The Inevitable Question and The Luxury Of Value
So - I'm here again: Is "Luxury" worth it?
I know, I know. We all confront this sooner or later, (or in my case, over and over) so let me be more specific so you can weigh in... specifically.
I got a Lorier Neptune vii this year and I love it! I reach for it more than anything else, I think. It's elegant, stylish, a hint of adventure, and a whole lot of vintage flair
BUT
It was my placeholder for the Black Bay 58, the "real" watch (right? That's what we call it when a watch is more expensive?) Tudor has allure for me - it's by Rolex! It's Swiss! It's "top of the line."
So after months with the Neptune, I find myself in a position where I mmmmmmiiiiight be able to make a Black Bay 58 work for me financially. The question is - do I get it? I already love the watch I have. I could even buy an updated v. IV Neptune for 1/8th the price of a Black Bay.
So - I'm sort of literally asking would this be worth it, do you think. In quality and experience. But also - I guess I'm saying what's the end game here? Are we working upwards until our collections are just Rolexes and JLCs? Is that the final form of a collector? Or is it perhaps, just maybe, fine to stop when you find a thing that works?
p.s. Only somewhat completely off-topic: Anyone know if this Bell & Ross looks authentic? Selling it would get me one step closer to... whatever the next thing is.
Thanks
(images via google)
No idea what day it is.
Worth it is relative. By definition, watches are a luxury and thus not worth it. It all comes down to your personal situation. Many on here will argue <insert brand> is not worth it, regardless of which watch you put in those brackets.
Some questions to ask: Will you keep the Lorier? Do you like having two similar looking watches? Will having the Tudor make the Lorier redundant? If you really like the Lorier, could you think of another alternative, even within the Tudor lineup? A FXD or perhaps a 39 Pelagos?
Regarding the B&R, I am not an expert by any stretch, but that case back raises questions, specifically the screws, which do not appear functional. If you look at the BR-01-92s the screws are deep set and are functional, like the example below. Then there is the place where the serial number resides, 88888? What are the odds?
Worth it is relative. By definition, watches are a luxury and thus not worth it. It all comes down to your personal situation. Many on here will argue <insert brand> is not worth it, regardless of which watch you put in those brackets.
Some questions to ask: Will you keep the Lorier? Do you like having two similar looking watches? Will having the Tudor make the Lorier redundant? If you really like the Lorier, could you think of another alternative, even within the Tudor lineup? A FXD or perhaps a 39 Pelagos?
Regarding the B&R, I am not an expert by any stretch, but that case back raises questions, specifically the screws, which do not appear functional. If you look at the BR-01-92s the screws are deep set and are functional, like the example below. Then there is the place where the serial number resides, 88888? What are the odds?
I do not like having redundant watches and that's a great question. I would get rid of the Lorier if I got the BB58. You're right - the word "luxury" is right there. I'll have a think on that.
Yes - I was wondering the same thing about the screws / serial number. Not a good sign. Thanks.
Man, I’m looking at that Lorier and just thinking- forget the BB58! As far as a “placeholder” goes, you made an excellent choice!
My 2 cents, keep saving up. You mentioned almost being able to make the 58 work, but you already have a great watch on your wrist that looks amazing! See how you feel in a few more months. If you still want that 58, go for it! But who knows, with a bit more time you may find that the Lorier does much more for you than you realize. And hey… you never know when a totally different watch might really catch your eye.
Exactly, that's what I'm saying. I find luxury in a great value watch. That's why I love my San Martins, etc. But there is also the other side of it, that I'm trying to examine whether I think is worth it. I don't know! The most expensive watch I have is miles from "luxury" standards.
The Lorier is sleek and cuff friendly at 10.3mm and a great bargain as long as you don't mind a Miyota movement.
The Tudor is clearly next level (or two), but will be less cuff friendly at 12mm. Overall a beefier watch and seriously better movement.
That being said, who are you wearing the watch for?
