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Grumpy Badger · 18 January 2012, 09:46 AM

I don't get the whole flipping thing but I'm trying to understand.

I was looking at Dino's thread on whether to flip his Hulk for a TT GMT-C but really what he wants is a solid gold GMT or a White Gold Sub, but, in the meantime there's a 40mm Exp II on the horizon too...

It makes my head hurt!

I can understand "flipping" real-estate since you can build your capital and gradually work up to bigger and better but, with anything else I just don't get it.

Do you guys flip everything (cars, sports equipment... Girlfriends/Wives?!?!?

) or is it just watches you can't settle down with?

I've never sold/traded a watch in my life so maybe I'll never understand. I've got my old TAG Link Chronometer that I wore through my twenties, a Hamilton the Long-Haired General bought me when my tag was being serviced and my 14060m.

There are a few watches I have on my radar to add to my collection and I have one true "Grail" which I may or may not ever own.

I just don't understand buying watches with the intention of only keeping them for a while and then trading up for the one you really wanted all along. I know Rolex hold their value pretty well but your still going to take a bit of a hit each time rather than making money to get you closer to the Grail.

I know we are all wired differently so tell me to mind my own business if you like but I'm just intrigued as to the though process behind it.

cedargrove · 18 January 2012, 09:53 AM

My buddy flips his car every year. Loves almost everything he buys, just constantly wants a change. I assume watch flippers are the same.

Not for me. I only buy what I love and have a terribly hard time letting anything go.

azguy · 18 January 2012, 10:00 AM

It's a hobby and it takes up less space than a car collection

I just sold a Navitimer II TT and and Explorer II to fund a 16233 TT and something else I don't even know I want yet

I wore the two watches about 10x's over the last year, time to move on.

Plus, the chase is fun

Dan2010 · 18 January 2012, 10:00 AM

My flipping was part of my watch education. Don't regret it a bit.

Grumpy Badger · 18 January 2012, 10:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan2010

My flipping was part of my watch education. Don't regret it a bit.

...and now you must be the best "educated" man I know!

SaddleSC · 18 January 2012, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grumpy Badger

...and now you must be the best "educated" man I know!

Dan2010 · 18 January 2012, 10:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grumpy Badger

...and now you must be the best "educated" man I know!

You are correct!

matt4hand · 18 January 2012, 10:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan2010

My flipping was part of my watch education. Don't regret it a bit.

Me too!

I can't afford 30 watches so I just flip 30 in a year and it all works out the same...

Grumpy Badger · 18 January 2012, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by matt4hand

Me too!

I can't afford 30 watches so I just flip 30 in a year and it all works out the same...

So do you almost view it as hiring them for an extended test drive?

matt4hand · 18 January 2012, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grumpy Badger

So do you almost view it as hiring them for an extended test drive?

Kinda....It's like trying to find the perfect lineup.

I'm actually very happy with my current lineup. I'm close to perfection.

I was a bit chapped that my wife just stole my SD4000 earlier his week! She said she needed a date after 6 weeks of the 14060.
I sold her 14060 yesterday and I'm trying to find another SD for a daily beater for myself.

azguy · 19 January 2012, 01:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by matt4hand

I'm actually very happy with my current lineup. I'm close to perfection.

I was a bit chapped that my wife just stole my SD4000 earlier his week! She said she needed a date after 6 weeks of the 14060.
I sold her 14060 yesterday and I'm trying to find another SD for a daily beater for myself.

That's a big watch for a lady

bigwatchman · 19 January 2012, 01:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by matt4hand

I was a bit chapped that my wife just stole my SD4000 earlier his week! She said she needed a date after 6 weeks of the 14060.
I sold her 14060 yesterday and I'm trying to find another SD for a daily beater for myself.

You should have swapped the Dweller for the 14060. I realize that with your lineup, the 14060 is the lesser of all of your watches, but you did say recently in a thread that one should probably hold on to 14060 as keepers.

If you had swapped, you could at least have had visiting rights when she isn't wearing it. I have had mine on for a month straight and it's the first watch without a date function that I've worn. I thought it would be a problem, but hasn't ever been an issue to come up yet. My memory is getting pretty good at remembering the date.

