What did this hobby teach you or made you realize

It once again confirms that the end-of-history illusion is something to guard against by remaining aware that your tastes and preferences are likely more susceptible to change than you may suspect. 

sad to say it’s just a watch. I hoped from affordable to luxury I‘d become James Bond or Batman once it hit my wrist….and no still just me

My self discipline levels aren’t as strong as I thought they were. My bank balance will testify to that!

I learned when it comes to watches we judge and crucify everyone and everything but when it comes to Rolex and Casio they can get away with murder LOL.

That:

-money is a scarse resource. 

-initially you overbuy, AKA learning curve.

-watches are not like a new car. I still appreciate them after a couple of weeks (month) for it’s uniqueness. Not just take you from A to B.

-the watch community is great fun.

That you might like something someone else things is nuts. And that’s okay!

watch collecting tell me a few things actually

1. most of people didnt care what you wear except higher tier brand rolex, ap, patek, etc
2. smartwatch are disposable just like a smartphone. its useful but disposable
3. possibility of people bonding with inanimate object 😂😂

That I should get another hobby.

1. Patience 
2. Discipline to not buy and jump at anything. 
3. Trying to be mindful of why I like something/conscious of do I really truly like something, or I am I getting caught up a bit in the moment with the trends.

Naa, the collecting gene is a fickle mistress no matter what the object of desire

It's almost the same as dating: If it continues to make you happy you're doing it right, no matter what others think.

Nothing has warped my perception of money like watches has. After watching hundreds of reviews on multi-thousand watches, I start thinking a $700 watch is a “good value”. That bleeds into decision-making in other categories too. It’s much easier to pull the trigger on a $300 coffee machine after looking at expensive watches all day.

To answer your question, I’m learning to stick to the financial skills I’ve built, especially in today’s recession.

"I can resist anything except temptation."

“It's easier to beg forgiveness than to seek permission.”

"Fine quality is long remembered after the pain of spending money is forgotten."

Great point!  That and going to the Casino.  After a few hours, money loses it's value to me.  lol

I’ve learned that I am indecisive, not about buying, but selling.

The obvious solution is don’t sell, in which case I would own about 450 watches.  I need to sell to fund more purchases. Or stop buying and selling in which case the hobby has ended. 

Very true and that's why these forums are so important and enjoyable!  What good is a hobby if you can't talk about it now and again.  I guess that's why a lot of watch people like to research, take pictures and to the extreme spend decades of their lives writing a book like this guy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MpRH94U3BqU

Among so many beautiful, gorgeous, and stunning pieces, only a handful will truly interest and captivate me, and make me go, "Wowwww... that is beautiful, stunning watch....". 😍 My preferences can and may somewhat be influenced by the "oohhs" and "ahhhs" of how others appreciate a timepiece. But, at the end of the day, it's what I truly like and love that matters. Because it's only me who will say what delights, captivates, and resonates with me. Main lesson learned is that I've grown to appreciate my own personal preferences of what I truly like and love.

1.  Every one of us is an autodidact.  There is no school for this and no greater authority to appeal to.  There is no correct or incorrect way of collecting.  Contra @Pete_NSOW who has expressed that he is in the "no such thing as a bad collection" camp, as many are, I think that there is such a thing as a bad collection in this limited sense:  when no thought goes into what or why we buy and acquire.
2.  We are a story telling species.  It is how we learn and socialize.  Language and socialization are truly what separates humans.  We are parts logical and emotional, but forever we are relating through stories.  Each watch is an opportunity to tell a story. This is one of our spaces for that. We talk about the "journey" of our collection.  I am Odysseus trying to find my way home with my grandfather's Omega that will somehow keep accurate time.

Nicely said.  Are you a professor?  Very impressed and enjoyed reading this!

Thank you.  No, I am just a trial attorney, a professional talker.

LOL.  I've been working in the same firm for 27 years in NYC.  Not an attorney, but great place to hang my hat all these years and awesome people. 

A watch doesn't make the man. Also many men won't notice your prized watch, which in some ways, ironically, is the point.

I’ve learned the hunt for a new and next exciting watch itself makes the watch collecting journey interesting for many years to come.

You will never find THE watch that keeps you from ever buying another. 
 

You are never through buying watches. 
 

Oh Man, I envy your discipline.  Truthfully I was a minimalist by nature most of my life.  However, I also have OCD and addiction issues, so when I do get fixated on something, it kind of becomes an obsession for quite a while.  The first time this happened was in my 20s and probably read everything on investing and my investing heroes, now at the ripe old age of 58 that was a great obsession to have.  My wife is now dumbfounded by the watch thing, she said you always called yourself a minimalist, what's going on.  lol.  My first obsession gave me financial independence and my second one is going to take it away.  For now my collection is mostly Timex so I'm pretty safe with that. . .. For now!   

I've learned smartwatches ain't all that great.

I've learned I need to win the lottery.

I've learned that my watch obsession is covering for issues for which I need therapy.

I've learned that a $100-$200 watch monthly is cheaper than therapy. 

Makes perfect sense!

That I need more money

Or collect budget watches.  lol

never!!!