I just can't make the jump
For the last few months, I went full watch nerd. Hamilton Khaki with day/date function, Bulova Lunar Pilot, Citizen pilot watch, Bulova dive watch, and a couple of fun watches; Star Wars and Walt holding Mickey's hand. Oh and a Longines Titanium VHP. I had an Omega Seamaster and a vintage Hamilton dress watch too. Oh and an Orient Mako and a Hamilton dive watch.
My problem is I look at more expensive watches and I think I already have one like it. Only watch nerds will notice or care. My dive watches and my lunar pilot comes to mind; are their Omega equivlants really worth it? -Sly grin- besides personal satisfaction? My grail watch is an Omega Acqua Terra.
Time to make the jump to a more expensive watch?
I do not mean to offend anyone who says "Hey buddy those watches you own are pricey watches to me!"
New to the community. Just like hanging with other watch nerds. I still think a simple digital watch does what a watch is supposed to to, tell the time. After that, it's all personal preference.
All depends on what you really want. Will the watch at a certain price point satisfy your needs and overall mission? The Omega Aqua Terra is an nice watch for sure.
I think that's a personal decision. Some people want the more expensive model and some folks are fine without it. There is a watch for everyone and that is the beauty of this hobby.
If you choose to buy expensive watches don't go in debt over it and don't let it go to your head. We are all here for the same reason and that reason is to have fun. So enjoy your collection whatever that looks likes and be able to enjoy everyone else's equally.
Don't feel like you need to make that jump, I've seen some knockout collections on here that don't break the bank.
As you say, only watch nerds will know and you should never buy to impress others as (probably) nobody you meet in the real world will know.
Buy for yourself only, if it doesn't give you more bang for your buck then keep your wallet closed.
As the owner of some pricy watches, I can say that a $500 watch can be just as lovely and make you just as happy. You don't "need"
However, it's also worth it. The small touches of refinement are difficult to capture in photos. The glint of my Rolex indicies in the light, the silvery shimmer of Cartier Tank dial. It is a different level and if you have the money, I say go for it.
A watch is just a watch at the end of the day, so when you spend a stack of money on one, it should be a watch you really like and will enjoy wearing for decades. It's more like saying, 'I love that watch, but it happens to be expensive.
It is so hard though... I think we all in some way imagine being seen wearing a watch, and feeling smug that we have it. But rarely would anyone even notice! I'm still new to watches but my Casio A700 actually got noticed the other day and I was over the moon. Still, I wear it here and there because I enjoy it. But because it's shiny, I kind of also like that others can't help but notice it. Even though most people don't have any interest in it at all.
If you're happy and satisfied with the watches you have, that is a lot better than longing after expensive watches you don't have.
As the owner of some pricy watches, I can say that a $500 watch can be just as lovely and make you just as happy. You don't "need"
However, it's also worth it. The small touches of refinement are difficult to capture in photos. The glint of my Rolex indicies in the light, the silvery shimmer of Cartier Tank dial. It is a different level and if you have the money, I say go for it.
Sorry, if you’re paying a 20x premium, I find it hard to believe that one could seriously say a $500 watch is just as lovely as the pricey watch. I have no feelings either way how one spends money so I’m not a snob or reverse snob, but cmon.
Sorry, if you’re paying a 20x premium, I find it hard to believe that one could seriously say a $500 watch is just as lovely as the pricey watch. I have no feelings either way how one spends money so I’m not a snob or reverse snob, but cmon.
Kewl dude
You do you
I didn’t mention superiority. That’s not what I meant to imply.
Your money have fun. Don't worry about others.
Enjoy your watch!
Cheers
I’ve challenged myself with trying to only buy sub $100 vintage watches from now on
Why worry? Enjoy what you have, or heck even stay on the affordable end. Been into watches, micros especially since '07.
I prefer variety, and since I'm not Dan Bilzerian, I trend towards micros. In particular micros designed or in collaboration with vets.
Still keeping my eye open for a good deal on an FXD, Bell and Ross Type Demineur, or a Tudor Sub, but not in a rush.
I have to jump in on this because I've put it to the test several times, and I can honestly say that a £600 Seiko is better made in every way than a £6000 Omega, a £3000 Tudor, or absolutely any Longines. Even then, you are still paying more for it than the watch is worth.
I've sat in the AD with these in front of me going back and forth for hours, and the Seiko is better finished, better looking, and feels like you imagine a luxury watch should. I didn't really examine the bracelets on that many Seikos, but I know they can be an issue. It's not the bracelet that matters anyway. I don't really care about the movements, "in house" (Seiko is in house anyway) is just more hassle, and I'm not likely to ever get a watch serviced. I'd sell it on and let someone else deal with it.
The worst offender was a Tudor "President" (or whatever they call their Day-Date) which was just horrible with sharp edges, an integrated PRX-style bracelet which felt like a Casio, and well, I could go on. So there's no guarantee that spending a lot of money will get you a better watch. It's all about how many compromises you are willing to make for the sake of having a certain brand name on your wrist.
You missed the point of my post completely . Not once did I mention build quality. You can go back and reread it if you wish.
