What are the top 10 buying mistakes?

[actionkwj]

One of the things I love about TRF is that I learn about watches and get great opinions from folks all over the world. Although I love the latest "inbound" or "WRUW" posts, I thought I'd post a more "educational" discussion based on TRF members experiences and collective WISdom.

So what are your top buying mistakes? And/or what is your top buying advice? Flipping advice? Service advice? Etc.

For me, I don't have any bad buying mistakes... yet. But my buying advice is this: Be patient and revisit your target watch multiple times over a few months. If that watch still sings to you at the end of three months (or six months), then your should feel pretty good about buying it. That's my experience and it applies to almost anything I purchase; it's worked well for me in my 48 years.

OK, it's your turn. I'm looking for the Good, the Bad, and the downright Ugly. Maybe we can create a Sticky Top 10 Buying Mistakes list or something like that.

[dysondiver]

buy in haste ,,,, repent at leisure.

[Metalheart]

1. Buying a watch because it is popular (the Sub is an exception )
2. Buying an oversized watch for your wrist
3. Buying 2 or 3 watches that you like 80% instead of saving up and buying the one watch that you like 110%
4. Buying a watch just so you can show off
5. Buying a watch from bad grey market dealers just because it is cheap
6. Buying a watch without trying it on
7. Buying multiple watches in a short period of time (if you can't actually afford, that is)
8. Buying a watch thinking of its resale value above other characteristics

Been there, done almost all of that. Learnt all along the way and now I have the two, and only two most wonderful watches that I've ever bought: the DJ and Sub.

[Clay]

Browsing the For Sale Forums after 3 Martinis...

[Metalheart]

Originally Posted by Clay

Browsing the For Sale Forums after 3 Martinis...

Just logout of the forum when doing that, so that you don't click the PM button in an impulse and wake up the next morning with a double hangover!

[BNA/LION]

Buying a watch from eBay from a (0) seller!

Not researching the model and knowing about its characteristics prior to buying.
- There are a lot of fakes or franken' watches out there and once you know what to look for it get easier to spot them.

Not asking your friends on TRF for advice!

[kilyung]

Research, research, and more research. No such thing as too much research.

[Frogdog]

My first Rolex I knew had to be the Sub C w/ date. After looking through the FS section I found that going with the pre ceramic and no date version would be more cost effective, so I went with the 14060m. Within a couple of months of owning it I knew I made a mistake by not getting my first choice. So after a couple flips and losing a few $$ I finally got the piece I wanted. The lesson I learned is to always go with your gut and don't settle for an alternative.

Ive bought several other pieces since and have caught myself looking for an alternative when the specific piece I'm looking for is not available. Fortunately I have mustered up a little patience and held out for the right watch to come available.

Sorry for the dissertation! Hope it helps!

👍👍

[joe100]

1-10: buying a watch because you think others will think its impressive/cool/interesting, instead of buying what YOU like.

[hannibal80]

Originally Posted by Clay

Browsing the For Sale Forums after 3 Martinis...

Hahahaha! Well said!


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[Annan]

Know all about the model you are buying before you pull the trigger. My first Rolex and my grail was a TT DJ. Went into an AD and walked out with a TT Date. Why? (1) because they didn't have a TT DJ in stock; (2) the date was less $$$; (3) I did not know there were any differences between the two; (4) I wanted to buy something TODAY!. Regardless, wore my Date for 21 years and then finally got a DJ.

[Mystro]

Paying msrp. I simply can't, its a sickness.

[actionkwj]

So far, I think Clay has the #1 Worst Buying Mistake!!! Clay, I hear a story coming... Please keep 'em coming and do tell. Dissertations are appreciated and more entertaining for all.

Spilling your guts over something regretful is a form of therapy that costs you nothing more than your lifelong reputation on the TRF!

If you bought in haste before, what did you buy and why? How did you resolve it? Any bad trade stories? And bad ebay experiences? Any bad experience with friends?

[peetnik]

Whenever I shop for anything -- watches, cars, bicycles, laptops, whatever -- I start at the top, not the bottom. That makes me aware of all the options before buying, and I work my way down the list until I find the right level.

Also, save for what you really want and don't settle.

[Eric Chan]

Ensure you can afford the watch. Too many times I have seen people purchase items, watches included when they cannot truly afford them. Once you are financially prepared to purchase the watch, then do the research and find the one that "sings" to you.