Mickey® · 19 January 2012, 02:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by matt4hand

Kinda....It's like trying to find the perfect lineup.

I'm actually very happy with my current lineup. I'm close to perfection.

I was a bit chapped that my wife just stole my SD4000 earlier his week! She said she needed a date after 6 weeks of the 14060.
I sold her 14060 yesterday and I'm trying to find another SD for a daily beater for myself.

You sold her watch!!!?

MoBe · 18 January 2012, 10:00 AM

Flippers must be salesmen by nature,you know,the ever optimistic wheeler dealer types,even if it`s not what they do for a living.

nch209 · 18 January 2012, 10:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MoBe

Flippers must be salesmen by nature,you know,the ever optimistic wheeler dealer types,even if it`s not what they do for a living.

I do like the allure of the wheelin' and dealin', for sure!!!!! Speaking of which, I gotta make call on a 16710 I dont need!!!!

nch209 · 18 January 2012, 10:02 AM

I am a flipper in the sense that if I can buy right, wear for a few years, and break even or even make a few bucks, I will sell and move on to somthing else. That said, I have bought a few to flip, and now they are keepers! My GMT2c is a prime example- I purchased it locally at a good deal, and once I wore it, I vowed it to be a KEEPER!!! On the other hand, 16613's constantly come and go- I buy one, someone wants it, I sell, and end up getting another! LOL!

As for flipping other items, I personally do not. I tend to hold on to cars and real estate until I stumple upon a great deal!

Jetjock · 18 January 2012, 10:33 AM

This question by the OP was one I Intended to bring up. I traded two lesser makes, that had both been purchased recently plus cash for my DJ II. Lost quite a few dollar bills down the toilet over that, but I become Infected with the Rolex curse. It would not be a big deal If I were wealthy, but unfortunately I am not. The beauty of my Rolex however makes up for the anguish of the financial hit.

The Joker · 18 January 2012, 10:46 AM

I'm with you Mark, yes my first hasty purchase a Breitling I flipped. But now I have 2 keepers, my DJ and speedy, I would cry if I have had to give them up. Bought them new at a AD, in a year or 2 I've had them they have been through many an adventure with me, and I have totally bonded with them.

Flip them, I'd have to be mad to do that. I love them with all my heart.

Linzjnr · 18 January 2012, 11:00 AM

I buy to hold and enjoy

, it takes me too long to afford the watches in the first place. My long term goal is to pass them on to my two boys and so thinking about that makes me feel good too. I guess the only time I would flip a Rolex would be if I didn't bond with it like I thought I would whilst trying to save up for it (usually after trying it on heaps of times in shops, AD's and at GTG's

) Each to there own I guess, if there were no fippers out there then the second hand market wouldn't be that great would it?

77T · 18 January 2012, 11:02 AM

My trading-up experiences were goal oriented. I could have gone out 10 years ago and put down $25K for the Gold Rolex I wanted, but instead bought a $3.5K Expl.II.

After trading through Daytona's and Subs that owners were anxious to trade/sell, I now have the Gold Rolex but only net of $12K invested.

johnbeth · 18 January 2012, 11:02 AM

Flipping has cost me more money and it does not make any sense and yet we do it. I would suggest if I was in Dino's shoes, dont compromise, wait and get what you really want. You are just delaying the final outcome of what you really want and thats what has happened to me.

matt4hand · 18 January 2012, 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnbeth

flipping has cost me more money and it does not make any sense and yet we do it. I would suggest if i was in dino's shoes, dont compromise, wait and get what you really want. You are just delaying the final outcome of what you really want and thats what has happened to me.

x2

thewatchguy93 · 19 January 2012, 05:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grumpy Badger

I don't get the whole flipping thing but I'm trying to understand.

I was looking at Dino's thread on whether to flip his Hulk for a TT GMT-C but really what he wants is a solid gold GMT or a White Gold Sub, but, in the meantime there's a 40mm Exp II on the horizon too...

It makes my head hurt!

