I have no idea to what you took offense. Perhaps your reply was a parody of a common collector mentality and personality? If so, kudos to you good sir.

And I am also a keen collector and lover of cars and motorbikes. They often go together but are very different as investments and objects of desire.

Regards
Trevor

There is absolutely an entry stage where one wants to taste all the flavors before getting choosier.

I understand presentation pieces, though not why one would purchase them for themselves. Any item made to be collectible is an affront to me. The arrogance of this preordination involved is massive, and it insults the entire idea of collecting.

For me, the true collectibles are ephemera. The best example I have is that there are people that collect airline ‘sick bags’ aka barf bags. And fast food bags, cartons. I know that watches with papers and packaging are desired for authenticity’s sake, but the sense of an era is as much in a printed warranty or instructions.

This antiques collecting blogger (shoutout to throughouthistory.com) states that the antiques that sell are those that are small and useful. Watches, new or old, have this in their favor.

I’m a watch liker / user. The same goes for knives and guns. I like knives. I like guns.

And, there is a commonality there: They are all tools, designed to perform a rather mundane function…. to keep time, to cut things, and to launch a projectile.

I’ve also been a car liker / user. I’ve had a couple of sports cars, and I drove the crap out of them on the track. Otherwise, what’s the point of having a performance car?

When I like something, I tend to go through an accumulation phase. Watches were my most recent bout with the acquisition disease. That said, I don’t acquire to simply “collect” and admire (or hope they go up in value). I acquire these objects to use and enjoy. If it’s to nice to wear / carry / use / drive… then I don’t want it.

I was browsing guns at a Gander Mountain once. My wife was with me. The sales dude asked me if I’d like to see a special Smith & Wesson revolver. It was some special anniversary edition. He opened the satin-lined wooden presentation box. I took out the revolver and opened the cylinder to confirm it was unloaded. I snapped the cylinder shut, and the sales guy winced. “EASY!” Umm… OK.

He then explained that this was a “collector item” and not meant for range use. Before I was able to say anything, my wife interjected, “He’ll want to shoot it!” I gently replaced the gun into its satin cocoon and pushed the box back across the counter.

Collect them all (except Cellini, Milgauss, etc.)!
Well, despite that definition, I’m still not a collector. Honestly you’re somewhat right and coronageddon has created an untold number of “watch collectors.”

Watch collectors = dudes who don’t get laid.