Seven Types of Watch Enthusiasts: Which Type Are You? Find Out with Manga!

If you are asked, "What is your favorite watch?" and you can't choose just one, then you are already a full-fledged "watch enthusiast."
Although we can simply say that we love watches, there are many different types of people: those who are fully committed to Rolex, those who are only interested in complicated mechanisms, those who only love Japanese-made watches, and those who find the romance of vintage watches fascinating.
This manga classifies the personalities of watch lovers into seven types , and presents each type's "common experiences," "brands they tend to choose," "common mistakes they make," and "professional advice" in a story format.

Characters: Yuu/Senpai (collector)/Shop staff.

Welcome to the world of watch enthusiasts
1. Yu in front of the showcase
Yuu peers into the showcase of a luxury watch store
Yu: Wow...there are so many Rolexes, I don't know which one to choose...
2. Senpai Appears
Senpai pops his head out from the side
Senpai: You seem confused. That's the beginning of becoming a real watch enthusiast.
3. Maniac Declaration
Yu: Eh, I don't have one yet?

Senpai: It doesn't matter. People can be categorized based on what they base their choices on.
4.7 Type Introduction
Image of a list of types with seven silhouettes lined up
Narration: "In fact, there are seven main types of watch lovers.
・Rolex-focused ・Complications geek ・Domestic product lover ・Vintage romantic ・Solid gold lover ・Practical gadget lover ・A wanderer forever searching for "the last one" Which one are you closest to?
Self-check recommendation
1. How to diagnose
Senpai: I'm going to introduce you to seven types, so try counting the ones that you think are like you.

Yu: What if more than two types apply to you?
2. Severe Mania
Senpai: You might get stuck in a clock swamp. Don't worry, come over here.

Yu: Is that reassuring?
3. Reading Guide
Narration: "Of the seven types that we're about to introduce, the type that resonates with you the most and makes you think, 'This is me,' is your main type.
If you fit into two or more categories, you are a mixed type of "maniac."
TYPE 1: Rolex-focused investor type
1. Check the market price every day
A person scrolling through a market price website on a smartphone
Narration: "TYPE 1: The investor who focuses solely on Rolex."
2. Common 1
Person A: Just buy a Rolex and you'll be fine.

Person A: Checking Kakaku.com and Chrono24 is a daily routine.
3. Commonality #2
Person A: Hmm, the exchange rate has moved... so that means the market price for sportswear is...
4. Personality and model explanation

[Common personality and behavior]

  • "Models that don't lose value" is his catchphrase
  • Sensitive to differences in warranty date and condition
  • I like to search for "models that will rise"

[Frequently selected brands and models]

  • Rolex in general
  • Submariner/Daytona/GMT Master/Explorer
  • Stainless steel sports watch, unused, with new warranty date
5. Yuu's Empathy
Yu: It's true that I often hear people say, "If you buy a Rolex, you'll be safe."

Senpai: The good thing about this type is that it makes you resilient to overall market movements.
6. Good points and failures

[Good points]

  • Since you buy with resale in mind, you are less likely to incur large losses
  • Become familiar with the importance of condition and accessories

[Common mistakes]

  • I'm always looking for the perfect specimen, and I can't buy it.
  • People tend to focus only on the market price and forget about the excitement.
7. A word from the shop staff
Staff: It's important to look at the market, but it's equally important to think about whether you really like it. If you decide on a stance, such as "a perfect specimen" when prices are high, or "prioritizing condition with the assumption that it will last a long time" when prices are adjusting, you won't waver.
TYPE 2: Complex mechanism geek type
1. Obsessed with Moves
A person looking at the skeleton movement through a magnifying glass
Narration: "TYPE 2: Complex mechanism geek type."
2. The story never stops
Person B: I love the layout of this perpetual calendar...

Person B: This caliber was made in the 1990s... (long explanation begins here).
3. Brand list

[Frequently selected brands and models]

  • Patek Philippe
  • A. Lange & Söhne
  • Audemars Piguet
  • Vacheron Constantin
  • Grand Seiko Spring Drive and Hi-Beat watches
4. Commonalities, Good Points, and Failures

[Common personality and behavior]

  • Just looking at the calendar gets me excited
  • Just the name "minute repeater" gets me excited
  • I can easily kill an hour watching the behind-the-scenes schedule

[Good points]

  • I love the machine itself
  • Choose rare models to make your collection unique

[Common mistakes]

  • You'll be surprised at the cost and time required for an overhaul
  • The market is niche and it may not be as easy to sell as a Rolex.
5. Heavy maintenance costs
Yu: It looks cool, but I'm a little scared of the maintenance costs...

