🕰️ “You Don’t Just Buy the Watch — You Buy the Story.”

When you meet someone with a serious watch collection, the first thing you usually notice isn't the watches.

It’s the way they talk about them.

There’s a sparkle in their eyes, a rhythm to their voice — the kind of passion that makes you lean in, even if you don’t know a tourbillon from a tachymeter.

That’s exactly what happened when we sat down with Omar, a 41-year-old entrepreneur, lifelong Dubai resident, and passionate luxury watch collector. Over Arabic coffee and the hum of afternoon traffic outside his Emirates Hills home, Omar opened up about the value of time, the watches that changed his perspective, and the things most people get wrong when starting a collection.

 “My first watch wasn’t even expensive. But it meant everything.”

Like most collectors, Omar’s journey didn’t start with a six-figure timepiece. It started with something small, personal.

“My father gave me a Tissot when I graduated university. I think it cost him a few hundred dirhams. But the emotional weight of it? Priceless. That watch reminded me that every moment counts.”

That sentimental value stuck with him, even as his tastes evolved and his collection grew into something far more exclusive. But to Omar, it’s never just about money.

“I have watches worth hundreds of thousands of dirhams. But I still have that first Tissot. And I’ll never sell it.”

 “In Dubai, your wrist can say a lot without you saying a word.”

If you live in Dubai, you know: this city appreciates detail. The way someone dresses. What they drive. How they hold themselves. And yes — what they wear on their wrist.

“In Dubai, people notice. They might not say it, but they’re looking. And wearing something like a Patek Philippe or a Vacheron Constantin doesn’t just show wealth — it shows taste.”

Omar doesn’t collect watches to impress anyone. But he does believe they say something about who you are.

“Some people wear watches to signal success. Others to connect with heritage. I wear mine to remind myself where I’ve been — and where I’m going.”

 “What makes a timepiece valuable? Three things.”

Ask ten collectors what makes a watch valuable and you’ll get ten different answers. Omar keeps it simple:

“Rarity. History. Emotion.”

Let’s break that down.

1. Rarity – Is it limited? Was it discontinued? Is it hard to find in full set condition? That alone can skyrocket value.
2. History – Who wore it? What era was it from? Was it part of a major innovation in horology?
3. Emotion – This is personal. A watch tied to a memory, a place, a milestone — that’s priceless, even if it’s not collectible.

“I have a Rolex GMT-Master II Pepsi I bought after closing my first big deal. Every time I wear it, I’m back in that moment. That’s value you can’t measure.”

 “Most people buy with their eyes. Real collectors buy with their gut.”

Omar admits — he’s made mistakes. Bought watches that looked amazing in the moment, but didn’t hold value. He learned, over time, what separates a desirable watch from a forgettable one.

“I used to chase hype. The new releases. The flashy pieces. Now? I take my time. I ask around. I call my dealer and say, ‘What’s moving quietly? What are collectors holding, not flipping?’”

He prefers working with trusted dealers who know the Dubai market — and more importantly, understand the human side of watch collecting.

“A good dealer doesn’t just sell you a watch. He gives you peace of mind. And access to the right pieces at the right time.”

 “Not all expensive watches are great investments. And not all great watches are expensive.”

This one surprised us.

You’d think someone with Omar’s collection would only go after big names and five-digit price tags. But that’s not the case.

“I’ve found value in vintage Omega Seamasters. I’ve picked up rare Cartier Tank variations most people overlook. Some of my best investments weren’t the most expensive watches — just the right watches.”

He tells us about a Richard Mille RM 029 he bought early, when people were still unsure about the brand’s long-term value.

“Everyone thought it was too loud, too bold. But I loved it. Held onto it. Three years later? It’s doubled in market value.”

 “Your watch portfolio should be like your stock portfolio — balanced.”

Omar takes his collection seriously. He tracks values. He monitors auctions. But he doesn’t put all his money into one brand or style.

“I try to balance icons with underdogs. I’ve got my Rolex Submariner and Daytona, sure. But I also have independent brands — stuff you won’t see in every Dubai cafe.”

His advice for beginners?

“Start with something timeless. Learn how it wears. Then explore. But always, always buy what you love. That’s the one rule that never fails.”

Final Thoughts – “It’s Not Just About Time. It’s About Timing.”

As we wrapped up, Omar leaned back, glanced at his wrist, and smiled.

“People think collecting watches is about telling time. But the truth is — it’s about capturing time. Moments. Milestones. Memories.”

He pauses for a second.

“If you’re buying your first luxury watch, don’t rush. Don’t chase trends. Find something that means something to you. Then buy it well, wear it proudly, and let it become part of your story.”

And that? That’s what makes collecting watches feel timeless.