So, curious as to how many of you out there collect both watches to wear, and watches that will either get very little wrist time, or none at all, just to have in your collection. I’m relatively new to watches and slowly starting to build a collection. I’ve put together my list of watches I want to buy over the next year or so (probably longer) and I’m sure this will change frequently…. But some of these I know will get very little wrist time, if any, but I would very much like to have in my collection. For example:
Frederique Constant FC-810MC3S6
F.P. Journe Divine
Jaeger LeCoultre Q4148420
Zenith 03.2120.685/02.C498
Yes, the F.P. Journe is way out of my price range, but we can all dream. This in comparison to watches that will definitely get a lot of wrist time (Grand Seiko, Omega, Tag Heurer, Ball, etc….). As you can see most of these are what I would consider dress watches. Would love to hear from those of you who have at least thought about this, or those that actively do this. Thanks.
I definitely have watches that are collection pieces, not wearable watches, but these are all vintage to antique, and mostly pocket watches. Pocket watches are great for this since they can make interesting display pieces, especially if shown under glass with the case opened to display the movement, and this is true even if they are inoperable.
But, otherwise, I tend to wear my watches, even ones from as far back as the 1930s, albeit sparingly. I can think of cases where it's reasonable to wear, for example, a tiny 1930s Harwood Automatic, but I've never had reason to wear an 18th century pair cased verge fusee on an ornate chatelaine. My wardrobe is entirely lacking in embroidered waistcoats and powdered wigs, so I just don't have anything that would go with it, but it's makes for a fascinating display piece.