Jonny Explains the 3 Watch Collector Types

Watches are indeed like actual drugs but they aren’t all “equal” in terms of what sort of consciousness they evoke. The drug spectrum runs from “bath salts” which have been associated with acts of cannibalism, to ayahuasca, which gives life-changing mystical visions.

But it does seem that there are different archetypal paths to watch collecting. I see three main types of collector:

The first is what could be called the “Climber” – towards greater and greater quality and refinement (and resulting cost).

The second is what could be called the “Grazer” – this is the pick and choose collector who happily stays within a price threshold and collects what they like.

The third is what could be called the “Shower” – who wants to be noticed and likes a watch that stands out.

Some brands cater to one type (e.g. Rolex), some to all (e.g. Seiko). Different watches epitomize the types, but most combine. For instance, Invicta appeals to both Showers and Grazers, but not to Climbers. Hublot appeals to all three, but really combines the bling of the Shower and the price of a Climber.

I find myself a Climber/Grazer, which leads to a sub-type, which could be called the Optimizer – trying to find the best quality watches for the best prices.

Related articles

Watch Addict's Lexicon

Is There a Pricing Head Game When It Comes to a Watch Obsession?

The State of My Watch Obsession, 2014

Anthony Bourdain Sporting Some Diverse Watches on New CNN Show

24 Holiday Watches for the Budget-Minded

Comments

[Gary]

Johnny,

I guess you're a mountain goat -- a grazer who also climbs.

I guess I'm a cow -- a grazer who's not adept at climbing. The high end of my watch purchases is approximately the low end of yours.

[jonnybardo]

Ha ha, I like that Gary. I guess I'm a mountain goat who wants to be a snow leopard, but should probably be a cow (or, to stick with the Himalayan motif, a yak).

Showers would be Peacocks.

[herculodge]

I like comparing myself to a mountain goat whenever I can find the opportunity.

[John Tutolo]

If showers are gonna be called showers, Climbers should be called growers IMHO ;)

[jonnybardo]

Ha ha.

I once remarked to Jeff via email, John, that watches are either "showers" or "growers," and my issue was that Invicta, by and larger, are showers - they start out at their most pleasing then quickly lose appeal, while more classic watches grow on you overtime.