Watch shame

893bet

Anyone else here a little ashamed/embarrassed/sheepish (insert which ever adjective you want) when it comes to their watch collection?

For 99 percent of people spending any more that 100-200 on a watch is seen as “madness”. Sure they all tell the same time (same argument is often applied to cars also).

I would definitely shy away from discussion around my watches with certain friends due to the below reasons.

1) I hate to come across as a billy big bollox and lot of friends of mine, though not struggling would certainly not be able to afford to spend 4-5 figures on a watch (or perhaps they would if they focused on it, but all would have other priorities instead including PCP cars!).

2) People who are not into watches don’t get it. And they don’t get you can buy a Rolex for 5k and wear it for 24 months and then sell for at worst case a small loss, often a profit. On the other thread I noted now accurate it is to not talk about new car depreciation that everyone is happy to suffer.

3) A little fear. Lose lips since ships. It’s not something you would like to have broadcast that there is an item worth 20k or multiple items in your house and can be carried in your hand.

4) I am from humbling beginnings and still am. Far more likely to find me in a ditch with a shovel than on a golf course or whatever (ignore my stereotyping but you know what I mean).

The older I get i definitely have become more and more aware how blessed I am to have always been secure from a financial point of view (so far, so good).While money certainly doesn’t equal happiness, there is always enough other problems in life that when money worries are added to that mix I can’t imagine the additional stress.

So if you have a collection that is more than the average person do you speak freely about it?

blue5000

I suppose it's the same in all walks of Irish life? I think we judge each other too harshly.

I remember talking to an antique dealer in the noughties, he was complaining about the way Irish ppl would prefer to have a new BMW on their driveway than have a painting worth 30k on their wall.

I suppose to try answer your question it's all relative, if I had 100k tied up in watches I wouldn't advertise it. For some ppl having one watch worth 1k would be extravagant, only one of my mates has ever commented on my 1k watch, but he easily spends 5-6k a year on fags and booze. There's horses for courses.

endacl

I only feel ashamed of my watch collection when I see pictures of yours.

banie01

None of my friends have any interest at all in watches and as such they think I'm an idiot for even wearing one when my phone can tell time.

I've got to say though, no shame at all.
It's the product of work, and genuine interest that put them on my wrist and I'm happy with that.

Cyclingtourist

No I'm not ashamed but occasionally think I'd be better giving the money to charity.

I don't own any 'luxury' watches, the most I've spent on a watch is about €670 and at a rough estimate my collection has cost me 2-2.5K€.

I look on it as an eccentricity.

Dwarf.Shortage

Whenever someone tries to tell me that a watch isn't worth the money etc. I politely point out the fact I'm not trying to sell it to them so they have no cause for concern about it's price.

I would never buy a brand new car, but I hope those that do enjoy the sh**e out of their new car. It's their money and it's not my business what they spend it on.

Fitz II

I feel no shame, I dont flaunt my watches or their value in front of "civilians" and generally I dont talk about it except to those that have shown interest. As most say, they wouldn't understand the watches anyway. I like cars too and have had quite a few flash motors but these days I have sold off most of mine and am less interested, I find watches more interesting and more personal and a hell of a lot cheaper.

No shame, my watches are achievements. I have basically worked 6 days a week since I was 21. I spent 10 years in college earning Sweet **** all, I have rare skills, and I take a lot of risks in business and my work that most people dont have to take. I work two jobs at the moment. I think if you are spending money on watches and your commitments to your family, savings or pension are all in order you should buy what you want with your disposable income.

Security does concern be....but I wont be run underground or not wear my watches because of it. Whenever I see another person with great watches I feel a swell of pride and brotherhood with them, I find life so much more enjoyable when you eliminate jealousy from your thinking.

fat bloke

Yerra. The very person that'd say you'd be mad to have 5k on your wrist probably has the keys to a 40 grand Korean diesel SUV on PCP in their pocket. I personally find the idea of over 500 quid on a watch to be beyond me but then I've several bicycles worth Rolex money and another in the way!

Your money, your choice.

JJayoo

Does it annoy you that most people will automatically assume they are fakes?

Fitz II

JJayoo wrote: »

Does it annoy you that most people will automatically assume they are fakes?