I can understand "flipping" real-estate since you can build your capital and gradually work up to bigger and better but, with anything else I just don't get it.

Do you guys flip everything (cars, sports equipment... Girlfriends/Wives?!?!?

) or is it just watches you can't settle down with?

I've never sold/traded a watch in my life so maybe I'll never understand. I've got my old TAG Link Chronometer that I wore through my twenties, a Hamilton the Long-Haired General bought me when my tag was being serviced and my 14060m.

There are a few watches I have on my radar to add to my collection and I have one true "Grail" which I may or may not ever own.

I just don't understand buying watches with the intention of only keeping them for a while and then trading up for the one you really wanted all along. I know Rolex hold their value pretty well but your still going to take a bit of a hit each time rather than making money to get you closer to the Grail.

I know we are all wired differently so tell me to mind my own business if you like but I'm just intrigued as to the though process behind it.

It makes mine hurt toooo!!!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by johnbeth

Flipping has cost me more money and it does not make any sense and yet we do it. I would suggest if I was in Dino's shoes, dont compromise, wait and get what you really want. You are just delaying the final outcome of what you really want and thats what has happened to me.

I really don't want to flip watches, every watch I have bought I have loved and enjoyed wearing (exept one, Omega Constellation).. I flip for the pure and simple fact that I can't afford to have them all at once.. If you like I'm in a way "renting" my watches although I fully own them when they are in my precession.

I do believe by buying the odd watch here and there I'm only making my journey harder to achieving my HOLY GRAIL 18K Gold Rolex what ever it will be... Its just a crazy adventure, which if I'm 100% honest, I don't regret, I've owned a lot of great watches along the way

- I agree with you JB 1000%

WhatTheDeuce · 18 January 2012, 11:22 AM

I don't get it either. I love every watch I purchase and intend to keep them forever.

liuk3 · 18 January 2012, 11:35 AM

With items I purchase, I tend to beat the snot out of them to maximize personal utility while also maintaining them. I'll hold on to them until they get run to the ground (e.g. cars), and I'm always on the hunt for a good deal to increase my inventory whatever that item might be. No flipping, but rather continued accumulation...

gslaskin · 18 January 2012, 11:41 AM

I flip because it's fun. There are many watches I want to own. But I do not want to "collect" them. I have owned over 100 watches. But only a few at a time. When I get bored with them, I flip them for the next interesting one that I want to try.

Dr. Robert · 18 January 2012, 12:02 PM

My philosophy regarding flipping:
Girlfriends/wives: Yes, si, oui, ja, hai.
Watches: No, non, nein, nyet.

lhanddds · 18 January 2012, 12:16 PM

I'll keep a watch a year and if it doesn't get enough wrist time, I'll sell or trade it. I don't consider that flipping. If they make it a year or more, they're in. I really don't "try watches" anymore. They have to be something I really want or have wanted for a long time. That eliminates flipping tendencies.

CDNWatchNut · 18 January 2012, 12:28 PM

Occasionally buying and selling to experience different watches is all part of the fun and enjoyment for me.
Buying quality watches that are in demand, and buying used at fair market price, there's generally not much loss or profit to be had either way, other than perhaps the cost of transactions(e.g. paypal, shipping). If buying new and flipping, then of course, it can be a very expensive hobby.
If I didn't sell, I'd have waaaay too many watches.

pwriterman · 18 January 2012, 12:29 PM

Yeah, flipping is part of the fun. You get the watch. You love the watch. YOu wear the watch. You start to love it A LITTLE less...You see another watch! YOu must have it! So...you flip! It's all about the hunt, the thrill of the conquest...the next watch!
Make sense?
Didn't think so!

