Put it on, wind it or adjust it if necessary, admire it again, and go about your daily routine. Wearing a watch can’t be that difficult, right? But when it comes to watches – as is so often the case – a person can become quite demanding after developing a passion based on everyday things. This allows a timepiece to be worn in different ways and, most importantly, understood by other watch lovers. Today I want to introduce you to five different types of watch wearers, all of whom share the same passion, but for very different reasons. A small disclaimer up front: If you notice a hint of sarcasm here and there as you read this article, it’s just a bit of intentional tongue-in-cheek. It’s a good thing that we watch enthusiasts know when we’re taking ourselves too seriously, and that we have no problem laughing at our own quirks. Right? Maybe you’ll see yourself in one (or more) of these stereotypes.
The Flipper
Flippers are all about the hunt. They’ll buy and sell watches more often than they change their underwear and are constantly on the lookout for new ones – which is why you’ll often find flippers in online forums, at auction houses, or constantly browsing listings. No sooner has a new watch taken its place on a flipper’s wrist than it has to defend its position because a new model is already on its way down the flipping pipeline. Even if the flipper keeps saying, “This one’s perfect for my collection!” you can’t take them too seriously. But even within this category, there’s more than one kind of flipper. Firstly, there are those who want to try things out and let their hair down on the market, with the aim of retiring with a perfected collection. And there are those who, with a great deal of calculation and research, buy highly sought-after watches as cheaply as possible only to sell them after they’ve appreciated in value. While the former are admired for their zeal and willingness to experiment, the latter are more polarizing among enthusiasts. After all, these flippers inflate market prices. I say: To each his own. But where do you stand on this issue?
The Investor
When it comes to watches, the investor has only one goal: to own a carefully curated portfolio of high-quality (and high-priced) timepieces that serve primarily as an investment. For the investor, watches aren’t necessarily a passion as much as a business opportunity – even if they love beautiful timepieces as much as they love bespoke suits or haute couture. Some watches make it to the wrist, but the most sought-after and rarest of treasures from Patek, Rolex, et alia spend their lives in a safe – still wrapped in plastic, of course – to increase their value as much as possible. Investors are generally admired for their choice of watches, but some watch enthusiasts might argue that they lack passion for the hobby. I suspect that the investment type simply enjoys the financial aspect of collecting. Do you agree?
The Collector
Collectors are not only interested in the watches themselves, but also in the stories behind them. You’ll often find the collector in watch museums and vintage shops, scouring dusty corners for hidden treasures. The collector buys timepieces according to a specific theme or strategy. For example, they may focus on a particular brand, on vintage watches, or on different versions of a single model. Due to their extensive research, collectors are absolute specialists in the field and are admired and respected by other watch enthusiasts for their extensive knowledge and dedication.
The Enthusiast
Enthusiasts are open to all things watch-related and are happiest when learning something new. You can often find them at community events and trade fairs, as watch enthusiasts enjoy sharing ideas and experiences with like-minded people. They’re not just interested in watches; they’re also very keen on other aspects of the industry like history and technology. They read all the articles they can find and subscribe to every YouTube channel even remotely related to watches. Whether the watch enthusiast wants a Rolex a Seiko or something from an unknown micro-brand, you can always be sure that it’s a watch they truly love. The enthusiast’s genuine interest and love of watches is contagious, which is why the watch enthusiast is always welcome at industry events.
The Status Seeker
The last watch type on my list is the status seeker – a term used without the slightest bias or prejudice. The status seeker lives by the motto, “A prestigious, high-quality watch is a symbol of my success.” You’ll find status seekers at upscale restaurants, exclusive clubs, and anywhere else you might be in need of a constant reminder that you’ve made it. Their goal is to own watches from brands that speak for themselves, which is why you’ll see status seekers almost exclusively wearing watches from prestigious and, of course, well-known manufacturers. A watch is the ultimate status symbol – proof that they’ve achieved something in life. Enthusiasts may say that the status seeker’s focus on the brand overshadows any real appreciation of the watch, but I think that this, too, is part and parcel of the world of watches. And even I have to admit that when I take out the garbage and look at my hard-earned Rolex Datejust, I feel a sense of accomplishment. At the end of the day, watches should bring you joy. Everyone should and can be the judge of their own enjoyment.
