A Lesson in Trusting My Gut
• ᴛʜᴇ ʟᴏɴɢɪɴᴇs sᴘɪʀɪᴛ ᴘʀᴇsᴛɪɢᴇ ᴇᴅɪᴛɪᴏɴ •
This is probably going to be a bit of an odd post, so bear with me.
I wasn't in love the Spirit when I bought it. It's not a particularly exciting watch and it's bigger and heavier than the 'daily' I usually wore. It stayed with me though - more than the Zulu Time that I 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚𝙙 in store.
This was a head over heart purchase - and if you knew me just a little bit, you'd know that's unlike me.
The Zulu Time S&G 𝙚𝙭𝙘𝙞𝙩𝙚𝙙 me but I found myself researching the Spirit - then thinking about reorganising my collection around it.
I knew I preferred the Tudor BB Pro to the Longines GMT but I'm not ready to part with my Lorier Hyperion just yet. That's good. 'No hurry, enjoy what you've got' I tell myself ... as I searched for another review of the Spirit.
I didn't really get it. I'd never been so interested in a watch that just didn't excite me that much - either aesthetically or on the wrist.
Along the way I decided that the Prestige Edition with the 2 included leather straps was the way to go. It's a different watch on a strap:
So now, not only am I considering buying a watch that I don't love - I'm considering paying extra for OEM straps! Again; very unlike me.
So there I was a few weeks later, standing in a shop entering my PIN.
I must've known something, 'cause I'm 𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙠𝙚𝙙. I have worn other watches in the month that I've owned the Spirit - mostly out of a sense of duty than any desire to take it off - and I'm now looking at the watches I do have and thinking 'don't need them anymore'.
So this watch that I didn't love has me off-loading everything that doesn't have a complication. For the first time a core of 4 or 5 watches makes sense in a non acedemic way and the next watch I buy (which I do 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚):
... will feel like it's free after I've sold everything this watch (that I 𝙙𝙞𝙙𝙣'𝙩 love) has made redundant.
Lesson? If you're gut's trying to tell you something; 𝙡𝙞𝙨𝙩𝙚𝙣
𝙰 𝚜𝚒𝚖𝚙𝚕𝚎 𝚖𝚊𝚗 𝚠𝚑𝚘 𝚕𝚒𝚔𝚎𝚜 𝚜𝚒𝚖𝚙𝚕𝚎 𝚠𝚊𝚝𝚌𝚑𝚎𝚜.
Actually not conflicted - I bought it a month ago and it's grown on me like a sprout.
It's been an interesting exercise. In all my years every purchase has been emotional.
This was more instinctive and almost bereft of emotion. The love came later - and quickly.
As I said, an interesting experience.
re. bare / bear. I thought the same thing when noticed it! If you did know me, the 𝘭𝘢𝘴𝘵 thing you'd want is me baring!
Similar experience with my Grail, my SM300. Very much the logical choice for me, rather than any feelings of lust..
Got it a few years ago and it's grown on me more everyday, to the point I genuinely have to force myself to wear anything else.
Congratulations, that's a beautiful watch 😍👍👍
Day three with mine on wrist, and it might be the honeymoon period talking, but it absolutely has that mythical “one watch collection” potential (not quite ready to clean the watch box out myself though haha)
It was definitely a bit more of a “head” purchase for me as well; being my first upmarket luxury watch, I liked the idea of going for a sensible field/pilot style, as well as opting for the more sartorially versatile black vs the flashier blue dial. But honestly, it feels less and less like a compromise every time I look at it. It’s simple without being boring or plain, detailed but uncluttered, and it seems the closer you look, the more there is to appreciate. A very slept on watch, in my opinion.
Can’t wait for part two, when three months down the line you realise that the honeymoon period is over, you want something else again, and you’re missing all the other watches you sold. It’s a tale as old as time.
I think you’re overthinking this. Just don’t do anything rash, enjoy the watch for a bit and wait a while before offloading anything.
Absolutely agree with that sentiment. Gut reaction is a sound way of making a decision & it's no coincidence. Instinct & experience trigger it & it's also the body & mind's way of telling us to be wary.
I wish I'd trusted mine a bit more than I used to in my younger days. It would have turned bad decisions into good ones.
It's a great choice and I think less is more with the design.
So while you weren't excited by it, I think the rational side of your brain has been looking at it and re-evaluating it and kicked in with, "What works as a better, long term watch?" rather than, "What piece of eye candy has excited me in the moment?"
