The Collector’s Crossroads: My watch resolutions for 2022

Ricardo Sime

Since I started collecting, every January 1st, after kissing my loved ones and drinking champagne, I give my watches a onceover. It’s something I didn’t realise I did until this year, when I almost dropped my Grand Seiko GMT (side note: a great way to sear an event into your mind). In that moment, I reflect on what I have, while also feeling blessed to have a collection in the first place. But it’s also an opportunity to ask myself: “What should go and what should be added?”. With that being said, I decided to make a few watch resolutions for 2022 when it comes to my watch-collecting journey. Check out my list of resolutions and who knows, some of these may be right up your alley as well.

No More Impulse Buying

You all know what I mean when I say this. For me, in the past few years, I’ve succumbed to a couple of “need to buy that now” moments. These were soon followed by regret when I realised that the watch just wasn’t what I really wanted. Looking back at my time collecting, I’m definitely doing a better job of avoiding such pitfalls. However, I’m still not where I want to be. So, one of my watch resolutions for 2022 is to avoid impulse buys like the plague.

“What Is Best In (Watch) Life?”

The Omega Speedmaster ’57 Co‑Axial Chronometer Chronograph – A watch whose price tag has been an excuse for me to avoid ownership

Sometimes you need to crush your limits, to see them driven before you, and to (potentially) hear the lamentations of your wallet.

For years, I’ve been naturally apprehensive of spending what I’ve considered to be “too much” for a watch. What that leads to is the creation of a glass ceiling to my collecting. One that I break every time I find “THE” watch. So, instead of creating these weak limitations, my watch resolution for 2022 is to let myself fall in love. And if the watch is “too much”, map out a responsible and realistic way to get there, no matter how long it takes.

There Is Nothing Wrong With A Grail

Vacheron Constantin Overseas Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin

I know. I know. Was but only a few months ago I told you that I don’t do that grail watch thing. But after a few more months writing and nearly a dozen watch events, I’m willing to come off my position. Why you might ask? Well, I fell in love with a watch that I will probably never own, let alone see in the wild. It’s the Vacheron Constantin Overseas Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin.

Every time I see that watch, a child-like glee comes over me and I start dreaming of it gracing my wrist. That is why my third watch resolution for 2022, attached at the hip to my second resolution, is to aspire to something big. It’s like having a true north star that defines me as a collector.

It’s Not Just About the Watches

I’m still coming off the high of this year’s #OrisPreview2022 Vail, Colorado trip. Jeremy (our social media manager) and I got a small taste of what the brand has in store for the year. While the new releases and destination were amazing, the best thing about this trip was getting to know those there. From fellow photographers, to writers and bloggers, the shared passion of watches opened the doors to much deeper and more fulfilling conversations.

Me alongside youtuber Bruce Williams and photographer Katarina Shoulders

Parenting while balancing travel. Good whiskey. Photography tips. Those things and more made the trip all the more special. That’s why my final watch resolution for 2022 is to get to know more about the other collectors in my life. Our Friday Follow has been a great start, but I look forward to more engaging conversations.