"We are not rich enough to buy cheap things" AND buy a watch, help save the world? #20
Friends!
Up for auction today is the Seiko Recraft SNKP23.
First up is all the auction information, and then below the fold are all my autistic ramblings!
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Auction details
All proceeds go to GiveDirectly.org. GiveDirectly.org DIRECTLY sends on funds to recipients in some of the poorest countries on Earth, with an incredible track record to-date. The effort sprang out of the Effective Altruism movement.
https://www.givedirectly.org/beta/
https://www.givedirectly.org/financials/
The first 19 auctions worked out spectacularly, in which our esteemed colleagues @Bessio @Robcollects @Ichibunz @Deeperblue @Edge168n @Jklotz @CliveC @laurik @tempus @Al_Ra_Ra @TimeJunkie @tuanvinh2000 @UtahExplorer @biglove @whitesalmon @JapanExclusive @moemoe @lmchew have helped to raise $24,508 for Kenyan families living under the global poverty line of $1.90 / day. All of the auction proceeds went directly to them, and the funds from the 19 auctions thus far will effectively double the incomes of 68 families for a year!
Previous auction:
Here's what I propose:
Let's open up bidding at, say, $20
Please post your bid by commenting below
The highest bid by Friday, March 24, 12pm PT wins the auction
Here’s where we do some real good for charity: If you are the winning bidder, please then Paypal or Venmo me the winning bid amount. I will make the donation of your winning bid, plus get a match for that amount! Thus, every $1 of the winning bid will get doubled!!!
Let me say that again - every $1 of the winning bid will turn into $2 donated to GiveDirectly!!!
I will then post the screen shot of the full donated amount!
So, in summary:
Win the auction
Have the entirety of the proceeds go towards lifting a family out of extreme poverty
DOUBLE the size of your charitable contribution
Whaddya say?
* If shipping outside of Continental US, I ask that winner international bidder pay shipping costs. Thank you!
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Autistic ramblings
It's funny, but I've not been watch collecting for all that long. And in the short time I've been doing it, I've come to realize something. There's a famous Russian proverb that goes: "We are not rich enough to buy cheap things." There are a number of interpretations of this saying; however, I like to think it's a commentary on socio-economic status (SES) insecurity. By that, I mean the following:
My closest friend in the world grew up in Poland, and by dint of his intellect, and his willingness to work 100-hour weeks, and his being the genuinely nicest human being I've ever met, he is also one of the most professionally successful people I know
First, he ended up getting a scholarship that would cover tuition at a big university here in America - the only caveat was that he had to get straight A's or he would lose the scholarship
His family was very poor by American standards, so his father said to him, "Son, we can't give you any money while you're there studying, so you'll need to work to pay room and board. And, even though I'm signing this form here saying that we will cover your tuition in the event you don't get straight A's, we simply can't do so. So, if you ever get a B, that means you'll be coming home to Poland
The dude worked a full-time, 40-hour/week job AND got straight A's throughout college!!!
He then went to work for one of the top strategy consulting firms (one of the MBB) right out of college, then attended a top business school, then joined this private equity firm that was made famous in the late 80's from best-selling business books like "Barbarians at the Gates" where they were dubbed "The Masters of the Universe," and then became Global Head of Strategy for a household name Silicon Valley software company at age 36
This is the car he drives...
And check this out, this is how one of the richest men in the world dresses...
They don't need expensive things. They're so rich they can afford to buy cheap things, and love those cheap things. Their things say nothing about them. They are perfectly secure in who they are. So, if something is cool, whether it's expensive or cheap, it's cool.
Apparently, I've not gotten there yet. I grew up very, very poor, as a first generation immigrant. And even after I had money, I still thought of myself as that same 6 year-old kid living on government cheese. So, all my watch purchases are expensive luxury watches! And, well, weirdly, wasting all this money on these anachronistic pieces of jewelry has somehow convinced my lizard brain of the objective truth - that I'm actually in an okay position now. And, yet... clearly, even though I realize that I'm not that 6 year-old living off government cheese anymore, I still can't afford cheap things, as evidenced by my GS collection!
Hmmm... But, then again, maybe Bezos ain't quite there yet himself. After all, this is the yacht he's building, right?
The Artist formerly known as @HotWatchChick69 and formerly-formerly @Omeganut
More from Mr.Dee.Bater
$69
$69
Leading the auction!
...But what watch is he wearing??
I'm putting up the Bat Signal for @Edge168n!
$100 🥳
These watches are gorgeous!
...But what watch is he wearing??
I'm putting up the Bat Signal for @Edge168n!
$100 🥳
These watches are gorgeous!
Ha! I hadn't even noticed the watch on his wrist!
As for my buddy, I don't think he wears a watch.
A while ago, I bought a Chinese super fake Daytona
And then I messaged my buddy and told him that I'd bought him a watch and sent him this image...