Senpai: That's why choosing a "long-term partner" is best suited to this type of person.
6. A word from the shop staff
Staff: When it comes to complicated mechanisms, it's important to check the manufacturer's official maintenance environment and the continuity of parts supply. We recommend choosing a watch that also includes information on "where and how you can have it looked after."
TYPE 3: Domestic love type
1. High-end Japanese dials
A close-up of the delicate dial of a Japanese luxury watch
Narration: "TYPE 3: Domestic Patriot Type."
2. Japan is amazing
Person C: This finish, this precision, this price...Japan is truly amazing.
3. Models & Commonalities

[Frequently selected brands and models]

  • Grand Seiko (mecha, quartz, Spring Drive)
  • Credor
  • Citizen's high-precision quartz movement
  • People also tend to own limited edition G-SHOCKs as secondary watches.

[Common personality and behavior]

  • Strong empathy for the "Japanese manufacturing spirit"
  • I like looking at the numbers on the spec sheet.
  • Emphasis on "contents" over brand name
4. Yuu's Realization
Yu: Grand Seiko is really convincing when you see it in person.

Senpai: Yes, this type has an extremely high level of "satisfaction as a practical item."
5. Good points and failures

[Good points]

  • Excellent balance of precision, finish and cost performance
  • Excellent security for everyday use

[Common mistakes]

  • The difference in resale value between Japanese brands and overseas brands is frustrating
  • Sometimes people talk too much about the good points and can't keep up.
6. A word from the shop staff
Staff: Japanese-made watches are a genre that offers very high levels of satisfaction after purchase. If you are also considering resale, it's a good idea to choose a watch that hits the sweet spot, such as a limited edition model, popular dial, or case size.
TYPE 4: Vintage Romantic type
1. Burnt dial
A close-up of the tropical dial and burnt indexes
Narration: "TYPE 4: Vintage Romantic Type."
2. Immerse yourself in romance
Person D: These little scratches and the tanning... I can't believe it. I can really feel the history.
3. Models & Commonalities

[Frequently selected brands and models]

  • Vintage Rolex
  • Vintage Omega, IWC, and Longines
  • Vintage dresses from the 70s

[Common personality and behavior]

  • It's fun to compare individual differences even with the same reference
  • Tends to be "original supremacist"
  • His catchphrase is "You'll never meet the same individual twice."
4. Yuu's thoughts
Yuu: The atmosphere in real life is completely different from what you see in the photos.

Senpai: Yes, that's both a good thing and a difficult thing.
5. Good points and failures

[Good points]

  • Develop an eye for discerning "films with a story"
  • Enjoy the change over time as a "flavor"

[Common mistakes]

  • Buying without noticing redialing and part replacement
  • If the conditions are too good, you may be suspicious.
6. A word from the shop staff
Staff: Vintage is a genre that is almost all about trustworthy stores and staff. You can enjoy it with peace of mind by checking together with us the consistency of the era and parts configuration when making your selection.
TYPE5: Solid gold swamp type
1. The presence of gold
Close-up of a wrist wearing a luxury solid gold watch
Narration: "TYPE 5: Solid Gold Swamp Type."
2. Wrists that you can't help but look at
Person E (inner voice): In every scene, I can't help but look at his wrist...
3. Models & Commonalities

[Frequently selected brands and models]

  • Day-Date, solid gold Daytona, solid gold Sub GMT
  • Patek Philippe solid gold
  • Lange's Solid Gold and Platinum

[Common personality and behavior]

  • Stainless steel alone is no longer enough
  • I'm attracted to the fact that not only the case but also the bracelet is made of solid wood.
  • I'm beginning to realize that "once you wear gold, you can't go back."
4. Comments on the weight
Yu: It looks cool, but it looks heavy...

