The "Less but Better" Movement
Why collectors are shifting from speculative "investment" pieces to watches they genuinely love and wear daily.
The Real Value in Collecting Watches In the dynamic world of luxury watches, a notable shift is underway. For years, the market was heavily influenced by the idea of watches as speculative "investment" pieces, with collectors often chasing models expected to soar in value rather than those that truly resonated with them.
However, a growing number of enthusiasts are now moving away from this purely financial mindset, choosing instead to acquire watches they genuinely love and intend to wear every day. This return to core collecting values is reshaping the landscape for the better.
This change comes as the watch market experiences a cooling trend and price corrections, particularly for some of the most hyped models. Prices for luxury watches have notably declined from their peaks, with some seeing significant drops in secondary market value.
This market adjustment has diminished the allure of speculative buying, as the risks associated with treating watches purely as financial assets become more apparent. Many buyers who entered the market solely for investment purposes are now offloading their pieces, further contributing to a more balanced supply. This correction is seen by many as a healthy development, encouraging a focus on the intrinsic qualities of timepieces.
The renewed focus is on the joy of ownership and the emotional connection a watch can provide. Collectors are increasingly valuing a watch for its design, engineering, and the personal story it can tell, rather than its potential resale price. There is a growing appreciation for watches as functional, wearable objects meant to be enjoyed on the wrist, not stored away in a safe.
This shift encourages a more thoughtful approach to ownership, with buyers spending more time researching to find pieces that offer satisfaction through daily experience, not just brand recognition or investment potential. Ultimately, this trend brings watch collecting back to its roots: a passion for horology, craftsmanship, and personal expression.