I've said it before and I'll say it again there is no relationship between cost and enjoyment when it comes to watches. Buy what you like and within your budget.
You may be collecting for the wrong reasons. “Personal satisfaction” is the only good reason to collect.
It sounds like you’re buying watches to impress people, with the exception of “watch nerds.”
So, for example, if the Bulova gives you the same satisfaction as a Speedy, then absolutely stick with it. But don’t stick with it just because the grocery store checkout clerk won’t notice a Speedy.
I had the means to go big this summer. I had a once in a lifetime bonus. But I'm glad I didn't. Turns out life threw curveballs that bonus easily handled. So this year I'm looking at Lorier, Orion and Mido instead. B
Lorier is great at their price point. If you want to spend $2k, I cannot recommend Monta enough. It rivals quality at 2-3x it’s price.
Lorier is great at their price point. If you want to spend $2k, I cannot recommend Monta enough. It rivals quality at 2-3x it’s price.
I've heard Monta mentioned over and over. I'll have to look at them more closely.
I've heard Monta mentioned over and over. I'll have to look at them more closely.
Dude, you won’t regret it!
I was lucky enough to start my journey in the higher end of the spectrum (Rolex, Omega, GS, Cartier, Bvlgari etc.) and have tried exploring the sub-1000 range including some micro brands.
Despite the glowing online reviews and press photos, when I handle these more accessible watches in the metal I have always found them lackluster and end up gathering dust. The only exceptions have been the original Seiko SARB017 Alpinist and G-Shocks which I absolutely adore.
When the Chinese can put out a clone that is so well made its almost impossible to identify for under £1000 you have to accept it's not the quality of finish that demands such a premium. The Providence and the brand make these high end pieces so valuable. Paul Newman's Daytona wasn't a 18 million £ watch in itself. Just like art it's more than just aesthetics IMO.
Progression is not a bad thing in itself. Just be responsible in building up your watch fund. 😉
All I got to say is…..once you own an Omega! You’ll never feel the same about other watchs ( well at least for me anyway) if it’s good enough for Bond! Its good enough for me…kind of feeling. 👍
For me, besides the obvious level up in quality, there's a strangely satisfying pain which comes with that jump up in price bracket - it adds to the ownership experience in some way. It's a secret kept in plain sight which many don't recognize or understand. I guess it's a combination of different feelings, a sense of achievement for finding the right watch and funding to buy it, an appreciation for the quality and time put into the design and build of the piece. And a sense of satisfaction that this wonderful little machine is yours to keep - or even pass down eventually. It's certainly not rational, or economical, but life would be pretty boring without a little passion.
I think that's a personal decision. Some people want the more expensive model and some folks are fine without it. There is a watch for everyone and that is the beauty of this hobby.
If you choose to buy expensive watches don't go in debt over it and don't let it go to your head. We are all here for the same reason and that reason is to have fun. So enjoy your collection whatever that looks likes and be able to enjoy everyone else's equally.
For me, besides the obvious level up in quality, there's a strangely satisfying pain which comes with that jump up in price bracket - it adds to the ownership experience in some way. It's a secret kept in plain sight which many don't recognize or understand. I guess it's a combination of different feelings, a sense of achievement for finding the right watch and funding to buy it, an appreciation for the quality and time put into the design and build of the piece. And a sense of satisfaction that this wonderful little machine is yours to keep - or even pass down eventually. It's certainly not rational, or economical, but life would be pretty boring without a little passion.
So true
Thank you very much.
It sounds to me you have the “unsure”watch bug
The symptoms are, buy numerous affordable watches you like for various reasons….then lust after more expensive models which resemble the ones you already have.
The next phase is to sell some or all of the affordable ones to purchase a more expensive one, you will tell yourself that your new purchase will be your forever watch.
The forever watch will arrive and you will be happy. Then inevitably you will begin to look at affordable watches again and build up some more…….. and it all goes around again.
How do I know? That’s what I do.
There's a point. But I cannot define or tell you your 'point.' But there's a point. For me, I've always loved watches. But I didn't even want to look at them. Why? So may other things I should spend that money on. But then...I finally hit my 'point.' If I love them, but I don't do anything about it, what's the point? Best of luck finding your point.
No truer statement. Watches are no different than guitars, guns, or automobiles...the name on them matter in perception but little else. Look are my Gibsons better guitars than my Fenders or Epihones? Yes but the difference is very small. I gigged and played big shows with Epiphones because it was bound to get a bit rowdy. Think I was the only one who noticed by guitar was $500 vs the usual $5000. Flex is in your head...if you truly value what others think, maybe invest in some light therapy lol (joking man..but really don't let others dictate your happiness)
Thanks for your reply and thanks for making me laugh.
I’m the same mate and now venturing up the ladder to more expensive versions of the pieces I own. What Starwars do you have? I have a limited edition Fossil stormtrooper that came in a cool helmet 😀
Sir, Accutime Watch Corp STW 1362. It pays homage to the original Star Wars; Luke, Leia, Han, Obi-Wan, 2 Tie fighters, and the Death Star on the dial. I'm not an IT guy but close enough to bring them donuts every so often. :)