What do you do with a watch you love but don’t like to wear?
I have an Omega Speedmaster First Omega In Space it’s the first watch I seriously purchased. It’s an outstanding manual wind. It does everything it’s said to do and more and to me it’s absolutely stunning.
But I have a couple issues with it. It’s not the watches fault they’re all my faults.
First off, I think it’s a little small for me at 39mm. Don’t get me wrong it’s totally wearable and I do wear it. However, I tend to wear larger watches 42mm or larger and I find that I have to force myself put the Speedie on. That’s my fault in the watches.
Secondly, I’ve found out after buying and wearing the Omega that I really found the date complication very useful almost more so than the time. If the date is not on the watch I have to pull my phone out to check it. That by itself makes the Speedmaster pretty useless for me to wear. Again, not the watches fault, it’s mine.
I want to wear my watches and I totally believe the watches I have have to work for me. So where does that leave me and the FOIS?
Well, I could sell my first watch. (I’ve never thought I’d sell a watch especially not my first one.) I could give it away to one of my kids? (That’s kinda hard I have a handful of them. Which one would get it?) I could put it back with the box and papers and try to forget about it. (I don’t like the boxing it up idea. The watch should be worn.) Or I could leave it in watch box to remind me what I don’t like. (Same problem it’s not getting worn.) So tell me.
What do you do with a watch that you love but don’t wear?
Just a guy filling up a box with watches.
You can sell it and buy a bigger one if you are not loosing too much cash. I personally found myself giving a break to watches I don't use and coming back a month or two later to fall in love with the watch again. Same reason I really do not like to sell watches unless I really do not like the watch. Later you find yourself looking at something similar thinking I should of not sold it.
If you truly love it, you’ll set it free.
I’ll take it. I’ll bear your burden.
I know what you mean… as much as I put 4 watches on the chopping block but I have not sold or traded them I dunno part of me kinda still want to keep them I guess… I know I’m no help …ok I’ll shut up now 😞
I sold mine years ago and never looked back.
Only you can answer that question.
Like you, my first serious watch purchase was my Panerai. As I started to get in more with watches I found it more suitable for me to wear between 36mm to 42mm (just my own preference) my Panerai is 44mm even though I hardly wear it I can’t imagine myself letting it go because of the significant value of it to me. What do I do? I take them out of the safe every once in awhile and just wear em inside the house or sometimes wear em when I go to the pool.
If you’re torn, I say treat it like the special dishware that come out once or twice a year when zia visits. Life’s too short for such regrets. Idk.
I can keep it to gaze upon like an artwork.
My Speedy didn't feel like an artwork so I let it go.
You can sell it and buy a bigger one if you are not loosing too much cash. I personally found myself giving a break to watches I don't use and coming back a month or two later to fall in love with the watch again. Same reason I really do not like to sell watches unless I really do not like the watch. Later you find yourself looking at something similar thinking I should of not sold it.
I’m not one to sell things things until I’m 100% over it. I’d rather let it sit for a few minutes. Selling is so final.
If you truly love it, you’ll set it free.
I’ll take it. I’ll bear your burden.
That’s easier said than done!
I think I’ll leave it in the box for a while. It has a spot.
I know what you mean… as much as I put 4 watches on the chopping block but I have not sold or traded them I dunno part of me kinda still want to keep them I guess… I know I’m no help …ok I’ll shut up now 😞
You don’t have to shut up. Your talking my language.
I sold mine years ago and never looked back.
That’s solid advise. I just don’t know if I can take yet.
I would give it to someone close to me that I know would appreciate it. If one of your kids is a watch enthusiast that could work.
If you don’t need the cash, keep it in a drawer until….
Put it away and wear only when a date isn’t necessary.
Thirdly, sell it and let it be enjoyed by someone else and then you acquire a piece that you’ll wear and enjoy, I think there is still something special about your first watch leading you to one that you’ll wear or use often and get enjoyment from. No sense in being burdened with a piece that is miserable for you to wear.
Never really had that problem once it’s in my collection it have to be worn or most likely I would not buy it however, I do understand your dilemma what if you wear it only on special occasions in this way it you won’t have to get rid of it and won’t feel bad about keeping it
just my take, but if i don't wear it, i move it.
I feel your pain; I am a big guy, with an 8" wrist. So, when it comes to case size, 39mm is my absolute minimum. I won't wear anything smaller, unless there is some mitigating circumstance, e.g., my 36mm Texas Instruments Model 550 LCD 1978 Edition watch. That is the first watch I ever got as a kid, and now that I have one again, and it has a snazzy, new, leather strap, I intend to wear it often. (Probably only on special occasions, however; it's not the sturdiest watch in the world, and it has no water resistance whatsoever.)
That being said, it's time for some Tough (Brotherly) Love: If you don't wear it, then you don't love it. The reasons you list are naught but EXCUSES. 😎
Ok, so that might seem argumentative or trollish, so let's pause a moment; that is not my intent. It's perfectly ok not to love this watch. And it's perfectly ok not to wear it. All I am asking of you is that you be honest with yourself, and admit that. Own it.
