Eventually, there comes a time when you may need to part ways with some of the watches within your collection, not speaking of financial reasons. Sometimes, the decision to choose which timepieces to let go, can be difficult, if not agonizing.
Unless you aspire to be a hoarder, it just makes sense to keep your collection at a manageable level, if for no other reason than to keep the storage of your pieces neat an orderly, and to keep the peace with the significant other that shares your space, LOL. What follows are some of the tried-and-true processes I use, to determine when, and what timepieces it's time to move on from. At the end of the day, you want to prevent having seller's remorse, regretting letting a timepiece go, that held more special meaning to you, than you thought it did.
I for one, am guilty of the aforementioned. Years ago, I ended-up selling a piece that I had enjoyed for a few years. I was looking to sell that watch, to accumulate funds for a new piece. Post sale, months later, and out of the Blue, my Wife asks me about the sold timepiece. My Wife was disappointed that I sold that timepiece, which I wore when my daughter was born. And trust me, while my Wife takes less than a casual, passing interest in my watch hobby, that sold watch meant something to her. So my first rule, identify those watches that hold true, sentimental value, that shouldn't be considered for sale. Keep in mind, sentimental value doesn't necessarily refer to you, the watch could mean something special to someone within your inner-circle, by marking a significant milestone.
When selling a timepiece, it shouldn't simply be, out with the old, in with the new. I like to keep my collection within a certain range of pieces, this ensures that I can cycle through all of my watches, within a two-month wearing rotation. But when I look to add pieces, I try to follow, and stick to a plan; Russian, vintage, pilot, etc. Having a purchase plan is critical for me, as it allows me to reduce the amount of impulse buys, that will ultimately just lead to an accumulation of watches, most of which would be flipped (sold).
Don't get me wrong, some pieces will be tough to let go, as was the case with the Vanguard Automatic pictured. The Vanguard was a solid piece, with plenty of bang-for-the-buck, But selling that timepiece will open the door to further horological experiences; and that's a good thing. Remember, the goal is to continue to move your collection forward by experiencing different brands, different movements, and different materials. Prevent amassing a collection of things, and build a true collection of timepieces that call-out to be worn each day. Remember, you can't wear them all, but make sure all, are watches you thirst to wear.