I would like to prefice this guide by stating that I am, in no way making any disparaging remarks about any timepiece manufacturer or model. That said, I would like to offer this guide as my personal gift to anyone who likes watches and has pondered the following questions:

How do I begin a watch collection?

Should I consider Swiss movement or Japanese movement?

Should I collect quartz, automatic, or mechanical watches?

Should I trade?

     The answer to the first question will require a two step process. First, you will need to consider just how much you like timepieces in general. Collecting watches can get out of hand, and you may end up storing so many pieces that it inevitably becomes expensive when the time comes for battery replacement and maintenance. Speaking of expensive, the second thing to consider in this two step process is the state of your pocket book. While a really nice and trendy Fossil watch will run you under $100, a Jacob & Co. Rainbow Tourbillon will cost you more than quite a bit of people pay for their homes ($365,000.)

     The second question is a no-brainer, if you ask most jewelers and enthusiasts. Swiss movements are synonymous with the elite timepiece collections. However, Japanese movements do offer high quality precision timing. For example, Citizen Miyota movements (owned by Citizen Watch Co) have been powering watches since the 70's, and Citizen themselves have been around since 1924. Their "Eco-Drive" watches are among the most sought after watches on the Internet, both for their reasonable cost as well as the accuracy and quality of the movement. Still, Swiss watches remain king among serious collectors. Besides leading the world in accuracy and water resistance, Swiss watches are often considered fine pieces of jewelry. This is due to a combination of exquisite and unique designs, precious stone and metal content, and the exclusivity of limited editions (as is the case of the aforementioned Jacob & Co. timepiece.) You'll have to do your homework and judge for yourself. I honestly prefer a Swiss watch. If the theory that "everyone" wants to be like the most popular kid on the playground, could be applied, then just perform a search for replicas or fakes and see for yourself how many Swiss timepiece manufacturers are copied versus Japanese manufacturers. Like the old C+C music factory song goes: "Things that make you go hmmmmmm."

     The third question is quite simple. It's a matter of choice. Some people enjoy a mechanical watch, some enjoy an automatic watch, and some enjoy a quartz watch. I happen to own a mixture of the three, but I'm sure there are folks out there who only collect one type. As a matter of fact, I'm sure there are some who collect only one brand of watch. I love a good automatic watch. My fascination with them began over 20 years ago when my father purchased a Vacheron Constantin. He spoke so highly of his watch. I had no choice but to learn about what would eventually become my passion as well. Quartz watches have a great deal of merit, too. they've also come a long way. Seiko's Kinetic, and Citizen's Eco-drive lines have flourished due to the advancements in the technology employed in these quartz watches. While a downside of some quartz watches is their relatively short battery life, there are some makers that are producing watches with batteries lasting as long as ten years. 

     This leaves us our last question to answer. Trading is something that really depends on your ability to part with a particular watch in return for another. You may be wondering why I use the word ability. Simply put, some of us who collect timepieces do not have the ability to part with one without wishing we had it back in our collection at some point in time. This may be true, even if you a getting a better value in return. If you can handle this, then it may turn out to be very lucrative for you, in that you may receive a piece that is worth much more than the one you are giving up, if you own a watch that "someone's just gotta have." Be very careful. Don't allow yourself to be taken advantage of. If you trade, do it with someone who credibility and reputation can be verified. Never forget that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Don't be fooled into parting with a good timepiece for a worthless counterfeit. Keep in mind that laws prohibiting the possession and sales of counterfeit goods have done little to deter the growth of counterfeit crooks all over the Internet. Reputable manufacturers like Rolex and Breitling have been victims of wave of cheap "knock offs" that appear to be everywhere. I think it's safe to say they are not seeing it as flattery to be imitated in this manner. Now, there are many "look-alikes" from great manufacturers that have certain features and characteristics that are very similar to their high end counterpart. These watches will prominently display their own brand and will have features that are unique to their lines. If you posses the ability (to part with your watch and know how to get adequate value in return,) then trade away.

     In closing, I would like to offer what I feel are a few pointers that will enhance your experience as a watch collector.

*Invest in a nice display case for your watches. After all, there all they are your pride and joy. (After your wife and kids, my wife wants me to add.)

*If your collection includes an automatic, invest in a winder. It keeps the mechanism more lubricated and in better working order. Also don't forget to have your automatic watch maintained. They do need it. I own a Tissot Seastar, and it takes a trip to their service center every five years.

*Ask questions. If you are interested in a watch, ask the seller as much about the watch as you want to know. Make informed decisions.

*Buy from an authorized dealer whenever possible. The advantage is that only an authorized dealer can offer you the manufacturer's warranty. A reseller must substitute that warranty for their own or abstain from offering a warranty. An authorized dealer will likely have more information about your timepiece because they have the all of the factory's resources available to them. If you choose to buy from a reseller, make sure they are a reputable merchant. They have reliable suppliers, and are generally able to offer some sort of customer support if your watch fails. 

*Stay away from "status" collecting. A Rolex is a beautiful timepiece. However, buying an Air King that you are lukewarm about because you can't afford a Yacht Master is not going to make you happy. Trust me on this. Buying the Air King for the sake of buying a Rolex will leave you without the watch you really covet and almost $3,300 further from being able to buy it. I believe that you should truly attain your goals without compromise, whenever your finances permit. Don't choose a "brand", choose a timepiece. There are many publications available that can assist you. I like "Wristwatch Annual" by Peter Braun, published by Abbeville Press. This publication provides specifications, photographs, and pricing information for many of the world's finest timepieces. Pricing information for this guide was obtained from the their 2007 edition. In addition, there are sites such as Watchuseek.com and  Watchfinder.net that are fountains of information that will be helpful to all collectors, from beginners to those who have more money on their wrist than my car is worth.

     This guide is meant to be informative and helpful, and I certainly hope you found it to be so. Our Ebay community offers us the opportunity to help others by sharing the knowledge that we have on a variety of subjects. I encourage you to write a guide as well. You never know who will be thankful someday, because your guide helped them make a purchase that will always be glad that they made. I am a watch reseller and authorized dealer. I welcome your thoughts and critique. Please refer to the My World link on my Ebay ID Timesquires to do so. I also invite you to share any timepiece stories that you may have.

*As a disclaimer, I'd like to add that the manufacturers and brands named in this guide were chosen as examples, except for Vacheron Constantin (My dad's watch.) I make no direct claim about any name, nor am I an authorized dealer of any of the brands mentioned in this guide. I am not affilitated with the publications or web sites that I recommend. The information contained is believed to be true and was verified to best of my ability, using various sources. If any information contained in my guide is incorrect or misrepresented, please feel free to contact me.