Is the value proposition so important in choosing a watch, or has it become a cliché?

You make some great points here. Buy AND wear what you like. My problem thus far has been to look for versatile watches that I can wear with anything and for almost any occasion.

I like all my watches, or else I wouldn’t have spent money on it on the first place. I’m trying to explore microbrands at this point to help fill out some dial and material variety. It helps that micros also fill out the bang for the buck part of my brain too.

Absolutely. That is the reason why we are into this hobby. You buy what you love, and not what others tell you to buy. Key is diversity BUT never outgrown your watchbox to the point of GETTING another watchbox!!! 😅...(that's another topic altogether 🤣)

OMG, I’ve outgrown my watch box and just added a new 12 watch box organizer to my Amazon cart. 😱

Hahaha I knew it! Remember, we only have "1" wrist to wear a watch at a time lol

Pace your purchase and take care buddy because 2024 has more new models to consider ! 🤪

Im fortunate that I don't have very expensive tastes, so within reason price isn't a concern (save up). For me it's movement, aesthetics, history and brand. If I can afford it I'll save & get it . Think this approach is pretty universal tbh. 🤔

Enthusiasts in every hobby are proud to know and wear brands that punch above their weight category because it's a testament to their research and dedication to the hobby instead of buying the obvious luxury brand like your average normie. I see it in watches, guitars, Hi-fi, boots... Spending "smart" is often well regarded compared to feeding mega corporations and wasting ludicrous amounts to diminishing returns and marketing.

You can't change what the heart wants of course. But oftentimes, tastes evolve as you go down the rabbit hole and develop an appreciation for more consumer-friendly manufacturers still putting their everything into their craft without the obscene markups of the luxury industry gouging customers in exchange for clout.

I am not trying to deviate from the topic, and I am 100% in agreement with what you just said. There is an obvious reason why we dedicate our time and research into something we love. We may even find some 'hidden gems' along the way. There are many great brands and models out there that punch above their weight category. And you will be proud to show that you know your stuff when you pull it off your wrist to join a watch discussion.

My point on this topic is not about that. It is about being fixated on getting the best in each category; sometimes we don't need to find the best as no such 'holy grail' exists. We should enjoy what we love more than focus on getting value for money type of approach when choosing a watch.

I definitely agree with you on the fact that our tastes change over time. There is no denying that you may like a robust diver or a chronograph watch today, but you actually love dress watches more, and vice versa.

The important thing is that we should not fall victim to the consumerism of manufacturers, who try to take every ounce of what we make and we end up poorer with endless purchases.

I think it's natural to aim to make the best out of the limited amount of money you have decided to spend on a hobby, not just watches. But value and "smart buying" can't trump aesthetics because it's a visual hobby at the end of the day.

I recommend a Kamasu over a Seiko 5 to any enthusiast looking for a diver in the $250 price range because I genuinely believe you get a better watch from Orient. Still, if you tell me you don't like the logo then no amount of praise is going to change your mind. Similarly, I'll recommend an SLA with a Spring Drive movement and GS finishing over your run-of-the-mill BB58 or Omega, but if the brand and the flex are so important to you, then no amount of craftsmanship superiority is going to sway your decision.

I think value has a strong effect on our decision-making, but the #1 criteria always remains aesthetics and the heart wins over reason.

My first thought is do I like it will I enjoy wearing it that’s the be all and end all of deciding what to get

I then think of getting a good deal because I have a limited budget I want to know it will retain its value so I can sell it and buy something else

If I decide I’m having a keeper I just buy new from the AD for the experience of having something nice and the price of mind

Great post. I think that advice on decision matrix is spot on. I’m not buying a lot of watches as I’m an accidental collector, but I’ve never bought a watch merely for the “best bang for your buck”. I liked a watch, using factors much like your list, bought the watch, then later realized it was a quality watch that didn’t cost much.

Great points brought up in this thread. I stopped caring about the best "value" or bang for buck after my SARB033. Realistically that watch does everything I want for a great price.

At the time that was a significant purchase for me. I'm more fortunate now and have other watches that cost more however I wouldn't call them more capable. As mentioned now I'm just looking for what I like and determining if I'd actually wear it.

So I guess for me it's cliché however for others it might be a very important fact. It can be important because that's what they value about a watch or because they want their dollar to go as far as it can. I won't lie, every time I consider what watch I want next and look at its price I always always compare it to other watches to see what better value can be found whether in price or specs or both. In the end it's hard to beat the value of a citizen eco drive and g shock.

If it ain't for me, no amount of kudos for buying a 'bang for buck' piece, is ever going to make me part with my money. I'm definitely buying for me and no one else.

The value alone is not a good decision criterion by itself. However, a few hype bubbles aside, watches are priced to what customers believe they are worth.

So yes, you should first check whether you like the watch, or whether it is practical (Invicta Venom owners, I'm looking at you.)

However your funds are finite, no matter how you look at it. If you make Seiko money but have Rolex tastes, simply saving money likely won't be the answer, since the money you save will be needed elsewhere in your budget. So yes, value will be a factor.

The value is always important but as you already know there are many different values around us.

I like your 3 point breakdown. I try to be conservative with my purchase. I have to like it and I try not to concern myself with what others are going. Whatever you collect it has to reflex who you are I'm my opinion.

As far as the value proposition is concerned. That's a personal decision. Value has many different price points. I believe you need to find the price point that best serves you and roll with it.

Most importantly to me is to have fun with it.

I was thinking about this recently as I purchased a hamilton khaki pilot pioneer. On paper it is twice the price of a khaki field mechanical (which I previously owned) and has an inferior mineral crystal compared to the sapphire on the khaki field. However after putting it on and seeing the gorgeous finishing and the character oozing from the watch I realize that buying for specs isn't for me. I prefer the experience of a watch and sometimes I'll pay a premium for it. If we want bang for buck buy a 20$ casio and it'll tell time better than a 120K Patek.

Each to his own. I can only speak from my own experience. The thing is, for me, I tend to gravitate toward experiencing owning a great-looking dial or a desire to buy a brand I never own before with an interesting complication rather than focusing the specs on paper.