Making Sacrifices
We've heard it over and over again, we may even have said it ourselves from time to time: watches are not important, they're not a priority, they're just watches. And there's nothing wrong with these statements. As far as I'm concerned, watches are just things that we accumulate as we go about our daily lives and, therefore, do not take precedence over food, shelter, clothing, kids' education, etc.
Speaking for myself, I have never sacrificed the important stuff over watches. In fact, I sacrifice watches for other expenditures, not the other way around. For instance, I toyed with the idea about getting a Citizen Tsuyosa or a 200M Eco-Drive diver. But instead of spending the money on those, I decided to get a personal getaway instead. Why? Because I believe a getaway nourishes the mind and offers up opportunities of experience that's good for the spirit. I've often given up purchasing watches if something else came up. They're just not a priority.
I don't know anyone in their right mind who would give up--as an example--a family vacation to buy their grail watch. If you're the type of person who's done that.. if you can't afford both watch and vacation and you selfishly chose the watch over your family's enjoyment... well, uhm, I don't know what to tell you. It's your money, sure, but I can't respect your choice. It's too selfish for me. I don't want to be that person. Please don't be that person. Yes, I'm judging. Sorry I'm not sorry.
But sacrificing something for a watch does happen with me from time to time. After all, there's only a finite amount of money I can spend on things. I'm talking about equally frivolous indulgences of course. I used to buy Apple products all time. I was the guy who had a Macbook, iPhone, iPad, Airpods, etc. But ever since watches, I'm no longer able to spend money on such expensive devices.
A month ago I had to replace my iPhone 13 because it got destroyed (don't ask, long story). Instead of getting a new iPhone, I bought a cheap Samsung android phone--one of the A series ones and used the money potentially earmarked for a new iPhone on a 2012 Longines Heritage Flagship instead. No regrets. I'd do it over again.
I did this because I couldn't justify the high cost of high-end phones. I kept thinking, "Damn, I could get an iPhone or I could get a kick-ass watch." I'd rather put my limited resources on getting myself a watch that I enjoy than buying a high-end device that I now think of as a "white good".
There are other instances but that's the most obvious apparent one. No more high-tech stuff for me. When my Macbook Air M1 finally gives in, I'd still get a laptop because I need it for work but I probably won't be buying an Apple.
I'm curious to hear what sacrifices you have made to get the watch you wanted.
I've got a god-shaped hole in my life that I'm trying to fill in futility with watches.
Like your thinking.
I'm a tight ass when it comes to buying things. I don't go for the top end of anything. Be it watch, phone, car or anything.
My small watch collection is built on what I like and what I'm prepared to spend.
I had over a dozen watches, but am down to 3 when my g shock gets delivered.
I love watches, but not enough to spend lots of money on them.
I'd rather have a big night out with mates than another watch I really don't need 🤣
You got to do what you got to do 🤣🤣🤣
I haven’t bought a watch in over a year because, as you say, they’re frivolous expenditures. Instead, I put the money toward a completely frivolous car. I’m a paragon of restraint.
You've obviously never been on holiday with my family. Google national lampoon's vacation for details. I'll take the watch please Bruno...... 😁
I have an iPhone 8, drive a 15 year old Volvo s60 and wear clothes from the 90’s. But I have some decent watches I enjoy.
Family vacations are split with the better half and usually funded with tax refunds. I have priorities.
No sacrifices. I only own affordable watches.
Plus my wife would kill me, if I would spend an exorbitant amount of money on a watch. 😁
I've dialled down my buying apseraitons as even with a discount, the service costs just add up , I am pretty happy with where my collection is heading now and once I'm done , I'll be taking a very very long break from buying anything watch wise unless it straps.
You got to do what you got to do 🤣🤣🤣
The pool boy haha 😛
I wanted to dip into luxury watches this year, but that's on hold. Now I'm focusing on a ring. 💍💸
The pool boy haha 😛
Needs must haha
💯
I skip on fancy clothes, tech, sporting events, per per view, and would rather spend on watches. But Vacations, savings, and even a solid emergency fund comes first.
