7 Tips I wish I knew before I started watch collecting
Channel: 4th Dimension Pictures
Date: 2022-09-28

I've been asked many times about getting into watch collecting. I love helping people get into the hobby, so I decided to make this video to help someone out! I've been extremely lucky to have great mentors and friends in this hobby that have helped me stay clear of major fails. I hope this video helps you avoid the mistakes and pitfalls that I think are very easy to fall into. 

I love the history and utility of watches, which has lead me to own the Rolex 16610 Submariner Date, 114270, 5513 Matte Dial, 124270, 16570 polar Explorer II, 16510 Pepsi GMT Master II, JS Watch Co 1941, Breitling Emergency, Seiko Marinemaster SLA023, 62MAS SPB149, Alpinist SPB210, Tag Heuer, Longines HydroConquest, Hamilton Khaki, Speedmaster Professional Hesalite 3510, (FOIS) First Omega in Space, current 3861 model 310.30.42.50.01.001, Smiths Everest PRS-25, and some I'm sadly forgetting to mention. 

Follow me on Instagram for more photography!
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julianfok/

Video shot in 4K on the Fujifilm X-T4 and XF 16mm f/1.4

Summary:
1. Buy what you want, not what someone else tells you to buy

 2. Avoid the hype and investment aspects as much as possible
    -  In the beginning of watch collecting, it’s a good idea to consider resale value because you will make mistakes and want to keep this hobby from bankrupting you. 
    - If your intention is for this hobby to give you a return on investment, then that’s fine too, but that’s not the only way to have enjoyment in this hobby.

3. Collect memories, not quick satisfaction
   - Look back on the memories you have with the watches you own.
 
4. Expect to get it wrong, but appreciate that it’s part of the journey 
   - Unless you’re really in tune with your likes and style, you won’t get this right on the first try. You might have to own a Sub or a Moonwatch before realizing that you like dress watches, need a date window, or love a simple G Shock. 

5. Trust your gut, but also do a ton of research first
    - Learn to read the seller or buyer - meet at a public place, ideally a bank or police station, get the watch checked by a reputable watchmaker 
    - If you’re not willing to take the time to research, be willing to pay more and get it from an AD. There are so many fakes out there and stolen watches that it’s not worth the risk. 
    - If it’s too good to be true, it probably is.

6. Don’t worry about what snobs think about your watch, they don’t matter

7. It won’t make you happy 
   - The belief I have is that the purchase will make me happy, that I will be that person I envision to be with that watch. The truth is, it almost never lasts. After that honeymoon phase, that feeling goes away - and you’re looking at a new watch again. It’s a constant cycle of wanting, grass being greener on the other side. Instead, I try to remind myself of the time before I had my current watch. When it was my grail. Remind myself of the excitement I had researching it and finally the day that I got it. Sometimes it helps to put that watch away for a couple of weeks, only to take it out and feel like I’m looking at it with new eyes.