[stockae92]

You should never:

(1) to ask on a forum to decide which watch to buy (ask question and make up your mind!)
(2) buy a watch over another just because its a "better deal"
(3) buy a watch that you will never wear or never plan to wear
(4) buy a new watch as an investment
(5) buy a watch to impress other people
(6) determine if the watch is a good fit for your wrist size and shape base on internet photo alone
(7) buy a counterfeit watch
(8) don't talk about fight club
(9) don't talk about fight club
(10) don't talk about fight club

[actionkwj]

Dear Sir, do I hear a story coming? Sounds like you had a bad ebay experience or know of someone who did. What's the story.

By the way, I'm coming straight to you from Encinitas!

Originally Posted by BNALION

Buying a watch from eBay from a (0) seller!

Not researching the model and knowing about its characteristics prior to buying.
- There are a lot of fakes or franken' watches out there and once you know what to look for it get easier to spot them.

Not asking your friends on TRF for advice!

[busytimmy]

1. Buying large watches that don't look good on my wrist.
2. Buying more than one watch per brand. I've come to realise I like diversity in brands and complications.


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[actionkwj]

What were you looking for? Where did you start? And where did you end up?

Originally Posted by peetnik

Whenever I shop for anything -- watches, cars, bicycles, laptops, whatever -- I start at the top, not the bottom. That makes me aware of all the options before buying, and I work my way down the list until I find the right level.

Also, save for what you really want and don't settle.

[Sir Larry Wildman]

Always check the watch before you purchase it, up and down.

The sales people might pressure you, or give you attitude, but before you hand over the card, look at things like bezel alignment, dial alignment, cycle through the dates to make sure they don't stick, etc.

While no watch is perfect, and they are all unique is some small way, you can mitigate the chance that you got a lemon by knowing what to look for.

[actionkwj]

Did you have several watches from one brand at on time? Or have you always been a true collector from several brands? What are your collection favorites?

I'm kind of the same way. I only have one watch from four different brands, but I didn't really plan it that way. For me it was more a matter of adding something different to my collection - I'm probably not that guy that will buy five version of the Sub. Just one will do.

Originally Posted by busytimmy

1. Buying large watches that don't look good on my wrist.
2. Buying more than one watch per brand. I've come to realise I like diversity in brands and complications.


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[busytimmy]

Originally Posted by actionkwj

Did you have several watches from one brand at on time? Or have you always been a true collector from several brands? What are your collection favorites?



I'm kind of the same way. I only have one watch from four different brands, but I didn't really plan it that way. For me it was more a matter of adding something different to my collection - I'm probably not that guy that will buy five version of the Sub. Just one will do.

Yes, as one point I owned 3 Omega watches, for instance. It's all part of the learning.

Favourites include my Speedmaster pro, JLC MUT Moon 39 and Rolex polar 216570.


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[sierra11b]

Never compromise. For example, if you're set on getting an 114060 don't opt for the Tudor Black Bay thinking your original want will just disappear. The want will eat away at you from the inside until you’re happy with owning what you had originally wanted.

[Malak]

Originally Posted by Clay

Browsing the For Sale Forums after 3 Martinis...

Shaken, not stirred

[beshannon]

Originally Posted by kilyung

Research, research, and more research. No such thing as too much research.

Exactly.

Buy what you want even if you have to save and put it off, never substitute a lesser watch, you will flip it and likely lose money.

[actionkwj]

Larry, that's a good one that I honestly would not have thought about on my own. IMHO, a watch from an AD should be perfect to begin with, but as I've learned from other TRF members, "it ain't alway so!." - PS: That means bring a loupe with you to the AD!

Originally Posted by Sir Larry Wildman

Always check the watch before you purchase it, up and down.

The sales people might pressure you, or give you attitude, but before you hand over the card, look at things like bezel alignment, dial alignment, cycle through the dates to make sure they don't stick, etc.

While no watch is perfect, and they are all unique is some small way, you can mitigate the chance that you got a lemon by knowing what to look for.

[actionkwj]

I don't know what the JLC MUT Moon 39 is, but looks like you've got a great collection of three special watches that are all different. Sweet!

Originally Posted by busytimmy

Yes, as one point I owned 3 Omega watches, for instance. It's all part of the learning.

Favourites include my Speedmaster pro, JLC MUT Moon 39 and Rolex polar 216570.


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[doubleinfive]

The biggest mistake is buying only one watch...

[tkerrmd]

Pretty easy for me, I buy what I like and don't care what other people think.

[Old Expat Beast]

Mistake: Buying something because people keep saying that "you can't go wrong" with it. Truth is, you can go wrong with any Rolex if it's not right for you.