I was that way with the old Hamilton Pioneer Khaki back in the day. It didn't grab me at first, but the more I looked at it, the more I thought, hey, I actually REALLY like that.
Which is why I'm on the road to the Hanhart Pioneer One. Similar vibes.
Looks superb in that first pic, much better than all the renders. Enjoy! 👍
Similar experience with my Grail, my SM300. Very much the logical choice for me, rather than any feelings of lust..
Got it a few years ago and it's grown on me more everyday, to the point I genuinely have to force myself to wear anything else.
Congratulations, that's a beautiful watch 😍👍👍
Thanks mate. ☻
Maybe it means I've finally matured within this hobby!
It is fascinating how a watch wins you over purely by being well executed though, isn't it?
I feel the same way about Breitling watches, sometime during the late 80s I was searching for a watch to replace my 3 Rolex watches which I sold to finance home appliances after marriage. I wanted something more robust than my Datejust, a new friend suggested I look at a Chronomat which he could sell to me for 50% of retail. 4 decades later, I still enjoy buying watches, investigate new brands all the time but just last week when I was shopping for a JLC triple calendar Moonphase, noticed the Breitling Datora for 2k less, no debate, no hesitation, my purchase came down to connection to the brand and knowing future servicing will be hassle free. JLC watches might be more respected by the general watch buying community but they are not wearing my watch or paying for it.
That's a superb looking watch!
Day three with mine on wrist, and it might be the honeymoon period talking, but it absolutely has that mythical “one watch collection” potential (not quite ready to clean the watch box out myself though haha)
It was definitely a bit more of a “head” purchase for me as well; being my first upmarket luxury watch, I liked the idea of going for a sensible field/pilot style, as well as opting for the more sartorially versatile black vs the flashier blue dial. But honestly, it feels less and less like a compromise every time I look at it. It’s simple without being boring or plain, detailed but uncluttered, and it seems the closer you look, the more there is to appreciate. A very slept on watch, in my opinion.
Couldn't agree more.
It might still be a honeymoon for me too as far as I know! It hasn't felt like a honeymoon though, feels more like going on a date with someone I'm not sure about and slowly falling in love tbh.
When I see yours make an appearance on WRUW I might check in, see if you're having a similar experience.
Congrats on purchase. ✌🏼️
Can’t wait for part two, when three months down the line you realise that the honeymoon period is over, you want something else again, and you’re missing all the other watches you sold. It’s a tale as old as time.
I think you’re overthinking this. Just don’t do anything rash, enjoy the watch for a bit and wait a while before offloading anything.
Father? Is that you?
Absolutely agree with that sentiment. Gut reaction is a sound way of making a decision & it's no coincidence. Instinct & experience trigger it & it's also the body & mind's way of telling us to be wary.
I wish I'd trusted mine a bit more than I used to in my younger days. It would have turned bad decisions into good ones.
Dead on.
I think you touch on one of the reasons I 𝙡𝙤𝙫𝙚 this hobby - I've been in it a while and was spinning my wheels a bit. It's been an interesting lesson and reinvigorated me a bit I think. ☻
It's a great choice and I think less is more with the design.
So while you weren't excited by it, I think the rational side of your brain has been looking at it and re-evaluating it and kicked in with, "What works as a better, long term watch?" rather than, "What piece of eye candy has excited me in the moment?"
I was that way with the old Hamilton Pioneer Khaki back in the day. It didn't grab me at first, but the more I looked at it, the more I thought, hey, I actually REALLY like that.
Which is why I'm on the road to the Hanhart Pioneer One. Similar vibes.
Totally agree mate. Hanhart is really another level. They are sooooo underrated too...
Yeah - you're right. Well put.
It's akin to falling in love with someone I wasn't sure about.
The Khaki Mech is one of the watches I'll sell - so your Hammy to Hanhart comparison hits home.
The single rivet strap on the Hanhart is killer btw - I bought the same for my Avi Big-Eye.
You've got taste! 😉
Kind words. Thanks.
It's definitely worth checking out, maybe even more than once. It's impressive in a way that isn't immediately evident.
Let's be real, referring to a watch that costs multiple thousands as a bargain wouldn't fly in the real world, but within the confines of this hobby - it sorta feels like a bargain!
Think I missed out one crucial part about this rabbit hole... It's candy coated...
