Owning Or Hunt In Collecting? It's All About The Hunt

In the world of watches, there is a distinctive thrill that comes from the hunt. Some may argue that owning the watch is the most satisfying experience, but to me, it is the hunt.

Nenad Pantelic • July 11, 2023

The hunt helps me expand my horological knowledge, connect with like-minded enthusiasts, and improve my understanding of the history, craftsmanship, and tech behind every watch.

Here are the main reasons why the hunt is important and why I think it's the most valuable facet in collecting watches.

The Discovery and Learning Process

Too me, the journey starts with research, a bit of curiosity and a surprising find. Many times, if was just a casual browsing. It could be a chat with a fellow enthusiast, a pic posted in the #wristcheck Slack channel, or coming across a watch review on YouTube. The discovery feels like stumbling upon a hidden treasure in the world of watches. Suddenly, I'm captivated by a watch I had no idea about before.

When I find this watch, I picture it on my wrist. I start to imagine the watch complementing my day-to-day activities, serving a purpose, and fitting into my collection. It becomes more than just an object; it's an expression of my personality. This watch is kinda perfect for me.

I can't stop thinking about it, and I want to have it.

One of the most interesting parts of the hunt is the learning process. I love connecting with fellow enthusiasts online (and offline) and reading their reviews, experiences, pros and cons.

I like to know what a watch is used for, when it was made, and more details about its history. Also, learning about the materials and the technology used in its construction. It's like piecing together a puzzle, and the more I learn, the more the I become connected to the watch.

The Hunt For The Perfect Listing

It's all about the hunt. I search online and offline, from local meetups to forums and social media. A watch becomes an obsession as I research, compare prices, and setup alerts. Every new notification feels like progress, and every dead-end only boosts my excitement.

Then, after weeks or even months of searching, I finally stumble upon the perfect listing for the watch. I try to secure the best possible deal, and with each back-and-forth, I get closer to making the watch mine.

As we finally agree, I feel a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction.

The Waitlist Effect

And then a new phenomenon thas is more and more prominent – the waitlist. Many high-demand models from got such enormous interest that they are often allocated to buyers even before they hit the market.

This means that we must go through a period of anticipation, sometimes spending months or even years on a waitlist. While waiting for "the call" from the authorized dealer emotions run high.

The waitlist experience can be an emotional rollercoaster for collectors. Excitement and anxiety mix as we wait the call that signifies the watch is finally available for purchase. This period of anticipation only serves to deepen the emotional attachment to the watch in question, making the eventual acquisition all the more rewarding.

It's this emotional connection and the sense of achievement that often define the journey, transforming it into a deeply personal and fulfilling experience.

The Wait Is Part Of A Hunting Experience

With the deal done, I have to play the waiting game. The watch is on its way. I track the shipment, constantly check for updates, and the days seem to drag on forever. Each day makes me more excited to get the watch.

The moment has come. The package arrives, and I am happy to finally unbox the package, examine the watch, and put it on my wrist.

Chasing The High

In the end, having a watch is just the visible outcome of my quest.

The thrill of the chase is more than just getting a new watch. It's about my passion and finding completeness. The watch is more than an object, it's a symbol of my pursuit.

It's the experiences, knowledge, and connections I make along the way that truly make watch collecting satisfying. The pleasure of looking, the excitement of finding, and the joy of closing a deal - these are the feelings that turn watch collecting into a lifelong passion, going beyond just owning a watch.