If it's the general public...don't bother switching because a Tudor will always be an inferior watch to them as they have been brainwashed by Rolex. The snobs will call your Tudor a "budget" Rolex. Then you won't be satisfied until you've saved enough for a Submariner. You'll sell your Lorier and take a loss. Then you'll sell your BB58 and take a loss. Then you will have to pay inflated prices for what is in essence a mediocre watch.
If you enjoy the Lorier, stick with it. It definitely has credibility in the watch collecting community. And it's a great microbrand from one of the greatest states of the greatest countries in the world.
Use your funds to purchase something different that will compliment your Lorier.
Or, if you really want to go "upmarket", then just keep saving for that Submariner and don't take any intermediate stops that will cost you in the end.
Man, I’m looking at that Lorier and just thinking- forget the BB58! As far as a “placeholder” goes, you made an excellent choice!
My 2 cents, keep saving up. You mentioned almost being able to make the 58 work, but you already have a great watch on your wrist that looks amazing! See how you feel in a few more months. If you still want that 58, go for it! But who knows, with a bit more time you may find that the Lorier does much more for you than you realize. And hey… you never know when a totally different watch might really catch your eye.
It's a good point. I don't mind waiting, especially since I have something I like (though I find money does have a way of evaporating) Thanks for the words on the Neptune - the choice was very much thanks to the input from this community we have here!
The Lorier is sleek and cuff friendly at 10.3mm and a great bargain as long as you don't mind a Miyota movement.
The Tudor is clearly next level (or two), but will be less cuff friendly at 12mm. Overall a beefier watch and seriously better movement.
That being said, who are you wearing the watch for?
If it's the general public...don't bother switching because a Tudor will always be an inferior watch to them as they have been brainwashed by Rolex. The snobs will call your Tudor a "budget" Rolex. Then you won't be satisfied until you've saved enough for a Submariner. You'll sell your Lorier and take a loss. Then you'll sell your BB58 and take a loss. Then you will have to pay inflated prices for what is in essence a mediocre watch.
If you enjoy the Lorier, stick with it. It definitely has credibility in the watch collecting community. And it's a great microbrand from one of the greatest states of the greatest countries in the world.
Use your funds to purchase something different that will compliment your Lorier.
Or, if you really want to go "upmarket", then just keep saving for that Submariner and don't take any intermediate stops that will cost you in the end.
That's interesting - I could keep the Lorier as my "vintage inspired diver" and save for an Explorer or OP. Either of those would be a good combo with the Neptune.
Re: Sizing - Lorier is actually a little tricky with their official measurements. That 10.3 thickness doesn't count the 2mm of crystal, so it actually works out to about the same as the Tudor (but for that matter my version ii is 2 additional mm of thickness! Still sleek, but has some chunk!)
The end game differs from person to person. Some end game is to pass down their watches
Others are to sell
And so on
Those goals also can change due to circumstances in life
So how does the watches make you feel?
Are you happy & content with your current collection?
Buy the bb58 and sell the lorier. Most likely you will still be thinking about bb58 in the future if you haven't purchase it.
Buy the bb58 and sell the lorier. Most likely you will still be thinking about bb58 in the future if you haven't purchase it.
It's a possibility!
Hmmm
The end game differs from person to person. Some end game is to pass down their watches
Others are to sell
And so on
Those goals also can change due to circumstances in life
So how does the watches make you feel?
Are you happy & content with your current collection?
I hear you - I think when I say "what's the endgame?" I'm speaking of our collective culture and how we talk about this hobby, in general. But yes! I would hope we are all individuals with different desires.
Am I happy and content with my collection? Getting closer! But might not ever be "finished!" We'll see.
I would buy the Tudor so you can have your own experience. Then you will know if it was worth it ( let me know when you find out). Once you get the Tudor, sell the Neptune and get some cash to buy the version. I love the new Neptune with the roulette date wheel.
I hear you - I think when I say "what's the endgame?" I'm speaking of our collective culture and how we talk about this hobby, in general. But yes! I would hope we are all individuals with different desires.
