My Watch Collection Rules: How I Classify My Collection – Material Type (Part 3)

In Part 1[1] of a series of articles regarding watch collection rules, I mentioned the importance of following your own set of rules for this hobby. The first that I follow is to categorize my collection to movement types. In Part 2[2], I mentioned about category types. In this third installment of the series, I shall explain another rule that I follow: material types.

Under this rule I have five categories: (1) Stainless steel; (2) Titanium; (3) Precious metals – Platinum, Silver; (4) Other base metals – bronze, brass, Aluminum; and (5) Plastic watches. I only collect watches made out these materials. 

I generally do not buy watches with precious gems imbedded profusely on them. My only exception is when gems are used as indexes on the dial.

Some of my stainless steel watches are coated black. I can still accept them subject to them being the only model available. If there is a choice between stainless steel or coated, I will choose stainless steel.

If you notice, gold is excluded from the list. It is a personal choice that I don’t collect gold watches.

 

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[1]My Watch Collection Rules: How I Classify My Collection – Movement Type (Part1)

[2]My Watch Collection Rules: How I Classify My Collection – Category Type (Part2)

My Watch Collection Rules: How I Classify My Collection – Category Type (Part 2)

In Part 1[1] of a series of articles regarding watch collection rules, I mentioned the importance of following your own set of rules for this hobby. In this second installment of the series, I shall explain another rule that I follow: category types.

I classify watches into six categories: (1) dress watches; (2) diving watches; (3) sports watches; (4) chronograph watches; (5) dual time watches; and (6) specialty watches. Do note that this is my own classification. You may want to follow the more commonly accepted definitions or you may want to create your own. Below are some examples of watches classified in their respective categories as I defined them.

Dress watches
Diving watches
Sports watches
Chronograph watches
Dual time watches
Specialty watches

For me a dress watch is defined as a watch that does not have any other purpose than to adorn your wrist for formal functions. It is elegant and not built primarily to withstand high impact activities. Generally a thin watch with permanent bezel; either in bracelet or leather straps will qualify under this category. 

A diving watch is much easier to categorize. Watch manufacturers would design their respective divers to fulfill the ISO6425 divers’ watch compliant requirements. 

A chronograph watch is also easier to categorize. As its name suggest, a watch with a chronograph function will automatically comply with the definition of this sub-group. 

However, if a watch has additional complications that are unique, it should fall into the specialty watch grouping instead. This rule also applies to dual time watches. Any extra functionalities and it should fall into the specialty watch grouping as well. Examples of what can be classified as a specialty watch are watches with stop watch capabilities, compass orientation, altitude indication, temperature measurements, among others. 

A trickier grouping is what I would define as a sports watch. These are watches primarily designed to withstand high impact activities. In this case, commonly defined military watches and pilot watches are included in this group. However, watches defined by most but comes with a compass reference bezel should be classified as a specialty watch. Reason; such a complication is unique.

Should you follow my way of categorization? No, you don’t have to. It is your choice to create your own definitions. It is important that you do so as it will create an identity to your collection.

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[1] My Watch Collection Rules: How I Classify My Collection – Movement Type (Part 1)