Green Rambles: Watch Collecting isn’t About the Tiffany Blue Nautilus, It also Is


This article is from the WatchTime Archives and was originally published in March 2022.

One of the things that I enjoy so much about WatchTime, and why it was a very easy question for me when I was asked to join them, is that they cover the entire spectrum of watchmaking. While the most expensive and rarest watches often dominate the headlines, only a fraction of us can afford those. In my opinion, that’s okay, as we all need a dream watch, something to aspire to, but it is also okay because there are so many fantastic watches in between, at nearly any price point and with interesting stories to tell about them.

As a watch journalist, I have to admit that I am terribly spoiled. I have the privilege of being up close and personal with some of the most amazing watches ever made, and that even on a daily basis. I think that it is first and foremost the obligation of any watch journalist to remain as objective as possible, and therefor judge each watch on its own merits. Again, as Editor-at-Large, I have a privilege in this as well, as my position allows me to write only about those watches that I feel passionate about. This is also the keyword for the second (or shared first) most important thing a watch journalist needs to maintain, and that’s his or her passion. When these two elements are combined, you get in my opinion the right articles. They also open the door to the realisation that more expensive and better are terms that can go together but most certainly don’t have to.

Better is in the watchworld a dubious term to begin with, because what makes a watch better? Does it have to be more accurate? Does it have to have multiple complications? Does it need to be “manufacture”? I can just as easily make an argument for these points as against them. Also, “better” doesn’t automatically mean that it provides a more satisfactory experience. A while ago McLaren was kind enough to lend me a 720S, and boy, did I have fun in that car! But I also had a blast when a friend let me drive his Mazda MX5 (also known as Miata in different parts of the world).

While on opposite sides of the automotive spectrum, when you boil it down, McLaren and Mazda shared quite a few of the same goals. In the watch industry things are quite similar, meaning that we need, and fortunately have, cool Swatches and Seiko 5’s, but also Patek’s and Richard Mille’s and a whole world in between. Each of them has their own place and role in the market, something for which we need to respect and applaud them, for you in collecting and for us at WatchTime, in writing.

What is your most expensive and least expensive dream watch? Share it with us in the comments below.

No Responses to “Green Rambles: Watch Collecting isn’t About the Tiffany Blue Nautilus, It also Is”

Show all responses
  1. After having so many Swiss mechanicals from Omega, Rolex, etc., I’ve completely changed course and nearly exclusively wear quartz from Casio/G-Shock and Seiko/Grand Seiko, both vintage and newer.

    Reply
  2. A good article as I am one that can’t afford expensive watches. I do enjoy the artistic craftsmanship of the watches. I don’t envy people who can afford them but I do dream of wearing one on my wrist in some far off land.

    Reply
  3. Jeff Roberts

    You absolutely nailed it. I have great watches and not so great watches and love them all. I have a great car an a not so great car and love them both. Passion is the key

    Reply
  4. Most expensive dream watch for me is Richard Mille 27-04; least expensive is Apple Watch series 8

    Reply
  5. richard ninnim

    A ulysses nardin ghengis khan joaillerie most expensive, the least could be my green and gold ice style watch, which i coveted for ages before i got one, i ended up with 3 or 4 other ice watches before i got it and i was only going to buy that as my only ice watch. Now i have nearly 50 of them lol.

    Reply
  6. Dennis Howell

    Beautiful they are, but ridiculously priced! I fail to see how these values are arrived at, though I do love to read and marvel at them.

    Reply
  7. Stewart Novinger

    I have owned a Patek 5960 and an Orient $400 dive watch. Love them both and everything in between I have had.

    Reply
  8. Caity M

    My least expensive watch is a Timex Weekender. I liked the bright blue floral strap, matching second hand, and brass case (no worry about gold plating rubbing off). My most expensive watch right now is a Victorinox Alliance moon phase with lovely navy mother of pearl. I hope to get a nice automatic soon- have my eye on a Hamilton or a Mido.

    Reply
Leave a Reply