Told my buddy that they typically go for $30k on the grey market, but I was able to get him one at MSRP for $12.5k
He replied with, "Gosh, that's awfully kind of you"
Overall, this was the general level of excitement that came out of him with regard to being gifted a $30k watch...
Finally, I told him, "No, m*ther****er! It ain't the real deal. I got you a Chinese fake!"
His reaction...
Me: "WTF?"
Him: "Yeah, man, anyone can splash some cash around. But, you really put in some effort in researching this and getting a real Chinese fake! Now I can go around and show off this awesome fake to everyone!"
$125 ....going straight on a mesh....
$125 ....going straight on a mesh....
But, the real question for you is, "Will it be a strap monster?"
By the way, as for all my responses on auctions, I always try to google the appropriate GIF. In this case, I googled "strap monster" without having thought through the potential implications.
...But what watch is he wearing??
I'm putting up the Bat Signal for @Edge168n!
$100 🥳
These watches are gorgeous!
This is a cheat because I saw it in a time and tide article but it's a Ulysses Nardin dual time.
Totally agree with the sentiment as long as it isn't the reverse douche move of "look at me I'm so wealthy I can afford to look like I shop at Walmart"...no offense to Walmart shoppers everywhere - I respect you and your focus on making your dollars extend as far as possible.
Just don't worry about what people think about you and you will have a better life. Of course, that doesn't mean being a jerk to people, but don't let their opinions rule your life. No one is better than you...I repeat no one is better than you. We are all unique individuals whose worth cannot be compared to one another.
I would completely bid on this as a goof but I have this
Which I'm likely to auction off in the coming weeks....so stop reading my mind yo!
This is a cheat because I saw it in a time and tide article but it's a Ulysses Nardin dual time.
Knew you'd know! 🥳
Totally agree with the sentiment as long as it isn't the reverse douche move of "look at me I'm so wealthy I can afford to look like I shop at Walmart"...no offense to Walmart shoppers everywhere - I respect you and your focus on making your dollars extend as far as possible.
Just don't worry about what people think about you and you will have a better life. Of course, that doesn't mean being a jerk to people, but don't let their opinions rule your life. No one is better than you...I repeat no one is better than you. We are all unique individuals whose worth cannot be compared to one another.
Ha! Nah, he ain't one of those counter-signaling hipsters. He just genuinely couldn't care less about cars or any of that stuff. He'll spend tons of money on good food, and he's got a nice house with lots of land tucked away in the Pacific Northwest so he can enjoy his time with his family. But, that's about it.
That may be so
That I am not so sure about. Why bother buying the naming rights to a University library or hospital department ... I'm sorry, it's a donation. My bad.
I would completely bid on this as a goof but I have this
Which I'm likely to auction off in the coming weeks....so stop reading my mind yo!
I so wish you'd bid as a goof. Would be amazing if you won and then had to auction off 2 watches!
That may be so
That I am not so sure about. Why bother buying the naming rights to a University library or hospital department ... I'm sorry, it's a donation. My bad.
So true...the equivalent of humble bragging...putting your name on a building.
One of my colleagues played the humble wealthy person charade and did exactly that...put their name on a building from the funds donated to build and fund it. 🙄
You see it also in university endowments and non-profit organizations. Just listen to NPR and you will hear the list of the named organizations from wealthy donors whose non-profits donate to NPR.
I bet they get a kick out of hearing their name/family name repeated on the radio every day.
The value of anonymity is highly underappreciated.
That may be so
That I am not so sure about. Why bother buying the naming rights to a University library or hospital department ... I'm sorry, it's a donation. My bad.
Ha!
I once asked my wife if one day we ended up with too much money, would we buy the naming rights to one of our alma maters' buildings. She said, "Only if we name the building after our dog."
One day, hopefully, students at a particular Southern California university will be studying for their midterms at the "Lucy Grumpalupigus Snuffington III Library."
Bezos changed a bit after his divorce. He's been working out, and I've seen a shot where he tried to look gangsta.
Maybe I'm bitter, because they're making mgmt take AWS certification classes, which are just a waste of my time.
P.S.: Great Seiko!
Jeff Bezos being gangsta is about as believable as me being gangsta!
Jeff Bezos being gangsta is about as believable as me being gangsta!
sup, G? 😂
Ah yes, Bezos ...
OMG!!!
You gotta have a heart-to-heart discussion with @Edge168n. This past week, we sat down to talk about "but always feel awkward wearing it, despite how much I love it." In my own case, it's the SBGK015. Like you said, it's too ostentatious! I always feel too self-conscious wearing it. But, one conversation with JC, and I somehow feel absolved of my sins!!! I almost sold my SBGK015, just because somehow I felt guilty about owning it! His words of wisdom: "Are you making your mortgage payments? Are you able to afford your groceries? Are you living up to your responsibilities as a husband and father? If you answered 'yes' to each of those questions, then it's not a sin to have and enjoy some nice things." Your Daytona is absolute fire, and you should absolutely enjoy it!!!
