How to start a collection of automatic watches?

Starting a collection of automatic watches is like opening the door to a world where mechanics become art, and where every detail tells a story. These timepieces, powered by the kinetic energy of the wrist's movement, captivate with their technical prowess, their horological heritage, and their often timeless beauty. For many enthusiasts, acquiring their first automatic watch marks the beginning of a lasting passion, punctuated by discoveries and emotions. But where does this journey truly begin? How do you build a coherent, personal, and evolving collection?

Building a collection step by step

Starting a collection of automatic watches can be done gradually, choosing each piece carefully. Rather than quickly accumulating models, it can be wise to vary the styles, complications, and inspirations: a dress watch for everyday wear, a sportier model, or even a piece with an open dial or a particular complication.

Some choose to focus on a single watchmaker to explore all its nuances, while others prefer to diversify across brands and designs to discover different approaches to automatic movements and style. In any case, taking the time to document each acquisition (serial number, purchase date, any servicing) allows you to track the evolution of your collection over the years.

What makes an automatic watch unique

Before considering your first purchase, it's essential to understand what distinguishes an automatic watch in the world of horology. Powered by a rotor (an oscillating weight) that spins thanks to the natural movements of the wrist, it transforms movement into energy. This ingenious system, perfected since the invention of so-called "perpetual" watches, stores energy in the mainspring. Once wound, the watch continues to run: this is what's known as the power reserve, even when it's not being worn.

Each automatic watch is thus a concentration of precision mechanics, expressing watchmaking expertise and meticulous attention to detail. The subtle coordination of the gears and the fluid movement of the hands reflect an artisanal approach to time, both technical and poetic.

It is precisely this encounter between mechanics and emotion that Beaubleu Paris celebrates through its limited editions. True to a unique vision of watchmaking, the French Maison offers automatic watches that are both bold and refined, where the circular design of the hands redefines the way we read time. Each piece, numbered and assembled in Paris, embodies a rare alliance between aesthetic innovation and watchmaking tradition. To wear a Beaubleu is to choose a watch that tells a different story: that of a contemporary perspective on the beauty of movement.

Style definition

Before buying a watch, it's essential to clearly identify the type of timepiece you're looking for: a discreet watch for everyday wear, a boldly designed model to make a style statement, or a technical piece inspired by the world of exploration or aviation. The wide variety of automatic watches allows you to express your personality through the choice of case aesthetics, dial legibility, and strap comfort.

To begin, the healthiest strategy is often to favor timeless classics that have proven themselves in terms of design and reliability. These models offer an excellent starting point, providing an ideal balance between price, build quality, and aesthetic appeal. The watchmaking world is traditionally structured around broad categories:

The dress watch : elegant, understated, and refined, it's the ideal choice for both the office and formal occasions. These watches are characterized by a slim case, a minimalist dial often devoid of unnecessary complications (sometimes just three hands and a date window), and are generally fitted with a quality leather strap. Their discreet design allows them to slip easily under a shirt cuff or suit, symbolizing refinement and timeless classicism.
The dive watch : robust, with high water resistance and a unidirectional rotating bezel, this essential piece for the modern wrist is perfectly suited for everyday wear, even for sports. Its shock resistance and exceptional legibility, often enhanced by Super-LumiNova coating, make it a versatile timepiece highly valued for its reliability and iconic design.

The tool watch : this category of watches is inspired by a specific function necessary for a professional or exploratory activity, such as an aviation chronograph to measure flight times or a GMT function to track two time zones during long journeys. These models are prized for their often rugged aesthetic, emphasizing functionality and robustness. They are ideal for active, casual wear, or for history and travel enthusiasts.

In a collection, the key is to choose pieces that evoke a unique feeling and blend seamlessly into your personal style. Some watches stand out for their minimalist aesthetic, others for the sophistication of their mechanical complications. What matters most is letting yourself be guided by the emotion that each creation inspires.

A cohesive collection is always structured around a central theme (whether historical, aesthetic, or emotional), taking into account lifestyle and personal preferences. Taking the time to try on different case diameters and examine the finishes allows you to select the watches that best suit your daily life and wardrobe.

Focus on quality and reliability

To build a lasting collection, it can be helpful to prioritize pieces with a proven track record of quality and reliability. When choosing an automatic watch, it's worthwhile to research the movement (caliber), the precision of its assembly, and the origin of its components. Reputable calibers, whether Swiss, Japanese, or French, offer a good balance between accuracy and durability, while also simplifying long-term maintenance.

The finishing touches also contribute greatly to the experience. The scratch-resistant sapphire crystal ensures lasting clarity, while a certain level of water resistance (from 30, 50, to 100 meters depending on use) can prove practical for everyday life and water activities. The 316L stainless steel cases are prized for their robustness and durability, and a transparent case back allows you to admire the automatic movement in action.

Maintaining and enhancing the value of automatic watches

Owning an automatic watch requires a few simple steps to preserve its accuracy and longevity. Automatic winding, which occurs naturally thanks to wrist movements, can be supplemented by manual winding when the watch is not worn for several days. For those who own multiple watches, using a watch winder can also keep the movements running and prevent the internal oils from solidifying.

Servicing by a qualified watchmaker, generally every five to seven years, contributes to the longevity and reliability of the movement. Proper storage also plays an important role: keeping each timepiece in a suitable case, protected from dust and temperature fluctuations, helps preserve its brilliance and performance. These practices allow you to fully enjoy each automatic watch, while ensuring its accurate timekeeping throughout the years.

The first automatic watch is the starting point of an exciting journey, where pleasure, discovery, and expertise combine to create a unique and personal experience with time. By familiarizing oneself with the mechanisms, defining one's style preferences, and considering quality and maintenance, it becomes easier to lay the foundations for a cohesive and lasting collection.