Monday Blues: Watch Collecting Versus Car Collecting
Don't Rev Your Engine

For some strange reason, watch collectors and car collectors are often one and the same. Is it something about the mechanical aspects that draws a similar audience to these, let’s just admit it, rather peculiar hobbies? It seems that the love for fine craftsmanship, precision, and attention to detail knows no bounds, as watch collectors and car collectors often find themselves drawn to both worlds.

What’s not to love about a ticking timepiece and a purring engine? Both provide a sense of nostalgia, a connection to history, and the opportunity for self-expression. Whether it’s the subtle details of a watch face or the gleam of chrome on a classic car, both offer collectors a chance to admire and own a piece of art that speaks to their passions. So, it’s no surprise that many watch collectors also have a soft spot for four wheels, and car collectors can’t help but admire a well-crafted timepiece.

However.. on this blue Monday we have to ask ourselves: Is it better to collect watches than cars? Or should ones attention be fully focused on their much louder and larger mechanical siblings?

Here are the top 5 reasons why collecting watches is better than collecting cars:

1. Portability: Watches are much more portable than cars. You can easily carry a watch in your pocket or wear it on your wrist, while cars require a much larger space to store and display. This makes it much easier to show off your collection to friends and family, and you can also take your watches with you when you travel.
2. Affordability: While there are certainly high-end watches that can cost tens of thousands of dollars, there are also many affordable options available. This makes it possible for more people to start collecting watches and build a diverse collection. In contrast, high-end cars can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars or more, making it much more difficult for the average person to start collecting.
3. Maintenance: Watches require much less maintenance than cars. They typically only need to be serviced every few years, and this can usually be done by a professional watchmaker. In contrast, cars require regular maintenance, such as oil changes and tune-ups, which can be time-consuming and expensive.
4. Investment: Many collectors view their collections as investments, and watches are often considered to be a better investment than cars. Watches can hold their value or appreciate over time, and some vintage models can become quite valuable. In contrast, cars are typically depreciating assets that can lose value quickly.
5. Personalization: Watches offer a unique opportunity for personalization, with many brands offering customization options such as engraving, special finishes, and unique dial designs. This allows collectors to make their watches truly their own and create a truly personal collection. Cars, on the other hand, can be modified, but the customization options are typically limited.

But then, what about cars? Just like watches, whether you’re a speed freak, a history buff, or just a lover of all things automotive, there’s a car out there waiting for you. And while watch collecting may be all the rage these days, cars offer a number of advantages that make them a better choice for many collectors. So let’s explore the top 5 reasons why collecting cars is better than collecting watches:

1. Speed Demons Rejoice: When it comes to speed, cars are in a league of their own. Watches may keep time, but they sure can’t hit the accelerator. Cars allow collectors to experience the thrill of the road and feel the wind in their hair, something that a watch can only dream of.
2. Room to Roam: Cars require space, and lots of it. But for car collectors, that’s just more room to showcase their pride and joy. Watches, on the other hand, can be easily lost in a drawer or pocket, leaving little room for bragging rights.
3. A Little Bit of Elbow Grease: Maintenance is key to keeping any collection in top condition, and cars require a little bit more elbow grease than watches. But for true car enthusiasts, the satisfaction of a job well done is worth it. And let’s be real, there’s nothing quite like the smell of motor oil to remind you(r mechanic) of a job well done.
4. The Sound of Money: Cars can be a valuable investment, with some models appreciating in value over time. While watches may hold their value, there’s nothing quite like the roar of an engine to increase the value of a car collection.
5. Personal Touch: Cars offer endless opportunities for personalization, from custom paint jobs to engine modifications. And let’s face it, a customized car is a head-turner, unlike a watch which only manages to achieve the head-turn effect at watch enthusiast meet-ups.

Watches, cars, or both? Let me know. Happy Monday.

“Monday Blues” is a column designed to chase away those dreaded Monday doldrums. This lighthearted column takes a playful look at the world of wristwatches, exploring all the quirky, humorous and offbeat aspects of this fascinating hobby. So, sit back, relax and join us as we tackle the Monday Blues.