You own the real thing to impress yourself, you wear a fake to impress others.

893bet

blue5000 wrote: »

I suppose it's the same in all walks of Irish life? I think we judge each other too harshly. .

Agree definately and guilty as charged here also. I think there is a lot of “reverse snobbery” in Ireland more so than begrudgery.

blue5000 wrote: »

only one of my mates has ever commented on my 1k watch, but he easily spends 5-6k a year on fags and booze. There's horses for courses.

That’s a fact. It really is horses for courses. One of my best friends going out at least 1 night a week and often 2. He would go more if he could find someone to go with! A lot of dosh to spend in the pub but he like a pint! He works in a trade and I think manual labour makes a person more thirsty at the end of the week! I see it in myself.

Dwarf.Shortage wrote: »

Whenever someone tries to tell me that a watch isn't worth the money etc. I politely point out the fact I'm not trying to sell it to them so they have no cause for concern about it's price.

Lolled. I do not get into cost talk and it makes me very uncomfortable if I am out on the spot and will usually do a “too much” and change the subject

Dwarf.Shortage wrote: »

I would never buy a brand new car, but I hope those that do enjoy the sh**e out of their new car. It's their money and it's not my business what they spend it on.

Not sure I could either. The level of depreciation doesn’t make sense to me. Much prefer a 3 yr old car at 60 percent of the new cost and put the rest on my wrist.

There are very few assets you can buy for 50 grand that are worthless 10 years later.

Fitz II wrote: »

I think if you are spending money on watches and your commitments to your family, savings or pension are all in order you should buy what you want with your disposable income.
.

That’s pretty much it. And not to forget watch can form a part of saving and investment if one buys right and is a little lucky.

fat bloke wrote: »

Yerra. The very person that'd say you'd be mad to have 5k on your wrist probably has the keys to a 40 grand Korean diesel SUV on PCP in their pocket. I personally find the idea of over 500 quid on a watch to be beyond me but then I've several bicycles worth Rolex money and another in the way!

Your money, your choice.

Ironically enough I have a friend that has a few 5k bikes. I would say I am the only person outside his bike friends that know that as he knows I will at least understand the spending of a small fortune on a hobby.

JJayoo wrote: »

Does it annoy you that most people will automatically assume they are fakes?

That’s perfect for me! Much prefer the stealth!

That is kinda the reason I got rid of the BLNR. People will either think it’s fake.....or worse still.....think it’s real and you potentially a target. Rolex are too recognisable.

893bet

Fitz II wrote: »

You own the real thing to impress yourself, you wear a fake to impress others.

100 percent. Wearing a nice watch is very personal thing. And I def get more of a kick in general from a more expensive piece.

Is there a 10k difference in quality between a 5k watch and a 15k watch? Def not.

But there is a definitely step up. Same as between a 1k watch and a 5 k watch.

NSAman

I’m not ashamed but most of my friends would have no idea what type of watch I am wearing.

I don’t purchase watches for anyone but myself. They are purchased as a reward for achieving a goal. Each one has a different meaning for me, they have value far beyond what they cost.

unkel

893bet wrote: »

Ironically enough I have a friend that has a few 5k bikes. I would say I am the only person outside his bike friends that know that as he knows I will at least understand the spending of a small fortune on a hobby.

Yeah. But his 5k bike will be worth about 1k-2k in 5 years time. Your 5k watch will be worth 4k. Or 8k.

I do not consider watches an expensive hobby. I would go as far as saying watches can fairly easily be a cost neutral hobby. Even if you buy expensive watches.

There aren't many other hobbies any of our friends have that are or can be cost neutral, are there?

