In which I say no to a grail
Since the very beginning I've always wanted a Reverso. I've hunted for it and I was willing to sell all my watches (with the exception of the gifts of course) to obtain one. It was supposed to be my one-and-done, my exit watch, my endgame.
Today, my vintage dealer had acquired a manual wind monoface 35mm goodness of a Reverso. It's not brand new but it was hardly used, complete and unadulterated for a price that I found to be reasonable. Gorgeous gorgeous watch. The most beautiful thing I've ever seen. And she was only showing me pictures and videos at this point. Can you imagine how beautiful it would have looked in real life as I hold it in my hands and then wear it on my wrist?
She asked me first if I wanted it and if I did she wouldn't post it on her site. I said yes. Of course. Yes. There's another option?
So, I started consolidating my watches and aimed to sell most of them so I can pay for most of it without dipping into my savings.
But then, my significant other reminded me that I have big plans for next year, including starting my own shop (not watch related) and will be needing seed money. I also just gotten my two-year multiple entry visa for the UK. It's always been a dream of mine to visit Scotland. That's also a planned expenditure for next year.
So with great sadness I went back to my vintage girl and told her I wasn't getting the Reverso and gave my blessing for her to move down her list of potential buyers.
But you know what? I don't mind. My significant other reminded me that there's more to life than watches, grail or otherwise. I would rather spend my money on a project that--if I get it right--could be a defining moment in my life. I would rather spend my money on an unforgettable trip with her in the summer.
I reminded myself of that old mantra: it's just a watch. And as such, it means absolutely nothing ultimately.
So... I turned down the opportunity to get my grail. I'm quite proud of myself actually. I know I did the right thing. No affirmations needed from the community.
I've got a god-shaped hole in my life that I'm trying to fill in futility with watches.
Well done to you and your other half sounds like you made the right choice.
Yeah, I’ve been lusting for a black bay of some sort from Tudor but I look at my family and realize we still have a mortgage, future educational savings and a car upgrade in front of the line so I decided to just enjoy my current watches, which isn’t bad, they def need more love considering I’ve bought a few special peices this year in the lower price range.
The hunt is often more satisfying than the acquisition.
Where did she post it, if I may ask?
Perhaps its a blessing in disguise because in future you may get the same watch but in Duo face - i personally love JLC but I believe (only my personal opinion) that if one goes for Reverso it better have another watch on the other side because thats what makes that watch so much more special (compared to monoface because lets face it, none of us are really playing polo)
Being half Scottish I can confirm you made the right choice.
Grails are a quest not consumer transaction. The quest will go on.
I appreciate the story and agree not pulling the trigger if not ready but don't understand how your funds for mentioned important expendature would be affected should you sell all watches to get this one. Unless you plan to sell them to fund those expenses.
Perhaps its a blessing in disguise because in future you may get the same watch but in Duo face - i personally love JLC but I believe (only my personal opinion) that if one goes for Reverso it better have another watch on the other side because thats what makes that watch so much more special (compared to monoface because lets face it, none of us are really playing polo)
For sure! I’ve always wanted a Reverso but it has to be a Duoface. You lose most of the Reverso concept with a Monoface.
Good job and choice!
Where did she post it, if I may ask?
-Husband: My wife is cheating on me, she has a secret tinder profile
-Random guy: What is her profile name, if I may ask?
I am sure this opportunity will come back to you again in the future when you are in a better place to jump on it.
Well hopefully if your business venture goes well then you will be able to afford it again soon.
Well done, you did the right thing. Manning up to refusing a grail is a commendable move under the circumstances. More power to you, and may your future endeavors be fruitful and prosperous. Then you can get your grail!
A good reminder to the community.
Perhaps its a blessing in disguise because in future you may get the same watch but in Duo face - i personally love JLC but I believe (only my personal opinion) that if one goes for Reverso it better have another watch on the other side because thats what makes that watch so much more special (compared to monoface because lets face it, none of us are really playing polo)
I couldn’t agree more, love the Duoface
For sure! I’ve always wanted a Reverso but it has to be a Duoface. You lose most of the Reverso concept with a Monoface.
My thoughts exactly, I held out for the Duoface for exactly that reason
I appreciate the story and agree not pulling the trigger if not ready but don't understand how your funds for mentioned important expendature would be affected should you sell all watches to get this one. Unless you plan to sell them to fund those expenses.
It will take a while for the watches to be sold and for me to recoup my money, meaning I would have to pay upfront for the Reverso with money earmarked for other things. And who knows how long it will take for me to get my money back. I'm trying to solve two problems with the business, cashflow and pipeline. I got the pipeline problem sorted out (I think). Cashflow is the one that's keeping me up at night.
Yeah, I’ve been lusting for a black bay of some sort from Tudor but I look at my family and realize we still have a mortgage, future educational savings and a car upgrade in front of the line so I decided to just enjoy my current watches, which isn’t bad, they def need more love considering I’ve bought a few special peices this year in the lower price range.
Yeah, why not enjoy what you already have than covet what you can't have? A Black Bay (or any watch, for that matter) is not worth putting your life at pause.
Perhaps its a blessing in disguise because in future you may get the same watch but in Duo face - i personally love JLC but I believe (only my personal opinion) that if one goes for Reverso it better have another watch on the other side because thats what makes that watch so much more special (compared to monoface because lets face it, none of us are really playing polo)
Are you saying I don't look like I play polo? How dare you, sir! I oughtta have my Arabian stallion neigh madly at you. Kidding.
The duoface will probably cost twice as much. I've always believed that perfect is the enemy of the good and thought the monoface was good enough. But you're not wrong.
Being half Scottish I can confirm you made the right choice.
I look forward to buying fish and chips at a chippy, getting drunk at a Scottish bar, trying out haggis (I hope we can find a sampler, I doubt I can finish an entire stomach sack on my own), visit Loch Ness, sing Keepers by the McCalmans while walking around the country side:
Ardnamurchan, Loch Indaal, Rattray Head The Isle of May/ Not an eye to watch the sea from Eileann Glas or Copinsay/ Still they guard the shore/ Fair Isle North and Skerryvore
Grails are a quest not consumer transaction. The quest will go on.
Fair enough.
I am sure this opportunity will come back to you again in the future when you are in a better place to jump on it.
I say this all the time--just because you have the actual money to afford it doesn't always mean you can afford it.
Well hopefully if your business venture goes well then you will be able to afford it again soon.
Fingers crossed. Thanks!
Well done, you did the right thing. Manning up to refusing a grail is a commendable move under the circumstances. More power to you, and may your future endeavors be fruitful and prosperous. Then you can get your grail!
Many thanks.
Just: would selling most of your watches as you had planned to do not have allowed you to get your grail in this particular instance and to pursue also all your plans?
(I allow myself to ask as you mentionned this in your post and I became curious)
Maybe would not have the time to sell the watches before adquiring the Reverso?
Just: would selling most of your watches as you had planned to do not have allowed you to get your grail in this particular instance and to pursue also all your plans?
(I allow myself to ask as you mentionned this in your post and I became curious)
Maybe would not have the time to sell the watches before adquiring the Reverso?
Yes. It would take time to sell the number of watches to cover the cost of the Reverso. So I will have to front the money from other sources, like savings, which I need to keep liquid for my 2024 plans. If I can sell the watches all in a week and get the money through that, I would do it.
You made the correct choise imo. The watch will be there waiting for you when the time is right. Good luck with your future projects👍
When the time is right, things will fall into place 👍 good luck with the shop 🤞