Hear me out: affordable watches are more fun
Please excuse the potentially hot take; no matter your tax bracket, I think “affordable” watches (under $1,000) are more fun than super expensive luxury pieces for a few reasons.
First is the simple fact that luxury watches costing thousands of dollars will never be justifiable for many of us. Not that we’ll never have the means—and aspirations are always healthy—but just that that kind of expense won’t make sense given the other things one could do with the money. You could invest, give gifts, donate to charity, or anything else. Indeed, using $1,000 as the “affordability” threshold could be seen as crazy in itself. For some, an affordable watch is a $10 Casio (and that’s great)! And of course I’m not making any moral claims about spending lots of money on oneself for watches—I certainly do that lol.
Second, it’s easier to really WEAR a watch that isn’t the price of a new car. Got a scratch on your $150 diver? No worries! Scuffed your $50 G-Shock? Awesome! Not to say folks always have trouble wearing luxury pieces (I’ve witnessed people wearing Submariners as daily beaters), but we’ve all seen the “I just got a scratch on my Daytona bracelet clasp, what do I do?” posts. Not to mention servicing costs! Also, wearing watches as they were meant to be worn helps build bonds with the watches we love, and we can use them to collect memories.
Third, collecting in the affordable realm simply allows one to buy more watches. I’m sure many of us have realized that the joy of watches comes not only from ownership and wearing what’s in our current collection, but also from discovering new brands and pieces, and then eventually pulling the trigger on the next exciting interest. The excitement of waiting for a new watch to arrive in the mail is one of the best parts about the hobby! Affordable watches help us experience that joy more frequently.
Fourth and finally, pursuing affordable watches allows one to develop tastes and preferences based on experience. When I first got into collecting, I thought I loved the look and feel of chunky dive watches. It wasn’t until I owned and wore a few that I realized I actually preferred lighter, smaller watches for the most part. Luckily that realization only cost me the price of two or three Orient and Seiko watches—had I sprung straight for a 43mm Omega Planet Ocean, my mistake would have been much more costly.
Interested in all things watches!
I love my affordable collection for many of the same reasons. When I dropped the stacks required for my Santos, I had to tell myself that I was buying it to “live with.” Meaning that if I wanted to drop the coin, I needed to be okay with the scratches and scuffs. Particularly with the Santos and the polished bezel.
I have come to terms and now love my “lived” Santos. 💕
I love my affordable collection for many of the same reasons. When I dropped the stacks required for my Santos, I had to tell myself that I was buying it to “live with.” Meaning that if I wanted to drop the coin, I needed to be okay with the scratches and scuffs. Particularly with the Santos and the polished bezel.
I have come to terms and now love my “lived” Santos. 💕
That’s a great approach!
I can't justify spending even close to a grand for a watch. If I had a Rolex, it wouldn't leave the safety deposit box. 😁 I enjoy all my watches, especially the Seiko mods I've made. It's extremely rewarding to wear a watch I've assembled myself. That's an intangible value.
I agree with everything you wrote. 👍
Totaly agree.
I mostly agree. There’s a lot of fun to be had in budget watches.
Because of Watchcrunch, I have gone back to Vintage watches . You will find if lucky to find Genta designed Vintage Omegas, King Seikos and GS for less than 1,000USD. But as always , buyer beware. Sometimes it's too good to be true to find them. But you can find them
I got this one on my 14th birthday it opened my eyes to a whole new world 😁& now i collect all sorts of times pieces some $$$ and some $ point is some cheap watches bring joy period
I can't justify spending even close to a grand for a watch. If I had a Rolex, it wouldn't leave the safety deposit box. 😁 I enjoy all my watches, especially the Seiko mods I've made. It's extremely rewarding to wear a watch I've assembled myself. That's an intangible value.
Absolutely! Totally missed the modding aspect of it—so much fun and massive added value
I agree
I agree with everything you wrote. 👍
Thank you! Very glad to hear
I agree
That spinnaker is killer
When I got to GS and Tudor, I figured the only way was up. But I’ve actually enjoyed going back with Halios and Traska. So I agree!
When I got to GS and Tudor, I figured the only way was up. But I’ve actually enjoyed going back with Halios and Traska. So I agree!
It’s true—no reason you can’t go back and forth between luxury and affordable!
Fun is a relative term. Are affordable watches easier to handle? Sure. I love the idea of not needing to worry about scratches, dings, etc. And I don't normally, even with my more expensive pieces. But I do admit that accidentally knocking my Reverso on a door is a pain that I feel deep in my soul as opposed to doing the same with, say, my Casio A168W. That said, I find more joy in wearing the Reverso than the Casio. It's not even a contest. And a big part of the joy is how much "fun" it is to wear. Fun here is "what provides amusement or enjoyment," which is how Merriam-Webster defines it.
