I have a couple of Breitlings, two IWCs, a couple of inferior beaters and I would not claim it to be a collection, just an assortment. I have seen on these pages the excellent handlebar shot of all the Laureus watches (definitely a collection), an excellent post where one of our number has an example of every different type of movement/display (another collection) so where does one merge into the other.
I would be interested to hear your views. Is there an answer?
I guess it is as with crowds: three like objects form a collection. To me, a collection doesn't appear by accident, there is a purpose in collecting. Like, collecting Dutch stamps with a flower motive. Or collecting all the IWC Laureus watches. Here, most members consider themselves collectors, adhering to neither definition mentioned. They bought watches they liked, like you did, and suddenly found out that they had more watches than they could handle, having some watches they hardly ever wore, without considering selling them. Maybe having stuff you don't really need makes you a collector.
Kind regards,
Paul
A collection usually involves a theme: like a brand, a type of watch (pilot, diving, etc.), a type of complication, a time-period, etc...but it can be something as simple as a group of objects that simply reflect one person's tastes. Some people define a collection in utilitarian terms: one dive watch, one dress watch, one steel sports watch, etc...and that set of checked boxes is "the collection".
In other words, if you have more than one and you see it as a collection, then it is one. Personally, I think that if you can articulate a theme that ties together the pieces that are already in your collection and the ones that you're still hoping to buy, then you have a collection that is somewhat more interesting and worthy of conversation.
If you have one watch, you have no collection.
If you have two watches you have a watch collection.
If you have two IWC's you have a watch collection and an IWC collection.
Adrian,
(alwaysiwc).
Hi Mother Theresa.
You have a collection when you believe you have a collection, irrespective of what others may think or say. Collecting is a personal endeavor. There is no criteria.
The real question is when does a collection become an accumulation or vice versa?
Very interesting question, and definitely one that is completely subjective. You could ask 100 different people and get 100 different answers, so I'll throw in my 2 cents as well! In my eyes, I would say you certainly have yourself a watch collection. My view is one watch makes you a one watch guy, 2 watches gives you a little more versatility, and 3 watches makes you a collector albeit a small collector when compared to those that own 10+ or 100+ watches. My thoughts are no matter the price range, if you own 3+ watches then call what you have your collection.
The answer is very personal: your set of watches becomes a collection from the moment you believes you are a collector. Now what does it mean to be a collector? I guess that you become one as soon as you realize that you enjoy your next watch’s hunt as much as - or even more than - your current collection and that you reassure yourself that this next watch you are longing for fills a critical gap in your collection, whatever it may be...
Several variations on a theme there but I'll go with Kovacs and the thrill of the chase - particularly after seeing that lovely ardoise dialed Portuguese last week....
Lol, brilliant Adrian and almost poetic!
Great allusion to the "thrill of the hunt/chase!"
To me...
If I merely buy the watches in an impulse, they are just an assortment;
if you have to search for any of them, they are a collection.