000
If you have any other adjustments you'd like to make or need advice to start building your $10,000 collection, we're here to help!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JAOfVaRUdoIMore on the Blog