The last time I wore the Reverso was when I visited a friend who is undergoing chemo for breast cancer. I didn't call any attention to the Reverso, just reminiscing about old times. She actually took the last of her remaining energy to reach out and grabbed my arm, looked intently at the watch and asked about the watch. She didn't know the brand (who does outside the watch community?) and I spent 15 minutes using various analogies from make-up to cellphones to cars to women, trying to explain why the Reverso is the bomb and she laughed the whole time. I don't know. I'd call that fun.
I’m between the Traska commuter and the Lorier Falcon III. What are your takes for a GADA watch having owned them both?
I’m between the Traska commuter and the Lorier Falcon III. What are your takes for a GADA watch having owned them both?
You really can’t go wrong. The new Commuters have on the fly adjust bracelets which is huge, but I’d say the sunburst dials lean a bit dressier, so maybe not as appropriate for sport environments. The Lorier Falcon is the most comfortable watch I own, and I’ve worn it both with a suit and with a swimsuit. Both amazing choices!
I get your point and again, no personal attack on OP. He expressed his oppinion/hot take and needs to be respected.
I also understand that we have differnet income levels, are in differrent collecting phase or simply don't want to spend more than certain amount as OP said. And also agree some need affirmation for their choices, also fine by me.
My issue is the oftenly seen case when somebody posts "expensive" watch as first choice/daily driver and people attack them for snobbery ( definitely some are but imo not so much on WC ) or not value concious ... It is almost reverse snobbery, the more expensive watch you have for everyday use the more people are horrified. And they don't care or ask themselves about OP income levels, collecting phase ... Also when discussing about value purchases posts oftenly comment that they never understand people spending $$$ on watch, diminishing value ...
People read those comments and IMO this is resulting in less and less posts of people with "expensive" watches and constant debates about value driven micros released just yesterday.
Just look at micro turnament ( btw hats off to @AllTheWatches for doing it ) and how people are voting on them. Best value, meaning mostly sub/around 1000$ and not best accounting complete package ( Aurelian commented this nicely at Baltic vs. SUF Helsinki - more expensive micros don't stand a chance even if they have better overall package as the narrative is micro needs to be sub 1000$ and packing value ).
So to conclude, I have no issues as long as the respect goes both ways, oftenly not the case. Ironically negative comments are comming from people who despise beliteling comments from "expensive snob" owners on other channels about their sub 1000$ choices.
And for people owning "expensive" watches please do share them, even if you wear them as beaters.
Great feedback. Some reactions:
1) No one should have the right to attack a fellow hobbyist's choices, whether they be expensive or otherwise. Ad hominem attacks are ridiculous. Oh you're so stupid to choose this over that. Why would you pay this for that? You have more money than sense, yadda-yadda... People can attack brands but not choices. I don't like Seiko and should be able to say so. But if I question someone's decision to get a Seiko, or if I passive aggressively call Seiko fans names I'm an asshole, full stop.
2) I skip the microbrand tournament posts altogether because they are of no interest to me. But I'll take your word on how people are voting. That said, I never understood how others measure value because how I measure value differs from everyone else. If someone thinks value is X and I think it's Y, neither one of us is right or wrong, it's just how we see things. Like you said, as long as respect cuts both ways, there shouldn't be any animosity.
3) I'm not fond of comments denigrating fans of "expensive" watches. Or worse yet, those comments that put down those who aspire to own expensive watches. See point 1. Just because you (this is an editorial you, obviously not you you) don't have aspirations to own a Rolex doesn't invalidate someone's dream of owning one.
4) I once did a post asking to see expensive eye candy. It got a lower engagement than I expected. I don't know why that's the case. But I think people are just uncomfortable flexing on WatchCrunch. It's supposed to be the "antiflex" watch forum. Or it could be you're right about the reverse snobbery being a thing here, thus discouraging people from showing off their finer watches. Which is a pity, I'm tired of seeing GShocks, I'd like to see more Patek.
I’d very much caution against thinking of cheap as “crappy.” There are a lot of “cheap” watches that are indeed low-quality for the money (Daniel Wellington, MVMT, etc.), but many affordable watches are insanely high quality, just like the G-Shock you mentioned!
Granted, there's a little artistic license there.
My point is that quantity doesn't make up for poor quality. At best, you've got two wrists, and a limited number of days on this rock. So inundating yourself with hundreds of disposable 'fun' watches is an utter travesty in my eyes. Buy watches you really really enjoy wearing - that make you feel like you want to wear them again and again. Don't waste your time and money on something 'fun' that you don't really ever wear...
Great discussions here, but came to compliment the DW290 😎that was my most recent purchase, it’s so funky and I really dig the asymmetry. I have a g shock square but it honestly bugs me how hard the buttons are to push. The prominent buttons were one of the main reasons I was drawn to the DW290. Its great for cooking! Cheers
I get your point and again, no personal attack on OP. He expressed his oppinion/hot take and needs to be respected.
I also understand that we have differnet income levels, are in differrent collecting phase or simply don't want to spend more than certain amount as OP said. And also agree some need affirmation for their choices, also fine by me.