18 January 2012, 09:46 AM	#1
Grumpy Badger "TRF" Member Join Date: Mar 2011 Real Name: Mark Location: Bonny Scotland Watch: 14060M Sub (cosc) Posts: 5,280	Question for all you flippers... I don't get the whole flipping thing but I'm trying to understand. I was looking at Dino's thread on whether to flip his Hulk for a TT GMT-C but really what he wants is a solid gold GMT or a White Gold Sub, but, in the meantime there's a 40mm Exp II on the horizon too... It makes my head hurt! I can understand "flipping" real-estate since you can build your capital and gradually work up to bigger and better but, with anything else I just don't get it. Do you guys flip everything (cars, sports equipment... Girlfriends/Wives?!?!?) or is it just watches you can't settle down with? I've never sold/traded a watch in my life so maybe I'll never understand. I've got my old TAG Link Chronometer that I wore through my twenties, a Hamilton the Long-Haired General bought me when my tag was being serviced and my 14060m. There are a few watches I have on my radar to add to my collection and I have one true "Grail" which I may or may not ever own. I just don't understand buying watches with the intention of only keeping them for a while and then trading up for the one you really wanted all along. I know Rolex hold their value pretty well but your still going to take a bit of a hit each time rather than making money to get you closer to the Grail. I know we are all wired differently so tell me to mind my own business if you like but I'm just intrigued as to the though process behind it. __________________ Don't mind me. I'm full of scotch, bitterness and impure thoughts! "You have enemies? Good! That means you stood up for something, sometime in your life." Sir Winston Leonard Spencer-Churchill KG, OM, CH, TD, PC, DL, FRS.

18 January 2012, 10:02 AM	#16
nch209 "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Real Name: Nathan Location: Northern Virginia Posts: 2,775	I am a flipper in the sense that if I can buy right, wear for a few years, and break even or even make a few bucks, I will sell and move on to somthing else. That said, I have bought a few to flip, and now they are keepers! My GMT2c is a prime example- I purchased it locally at a good deal, and once I wore it, I vowed it to be a KEEPER!!! On the other hand, 16613's constantly come and go- I buy one, someone wants it, I sell, and end up getting another! LOL! As for flipping other items, I personally do not. I tend to hold on to cars and real estate until I stumple upon a great deal! __________________ nch209

18 January 2012, 11:00 AM	#19
Linzjnr 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Real Name: Linz Location: Perth WA Watch: My bank balance! Posts: 1,373	I buy to hold and enjoy , it takes me too long to afford the watches in the first place. My long term goal is to pass them on to my two boys and so thinking about that makes me feel good too. I guess the only time I would flip a Rolex would be if I didn't bond with it like I thought I would whilst trying to save up for it (usually after trying it on heaps of times in shops, AD's and at GTG's ) Each to there own I guess, if there were no fippers out there then the second hand market wouldn't be that great would it? __________________ SS Submariner Date 16610 - SS Polar Explorer GMT 216570

18 January 2012, 11:02 AM	#20
77T 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Real Name: PaulG Location: Georgia Posts: 42,017	My trading-up experiences were goal oriented. I could have gone out 10 years ago and put down $25K for the Gold Rolex I wanted, but instead bought a $3.5K Expl.II. After trading through Daytona's and Subs that owners were anxious to trade/sell, I now have the Gold Rolex but only net of $12K invested. __________________ Does anyone really know what time it is?

18 January 2012, 11:22 AM	#24
WhatTheDeuce "TRF" Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Real Name: Kyung Location: Anywhere? Watch: cha want... Posts: 4,488	I don't get it either. I love every watch I purchase and intend to keep them forever. __________________ Instagram: @whatthedeuce_

18 January 2012, 09:53 AM	#2
cedargrove "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2010 Real Name: Rich Location: Canada Watch: Milgauss, GMT IIc Posts: 3,013	My buddy flips his car every year. Loves almost everything he buys, just constantly wants a change. I assume watch flippers are the same. Not for me. I only buy what I love and have a terribly hard time letting anything go.

18 January 2012, 10:00 AM	#3
azguy Banned Join Date: Sep 2011 Real Name: ------- Location: ------- Watch: --------- Posts: 12,609	It's a hobby and it takes up less space than a car collection I just sold a Navitimer II TT and and Explorer II to fund a 16233 TT and something else I don't even know I want yet I wore the two watches about 10x's over the last year, time to move on. Plus, the chase is fun

18 January 2012, 10:00 AM	#4
Dan2010 "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: South Carolina Watch: Panerai 914 Posts: 6,540	My flipping was part of my watch education. Don't regret it a bit.