You’re hard on people that spend money on themselves, but who’s to say for other people how they should spend their money? The enjoyment you derive from a personal getaway, someone else might get from buying a watch. Both are “frivolous” uses of money.
I've dialled down my buying apseraitons as even with a discount, the service costs just add up , I am pretty happy with where my collection is heading now and once I'm done , I'll be taking a very very long break from buying anything watch wise unless it straps.
“Once I’m done…” hahaha! Good luck with that!! 😄
All my life I've used low to mid tiered phones, I kept wanting to at least try a flagship phone at least one time so last year I bought an s23 ultra, I still waited till it was on sale but I have to say I freaking love this phone! It should last many many years but I'm so glad I bought it. Once in a while we should splurge on ourselves.
I don't sacrifice anything to buy watches, but except for a 1980s Rolex, my watches are of the $100-350 USD variety.
My brilliant father in law wore a simple quartz Seiko watch right to his final moments while my own father wore a modest steel Rolex OP circa 60s his entire life, both lectured on the importance of putting the needs of your family members first but always save a little for yourself whether it be time or dollars. My father in law was a millionaire who took at least 3-6 vacations each year, while my dad would treat himself occasionally to a decent fountain pen. When I entered high school he gifted me a set of silver Parker pens, a gorgeous Montblanc ink pen when I graduated university better pens than ones he used himself. I still feel guilty when I buy better stuff than what my own dad owned.
Great sharing. Can't agree more.
Personally, no sacrifice made so far. I'm super tight on budget so i saved little by little till i get the amount needed to buy the watch 🍻
I haven’t bought a watch in over a year because, as you say, they’re frivolous expenditures. Instead, I put the money toward a completely frivolous car. I’m a paragon of restraint.
What car? (I'm a gearhead.)
You’re hard on people that spend money on themselves, but who’s to say for other people how they should spend their money? The enjoyment you derive from a personal getaway, someone else might get from buying a watch. Both are “frivolous” uses of money.
This is a refreshingly well thought out response.
I think the default is to rank material purchases lower than experiential purchases. This creates a false dichotomy which leads to the simplistic, “don’t buy a watch, go on vacation instead.”
Experiential purchases are by definition ephemeral, so they’re more one and done. So their utility is highest when they occur and they give spurts of additional utility during recollections. Material purchases are less timebound. Similar to experiences, their utility is highest when they’re new due to hedonic adaptation. But - and here’s an important point - their spurts of additional utility occur when you next interact with them.
The end result is that you could end up with higher lifetime utility from material possessions - but don’t tell this to anyone who’s livelihood is somehow linked to experiences. Travel agents/digital nomads turned influencers are common examples but airbnb operators also depend on this mindset.
In short, it’s a false dichotomy. I enjoy both material purchases and experiential purchases. And no, experiences are not somehow less frivolous. They’re all frivolous in the sense they are unnecessary. But they make life beautiful and worth living.
TLDR, spend on whatever makes you happy. If it’s a trip, have fun! If it’s a watch, looking forward to your NWA/WRUW!
This all comes down to auditing personal finances and creating a budget for me.
I know exactly what I can afford, and how long it will take to save up for it. I have it all categorized on an excel spreadsheet. Family vacations is built in, so I know I'm not stealing from one thing to pay for another.
I am just here to say great sketch of Robin Hood! Ooodalally!
personally I don't give a crap who spends what amount on whatever ... none of my beezwax to be honest ...
That said, I'm a frugal bastage and extravagance for the sake of extravagance doesn't interest me in the slightest ... never has
I am just here to say great sketch of Robin Hood! Ooodalally!
Came here for this!! Such a hilarious movie!
To add to the thread though, I think watches are a luxury at the end of the day, so I wouldn't be inclined to sacrifice much of anything to obtain one. I've wanted a Pelagos 39 since it was released, but ultimately decided it wasn't a prudent use of funds. Ended up picking up a Seiko SPB383 late last year instead (and for 30% off MSRP) and couldn't be happier!