Thirdfox

Photography is one (depending on what you do) - I've managed to actually come out "ahead" from my photography purchases - but that's a result of a few competition wins and minor jobs I did for people. And you get potential camera snobs in that hobby too (and people who don't understand why you'd need a camera when your phone has one already) - I recall one guy in particular checking out my budget dSLR and commenting "oh you're a beginner then" (I'm pretty certain I've won more photography awards than he has) - it'd be like someone seeing a Vostok Amphibia/Casio on the wrist and thinking - ah you're just getting into watches - I just smile and move on :P

And yeah for bikes - I got a lovely carbon fibre bike from a cyclist who needed "one in one out" - so his 3k bike was sold to me for 300 euro... he just needed the "one out" so he could get a 7k bike :eek:

As for watches - I do have a tracker of purchases and outgoings (mainly because MsThirdfox requested it :P ) but surprised myself to see that over the years while I've certainly spent quite a bit - I'm currently "up" almost 4k in terms of having sold on some of my pieces (of course there are pieces that are still in my collection which might not fetch too much - though many of them are sentimental pieces which I don't ever plan on selling and weren't very expensive in the first place). As 893 says though - "expensive" is relative and people might consider a 200 euro watch "mad money" already. And I never purchased anything that I didn't enjoy wearing myself (except for one pure investment piece).

Lorddrakul

Had an interesting experience recently.

Had an appointment with a medical professional, and at the end, there was a bit where I had to pull up my sleeves.

He noticed my watch ( Alpha M1957, sterile dial, moon watch homage). He said he had never seen anyone wearing one.

I admitted it was not the classic original, and that it was a modern homage.

It still brought him back to his childhood, when his granddad wore one while flying Constellations.

Did he care it was a Chinese homage? Not a bit.
The style was what he noticed and that was enough.
Turns out his granddad flew flying boats, post war, and then went on to the big spinners.

It was nice to hear a little bit of history prompted by a design icon.

Having actually acquired a Mark II, I will certainly not be abandoning the Alpha, and feel no shame whatsoever in wearing it.

scwazrh

I read on an Instagram Post recently

“Watches are like music , each and every one a different note that brings a different type of joy “

893bet

unkel wrote: »

Yeah. But his 5k bike will be worth about 1k-2k in 5 years time. Your 5k watch will be worth 4k. Or 8k.

I do not consider watches an expensive hobby. I would go as far as saying watches can fairly easily be a cost neutral hobby. Even if you buy expensive watches.

There aren't many other hobbies any of our friends have that are or can be cost neutral, are there?

True that. But if he bought second hand then he is insulated also. Not sure if he did or not.

Agree it can be largely cost neutral but I think we do all engage in a little man maths when it comes to this hobby and ignore opportunity cost, inflation, additional strap costs etc.

It’s probably fair to say that buying new is often a mugs game* and really should be reserved for the exception rather than the rule. And that goes for everything from watches to cars to cycling to cameras. The thing with these items there is really no performance difference with a new vs. A five year old one.


(*A game I need other people to keep playing).

shutup

Fitz II wrote: »

You own the real thing to impress yourself, you wear a fake to impress others.

Or hang it on your wall.

Fitz II

The new versus second hand discussion is not one we have here often. But I can tell you, having had a number of watches back from the factory getting services, that any second hand watch can be rendered good as new if not better (Rolex use their new long life lubricant for service now on older watches) for a reasonable fee.

You by a new watch in a AD, that watch has been on the wrist of 50 punters and 25 sales assistants while its been there, its far from new unworn. There are a few exceptions like the hype watches that emerge from their plastic from the AD's safe, but these are far from the norm. I have bought a few new watches in my time without negioating a proper discount, and without exception I have lost my shirt on them

893bet

shutup wrote: »

Or hang it on your wall.

Your contributions to the discussion are, as always useful and well thought out.

Fitz II

shutup wrote: »

Or hang it on your wall.

As this is a thread about not being ashamed of what you have & just for anyone unaware of what this pleasant gentleman is referring to, its this replica wall clock in the background that matches my gold Daytona, seen here in my humble watch collection (some watches missing) in front of my 5 3rd level diplomas/degrees and Doctorate....



I beg the forbearance of the forum regulars. This is designed to prove a point

893bet

Fitz II wrote: »

The new versus second hand discussion is not one we have here often. But I can tell you, having had a number of watches back from the factory getting services, that any second hand watch can be rendered good as new if not better (Rolex use their new long life lubricant for service now on older watches) for a reasonable fee.

You by a new watch in a AD, that watch has been on the wrist of 50 punters and 25 sales assistants while its been there, its far from new unworn. There are a few exceptions like the hype watches that emerge from their plastic from the AD's safe, but these are far from the norm. I have bought a few new watches in my time without negioating a proper discount, and without exception I have lost my shirt on them

I often wonder is anyone paying retail? Aside from Rolex.

