My name is Andres, and as long as I can remember, I have always worn a watch. For the past few years, I have focused on vintage mostly.
Watch collecting is an ongoing journey I began somewhat accidentally in 1991 with my first Swatch, but the flame truly caught hold during my first year of college (1994) with the purchase of a Swiss Army watch. I still recall clearly what I paid ($350.00) and how this timepiece instantly became my most prized possession. Equally meaningful was the ceremonial presentation: the sales associate walking me through the watch’s operation, guiding me through the warranty paperwork, and that beautiful box that felt like a rite of passage.
While friends drooled over the latest Tag Heuer Formula models, I was obsessed with my Swiss Army watch. Could I have afforded a Tag Heuer? Probably Yes. Would I have bought one at that moment? Probably Not. I bought what I wanted, not what everyone else was chasing—and that instinct has shaped every watch purchase I’ve made.
I know that may sound cliché, but as I meet more people in this hobby, I’ve realized that most new enthusiasts often see a dollar sign before the timepiece itself. This was none existent 15 years ago.
With the sale of my business in 2002, I embraced a bold new chapter and bought my first Rolex—a Date Model, not even a Datejust. The reasoning was simple: it aesthetically spoke to me at the time. What I’m getting at is that I’ve never chased trends in watch collecting; I’ve trusted my gut. As a result, I’ve accumulated very few purchase regrets.
As this journey continues and I grow older (though not necessarily wiser), I’ve come to value more and more the timepieces that have endured The test of time—considering not only condition, but completeness and provenance. I suspect I’m in the minority here, but that perspective only deepens my appreciation for the stories a watch can carry.
Many vintage-watch enthusiasts, collectors, and dealers would tell you to prioritize the condition of a timepiece above all else, yet I find that a holistic view—condition, originality, restoration history, and the tale behind the watch—offers a richer, more satisfying collecting experience.
