How To Build A Women's Watch Collection Under $10,000

Watch collector Emilyn Lee has become one of Singapore's most trusted horological authorities, carving out a solid reputation in this typically male-dominated field.

- Karishma Tulsidas

Building a women's watch collection when you're starting out can seem daunting, but it doesn't have to be impossible. It's true that the pink tax is prevalent in the watchmaking industry, where women are charged a premium just because there are some extra diamonds on the bezel. Fortunately, things are changing, and watchmakers are now catering to both genders with androgynous timepieces that suit the wrists of both men and women.

Looking to start your collecting journey without breaking the bank? Meet Emilyn Lee (@femalewatchcollector), whose watch collecting journey was inspired by her husband's love for Omegas. They met while studying at polytechnic, and would spend their days trawling Sungei Road for vintage watches. We ask her all our burning questions about how to start a collection under $10,000.

How did you first become interested in watch collecting?

All thanks to my husband! When we started dating, flea markets were the trend. We spent countless weekends visiting these spots in Clarke Quay, Sungei Road and Far East Square. As I accompanied him on these treasure-hunting trips, my interest was piqued.

And being more digitally savvy, I was the one who did the information searching. That's how I got bitten by the watch collecting bug myself eventually. These days, our weekends are spent meeting fellow watch collectors, checking out stores, and attending watch gatherings.

What was your first watch, and why?