Largest collection of number one singles

The largest collection of number one singles is 1,351, achieved by Dave Watson (UK) in Totternhoe, Bedfordshire, UK, on 15 January 2026.

All of Dave's collection is made up of UK number one singles, released on a mix of shellac and vinyl records, and CDs.

He started the collection in 1988 after receiving the Guinness Book of British Hit Singles for Christmas. "In the back was a list of all the UK number one singles to date (at the time) and just thought it would be a great idea to collect them all! No other reason than that really, at heart I'm a collector so if it wasn’t these it would be something else!!"

The first record be bought for the collection was 'Don't turn around' by Aswad, which he purchased in his local WHSmiths for 99p.

Of all the number one songs in the collection, his favourite is 'Video Killed the Radio Star' by The Buggles. As for cover art, he has no one favourite but particularly likes the paper sleeves from the 60s and early 70s. "Each record company had their own unique artwork designs that changed as the years went on and reflected the changing times we lived in. Most were lovely and colourful that I like!"

The hardest record to get hold of was Lita Roza's 'How much is that Doggie in the Window!', which for years eluded Dave until the invention of the internet and search engines.