B58!!! Yes!!! S58 is even better!!! M2? M3? M4? Which one you looking to get??? The amazing thing about the sports sedans is that they're totally under the radar. If you get one of them, nobody but car guys will even know that it's anything other than a regular sedan. You gotta do it!!!
The corollary to this statement is "if you aren't going to enjoy it, don't buy it." Watch collectors buy shit they don't intend to enjoy all the time.
Of course I'm probably just another horrible silver tongued enabler....though if you're avoiding buying groceries or funding your retirement or contributing your kid's college because you're buying watches, I'd be the first to tell you that your priorities suck.
It's cool to be Square....Square Bump!
This watch is better than a Kmart coat.
No, I loved that coat! I cried when I lost it, or maybe it was stolen. It prob cost $30 haha.
But I'm in the lead!! Winner winner chicken dinner!
No, I loved that coat! I cried when I lost it, or maybe it was stolen. It prob cost $30 haha.
But I'm in the lead!! Winner winner chicken dinner!
Just one of Jeff Bezos' multiple mansions:
Just one of Jeff Bezos' multiple mansions:
I think that one is his watch box.
Tudor Hand Bump!
No, I loved that coat! I cried when I lost it, or maybe it was stolen. It prob cost $30 haha.
But I'm in the lead!! Winner winner chicken dinner!
Well, sir, you are the winner!!!
Welcome to the Square World
https://vimeo.com/162430906
Adapt, Overcome, Get Square!
Bro you're Da Man!!! The Artist formerly known as @Omeganut
I BUSTED literally laughing out loud when I read your bio 😂😂😆
Hey, I'm very aware of this phrase and the direct translation is 100% correct, "We are too poor to buy cheap things".
I've heard this phrase a lot growing up, specially when I was asking one of my friends why he bought himself a MacBook he can barely afford. Well, I can provide some context on this.
I'm from EEU country, which is pretty close to Russia geographically and due to being part of USSR I have a very fair experience with Soviet stuff. And well. Quality is SHAIT. Like almost everything is built like total s#*t. And it's really, really annoying to buy something twice, or three times, or more times, specially in the 90s (really, really dark times in modern history of my country) when everyone were literally on a line. My parents worked 16h a day on a multiple jobs just to get food and occasionally some new clothes. So it was actually cheaper to get one quality item and wear it to the end, rather than buying something cheaper multiple times.
And then economical gears started to turn and people started to live a better lives, middle class emerged, and some people got really wealthy, but due to living most of their lives in a world with almost no variety, people started hoarding expensive stuff, wearing bling, just because they thought that this is how 'class' looks like. Wear everything expensive and that's it.) But I guess this is kinda universal for every culture that suffered poverty not so long ago. And basically this is also a your story, since you struggled your way through life to the GS boutique and I respect you for that.
And this dude used his MacBook for an almost 10 years, from 2010 till 2019, so I think he was kinda not wrong on this one.
Well, when I started to having my first moneys, I was kinda hooked by Zara and H&M and I was spending a lot of money on a cheap clothing that wore down after half of the year, and it was annoying to always go shopping for something, so I switched to more quality oriented brands. It doesn't mean that I'm wearing Gucci, or whatever other luxury fast-fashion brand 'rich' people love, but I prefer something without heavy branding, like Clarks or Crockett and Jones for boots or American Levi's denim.
I don't know, I can't see a reason to buy cheap low-quality watches. Or like expensive fashion watches. I would happily live with Seikos but no way I'm buying another fashion watch ever again.
I wish money wasn't a thing for most people. I've always been fascinated by watches and clocks in general even as a child, I got a spiderman toy watch for my birthday when i was 6 and within a day i was taking it apart and completely disassembling it, my dad was furious but my mom thought it was hilarious, of course i never got it put back together but the tiny pieces just amazed me how dd all that stuff come out of such a tiny container and with it all "crunched together" how did it tell me what time it was?!?"
At age 14 I inherited a rolex submariner from a family member who passed on and I had no idea they were "expensive" at the time. I was thrilled to get it because I loved the family member that left it to me very much. I owned it and held it in my hands for only a couple hours before my father took it away from me and sold it, I think he got like $500 for it cause he wasn't too bright.
my history with watches got set on hold for many years but I have always wanted to find that watch again. but i have no way of tracking that exact watch. I knew it was a silver colored (white gold/steel (no idea which) rolex submariner. It was 1987 when I got/lost it but i have no idea how long my Grandad had owned it, it looked brand new. Of course I later tried to replace it and I learned how expensive they are, I've never been able to afford one but always wanted it.
I recently picked up the collecting hobby a year ago though and I love the beautiful pieces I could get ahold of, I know i'll never get that high up the food chain I'm on a transplant list and it's not a great time, and won't be for the foreseeable future. but I have found joy in the ones I have and when I'm able to eek out a new one I love that one just as much. It's really not about the price in most cases, but when it is....it hurts.