Look at the below. 15k down to 11k.

There is then a code to take 15 percent off bringing it to to 9k.

6k or 40 percent off......

https://www.ernestjones.co.uk/webstore/d/9178376/omega+seamaster+aqua+terra+rose+gold+men%27s+blue+strap+watch/

893bet

#dontbeashamed

(Not serious with hashtag by the by)

JJayoo

Fitz II wrote: »

As this is a thread about not being ashamed of what you have & just for anyone unaware of what this pleasant gentleman is referring to, its this replica wall clock in the background that matches my gold Daytona, seen here in my humble watch collection (some watches missing) in front of my 5 3rd level diplomas/degrees and Doctorate....



I beg the forbearance of the forum regulars. This is designed to prove a point

I have zero clue about watches but using the ones in this picture what exactly gives them their 'value' ?

Are they expensive or rare? I mean could I go online and 30 mins later i own all 6 or are some almost impossible to find/buy.

Dwarf.Shortage

893bet wrote: »

#dontbeashamed

(Not serious with hashtag by the by)

That is an absolutely stunning piece, well wear.

Fitz II

893bet wrote: »

https://www.ernestjones.co.uk/webstore/d/9178376/omega+seamaster+aqua+terra+rose+gold+men%27s+blue+strap+watch/

Sorry I cant help myself

shutup wrote: »

That doesn’t work at all. Too much navy.
Also there’s so many scrapes on that watch it looks like you’ve ran it along a wall.

I think that people on here give things a lot of consideration, look at second hand value etc. But the number of people just see a watch they like and buy it without asking for discount is large. I have had a odd number of watches that were purchased by original owner on Cruise ships, or on holidays in the canaries. Its the elation of the holiday and the sunshine. I have done it myself. Airport purchases are another. We are lucky here in Dublin, the sale assistants in Weirs are so disinterested you never get talked into an irrational purchase :pac::pac:

JJayoo wrote: »

I have zero clue about watches but using the ones in this picture what exactly gives them their 'value' ?

Are they expensive or rare? I mean could I go online and 30 mins later i own all 6 or are some almost impossible to find/buy.

You should look into watches, its a fascinating subculture. All those watches are available at a price. None are super expensive. A couple are very hard to get but generally if you have the dosh anything can be had. There is little intrinsic value in most of them, although they have a lot of fine engineering and quality manufacture. What gives them value is desirability, branding, and availability. There is high 5 figures in that box, not to say I spent that, but thats what it would cost me to replace them. A couple are "****ters" just low value watches, or beaters. Its like guitars, I dont get how some can be 100's of thousands but even a 100 euro one can hold a tune...but I get that I dont get it, and the collector in me appreciates the collection. Mostly I posted that pic to raise the blood pressure of the guy trolling me. This thread is about weather you would tell people you are wearing a 30k watch, and I suppose the answer is probably not, but this forum is a safe space (usually).

Dwarf.Shortage

Fitz II wrote: »

Sorry I cant help myself



I think that people on here give things a lot of consideration, look at second hand value etc. But the number of people just see a watch they like and buy it without asking for discount is large. I have had a odd number of watches that were purchased by original owner on Cruise ships, or on holidays in the canaries. Its the elation of the holiday and the sunshine. I have done it myself. Airport purchases are another. We are lucky here in Dublin, the sale assistants in Weirs are so disinterested you never get talked into an irrational purchase :pac::pac:



You should look into watches, its a fascinating subculture. All those watches are available at a price. None are super expensive. A couple are very hard to get but generally if you have the dosh anything can be had. There is little intrinsic value in most of them, although they have a lot of fine engineering and quality manufacture. What gives them value is desirability, branding, and availability. There is high 6 figures in that box, not to say I spent that, but thats what it would cost me to replace them. A couple are "****ters" just low value watches, or beaters. Its like guitars, I dont get how some can be 100's of thousands but even a 100 euro one can hold a tune...but I get that I dont get it, and the collector in me appreciates the collection. Mostly I posted that pic to raise the blood pressure of the guy trolling me. This thread is about weather you would tell people you are wearing a 30k watch, and I suppose the answer is probably not, but this forum is a safe space (usually).