Senpai: With that weight included, it's a swamp.
5. Good points and failures

[Good points]

  • Overwhelming sense of ownership and satisfaction
  • Be the star of the show whether you're wearing a suit or casual wear

[Common mistakes]

  • Due to weight and usage restrictions, the number of uses is limited
  • If you don't think carefully about storage and safety, your anxiety will increase.
6. A word from the shop staff
Staff: If you choose solid wood, the most important thing is to choose the size and thickness that suits your lifestyle. We also recommend using stainless steel for everyday use and solid wood for special occasions.
TYPE 6: Practical gadget type
1. Both arms style
A smartwatch on one arm and a mechanical watch on the other
Narration: "TYPE 6: Practical gadget type."
2. Declaration of usage
Person F: Smartwatch during the week, mechanical on the weekends. GMT when traveling.
3. Models & Commonalities

[Frequently selected brands and models]

  • Explorer II, GMT-Master II
  • Omega Seamaster/Speedmaster
  • G-SHOCK, smartwatch
  • Highly waterproof titanium case tool watch

[Common personality and behavior]

  • I love the specs, such as waterproof performance, shock resistance, and visibility.
  • I'm attracted to GMT and world time when I travel or on business trips.
  • There are many photos of the trips I took with the watch.
4. Yu's Question
Yu: Is it okay to have both a smartwatch and a mechanical watch?

Senpai: In fact, in this day and age, that might be the most rational thing to do.
5. Good points and failures

[Good points]

  • High uptime because selection is based on the assumption that the item will be used properly
  • Enjoy the compatibility of your watch with your travels and activities

[Common mistakes]

  • The convenience of smartwatches has led to fewer mechanical watches being used
  • Too many features can detract from your design preferences
6. A word from the shop staff
Staff: A smartwatch plus one mechanical watch is one of the best balances available today. If you decide on a role for each watch, such as for work, travel, or formal occasions, you can get a watch that works for you without wasting time.
TYPE 7: The wanderer type who is forever searching for the "last one"
1. Buy and sell image
Multiple watch icons circling around a person
Narration: "TYPE 7: A wanderer type who is forever searching for that 'last one.'"
2. The last one...
Person G: This time it'll be my last one.

Person G (several months later): ...I'm still curious about that model.
3. Models & Commonalities

[Frequently selected brands and models]

  • Brands that are easy to buy and sell, such as Rolex, Omega, and Tudor
  • Tends to experience all the popular spots
  • Occasionally flirts with dresses and minor brands

[Common personality and behavior]

  • The collection keeps changing
  • The watch list of flea market apps and e-commerce sites is always full
  • The type that wants to actually experience it on their wrist
4. Yuu's self-declaration
Yuu: This really hits home for me...

Senpai: It's not bad. It's a great style to have a lot of different experiences.
5. Good points and failures

[Good points]

  • You can experience the comfort and feel of many models.
  • It makes your history more vivid, like "I had that watch back then."

[Common mistakes]

  • If you operate too much with the assumption of selling, the fees, taxes, and maintenance costs will start to take their toll.
  • What was meant to be a "lifelong item" turns into "something you'll keep searching for your whole life"
6. A word from the shop staff
Staff: It's a good balance to enjoy your wandering period, but also keep in mind "potential long-term partners." By making good use of trade-ins and purchases, you can increase your experience while keeping your expenses down.
Diagnosis result: "Next one"
1. Type confirmation
Senpai: So, which type best suits you?

Yu: Hmm... it seems like a mix between the Rolex investment type and the wanderer type...
2. Policy proposals
Senpai: In that case, it would be a good idea to base it on a Rolex, which is easy to sell, but also look for a candidate that you can keep for a long time.
3. Benefits of type diagnosis
Narration: "When you find out what type of watch you are,
The benefits are: ・You will be less likely to regret your purchase afterwards ・It will be easier to find the perfect pair of glasses for you ・You will be less likely to waver in your decisions about when to buy and when to sell.
4. Searching for the next one
Yu-senpai, a staff member, is looking at his watch in front of the showcase.
Yu: Well then, can you help me find the next one that suits my type?

Staff: Of course. We'll show you some options based on your type.
5. Closing narration
Narration: "Which type are you? Choosing the right watch for you will make your time with your watch more enjoyable."

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