@onlybuyingtime (Christian Bangert) is a prominent and passionate independent watch curator based in the New York City area. His collection includes a diverse array of artisanal, mechanical “art on wrist”. He is an active behind the scenes figure within the industry, supporting many young artists/micro-brands, and is a voting member of the GPHG.
Whether you are a collector or not – do you agree with Christian?
Why / Why not?
Head over to our Instagram to discuss what modern-day collecting should be.
Gone are the days when horology was a quiet passion for the discerning nerdy few; today, it’s a bustling industry rife with speculation, hype, and superficiality.
If we truly want this noble art to continue to thrive, enthusiasts must step up as ambassadors and protectors, not just self serving speculators chasing the next hot piece. Anything less is a disservice to every artisan who creates, every collector who curates and a betrayal of the legacy etched into every ticking movement.
Let’s be blunt: responsibility shouldn’t be optional; it should be the cornerstone of any true, passionate collector. In 2025, the modern collector wields immense influence, both in person and digitally. With social media amplifying every unboxing video and wrist roll shot, you’re not just buying a timepiece, you’re shaping consumers perceptions and helping build brands.
By sharing informed stories about the craftsmanship—the painstaking engraved dials, the reflective black polish movement finishing, the tourbillon’s defiance of gravity—you both educate and inspire. Why post content without context? You’re reducing work of art masterpieces to just “bling”, fueling an asset class culture where prices are driven up, limiting access to genuine enthusiasts and even stifling innovation.
As protectors, collectors bear the duty to safeguard the artists and brands and the industry as a whole from its own excesses. Secondary market markups have turned icons into investments, not heirlooms. By curating collections thoughtfully—focusing on what truly speaks to you individually as a collector— quality over quantity—you help promote sustainable growth and longevity.
The community thrives when collectors act as stewards. Online Forums and WhatsApp threads should be bastions of positivity and mentorship, not echo chambers of envy or negativity. Share your expertise: educate fellow collectors, foster inclusivity, inject fresh energy.
Critics might whine that collecting is just personal pleasure, not a public service. And for some it is, but the world has gotten too small, the community too intimate, relationships too important, Horology hinges on collective responsibility. New Indies and Brands don’t survive through individualism alone; they thrive on passionate advocates and community. If collectors shirk this role, the craft suffers and so does the community.
So, fellow collectors, embrace your mantle. Be the advisor the artist needs, the ambassador who elevates discussions, the protector who defends integrity. In doing so, you’ll not only enrich your own collecting journey but add value and ensure horology’s heartbeat endures for years to come.
Whether you are a collector or not – do you agree with Christian?
Why / Why not?
Head over to our Instagram to discuss what modern-day collecting should be.