Hardly? Lovely collection but I'm not seeing 800-900k unless I'm missing something major.

Fitz II

Dwarf.Shortage wrote: »

Hardly? Lovely collection but I'm not seeing 800-900k unless I'm missing something major.

My mistake 5 figures, maybe one day I will get up into the 6's. Not used to using the number of figures for price, but trying not to put an exact figure on it cause people are worried I might feel shame.

Wibbs

Shutup I've had just about enough of your digs at other posters here and I doubt I'm alone in this. Don't post in this thread again and any more of that childish nonsense on any other thread and you'll not be coming back. Last warning. Some posts deleted.

Wibbs

Lorddrakul wrote: »

Had an interesting experience recently.

Had an appointment with a medical professional, and at the end, there was a bit where I had to pull up my sleeves.

He noticed my watch ( Alpha M1957, sterile dial, moon watch homage). He said he had never seen anyone wearing one.

I admitted it was not the classic original, and that it was a modern homage.

It still brought him back to his childhood, when his granddad wore one while flying Constellations.

Did he care it was a Chinese homage? Not a bit.
The style was what he noticed and that was enough.
Turns out his granddad flew flying boats, post war, and then went on to the big spinners.

It was nice to hear a little bit of history prompted by a design icon.

Funny enough, thinking back of the few occasions where my watch was remarked upon and by people who had some watch geekery going on, it was a majority medical types.

Wibbs

*On topic* :D

I suppose I'd be coming at it from a different angle than most folks here because I've been a watch weirdo for longer and well before the hobby became mainstream, or even a hobby and well before prices started to go up and up. I initially went into vintage(read second hand ) because they were interesting and well, cheaper. And I was always about the interesting horologically and to me angle.

So I never spent much money and until the last say ten years or so they weren't really worth much anyway, were far easier to source for the most part and there was a lot less competition from other buyers/dealers. I suspect if I got into the hobby today I'd not get nearly as far into it, maybe have one or three examples, rather than hoarding oddball stuff like a loony.

Never really saw them as jewellery for me TBH, more like interesting, still useful snapshots of different histories that reflect the tech and skills of their times. In my head I see gold watches as more jewellery like.

blue5000

Were you ever tempted to cash in and put the money into some other hobby?

banie01

blue5000 wrote: »

Were you ever tempted to cash in and put the money into some other hobby?

This and aircraft/aviation are the hobbies that have lasted me longest.

I have a fairly big comics and toys collection that is nicely ensconced in a specially built mancave.
Doubles up as a home cinema, football den and guest room.
Most other hobbies much to my shame, I lose interest in. 3d printing, great craic have a lovely setup but haven't used it in 6/7 months.
Cycling and other energetic pursuits are of the menu for me until I get medical issues sorted

I am back at Uni and I 2nd year, currently treating that as a hobby if that counts?
If I have one more lecture where a bad statistician tries to paint sociology as legitimate science....
I may well explode :pac:

It may well be a bit of chav magpie in me but when I look at my wrist and see a flash of steel and sapphire that I lucked in on, or found eventually and had to have.
It makes me inordinately happy, and anyway...
I do worry with new hobbies that I get bored far too easy.
Watches, although "new" to me, segues nicely with my interest in aviation.

Wibbs

blue5000 wrote: »

Were you ever tempted to cash in and put the money into some other hobby?

Not really B. I've had all sorts of interests down the years, sane and mad , though as a mate recently pointed out to me watches are by a country mile the longest lasting, from childhood really. Plus I dunno what I'd get if I cashed in. I suppose there'd be about 12 or so grand in the mix(that's priced to sell rather than hail mary dealer prices). Maybe more? Hard to say.

My other hobbies like fishing I've some nice gear bought over decades or passed on from my dad, a couple of grand's worth tops and could be replaced by equally practical kit for a few hundred. I've been into cars off and on, but these days not so much and the jalopy I have now that I held onto almost by mistake ticks all my boxes, save for any real semblance of luxury driving. Plus it's the only car on my street that's actually appreciating year on year so there's that. Plus I find modern cars too sterile to drive, even the more sporty examples.

