Reflecting on watch collecting and dealing with buyer's remorse

[mcnealstash]

Pardon if this is a bit of an emotional and unorganized rant...

Was fortunate enough to get a new SubC and SS Daytona in 2020 so far at the AD after inquiring about both models last year. I sold my 5 digit models to help pay for both of these- a 5 digit sub (my previous daily) and GMT that was getting zero wrist time. The bracelets were just too chintzy and I preferred the more solid feel of the modern models.

The white dial 116500ln is my first daytona, and I'm absolutely smitten... I don't have a huge wrist (~7" circumference), and everything about the watch is perfect- the contrast of the dial and bezel, the milling of the case and the dimensions that seem to perfectly flow into one another, the way the whole package seems to "melt" on the wrist to become a part of you and go completely unnoticed throughout the day. It really is the perfect watch for me- comfortable and timeless. Maybe this is just a honeymoon phase...

Herein lie a few problems- the first being that I kind of have buyer's remorse for owning a sports watch (maybe any watch?) that isn't a daytona now. I know I could have this as a "one watch" for the rest of my life and be happy. I've become biased, and now my viewpoint is shifting to "there are daytonas, and then there's everything else." There is the high of having found something that I really love and enjoy that is at the pinnacle of watch making, design, and execution, but also the low of feeling like I own something else that I really never needed. That I screwed up and gave into materialism- chasing a ridiculous idea that for some reason I HAD to own multiple rolexes or luxury timepieces. In the past I thought I was a "4-5 watch guy"- always wanted a Diver, Chrono, GMT, and Dress watch. Maybe this was never the way...

Was wondering if anyone else felt this way about either the daytona or any other watch models? Once you found that perfect fit, what did you do with the rest of your collection? Did you pare things down to just that model, or buy more of the same model?

There is also now this desire to find the next daytona- PM, or maybe another SS w/ black dial? Maybe a 116520 or zenith movement with white dial? Platona? Am I totally nuts? Or is this just another moment trying to get that hit of dopamine and to embrace the "thrill of the chase"...

These are first world problems... I've been very fortunate in my life- and I know at some points I have been more materialistic than I should be- giving into consumerism chasing things that were never a necessity. Anyway, thanks for reading if you made it this far... would love to hear perspective from others who have felt this way.

[jb335]

Hahaha, I don't know if I can help, but I can totally relate to finally getting a Daytona and falling in love with the way it wears and only wanting to wear them.

One way I am the opposite of you though. I only have a PM Daytona and am lusting for a SS (or WG) Daytona so I can daily it to the office. Your white dial ceramic being my first choice...

[Tavli3]

No reason for a guilty conscious. You found your one true love. Think of all the money you’ll be saving.

I’m the opposite I love switching my watches with my clothing. So I’m looking to acquire a few more pieces. Need something blue and something white. Hoping for sky dweller and Daytona.

I told myself if I should be lucky enough to get those two I’d be satisfied but I get the feeling I won’t.


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[Geckobros]

I completely understand. My only suggestion would be to give it time then make a decision on your collecting or maybe you can go with just one watch?

I have one watch that I know is my "only" watch but as time has gone by, I like having multiple watches. When I take a break and wear other watches I appreciate my favorite watch even more.

[TswaneNguni]

Serotonin

[Muxi]

The journey is long and far. It is alright to feel smitten. If you are lucky, it lasts a lifetime. For me it lasted about a year, and now I am more particular about the watches I want. The Daytonas are here to stay, 3 in all, but there are other watches out there still to be explored.

[Buckaroo Banzai]

Originally Posted by mcnealstash

Pardon if this is a bit of an emotional and unorganized rant...

Was fortunate enough to get a new SubC and SS Daytona in 2020 so far at the AD after inquiring about both models last year. I sold my 5 digit models to help pay for both of these- a 5 digit sub (my previous daily) and GMT that was getting zero wrist time. The bracelets were just too chintzy and I preferred the more solid feel of the modern models.

The white dial 116500ln is my first daytona, and I'm absolutely smitten... I don't have a huge wrist (~7" circumference), and everything about the watch is perfect- the contrast of the dial and bezel, the milling of the case and the dimensions that seem to perfectly flow into one another, the way the whole package seems to "melt" on the wrist to become a part of you and go completely unnoticed throughout the day. It really is the perfect watch for me- comfortable and timeless. Maybe this is just a honeymoon phase...