Dont sell off watches unless you really have to. Im not saying it will happen all I'm saying is it does happen. Your taste change and we can all get bored with the same watch eventually.
Sweet watch not your typical pilot watch it’s a great piece enjoy it in good health …!!⭐️⏱️💯
Just because you like redheads this week doesn’t mean you’ll never like blondes again…😊
I bought this on a gut feeling. Hardly rational though! For 3/4 seasons of the year it will look out of place, but hey🤷🏻if I like and can afford I’ll buy. Best not sell off my others though!
Dont sell off watches unless you really have to. Im not saying it will happen all I'm saying is it does happen. Your taste change and we can all get bored with the same watch eventually.
I've got too many and I've got watches I'd moved beyond well before I bought the Spirit.
It's part of 𝙬𝙝𝙮 I bought the Spirit.
It's time for me to move away from a 30 watch collection and consolidate.
I take my time. I don't impulse buy. I wait until I'm sure.
Nor do I sell until I'm sure, and when I'm sure I wear it for a few days - just in case. As I said, I'm considered.
I know what I want to keep and why and the same goes for what I'm gonna sell.
Exactly the same thing happened to me with this Black Bay Heritage Chrono, I was looking for the Tudor Fastrider Black Shield but they didn't have it available in 2020 and they showed me the Black Bay Heritage Chrono and I took it as if it were a consolation prize. I put it on my wrist at home and I fell in love with its shine, its polishing and brushing, its box-type sapphire crystal and the main thing is that steel bezel, it is a watch that if I stop using it I miss it after 3 days But hey, you also have to use the other watches in the collection.
Looking back I wish more of my watches had gobsmacked me from the get go.
I went through phases of buying industry icons, filling imaginary "holes" in my collection and jumping on "bargains" but eventually more of my watches were ones that immediately swept me off of my feet even though they were also totally off of my radar.
I've become an opportunistic collector saying yay or nay to watches I encounter within the watch community and only rarely focus on social media darlings or "goal" watches. I want a watch that I love over a popular one that I merely appreciate.
Three of my most beloved pieces are all non-mainstream purchases that I would've never made had I not been hanging with other enthusiasts and it's from them that I've received the most information that I trust.
Junghans Meister Driver
Breitling Chronomat UTC
Bulgari Octo Roma
If you go for an Ultra Chron they look really good on leather.
Choosing watches is weird. I find it oddly hard to workout what I want. It’s a constant back and forth…. Don’t know why
Choosing watches is weird. I find it oddly hard to workout what I want. It’s a constant back and forth…. Don’t know why
I think deciding is one the most interesting parts of the hobby. Of all of those watches I'd 𝙡𝙞𝙠𝙚 to own, which ones 𝙨𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙡𝙙 I own? At least I'm finding it easier and easier to not buy everything I'd like to own - I've spent a lot of this year deciding what watches to move on and have been wearing one of a core of about 6 waches for the last 4 - 5 months and it's better.
Looking back I wish more of my watches had gobsmacked me from the get go.
I went through phases of buying industry icons, filling imaginary "holes" in my collection and jumping on "bargains" but eventually more of my watches were ones that immediately swept me off of my feet even though they were also totally off of my radar.
I've become an opportunistic collector saying yay or nay to watches I encounter within the watch community and only rarely focus on social media darlings or "goal" watches. I want a watch that I love over a popular one that I merely appreciate.
Three of my most beloved pieces are all non-mainstream purchases that I would've never made had I not been hanging with other enthusiasts and it's from them that I've received the most information that I trust.
Junghans Meister Driver
Breitling Chronomat UTC
Bulgari Octo Roma
Yeah, well said.
You've got to roll with the way your tastes change.
Hey I've got the the chronograph version of your Junghans - it's a great dial, fantastic use of colour.
Reading this on a browser that doesn't show the emojis made for some tricky interpretation.
I'm glad you like the watch. I love my Zulu Time.
Reading this on a browser that doesn't show the emojis made for some tricky interpretation.
I'm glad you like the watch. I love my Zulu Time.
Thanks mate.
That'd be my italics font ... but I don't make a lot of sense even when legible so apologies for making it worse!
The Longines Spirit.
Third photo down is the Longines Zulu Time GMT - really like it but prefer the Tudor BB Pro GMT which I hope to buy in 2024.
Bottom photo is the Longines Ultra Chron. I plan on buying that next.
☻