Watch collection app or spreadsheet?
A spreadsheet is a great way to record a watch collection: it's free, flexible and yours. An app like WristLog.app is better for understanding one, because it makes logging what you wear quick enough to keep doing, and works out rotation, streaks and cost per wear for you. Many collectors start with a spreadsheet and move to an app when they want insights without the formulas. You don't have to choose: you can import a spreadsheet into WristLog.app in one go.
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Where spreadsheets shine
- Free and flexible. Any column you like, any layout, any formula.
- Familiar. No new tool to learn.
- Portable. Easy to share with an insurer or keep as a backup.
If all you want is an inventory of what you own, a spreadsheet does the job.
Where spreadsheets fall short
- Logging wears is a chore. Opening a spreadsheet on your phone every morning to add a row is the step most people give up on, and without wear data there are no insights.
- Insights need formulas. Cost per wear, days since last worn, share of wrist time: all possible, all work to build and maintain.
- Photos and paperwork live elsewhere. Dial shots, caseback photos and receipts end up scattered across folders.
- No reminders. A spreadsheet won't tell you when a service is due.
What WristLog.app adds
- Ten-second logging of the watch and strap you're wearing, on your phone.
- Insights worked out for you: streaks, rotation, the watches gathering dust, and cost per wear.
- Photos with every watch, including the caseback, and AI photo fill, which fills in a watch's details automatically from a picture of its dial.
- Service history, warranties and reminders.
- A private wishlist that becomes part of your collection when you buy.
- Your data stays yours: export it whenever you like.
Who should use which?
| If you… | You'll probably prefer |
|---|---|
| Just want an inventory for insurance | A spreadsheet |
| Want to know what you actually wear | WristLog.app |
| Love building your own formulas | A spreadsheet |
| Want cost per wear without the maths | WristLog.app |
| Want photos, service history and reminders in one place | WristLog.app |
| Want both | Keep the spreadsheet as a backup, use WristLog.app day to day |
Moving from a spreadsheet to WristLog.app
Import your spreadsheet from WristLog.app's import screen. Your watches, wishlist, sold pieces and even past wear history come across in one go. See importing your collection.
Common questions
Can I export my data back to a spreadsheet?
Yes. You can export your collection at any time, and Premium exports your full wear history too, so you're never locked in.
Is WristLog.app free?
Yes, for up to 6 watches and 5 wishlist pieces, with daily logging and core insights. Premium makes the experience even better, with unlimited watches, cost per wear and more.
Will I lose my spreadsheet's extra columns when importing?
Your main details come across, and anything that doesn't fit can go in the notes, so nothing is lost.
WristLog.app
See it for your own collection.
WristLog.app catalogues your watches from a photo and shows you how you really wear them. Free on iPhone and Android.
