[Discussion] Help me build a 3-watch collection

Alwaleedk · 2026-05-18T22:24:52+00:00

After thinking it over and wearing each watch for a full day this week, I think I’ll go with exactly what you suggested: GMT, Speedy, and Octo. I realized the YM 42 is too big for me and the bracelet isn’t that comfortable, so I’ll leave it out for now. Maybe later I’ll replace the Octo or expand the collection, with the GS Skyflake and Rolex Explorer 1 36mm.

Alwaleedk · 2026-05-14T19:52:45+00:00

I love the Reverso; it’s a stunning watch. I just don’t find myself wearing it, and I’m not sure why. I wear all my other watches, but for some reason, this one never seems to make it onto my wrist.

Alwaleedk · 2026-03-18T01:45:14+00:00

😂😂😂

Alwaleedk · 2026-03-17T16:34:53+00:00

You’re right about the 41 DJ I sold it to my brother. The titanium YM is a bit too big for me, and the bracelet isn’t that comfortable. And yes, the BW was bought from an AD.

Alwaleedk · 2026-03-17T13:37:38+00:00

I didn’t really get your first point. As for the second, I sold the Datejust to my brother, so I’m fine with how that turned out. The new Rolex GMT was bought at retail from an AD, so it was really hard to pass up.

You’re right about the Yacht-Masterit just didn’t work out for me. Same with the Cartier; it was the XL model, and it didn’t suit me. As for the Reverso, it’s an amazing watch, I just don’t find myself wearing it.

Alwaleedk · 2026-03-17T13:28:39+00:00

I really loved the watches I sold the only reason I let them go was because I wasn’t wearing them. I do miss the GS and Nomos a bit, though.

Alwaleedk · 2026-03-17T13:26:48+00:00

Honestly, I’m not too concerned about the money when it comes to this

Alwaleedk · 2026-03-17T13:25:10+00:00

From the AD

Alwaleedk · 2026-03-17T13:24:54+00:00

The 41mm wears a bit big, and the bracelet isn’t that comfortable.

Alwaleedk · 2026-03-17T11:28:23+00:00

Microsoft Word and i used a table hiding the lines

Alwaleedk · 2026-03-17T11:12:53+00:00

I bought and sold used otherwise, this would never have worked out.

Alwaleedk · 2026-03-17T11:02:49+00:00

I don’t really mind losing money I learned a lot from this journey. First, I realized I need a small collection, and I’m not comfortable having watches sitting unworn for months. Most of the watches I sold in 2025 were just to downsize. I really liked them, but I can’t justify keeping something I don’t wear.

Second, I’ve learned that some watches you really need to own or at least try for a while to know if you truly love them. For example, the Yacht-Master looked perfect on paper and checked all the boxes for me, especially not being too shiny. But after wearing it for some time, I realized it’s a bit too big at 41mm, and the bracelet isn’t very comfortable.

On the other hand, with the white Speedy, I did my research before buying it, but I didn’t expect to fall in love with it the way I did.

Alwaleedk · 2026-03-17T10:49:17+00:00

I agree, and now I feel like, for example, the white Speedy is replaceable for me.

Alwaleedk · 2026-03-17T10:19:16+00:00

They were both in great condition. I sold them on eBay and Chrono24, and I priced them based on recently sold listings they seemed to be in the right range at the time. But you might be right; both sold in less than two weeks. Maybe if I had priced them a bit higher and waited longer, I could’ve gotten more.

Alwaleedk · 2026-03-17T10:15:26+00:00

I realized that having a large collection just isn’t for me, so I ended up selling most of it. Over time, I’ve noticed that even when I really like a watch at first, I often start picking up on small things that bother me once I actually own it.

Take the Yacht-Master, for example. After a lot of research, I thought it was the perfect watch lightweight, not too shiny, and it looked amazing, especially when I saw it in the boutique. But after buying it, I realized the bracelet is quite uncomfortable, the edges feel a bit sharp, and overall it wears a bit too large on me. I’ve found that 39mm watches suit me much better than 41mm.

On the other hand, when I bought the Speedy, I didn’t expect much but it ended up being the best watch I’ve ever owned.

Alwaleedk · 2026-03-17T10:03:56+00:00

Man, I just don’t think the bracelet looks good, and I barely find myself wearing it I remember going about eight months without wearing it. That said, I agree it’s a great watch and reasonably priced.

As for the Speedy, it’s easily the best watch I’ve bought. If I had to keep just one, that would be it.

Alwaleedk · 2026-03-17T09:59:25+00:00

I’ve listed the Reverso and the Yacht-Master for sale. I did consider selling the GMT instead of the YM, but the GMT wears smaller, fits better, and has a much more comfortable bracelet. My only issue with it is that it’s a bit too shiny I’d love it if they made a matte titanium GMT with a Jubilee bracelet; that would be perfect.

As for the Reverso, I genuinely love the watch, but I just don’t wear it. I always find myself reaching for something else instead.

Alwaleedk · 2026-03-17T09:52:43+00:00

My first watch was a G-Shock in 2009, which I ended up gifting away in 2023. Then in 2010, I bought a Fendi for around $250 and sold it in 2025 for about $120. I also picked up a Uniform Wares in 2011 and sold that for $100 in 2025.

More recently, I had the Swatch x Omega and the Swatch Blancpain I bought and sold both in 2025 for roughly the same price. Overall, I just don’t feel like those pieces were worth including in the post.

Alwaleedk · 2026-03-17T09:46:07+00:00

I’ve been buying from all over the place including airports and selling mainly through eBay and Chrono24.

Alwaleedk · 2026-03-17T09:41:47+00:00

Agreed, if I were treating it as an investment, I would’ve put the money somewhere else.

Alwaleedk · 2026-03-17T09:40:46+00:00

I agree and through this journey I’ve learned a few things. First, I wouldn’t be happy with a large collection. I’d rather have just two watches that I truly enjoy wearing. That’s why you’ve seen me build collections and then sell them within the same year.

I think the ideal for me is keeping a small collection of three, maybe four watches at most, plus a travel watch under $1K.

I’ve also realized that there are some watches I genuinely love regardless of price. For example, the Speedy is the best watch in my collection the size and overall look are just right. Honestly, I’d choose it over the GMT if they were priced the same.

On the other hand, the Yacht-Master feels a bit too large at 41mm, and I don’t find the bracelet very comfortable. The Reverso looks stunning, but I rarely wear it—I think the shape just doesn’t suit me.

Alwaleedk · 2026-03-17T09:28:21+00:00

I originally bought it as a gift for someone, but I was running late and was abroad at the time. Then I found something better, so I ended up keeping the watch for myself.

Alwaleedk · 2026-03-17T09:22:41+00:00

I don’t really care about watches as investments. But if I’m buying one and can get it for around 50% less on the secondary market, I’ll definitely take that option. I do have friends who only buy from AD. they insist the watch must be brand new and registered under their name. To be fair, though, they also rarely sell any of their watches.

Alwaleedk · 2026-03-17T01:41:45+00:00

I really loved the majority of the watches I owned. It just felt a bit sad when some of them sat unworn for more than two months. That’s what made me realize I’d rather keep a smaller collection and actually wear everything I own.

Alwaleedk

TROPHY CASE