Fitz II

blue5000 wrote: »

Were you ever tempted to cash in and put the money into some other hobby?

I cashed out of Cars into watches. I love cars, I love track driving and I love fixing cars, but unfortunately Ireland does not love the motorist, and as emission, speed and taxation laws now makes the motorist enemy and piggybank of the state I had enough.

Computers is my other hobby. I am big into 3d printing Banie, but unfortunately is a integral part of my work so a lot of the fun is out of it for me.

Honestly I will likely reach a one and done stage with watches, but I do enjoy the progression and stages of the hobby.

Very important for men to have hobbies.

banie01

Fitz II wrote: »

.

Computers is my other hobby. I am big into 3d printing Banie, but unfortunately is a integral part of my work so a lot of the fun is out of it for me.

I got into 3d printing from of all things, comics and cosplay.
I was putting together a Dredd costume and prices for 3D printed parts were extortionate.
I figured arra shur I can do that, and I could.
Then I sold the bulk of my costume gear apart from my helmet and badge and the printer has lain idle apart from a few bits printed for repairs around the house.

Computers too, used to love gaming but then they changed the controls in FIFA, and I realized I was old :pac:

Cyrus

ive been into watches since i was 20 i think, not sure what brought it on, my girlfriend at the time (now wife ) bought me a used tag heur 2000 white dialled diver on ebay for my 21st and that was the start of it. i wore that through college and would have been one of the few people that had a 'decent' watch. When is started working i got into it more, joined tz-uk and it just went from there.

Ive always been into stuff, i.e. having an interest in something, learning about it and teaching myself, for a long time i was PCs, then it was cars and as time dwindled watches became the more manageable main hobby. I still like cars but dont bother polishing them myself, changing wheels and all that jazz and i havent time for messing about with pcs any more either.

the vast vast majority of people have no idea about watches and are more likely to admire a tag carrera than a rolex, or a JLC or an AP. for 99.9% of people they havent heard of any brand beyond Tag, Raymind Weil and maybe breitling.

Even when i see someone i know with a decent watch and i admire it its apparent they just bought it they arent really into them, so i wear away on mine, confident that no one else gives a toss, and happy that i do. I have a few friends in london that are in the same boat and we chat about them, compare notes etc and of course you lovely folks aswell and that suits just fine

Deep Thought

I am never ashamed, I work hard and went back to college at 41 to get to where i am now.

I dont smoke, barely drink. Watches and my Mercedes are my gifts to myself.

I have some friends who say..oohh saw your new Mercedes..you must be loaded.

These are normally the same ones who choose not to make any effort to move on, even though i have offered to help them.

Only a couple have seen my watches and one knows the true value.


So, No not ashamed

893bet

Deep Thought wrote: »

Only a couple have seen my watches and one knows the true value.


So, No not ashamed

I think maybe my wording of “ashamed” is a little to extreme. More reluctant to talk about it with “civilians”.

Why do none of them know the values? As they haven’t asked I assume, but would you be happy to share that with them if they asked?

Fitz II

Cyrus wrote: »

having an interest in something, learning about it and teaching myself,

Thats its isnt it, its about getting and applying the "knowledge". You get more confident with it after a while. Watches are a nice easy hobby, little reading, watch a few vids and acquire the info over time, you start to see patterns and find your own niche.

Cyrus

Fitz II wrote: »

Thats its isnt it, its about getting and applying the "knowledge". You get more confident with it after a while. Watches are a nice easy hobby, little reading, watch a few vids and acquire the info over time, you start to see patterns and find your own niche.

yes exactly, and with small kids having time for something more involved isnt really there (apart from some tinkering with networking equipment and home av).

as you said a man needs a hobby

Thirdfox

Cyrus wrote: »

the vast vast majority of people have no idea about watches and are more likely to admire a tag carrera than a rolex, or a JLC or an AP. for 99.9% of people they havent heard of any brand beyond Tag, Raymind Weil and maybe breitling.

