Collecting Watches: A Beginners Guide

Collecting watches has always been a popular hobby, but if you’re just starting the world of watches can seem big and overwhelming. For that reason, our watch team have selected watches from our upcoming auction that they think would be a good place to begin.

When you’re just beginning, it’s important to make sure you take the time to research different options and learn about the unique features of each watch. You can read reviews and watch videos to get a sense of what you like and what fits within your budget. Here at Fellows, our watch team frequently makes videos and writes blogs so we highly recommend having a look through our website and social media as chances are, one of our specialists has already done a deep dive into a brand you’re curious about.

It’s also important to look for reputable dealers and retailers to ensure that you’re getting an authentic watch at a fair price. You can also consider buying pre-owned watches from trusted sources if you want to save money. We pride ourselves on being a fantastic place to start if you are interested in pre-owned. Our team of watch specialists are on hand to make your experience as straightforward and stress-free as possible, and they meticulously check each watch for authenticity. Today, we’ve asked them: “If you were starting your watch collection from scratch – where would you begin?”.

Our Team’s Top Picks

Collecting Watches – Nathan’s Pick:

The archetypal starter watch brand, any list lacking a TAG Heuer would not be complete. An iconic watch of the early 2000s, these pieces represent real value for money. Something that stands out about this watch is just how comfortable it is. In a time where watches keep growing bigger and thicker, this slightly more slim quartz example is a great value proposition.

Collecting Watches – Kain’s Pick:

If you’re looking for something with a retro digital aesthetic, a watch that offers nostalgia for a time that considered this to be what the future has in store for watch collectors. You may want to consider the Omega Constellation LCD to start your collection. The angular design and dual battery-powered movement create an instrumental yet visually pleasing tool watch, with a chronograph and alarm function.

Collecting Watches – Steven’s Pick:

This is a great-looking chronograph from a prestigious watch brand. An ideal watch to start a collection as it is very wearable, suitable for any occasion and could prove to be a saving over buying one new.

Collecting Watches – Richard’s Pick:

I think it is a fantastic quality automatic bracelet watch with a stylish and interesting burgundy dial and bezel. It is possible to get one of these at a fraction of the cost of a new example. For your money, you are getting the same quality as Rolex but with an entry-level price point. Ideal lady’s watch to start a watch collection. Also, comfortable to wear and let’s not forget it is a serious diving watch as well.

The Team’s Joint Pick:

As a team, we have a deep affection for Oris in general. This piece represents a great value entry point into the world of luxury Swiss watches. Coming in at 42mm, this watch will not overpower a wrist, nor will it be too small. Its design draws from classic art-deco dress watches but maintains a modern look. Most importantly it features Oris’ most famous complication, the pointer date, which provides aesthetically pleasing utility. The Artelier displays Oris’ ability to produce high-quality watches at an affordable price point, featuring a guilloche dial with applied hour markers. This example, now discontinued, is available in our upcoming Watch & Watch Collectables auction with an estimate of £150-200.

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