Herein lie a few problems- the first being that I kind of have buyer's remorse for owning a sports watch (maybe any watch?) that isn't a daytona now. I know I could have this as a "one watch" for the rest of my life and be happy. I've become biased, and now my viewpoint is shifting to "there are daytonas, and then there's everything else." There is the high of having found something that I really love and enjoy that is at the pinnacle of watch making, design, and execution, but also the low of feeling like I own something else that I really never needed. That I screwed up and gave into materialism- chasing a ridiculous idea that for some reason I HAD to own multiple rolexes or luxury timepieces. In the past I thought I was a "4-5 watch guy"- always wanted a Diver, Chrono, GMT, and Dress watch. Maybe this was never the way...

Was wondering if anyone else felt this way about either the daytona or any other watch models? Once you found that perfect fit, what did you do with the rest of your collection? Did you pare things down to just that model, or buy more of the same model?

There is also now this desire to find the next daytona- PM, or maybe another SS w/ black dial? Maybe a 116520 or zenith movement with white dial? Platona? Am I totally nuts? Or is this just another moment trying to get that hit of dopamine and to embrace the "thrill of the chase"...

These are first world problems... I've been very fortunate in my life- and I know at some points I have been more materialistic than I should be- giving into consumerism chasing things that were never a necessity. Anyway, thanks for reading if you made it this far... would love to hear perspective from others who have felt this way.

Similar circumstances, but different watch.

I got my 114060 last year and thought that was going to be it. Fit perfectly, was great with a bracelet or Nato and I was happy. Then my request for the 126710 was fulfilled. Now I find myself giving some wrist time to the SubC but the majority of it goes to the GMT.

With that said, now I find myself looking at the Sea Dweller... so maybe its partly the chase and mostly the ownership? Not sure. I hope you get what you want.

[Token74]

Having a collection of watches makes very little sense in the real world, and there is something to be said for having one watch that you love go through life with you.

Personally, I get bored quickly, I like to change things around, and having multiple watches works for me. I don’t need multiple watches, heck, I don’t even need one watch, it is pure indulgence.

I’m a great believer in enjoying life’s luxuries whilst you’re earning...cars, houses, travel, food, watches etc.

In 15 years time, I don’t expect to still be working. I will sell the cars, sell the house, and sell the watch collection. I will then buy a much much smaller house, but in my dream location. I will buy a dream car, but one that is timeless and can last me forever. And I will buy one grail watch. I will live a very simple life, walks in the country, beer and food at the village pub, and a bit of golf at the golf club. Simple holidays to France and the occasional getaway to the Lake District. I will do all that content in the knowledge that I’ve done everything I ever wanted to do and enjoyed life’s luxuries along the way. I will have made mistakes and wasted money, but that’s just part of the journey.









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[1665fan]

Just get a Paul Newman then you will hit the top and cAnt get any better

[Nikrnic]

I get it, your hooked. Id say your still in the honeymoon phase with your Tona, but that can go on forever, it sounds like its meant for you. You'll probably keep looking and buying, no worries if you think you make a mistake, sell it and move on. I certainly have. They are pretty liquid. Lifes to short to worry or feel guilty over a timepiece.

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[RHIII]

I go the collection/rotation angle - as I too get bored pretty easily - so like to keep a few in rotation for a while - and then change the rotation to another few.

Helps to keep things ‘fresh’. Right now I happen to be wearing a Daytona - and I haven’t put one on in a while - but when I did last week - I remembered immediately why I liked them - and how comfortable the wear is - but AP (with occasional Patek) gets the most time.


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[abozz]

That happens to me with the 50th anniversary SeaDweller. One and only for me (my SubC is in the drawer, but not remorse to have it there).

[schoolboy]

Originally Posted by Token74

Having a collection of watches makes very little sense in the real world, and there is something to be said for having one watch that you love go through life with you.

Personally, I get bored quickly, I like to change things around, and having multiple watches works for me. I don’t need multiple watches, heck, I don’t even need one watch, it is pure indulgence.

I’m a great believer in enjoying life’s luxuries whilst you’re earning...cars, houses, travel, food, watches etc.

In 15 years time, I don’t expect to still be working. I will sell the cars, sell the house, and sell the watch collection. I will then buy a much much smaller house, but in my dream location. I will buy a dream car, but one that is timeless and can last me forever. And I will buy one grail watch. I will live a very simple life, walks in the country, beer and food at the village pub, and a bit of golf at the golf club. Simple holidays to France and the occasional getaway to the Lake District. I will do all that content in the knowledge that I’ve done everything I ever wanted to do and enjoyed life’s luxuries along the way. I will have made mistakes and wasted money, but that’s just part of the journey.









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Dang I like that mentality. I like it a lot actually.

[Rhythm King]

Sounds like a really good plan!