Am I happy and content with my collection? Getting closer! But might not ever be "finished!" We'll see.
😄😄
It's called the watch journey for a reason
I think (just me) that as a hobby & community in general, it about the look & feel of a watch.
For me, I advocate for more stylish animated series/movie & game watches
Many balk at the idea but many more are fellow fans like me
I would buy the Tudor so you can have your own experience. Then you will know if it was worth it ( let me know when you find out). Once you get the Tudor, sell the Neptune and get some cash to buy the version. I love the new Neptune with the roulette date wheel.
Good to hear!
I understand that the BB58 is available in many colours, so I guess in order to avoid redundancy I would opy for another colour (like I chose the Lorier Hyperion in white in case I get the Neptune in its only available colour patern). Their blue BB58 is so good looking and goes with many outfits as well.
Do an experiment. Buy the BB58. Sell it on if you find yourself reaching for the Lorier more than the Tudor. If you no longer feel the desire to put on your Lorier, your question is answered.
Ask yourself what would you gain by getting the BB58? If I was in your position (which I actually am, similarly) and say I got the 58 I would part ways with the Lorier. However if the Lorier checks all those boxes and I'd had a connection to that watch, I would pass on the 58 and divert my savings and attention to another piece. To me it's the emotional attachment. You do develop memories and relationships with these pieces. IMO if the 58 is an upgrade and you find that you could part with the Lorier, go for it!
Ask yourself what would you gain by getting the BB58? If I was in your position (which I actually am, similarly) and say I got the 58 I would part ways with the Lorier. However if the Lorier checks all those boxes and I'd had a connection to that watch, I would pass on the 58 and divert my savings and attention to another piece. To me it's the emotional attachment. You do develop memories and relationships with these pieces. IMO if the 58 is an upgrade and you find that you could part with the Lorier, go for it!
Makes sense, thanks!
Funny story, I had a V2 Neptune that was a “placeholder” until I got my bb58, this was mid 2020. I got Tudor and sold the Lorier. Fast forward to now and the Neptune has drastically improved such that it is a different watch it seems with all the fine tuning the Ortegas has been doing. I saw the most recent v4 Neptunes at Windup and I was just wowed… If you ask me now I would pick the v4 Neptune over the BB58.
Funny story, I had a V2 Neptune that was a “placeholder” until I got my bb58, this was mid 2020. I got Tudor and sold the Lorier. Fast forward to now and the Neptune has drastically improved such that it is a different watch it seems with all the fine tuning the Ortegas has been doing. I saw the most recent v4 Neptunes at Windup and I was just wowed… If you ask me now I would pick the v4 Neptune over the BB58.
lol I've been literally struggling with this all week. I love the new version (slimmer, smaller lugs, better movement than the nh35, red text) Please elaborate! What do you like about the Neptune Siv over the BB58. That's so cool to hear!
lol I've been literally struggling with this all week. I love the new version (slimmer, smaller lugs, better movement than the nh35, red text) Please elaborate! What do you like about the Neptune Siv over the BB58. That's so cool to hear!
Brand aside and similar dimensions aside, the Neptune is an awesome value all around. If the Miyota fails, a replacement movement will be less than 100$. Functionality speaking the Lorier bezel is easier to use than the Tudor. It’s very hard to turb the 58’s bezel. Also right now 58 values are tanking. If you buy a 58 brand new, the amount of value that the watch loses as soon as you walk out the door is more than the cost of a Neptune. Hahaha.
I love Tudor Watches. They all have some history, so I think you will enjoy to have such a well made watch as the Black Bay. Plus you can use the Lorier as every day watch and the Tudor when you have especial ocasion. In my collection I have few for every day work and my upscale ones for going out.
