A graduate of Washington College, Taylor Hallman serves as a business continuity associate at Prudential Financial in Newark, New Jersey, and as an active member of the nearby Franklin Lakes community. During his free time, Taylor Hallman pursues a diverse range of hobbies that includes collecting watches.
Watch collecting has enjoyed a recent surge in popularity, with dedicated forums, websites, and even auction houses popping up to serve beginning and seasoned watch collectors alike. However, getting started in this hobby can be daunting. Here are three tips for starting a watch collection:
Narrow the field: One of the best ways to get started with a watch collection is to focus on one aspect of the watch. For example, some collectors seek out watches made of a specific material, such as titanium, while others focus their collections on pieces made by a specific manufacturer. There is no wrong way to go about it - what matters is that the collection reflects your interest.
Define vintage: The word “vintage” has different meanings depending on the context. A “vintage” wine means something very different than a “vintage” stamp, for example. In watch collecting, vintage typically means any watch produced more than 20 or 25 years ago. Many vintage watches are sought by collectors as investments because they typically appreciate in value.
Have a storage plan: If you’re not planning to wear your watches every day, be sure to store them properly. Boxes specifically designed for storing watches are readily available, but a cigar humidor can also provide the right humidity and temperature for safe storage. Some experts also recommend storing high-end watches in a home safe or at your local bank. In any case, be sure to insure your collection in case of disaster or theft.
