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With around 90% of the UK population owning a smartphone, the need to wear a watch for time-keeping purposes has never been lower. Despite this, watch sales by both volume and value continue to grow year on year. The popularity of the most sought-after brands is even at an all-time high.
In the past, it would have been commonplace for the average member of the public to own a watch. Now though, watches have become another category of collectables. With the rise of social media and online forums, the hobby of “watch collecting” has boomed. It doesn’t need to be an expensive hobby either. The passion and enthusiasm amongst the Swatch collecting community is just as great as that within Rolex or Patek Philippe circles.
An article on Forbes called our auctions “a great place for new collectors to build up a collection“. We couldn’t agree more!
Kes Crockett took a look at some watches we sold in our Watches and Watch Accessories auction to see how they could help you start a watch collection.
Take it away, Kes!
There are a number of ways to build a collection. Some enthusiasts follow a simple strategy of buying what they like without any parameters. Others establish a highly specific and narrow focus accumulating watches all from a single genre. Many also like to have a selection of watches covering several bases.
Let’s take a look at five potentials to start off a wannabe watch collector.
Building a watch collection
The dive watch
Seiko is brand that offers fantastic value for money, whether new or pre-owned. This 42mm titanium cased, automatic watch is perfect for every day use. Safe to wear whilst swimming or just battling the British winters, it’s highly legible dial and robust construction make it a great ‘do-it-all’ timepiece.
Price realised at auction – £442.00.
The travel watch
With its unusual case shape and funky splash of colour, this vintage travel watch displays some of the world’s most well-known cities, allowing the wearer to know the time in multiple locations across the globe. The 24hr calibrated bezel confirms whether the timezone is ahead or behind GMT and a date window to three completes the package. A perfect watch for the jetsetter on a budget.
Price realised at auction £227.50.
The quirky conversation starter
No, it’s not broken, the hand hasn’t fallen off! This German brand specialises in one-handed watches. Visually striking and sure to get attention, the Meistersinger shows the time in a slightly different way. Rather than having two hands and the customary five one-minute interval markers between each hour, there is instead one hand and twelve markers, each representing five minutes. This allows the passage of time to be tracked to a surprising degree of accuracy despite the simplified display method. The exhibition case back makes it the only watch in this selection to allow the owner to enjoy the inner workings as well as the novel exterior.
Price realised at auction £429.00.
The dress watch
A classic watch from one of the most renowned watch brands, the Omega Constellation is everything you need in a dress watch. A clean and clear dial with baton markers and date window to three, accompanied in this instance by additional ‘crosshair’ detailing. The eye-catching ‘dog leg’ lugs and stylish black leather strap combine to create the perfect piece of wrist wear for those more formal occasions.
Price realised at auction £1,079.00.
The wildcard
The final spot in the five watch collection is…. not a watch. It is in fact a travel alarm clock made by another of the great Swiss watch houses. Manufactured in the style of its iconic Santos wrist watch, it provides a fun, low-cost entry point into the Cartier club. The only timepiece in the group to use a quartz movement, this bedside timekeeper provides the reliability and accuracy needed to ensure you wake up on time, ready for the day ahead. Set it five minutes early and you might even have enough time to decide which watch to wear!
Price realised at auction £416.00.
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Valuations
If you are looking to find out how much your watch could be worth, why not speak to our specialists? Our valuations are free, with no obligation to sell with us. Our experts will provide you with an estimate, so you can find out what it could achieve at auction.
Fill in a form online, or you can book an appointment to visit our offices in Birmingham and London. We can also offer you a virtual valuation appointment.