Brand aside and similar dimensions aside, the Neptune is an awesome value all around. If the Miyota fails, a replacement movement will be less than 100$. Functionality speaking the Lorier bezel is easier to use than the Tudor. It’s very hard to turb the 58’s bezel. Also right now 58 values are tanking. If you buy a 58 brand new, the amount of value that the watch loses as soon as you walk out the door is more than the cost of a Neptune. Hahaha.
Very interesting, thanks! I might just get the new Neptune and sell the vii then.
I love Tudor Watches. They all have some history, so I think you will enjoy to have such a well made watch as the Black Bay. Plus you can use the Lorier as every day watch and the Tudor when you have especial ocasion. In my collection I have few for every day work and my upscale ones for going out.
That's an intriguing system. Tudor is a very cool brand, and I like that they are, in theory, Rolex without the elitism baggage. Also, beautiful watches!
Very interesting, thanks! I might just get the new Neptune and sell the vii then.
The v2 is very thick compared to the current gen. Imagine the slabby Black Bay (14.75) vs the BB58 (11.9)! The s2 had more bulbous domed crystal that added another 0.7mm to the s1 making it 15mm. On the s3 and s4, they finally got a hold of the thickness down to 12.7 - thats a reduction of 2.3mm. Now I want a Neptune with all this talk!
The v2 is very thick compared to the current gen. Imagine the slabby Black Bay (14.75) vs the BB58 (11.9)! The s2 had more bulbous domed crystal that added another 0.7mm to the s1 making it 15mm. On the s3 and s4, they finally got a hold of the thickness down to 12.7 - thats a reduction of 2.3mm. Now I want a Neptune with all this talk!
Hot dang.
Great line of questioning! I’m in the same boat. I literally just created a spreadsheet for myself of different watches that I want to be my final collection… BB58 Blue, Explorer, Datejust, Speedmaster… i.e. my favorite watches of each category of money wasn’t a factor. However, since money is a factor, each spreadsheet row starts with a cheaper watch of that same style (Dive, Field, Dress, Space-nerd, etc). So yes, that’s the plan that I can up with for myself to help me trade up over time. That being said, that doesn’t mean that I wouldn’t stop at some point on a particular watch because I love the style, I’ve created memories with it, etc, to the point where I don’t need to upgrade that watch and it would just be a waste of money and id probably regret the trade-up. To me, since you’re asking that question, I think you’d regret selling it. Don’t forget that your (my) styles and edited change over time so I know my end-collection will probably morph over the years. Just my $0.02.
Great line of questioning! I’m in the same boat. I literally just created a spreadsheet for myself of different watches that I want to be my final collection… BB58 Blue, Explorer, Datejust, Speedmaster… i.e. my favorite watches of each category of money wasn’t a factor. However, since money is a factor, each spreadsheet row starts with a cheaper watch of that same style (Dive, Field, Dress, Space-nerd, etc). So yes, that’s the plan that I can up with for myself to help me trade up over time. That being said, that doesn’t mean that I wouldn’t stop at some point on a particular watch because I love the style, I’ve created memories with it, etc, to the point where I don’t need to upgrade that watch and it would just be a waste of money and id probably regret the trade-up. To me, since you’re asking that question, I think you’d regret selling it. Don’t forget that your (my) styles and edited change over time so I know my end-collection will probably morph over the years. Just my $0.02.
Good luck!
Hello. I have the BB58. I liked the look of the Neptune (current version) so I bought one for my son. I was pleasantly surprised when I opened the box to make sure everything was ok with the watch. The Neptune is a nice looking watch so you may not be as excited to get a BB58 now.
I hope not.
I have many Tudor and no Rolex. I do not want to play the Rolex game with the AD to get one. In addition, I do not want to experience having my watch stolen from me while I am walking on the street. Watch Theft "increased by 60% last year compared to 2021 (Watch register). Rolexes were by far the most targeted brand, comprising 44% of all thefts, while Omega and Breitling made up 7% and 6% of the index respectively. "
https://ca.finance.yahoo.com/news/rolex-remains-favorite-robbers-luxury-163247154.html