How To Start - Swiss Elite Watches

Collecting watches is essentially an aesthetic pursuit and a reflection of the passion and understanding of the collector. Doubtless, fine watches are aesthetic creations and mechanical marvels and lend themselves to comparison with other watches and other collectibles. Even in an era in which time is recorded on nearly every surface such as the phone, computer, microwave, car dash, ad infinitum. The watch can, for some, be a useful instrument. The watch is useful as a symbol of status, class and of sophistication and is nearly invisible to the uninformed. Just as accomplished athletes dream of being famous musicians, and vice versa, it is quite common for the renowned athlete or artist to admire fine timepieces and to become involved in watch collecting as a pursuit or passion.

An appreciation of the art and science of Horology is for many a lifelong pursuit, enhanced by one’s insight and interest and fueled by one’s means and one’s passions. You have only to watch one episode of Antiques Roadshow to glimpse the enormous diversity and enthusiasm people demonstrate in the acquisition and research of collectibles…and nearly any object can become collectible. Hatpins, toys, sports memorabilia, furniture and timepieces are all looked upon with ardor and affection and as treasure or treasured acquisitions.

Be a Collector

How to Start

How to start? Anyway you like. Buy a watch, maybe a fine Swiss timepiece. Wear it, enjoy it and for many this is a successful result. Others become students of the art; reading magazines and books and informing themselves of the lore and history of the science and art of watchmaking and of the comparative elements that individual artisans and brands represent. Collecting is after all, self expression and a creation. One need not be a professional at it, but the best take a professional approach.

The formula for the most successful collectors is:

Inform oneself fully by studying the brands, models, and history of products of interest.
Discover current market conditions and trends.
Enlist the assistance of one of more professional.

Armed fully with an understanding of the elements involved in the pursuit, and a professional approach, target specific acquisitions.

Like all interests and aesthetic pursuits, the understanding and affinity for certain products, evolves as one matures and one’s interests expand. I have observed numerous approaches to the collecting of watches and will share several examples to provide possible insight.

At the pinnacle of watch collecting are a few individuals with the means and the insight to acquire virtually anything they want. Just as in any game, there are those who play it best, but for all players there are goals and barriers and something to be won.

The Common man with uncommon watches

Most afficianados of watches are hard working people with jobs, families and mortgages and a limited budget. They are not multimillionaires with unlimited means and they save and dream and work to acquire special watches. They are amongst the most informed collectors and in many ways, are the motivating force behind the success of a brand or a store or a publication.

These individuals are the foundation of my business and ultimately the type of collector who values good information and service beyond the ordinary. In my experience this type of collector does excellent homework and knows with a question or two if you can provide what he needs and can differentiate the knowledgeable from the pretender. If you know…you can recognize another who knows.

The Collection of a European Nobleman

In May 2008 a collection of more than 700 modern elite timepieces from such notable brands as Patek Philippe, Audemars Piguet, Breguet, Vacheron Constantin, F.P. Journe, Jaeger LeCoultre, A.Lange & Sohne, as well as up and coming watchmakers Hautlence, Uhrwerk, Roger Dubuis, et al was presented at Antiquorum Auction House. This was the collection of a “European Nobleman” and an astonishing accumulation. The total sale amounted to about $9.5 million.

Focus the Collection

In 2006 the Mondani Collection of 300 ROLEX wristwatches was auctioned in Geneva. The collection was the basis of the book written by Osvaldo Patrizzi “ROLEX Collecting Modern and Vintage Wristwatches”. This collection represented twenty years of obsession and academic pursuit of the best examples available.

The Blanc Family Passion

Mel Blanc was a famous voice specialist in radio, movies and TV from the 1940s until his death in 1979. Blanc was especially known as the voice of cartoon characters including; Bugs Bunny, Woody Woodpecker, Speedy Gonzalez, Porky the Pig and many, many others. He collected watches and was known to have as many as 300 antique timepieces including a repeater dating to 1510.

His son Noel Blanc inherited his trade and his passion for watches and is the owner of hundreds of rare and complicated pieces from Patek, Audemars and others. Father and son were or are also renowned collectors of Ferrari automobiles.

There are numerous collectors who focus on specific brands and build notable collections that eventually are seen in well publicized auctions. The advent of thematic auctions (Patek Philippe, Rolex and Omega) by Antiquorum and other auction houses have demonstrated the scope of various interests. Recent press illuminating the practice of brands pursuing their own products in such auctions have led to discussion of various practices and sought to establish ethical standards and practices. The Watch Industry press and the various magazines have examined this in depth.

There are numerous avenues for the collector to interact with other afficianados whether the interest is general or brand specific. The following are links to some of these valuable forums and chat rooms.

I am like most watch nuts and I love to read about watches and the industry. The following are excellent publications for the novice and the initiated:

WatchTime Magazine
Revolution Magazine
Great Magazine of Timepieces