Rolex collecting: looking back on 2014....and into 2015
Oct 28, 2014,05:53 AM
Some personal reflections on my collecting during 2014 in Rolex and thoughts for 2015. I would love to hear how other collectors are viewing the year behind and the one in front.....
This was meant to be a year where I consolidated my collection....maybe even cut back on a few pieces that were not getting wrist time. It has long been my intention to pare my collection to fewer watches, but watches that I truly loved. I posted a theme....."if i only had 10 watches" earlier in the year. It would , indeed, be very hard for me to pare my collection to 10. Partly, i am a devotee of variation. I love the fact that my collection as it stands is diverse enough for me to choose from one extreme to another. Yet, there is a time for reflection.....and maybe that will be 2015 for me, when one looks at the entirety of a collection and ponders just what happens next. I am a lucky guy in that I feel I have caught many of the targets that I wanted. Having collected watches for a number of years, I know only too well what it feels like to have an itch that is not scratched. To have that "grail watch" that just never materialises. If i am honest, I don't believe in the concept of a "grail watch". I used to, but experience has taught me that once the "grail" has been caught, another grail appears in its place. Grail watches don't exist in my mind any longer.
Instead, I look at my collection and consider it as a whole....how does it feel? Are there gaps in the process? Rolex is obviously the centre of my collection, with Patek, JLC, Omega and others forming satellites. In the case of Patek and JLC, quite decent sized satellites. Overall, I probably have about 70% vintage and 30% modern. Overall, I probably have 50% Rolex, 25% JLC, 20% Patek and 5% others. Would I change the balance between vintage and modern? No. Would I change the balance between manufacturers? Probably not. So, I look at my collection and feel happy. Looking back on 2014, what did I add to my Rolex collection?
Well, the one that I had hunted for a long time finally appeared. It fills an important gap not only in my vintage Rolex world but also regarding my amagnetic theme......of course the 1019. It also adds that 1970s feel that so few other watches that I own manage to do well.
Another big addition during 2014 was of course the GMT 6542. This is a more controversial piece for me for many reasons. After owning for a few months now, I must say the jury is still out on this one. Of course, it fills an important part of my collection, but with a 1675 and 16710 also in my collection, it is not clear that this was an automatic decision for me. As beautiful as the watch looks, I have to say that I still hold doubts.
The GMT "bruiser" was also an addition for 2014. A modern marvel, and my favourite modern Rolex.....(though I have to say I have yet to try on the Sea-Dweller on my wrist). I love the black/blue insert.....its my go-to everyday watch.
That represents my Rolex additions during the year. There have been some casualties as some Rolex have left the flock. I was lucky enough to own a Paul Newman that found a new owner. I still retain my 6239 Paul Newman. Also left have one or two others....but not to speak of the dead......
My stand-out addition.....the one that made me happiest was (sorry to those that disagree) the 1019. I had hunted it for so long...had come so close so many times. It fills more gaps for me than any other....and I just love wearing it. It has a feel unlike any other Rolex I own.
As I prepare for 2015, I sit with a Rolex collection that gives me enormous pleasure. I have added where I felt it needed and sold where I felt it needed. I go into 2015 without that "itch" that has plagued me for years....and to be blunt, it feels very nice to sit back and appreciate the cohesion of the collection rather than strive to hit that next grail. As the wise Dr. No once said...."less is more". For this watch collector, it feels that way for the first time.
This message has been edited by Baron on 2014-10-28 05:55:17 This message has been edited by Baron on 2014-11-03 06:47:10
Some personal reflections on my collecting during 2014 in Rolex and thoughts for 2015. I would love to hear how other collectors are viewing the year behind and the one in front..... This was meant to be a year where I consolidated my collection....maybe ...
As it comes to Rolex and Tudor, a Monte Carlo Chronograph, a 7928 Ci, 7924 ARA, or a 7922, and a Tudor MN are still in my hunting list... For Rolex, a 1019, A 1675 Underline or Military, a 1665 DRSD MK II PP, and a Daytona 16520 Black... For the moment......
....my total collection is actually unchanged in size.......but finessed. Other manufacturers have seen bigger increases for me....the 3 in Rolex were a gross 3, not a net 3. Its an odd feeling ...i don't have that itch! Servicing and maintenance are issu...
....I have had 7 watches at service this year....and the cost of that would be enough to buy a very nice watch indeed. We have different size collection for sure, but I feel mine is too large......
......zero can also be more...depending on whether it is accompanied by the mental shift! I think that the "less is more" concept really takes a strong hold when a collection becomes big...and by big I mean more than 20.
trying to consolidate my collection. My buying was diverse and low cost but visibly strategic. I managed to sell three of the watches I'm most well known for, but the Rolex Bruiser remains elusive as the best example of said watch has only attracted horri...
Also in case for Rolex collecting… I was initially slowly looking for a nice 5512 chapter ring dial but didn't really especially hunt for one, until I found and fell in love with this 5513 underline. It gave me great pleasure having it on the wrist, and I...
......i can easily see a 1655 adding some variety and class to your collection. The 5513 looks amazing by the way....amazing. A nice assessment of targets and views that you portray......here's to a good hunt! Best Joe
I have been working to consolidate - it's still work in progress, but this year has seen my collection go from 22 to 15, which I think is a good number and one that my wife wholeheartedly agrees on. The milestones is that I have finally added a Rolex Exp ...
.....i have bought a number at 35, 36, 37 and 38......and I am almost tempted to say that that range is perfect for me. I'd certainly wear a 40mm watch and have no problem doing that, but in terms of "perfect size" for me....well, probably 37mm. I definit...
which I am still a little timid to step into, because of the vast varieties and similarities, and huge counterfeit market. That is why I bought the Cellini Prince, but your 1019 looks great! I am amazed at how Rolex can produce so much with such high qual...
