Anyone have suggestions for a way of organizing your collection? Excel template, software etc.??

I used Excel

The pocket watch database has a "my collection" feature that seems pretty good.
www.pocketwatchdatabase.com

previous IHC185 discussions

Personal watch database

Documenting Collection/ Software
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I don't trust online sites. When you really need to use your database the internet is down or some other reason.
I agree with Dave. Make it using Excel. You can do it your way or use someone else s data base and change what you want when you want. No passwords or any of that stuff.

These are my excel categories;
Date Aq., Brand, Style, Movement, Ser.#, Vintage, Case/Works, notes, Size, #J, Cond., US$ Cost, Date Sold, Sell Amt., Ship / Handle

Where do you put photos, David?

I only took photos when necessary. The Huuuge photo file I have are because I saved all my eBay listing photos which encompasses about 3,000 different watches.

Knowing what I do now, I would make a Key# for the description and than file the photos with that Key# prefix. Enter the key# hit search and they will pop up in seconds.

When I use my photo file in IHC185 Postings I search the maker name, size and Jewel count, and "viola" I get all my files of that type watch.

The beauty of the Pocketwatch Database is that the photo files, although they cannot be too large, are on their servers. I like it that way.

Gentlemen, thanks for the suggestions. I have folders with pics of most, but then I probably don't have the numbers most of you have. I will try David's suggestion and use excel. Thanks for the suggested columns, Dave.

You can place your photos in excel right along side of the information for a particular watch and even file it under the serial #.
Do a separate data base for each brand of watch other wise it get's so big it takes a noticeable time to save and open the file. I also place my restore information, parts, etc in the data base. I have a parts list that will give me the information, staffs, mainsprings,etc by using the search method in the upper right side of the screen.

Thanks for your suggestion Patrick. The excel seems to be working out quite well, but I didn't realize I could put the pics in it too. I have a lot to learn about using it. So far, I have 45 entries. All this data entry is tedious, but I know it will be worth it.

Excel is a great way to start. My rule of thumb is that as soon as you feel the need for a SECOND worksheet, or an alternate way to generate lists, then it's time to face the fact that a "real" database is needed. The problem is that most people get too invested in their Excel-hacking skills and don't make the transition until it's much, much too late.

Looking at it from another point of view - if you do build a database, and it ends up having only one "table" in it - then you should have used Excel, instead.

hi Kenneth, todd here
i have always preferred a database over excell for cataloging parts or items. simply because it is so much more elegant.
in this case perhaps, sort by "age", sort by "maker", sort by "case metal" etc. etc.
granted you can do this with excell but with a database you can assign buttons to do it for you.
much more polished.
and anyone can learn to use MS access. just follow the tutorial.
happy todd

For me elegant is only better than simple if it is also as easy as simple. Excel all the way.

Todd, for starters I failed Windows for dummies. When my "old Windows word" system was replaced by the new windows 7 word, it erased MY Ability to communicate.

I remember my eBay listing service assuming I knew some kind of other texting I had never heard of, and that doubled the amount of time it took me to list.

All these accoutrements to a highly sophisticated DOS-based data processing system to "convert" (FOOL) it into a game playing internet communicating, picture taking mess has been the bane of my life ever since the 25 years I spent on the ANSI/ISO standards committee to make these computers work as COMPUTERS!

That's just for starters.

i understand David,
i learned on DOS and i miss DOS.
but one must adapt.