Even when i see someone i know with a decent watch and i admire it its apparent they just bought it they arent really into them, so i wear away on mine, confident that no one else gives a toss, and happy that i do. I have a few friends in london that are in the same boat and we chat about them, compare notes etc and of course you lovely folks aswell and that suits just fine

I think you underestimate the power of Rolex's marketing - I would replace Tag with Rolex as the ubiquitous "rich man's" watch - rightly or wrongly you get the clichés of the used car/insurance salesman wearing a gold Rolex etc. The crown is almost as easily recognised as the McDonald's M or Coca Cola I think.

Sometimes it's just passing through - at a airport check point had a security agent check out my Pelagos - showed me his Fifty Fathoms - a smile and a nod, we knew a kindred spirit was present in appreciating fine watches.

Cyrus

Thirdfox wrote: »

I think you underestimate the power of Rolex's marketing - I would replace Tag with Rolex as the ubiquitous "rich man's" watch - rightly or wrongly you get the clichés of the used car/insurance salesman wearing a gold Rolex etc. The crown is almost as easily recognised as the McDonald's M or Coca Cola I think.

Sometimes it's just passing through - at a airport check point had a security agent check out my Pelagos - showed me his Fifty Fathoms - a smile and a nod, we knew a kindred spirit was present in appreciating fine watches.

well ive had probably 7-10 different rolexes and have always had at least one the last 12 years or so and i can count on one hand the amount of times its been noticed, maybe it has and people havent said anything, but a breitling navitimer i had was noticed a lot more.

what airport were you at that the security agent had a fifty fathoms :eek:

Thirdfox

Passing through Miami airport - I was driving a v8 Chevy Camaro rental and felt like a peasant compared to the amazing cars on display there so it doesn't surprise me that a TSA agent had a Blancpain on his wrist!

The Camaro was good fun too - even had a fuel sipping auto v4 eco mode too - only a Challenger left to try out :P

Creamy Goodness

I wouldn't be ashamed no (although I only have two watches, an Omega and an Apple Watch :pac:) but anytime I wear the Omega (and would take this approach when I buy something new in a few years) that I never draw attention to it. I'll talk for hours if someone noticed it at a social gathering (remember those) but would feel awkward when that happens in the street or coffee shop etc.

I totally get the awkward feeling about my car though (2019 Audi A5, nothing special but it is nice) and I really hate the attention it's given me mainly cause they think I'm too young to own something like that (early 30's). Some are like that's a really nice car, well done and others are wow that's a lot of car when a <insert_other_brand> of car does the same thing.

Deep Thought

banie01 wrote: »

If I have one more lecture where a bad statistician tries to paint sociology as legitimate science....

I spent 2 years doing Economics and Sociology pushed me over the edge...

banie01

Deep Thought wrote: »

I spent 2 years doing Economics and Sociology pushed me over the edge...

My own prior educational background is Business with statistics.
I'm back doing law now, and Sociology is turning me from a social democratically minded lefty...
Into a Trumpkin, and often only because the method applied is so scattershot and interpretive.
There is very little empirical evidence that stands to rudimentary scrutiny,

Stupid Arts course with its genius and intangible waffle :pac:

antodeco

It's like any arguement when it comes to "goods". The value of it to yourself is far greater than what others ever understand.

People spend copious amounts of money on smokes and booze every year. If they added it all up, they could buy themselves something very nice. However, the smokes and booze to them are nice, so they are happy spending money on that.

As mentioned in one of the other threads, I spend money on watches and vintage cars. Both seem extravagant. However, the return of cost in enjoyment is massive, and should you ever sell them, you will get money back (in some cases more than what you financially invested).

People associate value with money. It's not. Value is is what it means to you. What you get from it. I don't flaunt my watches, but I enjoy them. Other people have commented on them. I don't walk into a room with sleeves rolled up announcing to everyone what time it is. But I feel great knowing I have something special on my wrist. Same way I feel something special when people stop me to talk about any of the cars. I know it's value and what it's worth to me.

unkel

Average smoker smokes 28 a day. That's 28/20 * 365 * €13.50 = €7 grand. Every year.

Cyclingtourist

unkel wrote: »

Average smoker smokes 28 a day. That's 28/20 * 365 * €13.50 = €7 grand. Every year.

Only if you pay the full AD price for your cigs.