... your balance of 2014 for your collection and your expectations for 2015. Your thoughts show the view of a true collector and a wise managment of the pieces which conform the collection. It´s so nice to read your closing saying that you can seat back a...
To read your posts Abel. You have a nice way with words and I enjoy reading you very much. Here my favorite part you recently wrote in response to Joe: It´s so nice to read your closing saying that you can seat back and appreciate the cohesion of your pre...
... my English is not good enough and I find some limitations to express my thoughts, but I try my best. The merit belongs to Joe and his sharing of his thoughtful approach to collecting. He said the exact words, and achieved what I always felt about a co...
"purify" is a wonderful word to use....coming from you Mr. Dexter! I think it is inevitable that when a collection is being built, watches will come and watches will go. Tastes evolve and indeed what one wants from a collection also changes. Some want dep...
... wise, and your approach to collecting is what I focus to reach... some day. I had told myself many times, that my enthusiasm makes me invest too much time, efforts ... and resources, to a new hunt, and this takes time to enjoyment to what I already ow...
Joe- a great thread once again that you have started. You are certainly talented in picking topics that alloy fellow purists to eagerly participate! Congratulations your acquisitions. I think for the most part they are superb. Especially the 6542. Why you...
....you are an investor and a collector. You merge the two processes into one....and I can see that works with you well. You also adopt a philosophy that appreciates depth rather than diversity. You don't like my Sea-Dwellers, but you do like the fact tha...
Joe, I respect your answer very much. I also respect you as a person, and respect your knowledge of watches and of views in life in general. Be assured I can and have learnt much from you. It is why I value Purist- the moderators for the most part put pas...
you can well live even with just a damned couple ( your beautiful PPs ) .. but the question is another one : I have noticed you got really clean SD examples that fits very well in your " non-orientated " and " multitasking " collection. so sell them to bu...
......You are right, my SDs are very clean. But, who needs 3 Patent Pendings? (LoL). One would be fine. And you are right, what could i possibly add to surpass my 6200? Another 3-6-9 dial? Why? Not needed...i have a 3-6-9 dial!!! Milsub? Well, plausibly, ...
.....losing 2 of the three patent pendings would be plausible...i still end with one PP. Losing the next one is trickier......i know i am a heathen, but once i heard that there were only 400-600 Rail Dials made, my attraction to it rose!! LoL. Howe many o...
After you can choose between the Triple 6, which is very you, too, and the Rail.... But I suspect the Triple 6 gives you even more pleasure.... So, you see, things can go fast! ;) Best, Nicolas
......(close your eyes Marcello), if i wanted to keep only one 666, i could let the Comex go!!! The thing is, I do think its time to think deeply about the cohesion and what is not needed.
,,, STRONG. What a g-damn'd beauty. I had the latest version mitz green crystal, but like a fool I traded it for something else. Can't wait to get it back. Cheers! - Scott
There is only one Rolex Milgauss to own. It might be narrow minded. But this is my opinion and I have a strong one on this. Its the Iconic 6541. Not because it is among the earliest or the most valuable right now- it is simply is breathtaking aestheticall...
That is what ultimately makes the watch world interesting. Some people love references that others don't find appealing. The world would be awfully boring (and expensive) if everyone liked the same things. best Edmond
"There is only one Rolex Milgauss to own....IN MY OPINION" Nothing wrong with strong and direct opinion unless there is some assumption that opinion is fact.
I think its obvious that this is my opinion. I am not THE absolutely authority on Rolex in the world so of course there are other opinions. I am just one of many opinions.
I don't think it is obvious at all. When one states personal opinions as seeming fact, then it comes across slightly differently. "In my view, the 6541 is the most attractive Rolex fro own, bar none"......that sentence opens the discussion for others to a...
As you a moderator you can write like that if you like. Be politically correct. I am most certainly not going to change how I write. Its my personality to write like that and I am not going to change my friend. But thank you for the English lesson. E
I just checked my post. I said very clearly it is my opinion. Just not in the opening. And I was taught as young boy that opening sentences, headlines should be powerful, to the point and strong. Else no one reads the rest. I am listening to my school tea...
.....in fact, your header and your first sentence made no mention of opinion. That came subsequently. Strong opinions are great..I welcome them....so do most people. I do, however, feel that sometimes strong opinions that come across as "fact" cross the l...
Baron: Thank you for starting such a great thread. Reading from top to bottom, all the contributions were very throughtful and a very cool read for an amateur like myself. It is very interesting to see that you are tending toward "less is more". Though I ...
....what a fabulous response....really appreciated. I think one of the things I have learnt (slowly) is something that comes through in your post....namely, that some watches make their way onto our wrists more than others. Some watches just get squeezed ...
Sure thing. It is thoughtful responses that make this forum so much fun. Please keep us all posted through 2015 on what you do with your collection. I always love hearing about fantastic Sea-Dwellers going to great homes (or staying at great homes!) Have ...
.. Hmmm... Rolex collecting : I'm still not sure, if I am a real collector, but definitely a lover of Rolex watches, several moderns accumulated over the years, In addition to my good old " life"- Rolex-Date from the mid 70ies, and the Milgauss GV, which ...
.. As you may have realized, I'm truly in love with that superb piece !! There is almost no day, where I don't look at her, on & off my wrist !.. Yeaahhhh ! Best, hs
One, a 1665 rail dial, which is one I've been searching for for a while after reading Baron's excellent scholarship on this watch. The second, a Panerai 'Zero' logo, which I purchase at the boutique in Firenze. I've never been a Paneristi, but this one gr...