Hey guys! I’ve been meaning to document my watch-collecting journey for a while now, so here goes. It all started with a simple fascination with timepieces.

First, I just looked at a lot of watches on some websites. You know, just getting a feel for what’s out there. I browsed through countless listings, from the big names like Rolex to those cool, under-the-radar brands.
Then, I began to visit some watch shops in person. It’s one thing to see them online, but seeing them in person, you really get a sense of their size, weight, and how they look on your wrist. I talked to the sales folks and tried on a bunch of watches that caught my eye.
I also started reading up on watches. I went to the library and got some books and magazines about watches. They are pretty helpful, although some are outdated. I learned about the history of watches and the different types, like mechanical and quartz.
Next, I really got into the details. I wanted to know what makes a watch tick, literally. So, I found some workshops where you can learn to take apart and reassemble watches. It was tricky, but really satisfying when I could get a watch working again.
- One time, I spent a whole weekend trying to fix an old watch I bought from a garage sale. I got it to work! I have been wearing it around ever since. It was a pain, but I did it!
- I joined some online forums where watch collectors hang out. It’s great because people share their collections and give advice. I’ve learned a lot from these guys, like which brands hold their value and which ones are just hype.
- I even tried my hand at making my own watch band. I bought some leather and tools, and after a few failed attempts, I made a decent-looking band. It’s not perfect, but it’s unique and I made it myself.
After doing all this stuff, I finally felt ready to start my own collection. My first purchase was a vintage watch I found at an antique store. It was a bit pricey, but I just loved the history behind it and how it looked. I just love that vintage watch’s history and look.

I set a budget for each watch I’d buy. I didn’t want to go broke over this hobby. I looked for deals and negotiated prices whenever I could. I bought one last year, and it’s my favorite.
I bought a nice display case to show off my watches. It’s got good lighting and keeps them safe. It makes me happy every time I look at it. It was a nice little investment to display my collection properly.
What I learned in this hobby
Collecting watches has been quite the journey. It’s more than just a hobby; it’s become a real passion. I’ve met some cool people, learned a ton about watches, and even got pretty good at fixing them. And the best part is, I’ve got a collection that I’m really proud of. It’s not just about the watches themselves, but the stories behind each one and the memories I’ve made along the way. It’s been tough, but definitely worth it.