Have you had to justify your collection?

• How many watches do you have? "One for every 10 of <insert their thing here> of yours."

• Why do you want another watch? "Because of <insert new feature here>." or "Didn't you just buy <insert their most recent 'silly' purchase here>?"

• You know the time is on your cell phone right? "I hate my mobile, TYVM"

• How much have you spent on your collection? "I'm spending less on watches than you do on <insert their thing here>."

• How much did you pay for your most expensive watch? "Enough to almost be satisfied."

• How many watches do you really need? "How many of <insert their specific overbought item here> do you need?"

I try to stay under the radar and try to keep to myself so no one bugs me about it. Also, I’m not wearing any watches that are especially nice so it’s not worth engaging in a conversation about it

Not so much justify, but when I meet a stranger or people I do not know too much when I tell them I like and buy watches automatically they think Rolex. Their face goes into a bit of disappointment when I say Seiko, Citizen etc. I think the flex/social media culture has set the bar very high for everyone.

It’s like collecting art. In fact horology is my favorite form of art. Is it necessary? Certainly not. But some things we do to survive, and others we do to live.

Yes, and that's why I don't share my collection (or the fact that I have one) with many people. I feel watch collecting is very personal and having to explain/justify is like being asked to explain your marriage, "why do you want to get married?" "did you marry her for her figure?", etc.; uncomfortable and unnecessary.

Never justify... But I have put it into context for people. Comparing it to having a proper motorbike (that many just drive a handfull of times during spring and summer) as a hobby. The initial cost of that, maybe a financial loan, maintenance, insurance and so on. And almost every would except that as "not wierd". I spend a lot less, spend less on maintenance, maybe watches fall less in value 🤔, no loans and I use it every day ☺

Nope. Generally, I don't disclose the number of watches I own unless I am at a pool, the drinks are flowing and I start babbling about a watch I own with a UFO chasing a pig around a farm. At that point my wife says I have a weird watch fetish and changes the subject quickly. The truth is my watches are either mid-tier main stream or micro so no one notices.

I think the most absurd comment that I have experienced in all my years bothering no one with my personal affectation was a remark by a young guy who was part of a morning coffee klatch who insisted that my rotation of modern watches was a sign of my insecurity! Haha. I was too polite to point out that his wife was the principal wage earner in his family that she shopped for his clothes at a Value Village shop. Of course there is nothing wrong with handling your finances carefully.

I haven't really had to justify it, but I've responded to concerns with enough passive aggressive remarks that I feel comfortable buying what I want. I think the family is also starting to realise that this is a hobby for me now, and buying a broken alarm clock to repair and sell for a profit (cross your fingers that servicing it goes well) is a potential source of income. I'm also selling a watch on Chrono24, something that I am also crossing my fingers and praying goes well, because it's my first time. I think when I make just about a hundred dollars materialise from thin air, it'll send a message that I'm not just playing here.

I never get/got that sort of questioning. So....

I just tell them it’s a sickness and they should never follow the rabbit. Don’t become like me! Run while you can!

I have to justify to my wife. Yes, I have too many watches. I set them up in sub-collections to pretend I have fewer than I do. Three Seikos, three G-Shocks, six “affordable” Swiss watches, and on my way to three luxury Swiss watches. So, that’s a Seiko, G-Shock, and a few Swiss watches…3watches basically, right?

Aside from my wife, I don't feel I have to justify to anyone.

As long as obligations are being met, I spend the money I earn the way I want, on what I want.

I’m astonished by your restraint. 🤙

My partner gave up long ago, I don't have to justify my actions financially or otherwise. My collection is not community property either, nobody touches the watches except me.

Keep me posted and let know how it works out. I’m rooting for you.

My canned response to any such inquiry is “we’re all into something - watches are my thing.” Also, I think most people are disarmed when they can see you are passionate about something. I know I am. Watches bring us joy - that’s all the justification we need.

Just 3.

1. Why do you like watches so much? Because I fell in love with watches growing up. My father had a watch dealership and I ended up collecting watches even without knowing! I also loved to go with him to the anual watch brand fairs.

2. Why so many? I like the variety… 😜

3. Why no luxury watch? Well, thats kind of my thing. I could buy more expensive watches but what I most enjoy is having those” bang for you buck” pearls that give the expensive ones a run for their value.

Think most people have a hobby or an interest. Do get some people who say it's expensive, but I can't think of a cheap hobby. Golf, Football, Music, Antiques, Tennis, Fishing. Nope they can all get expensive.

Why do you wear a watch? How many watches do you have? Why do you want another watch? You know the time is on your cell phone right? How much have you spent on your collection? How much did you pay for your most expensive watch? How many watches do you really need?

Why do you wear a watch? Because I'm old-fashioned, and looking at the watch on your wrist is STILL faster than fishing your phone out of your pocket.

How many watches do you have? 8. But I will get more. 😎

Why do you want another watch? Why do you want another shirt or suit? Why can't you wear the same clothes every day, like a cartoon character? 😉

You know the time is on your cell phone, right? I frickin' hate my cell phone with a passion. You kids get off my lawn!! 🤣

How much have you spent on your collection? Probably a lot less than you spent on the six muscle cars in your garage, or the 37 firearms in your gun safe, or that 30 ft. RV in your driveway. 😎

How much did you pay for your most expensive watch? The watch that I have which is the "most expensive" piece in my collection cost me zero dollars. It was a Christmas gift. 😎

How many watches do you really need? 31. One for each day of the month. When I have that many, I will probably stop... at least for a little while. 😎

I don't need to justify anything to anyone.

Thank you!

Best reply yet!

Lol, in this hobby, life's just too short to care about what other people think.

True that!🤙

"Why do you want another watch".

Just this one. People who don't wear watches tend to think one is enough.

I know right. Like how can you have a shoe collection with one pair of shoes. You’d think it would be obvious.

I have the UFO and the piglet on my wrist today! 😂

It’s such a fun watch. I got a bunch of compliments and some mockery. Enjoy it!!