The Price Question: The Ostentatious Conundrum
I (a highschooler), while on the bus for my commute home from school, was asked by a group of fellow highschoolers about my watch. (I was wearing my Glycine Combat Open Heart at the time) While the first thing they said was nice watch, immediately after they asked how much it cost. I didn't really know how to respond and attempted to deflect the question. It was weird deflecting it, but I didn't want to come across as ostentatious, 'flexy,' or super rich to the group. (I have a job that paid for it). They then proceeded to touch it to get a better view. It's not that I didn't trust them, but I felt slightly intimidated by the group and was a little self conscious about my purchase. While it is a more blingy watch, I buy watches for myself at the end of the day and am relatively timid about watches. For most people, they don't realize how much watches costs. (Mine wasn't too insane at $270 on sale) For future reference, how should I answer the question? What do you guys do?
Current Collection: Glycine Combat Open-Heart Auto GL0427 (Black), Dan Henry 1963 (Blue)
Ask them "how much do you think that I paid?" No matter what they say, tell them either that they're correct, or tell them less than they guessed. Non-watch collectors have absolutely zero clue as to the general watch market or what things cost.
There's no point in putting yourself in a situation discussing prices that you're not comfortable with.
In a situation like that, I probably lower my jacket or sleeve to cover up the watch prior to boarding the bus.
First of all, nice watch. I grew up in a not so great neighborhood where people got whacked over wearing Jordans. I would be mindful of your surroundings and if you’re not comfortable, I’d hide that bad boy under a cuff.
High schoolers do questionable things and a group of high schoolers will do things that individually they would not do.
I wouldn’t answer the question and not feel pressured to do so. It’s none of their business. I’m very risk averse so I wouldn’t wear it again for a little bit until they forget about it.
I would say a few days of my labor.
I deflect as well because we don’t wear them to show status, but instead to look at or talk about. I usually say “I paid way more than I should have for something my phone already does!” The self deprecating method usually works and if they keep asking then talk about the story behind the hunt or decision to buy.
Do you teach in an inner city public school system?
I daily wear a Rolex OP and anytime I'm asked about the price I usually give a sarcastic response like "more than I care to admit", if they pass the vibe test or look like a watch enthusiast I'll just say "retail". When I traveled to NY someone asked but they creeped me out so I just said it was fake
Occasionally I get asked and I try to deflect by equating the price to something tangible.
"Oh, this old thing, I spent about the cost of a:
good burgundy
steak dinner for two
C-Class Mercedes
Chick-fil-A spicy chicken sandwich meal
a new transmission
or, in your case, less than it costs for admission for three to Disney World.
Tell them the price you saw was $270 but you got it during a sale. They'll get the idea you got it even cheaper than that, equating the brand to something like Invicta (true story, that's how I got through some of my purchases to my mum).
Then for the kill, tell them the company is China owned. That ought to kill any desirous thoughts on your watch by the filthy muggles.
Nice watch. Tell them this!
Tell them what I tell my wife about every watch I have when asked how much it cost.
“About $50 bucks”. 😀 (Now, the missus knows I’m kidding).
But if the “enquiring mind” is somewhat knowledgeable, then they’ll get it. If they are not, then they won’t care.
And pullling your sleeve down over your watch is always a good fallback.
Btw, nice watch. Where did you get it? 😉😀
Give a nonspecific answer like it looks nicer than it is or maybe say it was a gift. It’s distressing to hear the mob was touching you and your watch. Abusive behavior is built on precedent and it doesn’t plateau. It should be nipped in the bud. Nice watch btw.
Tell them money is not the point. Ask them does it really mater?
My favorite response is "it's paid for. Who cares?"
"Enough🤪"
I deflect as well because we don’t wear them to show status, but instead to look at or talk about. I usually say “I paid way more than I should have for something my phone already does!” The self deprecating method usually works and if they keep asking then talk about the story behind the hunt or decision to buy.
+1 on self depreciation.
OP, nice watch!
Tell them "alot less than a new Apple watch".
I think it depends on my relationship with them. If they are my best friends, I’d tell them the truth and they would understand that you had a job to pay for it. If you’re not that close to them I’d just say something generic like, “not that much”, “looks fancier than it is” or something like that. They could look it up if they actually cared, but they probably don’t care so it’s best to deflect. It’s certainly less than whatever video game console they have or less than the cell phone they have.
First thing I’d do is be assertive and get them to give you space. If you want to tell them the price then do so. If not then say “I’d rather not say thank you”
Tell them what I tell my wife about every watch I have when asked how much it cost.
“About $50 bucks”. 😀 (Now, the missus knows I’m kidding).
But if the “enquiring mind” is somewhat knowledgeable, then they’ll get it. If they are not, then they won’t care.
And pullling your sleeve down over your watch is always a good fallback.
Btw, nice watch. Where did you get it? 😉😀
Ashford.com has great deals on Glycine
I travel with a G-Shock on an aftermarket nylon strap. Wears comfortably, but looks ugly as sin. Before the G-Shock I had a beat-up Seiko quartz watches for the same purpose.
I wear my other watches when not in contact with the general public. (Some exceptions for that rule exist in the winter, when nobody can see the watch in the first place.)
All the other kids have to dig for their phones to get the time and they all have them. It's a momentary interest that will fade in them.
I think you're right to avoid answering money questions, suggest 'This was a present, don't know what it cost.'
If you are uncomfortable or unsafe, tell them it was a gift.
Usually when people ask me, I tell them the truth. It's for them to deal with it. Unless I feel like they might try to rob me.
First, great watch and pic! Now to answer your question, It was a gift from grandma. 😀 sears I think .....
Tell them you got it used for a great deal, but I probably wouldn't wear that watch there if you don't want people to ask about it.
I'd say no idea, it was a gift. Or a second hand buy from ebay. Or inheritance. I don't know where you live ,but next time maybe just be more low profile about it.
Lovely watch btw
As to what I do, I tell them. I don't get sensitive over financial matters or conversations.
However, that's not whats important. How you deal with the situation is upto you.
I like the, I don't know it was a gift or my dad brought it back from holiday etc
Hope it helps and once again. Cracking watch
"It was a gift. I am not sure what it cost but I really like this one."
Tell them what I tell my wife about every watch I have when asked how much it cost.
“About $50 bucks”. 😀 (Now, the missus knows I’m kidding).
But if the “enquiring mind” is somewhat knowledgeable, then they’ll get it. If they are not, then they won’t care.
And pullling your sleeve down over your watch is always a good fallback.
Btw, nice watch. Where did you get it? 😉😀
This is true. Any watch that one paid about $300 or more for will generally be worth $50.
But the other answer is "cheaper than an Apple Watch" which will quickly remind the non-enthusiast that this is a silly old-fashioned watch and of little monetary value.
Tell them "It cost me a weeks pay", move on and let them figure out what that is. You need to be aware of your surroundings and keep a low profile when you have any watch on regardless of the price. Nice pick up! Well done. Life gets better.
And remember they will all have ecpensive stuff you dont, gaming stuff, mountain bike, jacket etc.. ask them how much they paid for their Canada goose jacket