My issue is the oftenly seen case when somebody posts "expensive" watch as first choice/daily driver and people attack them for snobbery ( definitely some are but imo not so much on WC ) or not value concious ... It is almost reverse snobbery, the more expensive watch you have for everyday use the more people are horrified. And they don't care or ask themselves about OP income levels, collecting phase ... Also when discussing about value purchases posts oftenly comment that they never understand people spending $$$ on watch, diminishing value ...
People read those comments and IMO this is resulting in less and less posts of people with "expensive" watches and constant debates about value driven micros released just yesterday.
Just look at micro turnament ( btw hats off to @AllTheWatches for doing it ) and how people are voting on them. Best value, meaning mostly sub/around 1000$ and not best accounting complete package ( Aurelian commented this nicely at Baltic vs. SUF Helsinki - more expensive micros don't stand a chance even if they have better overall package as the narrative is micro needs to be sub 1000$ and packing value ).
So to conclude, I have no issues as long as the respect goes both ways, oftenly not the case. Ironically negative comments are comming from people who despise beliteling comments from "expensive snob" owners on other channels about their sub 1000$ choices.
And for people owning "expensive" watches please do share them, even if you wear them as beaters.
I do vote on microbrand tournament, but largely I have no clue what these watches cost, maybe for 20% I have a rough idea. And, largely I ignore the voting instructions and vote for the watch, not the brand.
Regarding reverse snobbery, I am guilty of that, but it is complicated. Some people just have a fantastic watch collection that I could not dream to afford (like JaeBust), but I clearly see that they are watch enthusiasts and I respect (and even admire) what they enjoy. But there is also a social gate-keeping side to owning expensive watches, which I am happy to ridicule when I sense that particular rat.
That aside, I am not happy to go along with the just-confirm-everyone's-choices principle. Some choices are simply daft or objectionable, and I rather point this out (and in return have this pointed out to me when I'm the idiot) than confirm everyone's retail therapy.
Great discussions here, but came to compliment the DW290 😎that was my most recent purchase, it’s so funky and I really dig the asymmetry. I have a g shock square but it honestly bugs me how hard the buttons are to push. The prominent buttons were one of the main reasons I was drawn to the DW290. Its great for cooking! Cheers
One of my favorite pieces!! So incredibly underrated
I do vote on microbrand tournament, but largely I have no clue what these watches cost, maybe for 20% I have a rough idea. And, largely I ignore the voting instructions and vote for the watch, not the brand.
Regarding reverse snobbery, I am guilty of that, but it is complicated. Some people just have a fantastic watch collection that I could not dream to afford (like JaeBust), but I clearly see that they are watch enthusiasts and I respect (and even admire) what they enjoy. But there is also a social gate-keeping side to owning expensive watches, which I am happy to ridicule when I sense that particular rat.
That aside, I am not happy to go along with the just-confirm-everyone's-choices principle. Some choices are simply daft or objectionable, and I rather point this out (and in return have this pointed out to me when I'm the idiot) than confirm everyone's retail therapy.
That’s very interesting! I’m intrigued to know what you consider a daft or objectionable choice
Granted, there's a little artistic license there.
My point is that quantity doesn't make up for poor quality. At best, you've got two wrists, and a limited number of days on this rock. So inundating yourself with hundreds of disposable 'fun' watches is an utter travesty in my eyes. Buy watches you really really enjoy wearing - that make you feel like you want to wear them again and again. Don't waste your time and money on something 'fun' that you don't really ever wear...
Ah, I completely agree! Luckily there are endless options out there that are absolutely stellar in quality and very affordable!
That’s very interesting! I’m intrigued to know what you consider a daft or objectionable choice
At my end, I see more the daft choices than the objectionable ones. An example would be modern pilot watches from IWC. Look basically the same as a $100 flieger from China, and if you want the heritage you could still have a Laco or Stowa for a fraction of the cost of the IWC and the same if not better heritage.
Another example would be the newbies asking us whether their first watch they are about to buy should be a Tudor Black Bay or an Omega Aqua Terra. For your first watch that is a daft alternative.
At my end, I see more the daft choices than the objectionable ones. An example would be modern pilot watches from IWC. Look basically the same as a $100 flieger from China, and if you want the heritage you could still have a Laco or Stowa for a fraction of the cost of the IWC and the same if not better heritage.
Another example would be the newbies asking us whether their first watch they are about to buy should be a Tudor Black Bay or an Omega Aqua Terra. For your first watch that is a daft alternative.
I see!
Absolutlly agree with you, dude!
All this, and supporting a healthy affordable watch market helps remind the brands that us low-budget enthusiasts are still here!
I think my single most expensive watch has a RRP of $500 or so…
Agree
I got this one on my 14th birthday it opened my eyes to a whole new world 😁& now i collect all sorts of times pieces some $$$ and some $ point is some cheap watches bring joy period
Still one of the classics