So, now that you've admitted that you don't love it, let's try and solve your problem.
It's an Omega. That means it holds its value. So for starters, you could sell the watch, and buy another Omega, maybe a slightly larger one, with a date complication, with the proceeds. But like you said, it's hard to sell a keepsake.
Another option: TRADE IT! Find someone on here who has an Omega, preferrably some special edition like yours, one that is perhaps 40-42mm in size, and swap it. You are likely to find that the person on the other end of the trade is in the same boat as you, and that it will be a win-win for both parties.
If you want to give it to one of your relatives: I'd give it to the eldest child or grandchild. Seniority counts. And if there are 2 children or grandchildren that are very close in age, e.g., twins, then give the other relative a different watch from your collection. Some people might balk at this, but the way I look at it is that you're passing on something special to the younger generation(s) of your family, and creating a bonding moment in the process. Passing things down is a good way to "get rid" of something, without really getting completely rid of it. You'll see your relative wearing it often, and take it from me, when you do, it will fill you with a sense of pride.
Finally, you could do something constructive with it. For example, maybe there's a food drive for the community food pantry; you could raffle it or auction it off to raise money for the food drive. (Quite a bit of money!) That way, even though the watch leaves your possession, you can feel good that it went to a worthy cause.
But the main thing here is this: You don't love it. So pass it on. Or, if you're still determined to keep it, then decide upon a few, special events each year, that you will always wear it to. (For example, your birthday, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas.) That way, it stays in the watchbox most of the time, but you still have the knowledge that it does get worn occasionally.
My 2 cents. 😀
Ok that was passionate response. I get the whole if you don’t wear it you don’t love it thing. I really appreciate it and probably needed it. But I always had an idea in my head about what is was going to do.
Here’s the thing. I wrote the post wrong. I wrote to much about my head space that the question went by unread. Most comments were about what I should do. The question was what do you do …. 😂. It’s my fault for not making the post or question more defined. It been fun rolling with it. It’s been a solid post with lots of feed back and I still got everyone’s idea of they would do anyways. So no harm no foul.
So on to what I think I’m going to do. I think this post has pretty much ran it’s course so I can spill the beans. I’m going to let it set in the watch box for a while and maybe put it in the safe after that. I’ll ask my 5 kids if anyone cares about the watch. If someone speaks up while have a conversation about it. If not it’s going to the AD and get traded in for a GO SeaQ. 🤝😂.
All you advise advice was on the money. Except for the oldest child thing. I’m the youngest so the oldest getting everything first sucks!
just my take, but if i don't wear it, i move it.
Thank you. Thats an option I’m thinking of🤝.
Ah, I'm glad you settled on a plan. If the kids aren't interested, you will enjoy the GO. Glashutte is a solid brand, with a high level of quality.
Craig said:
Yes, you are correct, which is why I suggested giving multiple watches. Four extra watches might be a little extreme though, if all of them respond yes! 🤣
The way I do it is, I just buy watches as gifts for everyone (wife + 2kiddos); that way, everyone gets something, and we all have nice, little collections going. 😀
So far, I've only given 1 watch away from my own, personal collection, and that watch was given to my son (my eldest child, though age had nothing to do with my decision); the reason I gave it to him instead of my daughter is because the watch in question (an Invicta Pro Diver) was in high-demand for borrowing from the instant it arrived. My son greatly admired it, so I figured, hey, I should just give it to him. Additionally, I had recently bought my daughter a nice watch, and so I figured I would do something nice for my son also.
I can see where the "eldest child" thing would get old if you were the youngest of your siblings. But didn't any of your older siblings ever pass down anything to you? No judgment, but I just can't get the "older brother going off to college" movie trope out of my head, LOL. 😎 "Here, little brother, you can have my old baseball cap and glove. Be sure and keep it oiled!" etc. 😂
Hahaha. The money not the issue. I’ve always thought that I should wear my watches. I need to wrap my hard around some new watch ideology’s. 🤝
Lol that's fair.
I never wear the watch I wore at my wedding. It's a Seiko Presage but I can't bring myself to sell it. I might pass it on to a kid or something, but it literally just sits in my box colleting dust. I think I would literally die inside if I got rid of it.
You sound just like my children. Will I have to fill up your gas tank too. 😂
🤣
Ah, I'm glad you settled on a plan. If the kids aren't interested, you will enjoy the GO. Glashutte is a solid brand, with a high level of quality.
Craig said:
Yes, you are correct, which is why I suggested giving multiple watches. Four extra watches might be a little extreme though, if all of them respond yes! 🤣
The way I do it is, I just buy watches as gifts for everyone (wife + 2kiddos); that way, everyone gets something, and we all have nice, little collections going. 😀
So far, I've only given 1 watch away from my own, personal collection, and that watch was given to my son (my eldest child, though age had nothing to do with my decision); the reason I gave it to him instead of my daughter is because the watch in question (an Invicta Pro Diver) was in high-demand for borrowing from the instant it arrived. My son greatly admired it, so I figured, hey, I should just give it to him. Additionally, I had recently bought my daughter a nice watch, and so I figured I would do something nice for my son also.
