We're all different in what we can handle in terms of watch collection size. I notice, now that my collection is a mere 7, that the few watches I own give me more enjoyment than before. I'm really enjoying my Benarus Moray Dart 44mm, for example. I think any of my watches--even the ones I sold--would have been enjoyed more. There's some psychological principle to be learned here.
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I'm glad you decided to pull the Benarus Moray Dart off the eBay auction block, Jeff. It has a unique and classy design. I really like the unusual segmented hour and minute hands.
Posted by: Gary | January 08, 2015 at 12:05 PM
Good one, Jeff. Yeah, less is more. I wonder if it is simply a matter of the fewer watches you own, the more time you spend with each watch. I know that when I put on a watch that I've neglected for a few weeks, usually the love returns. If it doesn't then it is usually a candidate to sell. In other words, a hiatus from a watch is a good way to determine whether it is worth keeping - it seems your Moray Dart passed the test.
Posted by: jonnybardo | January 08, 2015 at 01:51 PM
Jonny, I think your remarks explain the situation accurately. I seem to have a top limit capacity; after that, no matter how amazing the watches are I'm like Superman crippled by Kryptonite.
Posted by: herculodge | January 08, 2015 at 02:28 PM
It's more satisfying when your love isn't spread around too thinly.
Posted by: Ulysses | January 08, 2015 at 02:38 PM
Ulysses is right: You can only spread so much love so far.
Posted by: herculodge | January 08, 2015 at 02:46 PM
Unless you're Wilt Chamberlain, but then you have to wonder how much he appreciated his...watches.
Posted by: jonnybardo | January 08, 2015 at 06:17 PM
Jonny: If "The Stilt" could have 20,000 women, why can't I have at least 100 watches?
Posted by: Angelo | January 09, 2015 at 06:12 AM
By the way---in an interview with Howard Stern (a few years before Wilt died) he said that he would be able to remember each woman if he met her again.
Posted by: Angelo | January 09, 2015 at 06:13 AM
Wilt's an impressive guy, in many ways.
But yeah, have your 100 watches. Viva la difference. I honestly think there are simply different "watch personality types." In a way I'm jealous of you in that I wish I could be satisfied with watches with more modest price tags, but as I've said in one of my recent videos, once you acquire a taste for the fineness of an Omega or even an Oris, it is hard to go back. Its like having quality organic chocolate and then going back to Hershey's.
Posted by: jonnybardo | January 09, 2015 at 08:49 PM
Well, I'm a long ways from 100. But for the record, I've had very find Swiss Chocolate (not sure it was organic, but it was extremely expensive) and yes, I could still go back to Nestle or Hershey's and enjoy them for what they are. I do get your point---but the way I look at it, my most expensive watches ($400.00-$500.00 and one collectible old watch that might be worth a little more) have their place in my collection---but so does my G-Shock digital. They cover different duties. I wouldn't wear my Movado to go in the river at my weekend house in West Virginia---or to wash my car---and I wouldn't wear my G-Shock to a business meeting. But yes, if you get used to those Omegas (and other nice watches)I've seen on your blog, I'm sure putting a Timex on your wrist would be a few steps down and wouldn't feel right.
Posted by: Angelo | January 11, 2015 at 06:25 AM
Angelo, I do still enjoy Hershey's to some extent (or my occasional vice, a Snickers) but if given a chance then I'll go for the gourmet stuff. The difference is just too noticeable, and that extra richness and "layered flavor" stands out. Actually, I think in terms of more refined things, it is those extra subtle layers of refinement that people enjoy, that involves developing a palate.
I think we've used wine as an analogy before in these discussions. Your typical decent bottle of wine is $10-12. When you get into the $15-20 range, there's more depth, subtle flavors, and complexity. And it keeps going, but that "extra something" becomes finer and finer, and for those with the palate, it is that extra something that brings the deepest enjoyment.
And so it is with watches. Just as a $10 bottle of wine can still be enjoyable, so too can a $150 watch still be fun to own and have a context. But just as a $15 bottle will offer a more enjoyable experience to those who have the palate for it, so too will a $300-500 watch. And it goes on up. While I can tell the difference between my Omegas, which retail in the $2-3K range, it is hard for me to image what more I'd be getting with a $3-5K or $5-10K watch. One of the reasons I'm satisfied with the $3K and under range--besides simple economics--is that after that the refinements are things I care less about, like movement decorations, precious metals, jewels, etc.
Posted by: jonnybardo | January 11, 2015 at 07:21 AM
I like Movado's take on a blue dial luxury watch. The price is fair too. Their prices have been very steady for a long time. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00D6J8SII/ref=s9_al_gw_g241_i4?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=desktop-2&pf_rd_r=0RGBYGEGX3V084TPJXBH&pf_rd_t=36701&pf_rd_p=2008322602&pf_rd_i=desktop
Posted by: Angelo | January 11, 2015 at 07:27 AM