18 January 2012, 10:00 AM	#14
MoBe "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Canada Posts: 6,773	Flippers must be salesmen by nature,you know,the ever optimistic wheeler dealer types,even if it`s not what they do for a living.

18 January 2012, 10:33 AM	#17
Jetjock Member Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Phoenix Watch: DJII 116333 Posts: 110	This question by the OP was one I Intended to bring up. I traded two lesser makes, that had both been purchased recently plus cash for my DJ II. Lost quite a few dollar bills down the toilet over that, but I become Infected with the Rolex curse. It would not be a big deal If I were wealthy, but unfortunately I am not. The beauty of my Rolex however makes up for the anguish of the financial hit.

18 January 2012, 10:46 AM	#18
The Joker "TRF" Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Gotham Posts: 9,641	I'm with you Mark, yes my first hasty purchase a Breitling I flipped. But now I have 2 keepers, my DJ and speedy, I would cry if I have had to give them up. Bought them new at a AD, in a year or 2 I've had them they have been through many an adventure with me, and I have totally bonded with them. Flip them, I'd have to be mad to do that. I love them with all my heart.

18 January 2012, 11:02 AM	#21
johnbeth "TRF" Member Join Date: Jul 2010 Real Name: John Location: Australia Watch: Depends on mood. Posts: 9,536	Flipping has cost me more money and it does not make any sense and yet we do it. I would suggest if I was in Dino's shoes, dont compromise, wait and get what you really want. You are just delaying the final outcome of what you really want and thats what has happened to me.

18 January 2012, 11:35 AM	#25
liuk3 "TRF" Member Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 3,354	With items I purchase, I tend to beat the snot out of them to maximize personal utility while also maintaining them. I'll hold on to them until they get run to the ground (e.g. cars), and I'm always on the hunt for a good deal to increase my inventory whatever that item might be. No flipping, but rather continued accumulation... __________________ "Appreciate your life!"

18 January 2012, 11:41 AM	#26
gslaskin Member Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Minnesota, USA Posts: 429	I flip because it's fun. There are many watches I want to own. But I do not want to "collect" them. I have owned over 100 watches. But only a few at a time. When I get bored with them, I flip them for the next interesting one that I want to try.

18 January 2012, 12:02 PM	#27
Dr. Robert 2024 SubLV41 Pledge Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Real Name: Bob Location: U.S.A. Watch: 1655 Posts: 64,277	My philosophy regarding flipping: Girlfriends/wives: Yes, si, oui, ja, hai. Watches: No, non, nein, nyet. __________________ Founder & Card Carrying Member of the Global Association of Retro-Grouch-Curmudgeons

18 January 2012, 12:16 PM	#28
lhanddds Banned Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: USA Watch: of course Posts: 8,429	I'll keep a watch a year and if it doesn't get enough wrist time, I'll sell or trade it. I don't consider that flipping. If they make it a year or more, they're in. I really don't "try watches" anymore. They have to be something I really want or have wanted for a long time. That eliminates flipping tendencies.

18 January 2012, 12:28 PM	#29
CDNWatchNut "TRF" Member Join Date: Apr 2010 Real Name: Juan Location: Sherwood Park, Ab Watch: 114060 Posts: 1,509	Occasionally buying and selling to experience different watches is all part of the fun and enjoyment for me. Buying quality watches that are in demand, and buying used at fair market price, there's generally not much loss or profit to be had either way, other than perhaps the cost of transactions(e.g. paypal, shipping). If buying new and flipping, then of course, it can be a very expensive hobby. If I didn't sell, I'd have waaaay too many watches.

18 January 2012, 12:29 PM	#30
pwriterman Banned Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: USA Posts: 66	Yeah, flipping is part of the fun. You get the watch. You love the watch. YOu wear the watch. You start to love it A LITTLE less...You see another watch! YOu must have it! So...you flip! It's all about the hunt, the thrill of the conquest...the next watch! Make sense? Didn't think so!

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