Originally Posted by Token74

Having a collection of watches makes very little sense in the real world, and there is something to be said for having one watch that you love go through life with you.

Personally, I get bored quickly, I like to change things around, and having multiple watches works for me. I don’t need multiple watches, heck, I don’t even need one watch, it is pure indulgence.

I’m a great believer in enjoying life’s luxuries whilst you’re earning...cars, houses, travel, food, watches etc.

In 15 years time, I don’t expect to still be working. I will sell the cars, sell the house, and sell the watch collection. I will then buy a much much smaller house, but in my dream location. I will buy a dream car, but one that is timeless and can last me forever. And I will buy one grail watch. I will live a very simple life, walks in the country, beer and food at the village pub, and a bit of golf at the golf club. Simple holidays to France and the occasional getaway to the Lake District. I will do all that content in the knowledge that I’ve done everything I ever wanted to do and enjoyed life’s luxuries along the way. I will have made mistakes and wasted money, but that’s just part of the journey.









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[johnjm]

I've got the same two in my rotation. I find myself wearing the sub more and only really appreciated it after I realised that it is an awesome tool watch compared to the Daytona.

The Daytona is on a rubber b because I found it too blingy (granted the sub is also on rubber), but I have yet to have the balls to swim in high tide or need around on a bike when I have the sub to do it.

Then again, the way it's all going it will be a shlep to replace either way if something happens.

The hobby is ruined a bit.



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[envuks]

I find the Daytona very enjoyable similarly to what you describe. I think if I had in my coll cation competing against other SS Rolex, it would likely win all (or most) of the wrist time.

Luckily, I rotate it with a 116718 so the competition is strong

[Doc Savage]

When I got my Explorer, I sold 4 watches that it kicked off the rotation. It felt good to get rid of them.

[mcnealstash]

Originally Posted by Token74

Having a collection of watches makes very little sense in the real world, and there is something to be said for having one watch that you love go through life with you.

Personally, I get bored quickly, I like to change things around, and having multiple watches works for me. I don’t need multiple watches, heck, I don’t even need one watch, it is pure indulgence.

I’m a great believer in enjoying life’s luxuries whilst you’re earning...cars, houses, travel, food, watches etc.

In 15 years time, I don’t expect to still be working. I will sell the cars, sell the house, and sell the watch collection. I will then buy a much much smaller house, but in my dream location. I will buy a dream car, but one that is timeless and can last me forever. And I will buy one grail watch. I will live a very simple life, walks in the country, beer and food at the village pub, and a bit of golf at the golf club. Simple holidays to France and the occasional getaway to the Lake District. I will do all that content in the knowledge that I’ve done everything I ever wanted to do and enjoyed life’s luxuries along the way. I will have made mistakes and wasted money, but that’s just part of the journey.









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Beautifully said and I appreciate your self-awareness. Sounds like a wonderful life and retirement. Thanks to those who have offered kind words.

[cascavel]

Don't worry, you'll get over it and want something else.

[miamiclay]

I would say certainly give it some time, but if you continue to feel this way, and you aren’t a one-watch guy, imo there’s absolutely nothing wrong with (and a lot to be said for) a narrowly focused collection.
(Admittedly I’m biased, but) I think having a narrow focus in some ways allows you the best of both worlds - You can always have goals, grails for which you hope and dream and hunt, while still enjoying the thrill of an acquisition at any time you choose and, over time, you may gain a degree of genuine expertise about “your” model. You might study and collect only Daytonas for all the rest of your days, and still never learn (much less own) everything out there.

[Speed]

I like to rotate watches based on my mood / outfit. I would never be satisfied with one watch.

[train-time]

The Daytona is one of the most comfortable sport models that I have owned. I was fortunate enough to get the black and white form my AD in 2019. I have been on the list for a black dial for a while and when I was picking up my Pepsi in April I commented on probably never be getting a stainless steel Daytona and low and behold he came through in July.

I always figured that the black dial Daytona would replace my Sub, you know both SS with black dials and black bezels so I let the Sub go. By December I was missing my Sub and knew if I replaced the Sub that I would eventually see the black dial Daytona as superfluous and end up selling it so I went to my AD in December and explained my dilemma and told him I would like to get a new Sub to replace the one I sold off a few months ago and here's the kicker -- I would also like to trade in my black Daytona for a white one as it would not be similar in color to my Sub. He went in the back and pulled out a new Sub still in the coffin and then said her would given me the next new white Daytona that came in. Ten days later I exchanged my black Daytona for a white one and couldn't be happier. Now I have a Pepsi, Sub, and white Daytona. Next one will probably be a PM Daytona on strap.