In collaboration with Berry Harleman - Watch Expert
Over the past twenty years collecting watches has become a sport for many; more and more people collect and we spend more and more money doing so. It starts with just one, but before you know it you're addicted to watches and your collection contains many beautiful, valuable and interesting pieces. What happened?! This Catawiki story is all about the beauty of watch collecting and why it is so irresistible.
And So it Begins
For many collectors it all starts with one special watch. Perhaps you have inherited an Audemars Piguet pocket watch from the early 1900s and suddenly you are fascinated by the stories vintage watches tell. Or your eyes fell on a 1976 Patek Philippe in white gold, and after winning the watch on the Catawiki's Exclusive Watch auction you could not resist bidding on another just a few weeks later. Because once you start learning about the history of watchmaking, the vast number of watch brands and the different mechanics or materials, you just can't get enough.
The History of Your Vintage Watch
One of the reasons vintage watches are so popular is because of their rich history. Owning a legendary 1963 Rolex Daytona or an Omega Speedmaster, like the one Buzz Aldrin wore on the moon, must feel quite special. A vintage watch can be interesting because of the previous owner or the era it is from; knowing it has stood the test of time for a century, for example. But it can also be very interesting because of the mechanics and expertise. If you get your hands on a 1934 Audemars Piguet skeleton watch, for example, you own a piece of history: it was the first skeleton watch manufactured since the 18th century and many would follow.
Why We Still Love Watches
Some collect watches to store safely in a box, glance at several times a day or perhaps sell years later for a great profit. Others collect watches to wear on special occasions or even daily. Why is there an increasing interest in watch collecting when nearly everyone has phones and computers to tell time you may wonder? One explanation is that it is because we are online so often, we feel the urge to use three-dimensional objects now more than ever. And think about it, can you link your phone to any special occasion, like a watch can be emotionally linked to your wedding day or a special holiday? So go on and enjoy your watch collection daily. You would not be the first to start off being perfectly satisfied with a Royal Oak to go with all your fancy outfits, realising a year later you have a different watch to go with every different dress or suit you own.
The Satisfaction of Investing in Watches
Investing in a watch collection is exciting. After spending days, weeks, or even months researching the field and keeping an eye on watch auctions, it is highly rewarding to win that one great watch you know is worth the investment! Especially if you get a good price for it. And it must feel quite rewarding to see your investment turn into a great amount of money years later, when you sell it on a Catawiki auction for a profit.
On top of all these reasons why collecting watches can be highly addictive, there is the process of acquiring a watch itself that is incredibly exciting. The searching, the research, the bidding, the delivery… and then, at last, opening the package and putting your new watch on your wrist. Once you've experienced it once, you'll want to have the same sensation again and again.
Take a look at our Watch auctions and find out about the joys of collecting watches or register to become a seller here to continue the excitement by selling a piece or two from your own collection.