Mike’s Watch Resolutions For 2025 — Finally Selling Some Watches

When you sit down and think about it, the beginning of the year is an arbitrary time to think about goals. Sure, the calendar changes, but plans can be made anytime. For a collector like me, though, the beginning of the year is as good of a time as any to set resolutions. It forces me to take action.

Last year, I was clear with my resolutions. I focused on smaller, simpler watches and a pocket watch, and I made good on these goals. I added some fantastic pieces and several pocket watches. Best of all, these gems were much less expensive than the watches I collected in the past. A new year, though, must mean new objectives. I have some typical aims but finally, after years of collecting, a surprising one.

Surprising resolutions — selling watches

If you listen to Fratello On Air, you’ll know I mention my friends in London. My buddy Lawrence is partially responsible for my focus on ’40s watches, but he has also convinced me to embark on one of the headiest resolutions I’ve ever undertaken. Quite simply, I’ve made a gentleman’s agreement to sell 25 watches in 2025. Those who know me will find this goal surprising because I never sell. So why now?

In 2024, I wore a wide variety of watches. Small tanks, large divers, and purposeful chronographs traded places for wrist time. Unfortunately, modern watches weren’t my go-to choices. Exceptions were made for Ming models, my VPC, and certain vintage-inspired pieces from Aquastar and Synchron. With that in mind, I’ve begrudgingly decided to part with some pieces. I haven’t decided which models yet and won’t become a dealer. However, I have decided to fund my 2025 acquisitions with the earnings from these watches. So, what will I collect?

More ’30s, ’40s, and ’50s watches

Last year was the most fun I’ve had collecting watches in a long time. It rivaled the height of my time collecting vintage chronographs and Japanese watches. Discovering new rabbit holes is a great experience due to the learning and discovery. This year, I will continue down the same path, and I’m sure I will uncover more great watches I’ve never seen.

More gold

Old gold watches are lovely. The best thing is that dressy 9K, 14K, and 18K pieces from 70 to 90 years ago are still some of the best deals on the market — if you can find them. Last April, I wrote an article about saving vintage gold watches. Gold was trading at $2,300 per troy ounce then and is now within earshot of $2,800. This means that locating vintage gold watches, particularly pocket watches, has become a challenge, and most auctions are a contest between collectors and scrappers. I was lucky to find some lovely examples last year, like the ’40s Gruen Curvex that popped up on eBay. In 2025, I’ll be watching for more fairly priced vintage gold beauties.

Waterproof cases

It’s funny because I’ve come across plenty of watches from the ’60s, ’70s, and ’80s that feel fragile. Yet, when I think about some waterproof pieces I’ve handled or acquired from the ’30s, ’40s, and ’50s, they feel incredibly sturdy. No, I wouldn’t take any of them in the water, but the robustness makes these watches far more than safe queens. Vintage Tissot models with screw-in case backs represent great value, but only after the right due diligence has been completed. Similarly, Borgel-cased steel watches from many brands can be affordable if medium case sizes are interesting.

Back to chronographs

At the very end of 2024, I acquired a vintage Angelus chronograph with Balazs’s help. Back when I was collecting ’60s chronos, a 34mm watch wouldn’t have appealed to me. Now, though, I enjoy a smaller watch with strong lugs. The positive about such watches is that the smaller size keeps prices relatively low. Plus, all the movement, case, and dial qualities are present from similar larger models. For 2025, I’ll keep my eyes peeled for other smaller examples from Breitling and other brands.

Resolutions

Overall, my resolutions for 2025 are essentially an extension of last year’s. However, the big news is that I will attempt to offload some pieces I no longer wear. We’ll see how it goes and if the activities help fund some new acquisitions. If anything remarkable comes my way, you’ll read about it here on Fratello!