Let’s discuss a touchy subjects that most watch collectors have and will face. As most mortals have limited financial means and our wish list is always larger than what is affordable, at some point, you will let a watch or two go from your collection. In addition, a collection evolves over time, it is inevitable. Tastes are changing and sometimes you take some turns and get dragged into a different rabbit hole.
So I can freely admit that over the years, I have let go some watches from my collection. For most of them, I had come to the conclusion that I can happily live without this specific one and then I never look back and I do not regret. In the end, the sale helped me to fund something new, likely more exciting. However, I don’t get it right all the time and there are a few bitter regrets I have that in hindsight I should not have let go.
Let me explain first how I would pick a watch that I consider letting go. Surprisingly, it is not really wrist time that plays a major role. For one category, OCD plays a major role. If a watch is not perfect, has some flaws, it could become quickly a candidate to get on my exit list. Typically, there are no regrets in that category.
The blue dial 1966 Chronograph was a clear victim of OCD. Despite numerous repair attempts, the Chronograph would not work flawlessly. Luckily, I could replace it with a white dial by now
A second category are watches I have been actively asked to sell to someone interested. This could be a fellow collector or just a coincidence occasion. Very often in this case I get a hard-to-refuse offer and I have the benefit of no hassle with the sale as usually you need to deal with a lot of – pardon me – idiots out there. Typically, I will not have any regrets in that category just because I know it has gone into good hands and I made a conscience, no pressure decision to let this watch go.
Sea Hawk II in 42mm Titanium. A watch that went to a friend’s collection. It was in the end too big for me and I also never got warm with the grey Titanium case
The third and last category is the tricky part. It often involves a time factor. You want to sell something in order to fund something else and when that something else is rare and hard to find, you may pick something for funding that provides the needed amount and can also sell quickly. At times you make a mistake you may regret at a later point in time. Occasionally, this is a damage that cannot be mended, when for example you let something go that was rare or vintage and is difficult to replace.
A true regret, the Pink Gold Night&Day Richeville. Yes, I own the Steel version and I’m very happy with it, but this Watch in PG seems to be very rare. Should have kept it.
It happens. While I may have some regrets, there is no point in being bitter or upset about it. I made the decision myself and back then it seemed like the best choice. After all, it allowed me to get something I really desired and that’s what counts. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose but hopefully, most of the time you get a win-win.
Let’s discuss a touchy subjects that most watch collectors have and will face. As most mortals have limited financial means and our wish list is always larger than what is affordable, at some point, you will let a watch or two go from your collection. In addition, a collection evolves over time, it is inevitable. Tastes are changing and sometimes you take some turns and get dragged into a different rabbit hole.
So I can freely admit that over the years, I have let go some watches from my collection. For most of them, I had come to the conclusion that I can happily live without this specific one and then I never look back and I do not regret. In the end, the sale helped me to fund something new, likely more exciting. However, I don’t get it right all the time and there are a few bitter regrets I have that in hindsight I should not have let go.
Let me explain first how I would pick a watch that I consider letting go. Surprisingly, it is not really wrist time that plays a major role. For one category, OCD plays a major role. If a watch is not perfect, has some flaws, it could become quickly a candidate to get on my exit list. Typically, there are no regrets in that category.
A second category are watches I have been actively asked to sell to someone interested. This could be a fellow collector or just a coincidence occasion. Very often in this case I get a hard-to-refuse offer and I have the benefit of no hassle with the sale as usually you need to deal with a lot of – pardon me – idiots out there. Typically, I will not have any regrets in that category just because I know it has gone into good hands and I made a conscience, no pressure decision to let this watch go.
The third and last category is the tricky part. It often involves a time factor. You want to sell something in order to fund something else and when that something else is rare and hard to find, you may pick something for funding that provides the needed amount and can also sell quickly. At times you make a mistake you may regret at a later point in time. Occasionally, this is a damage that cannot be mended, when for example you let something go that was rare or vintage and is difficult to replace.
It happens. While I may have some regrets, there is no point in being bitter or upset about it. I made the decision myself and back then it seemed like the best choice. After all, it allowed me to get something I really desired and that’s what counts. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose but hopefully, most of the time you get a win-win.
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