I can see where the "eldest child" thing would get old if you were the youngest of your siblings. But didn't any of your older siblings ever pass down anything to you? No judgment, but I just can't get the "older brother going off to college" movie trope out of my head, LOL. 😎 "Here, little brother, you can have my old baseball cap and glove. Be sure and keep it oiled!" etc. 😂
I just bought 3 PRX autos for the 2 sons who are into watches and me. The oldest son got something different but about the same price range. The girls aren’t into watches yet but they’re getting interested. When mom gets one their opinion will change.
As for the my older bother. He got a whole lot more than I was ever handed down. The idea of the passing it down is romantic. But the reality was a little different for me. Getting the used clothes, backpacks and such gets old fast. I was grateful don’t get me wrong. But getting a new bike would have been pretty cool instead of the old one hand me down. I had to fix them before I could ride them.
How times have changed.
I’m not sure about the Bulova. But a agree with you on the rest. I try to travel in the uncommon watch area also. I’m a fan of Nomos and that Breiting Salmon dial is off the hook. I think it’s a little more off the path than the green. 🤝
Aha, I am also a new big fan of Nomos, in a big way , I think the Glasshutte panamatic , is as close as I will ever get to a Lange ethos, get them to send you their catalogues I did and wrote a note and got a very nice personal thank you !
Yeah the Datora is out of my price range at the moment, but I tend to love salmon dials as apparently do a lot of folks. After a long series of crushes on bb58, pelagos, I just have totally lost interest in those, as I feel like everyone and their brother have these and then try to sell them. the only one that everyone seems to like that I do too ,is the Tudor bicompax? white dial , ?
Aha, I am also a new big fan of Nomos, in a big way , I think the Glasshutte panamatic , is as close as I will ever get to a Lange ethos, get them to send you their catalogues I did and wrote a note and got a very nice personal thank you !
Yeah the Datora is out of my price range at the moment, but I tend to love salmon dials as apparently do a lot of folks. After a long series of crushes on bb58, pelagos, I just have totally lost interest in those, as I feel like everyone and their brother have these and then try to sell them. the only one that everyone seems to like that I do too ,is the Tudor bicompax? white dial , ?
I don’t really follow Tudor. It’s not that they don’t make a great watch. I really think they do. They just don’t catch my eye. It’s like I’ve seen everything they made before from somewhere else. That’s feels boring. For the same price of a Tudor you can find cool watches. Like a GO sixties or SMP both used but your getting the watch for it’s worth not retail value and thier better in my opinion. I’d like to get my hands a green SeaQ one day.
I sold my SInn 104 & Seiko Alpinist as they funded my Tudor Ranger. You will miss the Speedy if you don’t step into a more satisfying watch to you . I sometimes miss my SINN . Not really the SARB017 . I got over the green ness .
Follow your heart and sell it, someone else will enjoy it more
Sell it and let someone else enjoy it, it's a waste to let it collect dust
I feel you.
My first serious watch was an vintage Omega Genève. It was beautiful. Eventually, I felt it was too small for my wrist though and I sold it. I regret solding it, just because it was my first watch.
Maybe there is one of your kids who is more into watches than the orhers that could get that watch. Maybe you want to wait a big event from one of them school degree, birth...
Long story short, don't get rid of it, unless you are in a bad financial situation.
Here is an answer for your wrist, google it:
3576.50.00
I sold my Reverso after owning it for 2 years. I NEVER imagined I would. I adored that watch, but had the same issue you did, I very rarely wore it. There are a handful of reasons why which I won’t bore you with, but the fact was it got the least amount of wrist time (by far) of any of my watches.
Given the price I couldn’t personally justify keeping it and not wearing it. And so far, no regrets. I was basically able to recover what I paid for it which helped. But I’m glad I don’t feel like I’ve made a mistake or miss having it around.
It wasn’t my first watch, but it was one I thought about for over two decades. A true grail for me. Made me realize how very important the wearing experience is for gaining enjoyment from both owning and using a watch.
I sold my Reverso after owning it for 2 years. I NEVER imagined I would. I adored that watch, but had the same issue you did, I very rarely wore it. There are a handful of reasons why which I won’t bore you with, but the fact was it got the least amount of wrist time (by far) of any of my watches.
Given the price I couldn’t personally justify keeping it and not wearing it. And so far, no regrets. I was basically able to recover what I paid for it which helped. But I’m glad I don’t feel like I’ve made a mistake or miss having it around.
It wasn’t my first watch, but it was one I thought about for over two decades. A true grail for me. Made me realize how very important the wearing experience is for gaining enjoyment from both owning and using a watch.
Thank you. Great insight!🎯