You’re hard on people that spend money on themselves, but who’s to say for other people how they should spend their money? The enjoyment you derive from a personal getaway, someone else might get from buying a watch. Both are “frivolous” uses of money.
There is a difference between spending money on yourself and spending money on your family. I am hard on people who chooses themselves over their family. Yes, it's their money and both vacation and watches are equally frivolous. If it was a choice between personal vacation without the family and a watch, either options are equal waste of money. But a family vacation impacts other people. Choosing a watch over a family activity is a statement of putting one's personal needs over other people. Will every single person in the family appreciate the new watch as much as the person who bought it? Will they share equally the use of said watch? No? Then it's selfish and it is wrong. It's like choosing to buy a bottle of bourbon for yourself in lieu of taking your kids to the movies. Yes, it's your money but I don't have to respect how you spend it.
I didn't really think I said anything controversial. But I guess I was wrong.
There is a difference between spending money on yourself and spending money on your family. I am hard on people who chooses themselves over their family. Yes, it's their money and both vacation and watches are equally frivolous. If it was a choice between personal vacation without the family and a watch, either options are equal waste of money. But a family vacation impacts other people. Choosing a watch over a family activity is a statement of putting one's personal needs over other people. Will every single person in the family appreciate the new watch as much as the person who bought it? Will they share equally the use of said watch? No? Then it's selfish and it is wrong. It's like choosing to buy a bottle of bourbon for yourself in lieu of taking your kids to the movies. Yes, it's your money but I don't have to respect how you spend it.
I didn't really think I said anything controversial. But I guess I was wrong.
It’s not controversial. I’m just pointing out that where the line is between spending on yourself and on others is very subjective. Even in your post, you mentioned sometimes spending money on yourself on personal getaways (which is great!), I’m just saying that for some people that could be the experience of looking for/buying/enjoying a watch. You’re not saying it’s either/or, right? E.g Spending on yourself doesn’t mean you can’t spend on others, too.
It’s not controversial. I’m just pointing out that where the line is between spending on yourself and on others is very subjective. Even in your post, you mentioned sometimes spending money on yourself on personal getaways (which is great!), I’m just saying that for some people that could be the experience of looking for/buying/enjoying a watch. You’re not saying it’s either/or, right? E.g Spending on yourself doesn’t mean you can’t spend on others, too.
Well, no, I'm not saying either/or. But the post is about making sacrifices. The money I spend on myself is earmarked for me and is not taking anything away from money earmarked for the family. I get to go on a personal vacation but not at the expense of my family's vacation, wants or needs. No sacrifices were made there. So there is no either/or there. What I ended up sacrificing is the watch that I could've bought with the money I spent on my personal vacation.
To put in another way, I have 100 dollars. If the family needs 80 dollars, I don't even think of that as my money anymore. It's their money. That leaves me with 20 dollars that I can spend on indulgences. I'm free to spend it the way I like, burn it even if I feel like it, because it doesn't impact the family. They already got the 80.
What I'm pushing back on is, in the same scenario, with 100 dollars I spend the entire 100 dollars on a watch or on something else that's purely for me when I know my family needs the 80. I have sacrificed my family's welfare for my own selfish needs. The experience of looking for/buying/enjoying a watch only matters to me and yet I used the 100 dollars on that instead of on my family.
I'm not even talking the "superiority" of one frivolous activity over another. They don't have to be watches. They're all frivolous equally. What I am against is spending it all on one frivolous activity that matters only to one person versus spending it on another frivolous activity that matters to the family, which I never really think of as "others" anyway.
I respect that and I think we are in agreement. I was only talking about the $20. Sorry if I misunderstood your original post. Cheers!
I respect that and I think we are in agreement. I was only talking about the $20. Sorry if I misunderstood your original post. Cheers!
No harm done. Extending an olive branch, if it was a choice between spending on a watch vs buying my friends (in my head the real "others") a trip, i'm getting that watch. They can buy their own trip.
For me tax day happened and I wont be buying a watch for six months. Owed $5000 this year :(