When asked to contribute to this series, I originally planned to discuss my favorite watch acquisitions of the year and why they're noteworthy. However, as I wrote about my watches, I realized how much my collection has evolved over the past year. Since I purchased my first wristwatch in 2012, my goal has always been to have a collection filled with both timeless classics and rare oddities.
As the year comes to an end, I'm proud to say that I've stuck to this philosophy. But it has led me to reflect on the concept of being an "affordable" watch collector. In the watch collecting hobby, terms like "rare," "budget-friendly," and "affordable" are often used subjectively. What one collector considers affordable may be someone else's grail watch.
When I first started collecting, I owned three Timex watches. I was in grade school at the time and didn't have the means to expand my collection beyond those pieces. Throughout high school and college, I bought more watches, mainly priced at $150 or less. While I would occasionally find great deals, my collection consisted mostly of affordable brands like Timex, Casio, and Seiko.
Despite the low price tags, I cherished every watch I owned. But I knew there were watches out there that I couldn't afford at the time. As a current full-time graduate student with limited funds, I've managed to acquire watches I never thought I'd own. Deals and trades have allowed me to expand my collection beyond my expectations.
However, the question remains: am I still an affordable watch collector? The answer depends on perspective. While my collection now includes watches worth over $1,000, I still get more excited about affordable brands like Bulova than luxury brands like Audemars Piguet. I continue to frequent thrift stores and yard sales rather than authorized dealers and auctions.
Until the day I can afford more than a McDonald's Big Mac meal, I believe my identification as an affordable watch collector will remain. I started my journey with inexpensive watches and still appreciate them. Although my collection has grown, I remain rooted in my affordable watch collecting origins.
As a watch enthusiast from Pittsburgh, I began collecting watches at an early age. This passion led me to pursue a master's degree in public history, with the aim of making historical topics like watches accessible to all. I strive to cultivate a collection that sparks conversation among collectors of all levels.
