I got asked; "The Question" again, how do you answer it?

[TheVTCGuy]

I am pretty sure we have all run in to this, at least in one form or another. I was talking with my co-worker at an event, he is a WIS and is really in to Paneri. Another co-worker, a very intelligent lady joins us and looks at both our watches; his Pan and my EX II. She very politely inquires how much we paid for them and a bit surprised, not being demeaning or condensending, then asks:

"What makes this watch worth X thousands of dollars?"

Understand she wasn't asking what I usually get,

"WHY would you pay so much for a WATCH?"

But rather a very reasonable straight forward question. Again, she was not judging why I spent so much on a timepiece, but why it costs what it does.

I fumbled through the answer, about the quality of it's components, that nice things cost money, yes, some of it was for the name, (like a Gucci handbag) but it was not an easy answer to come up with. The bottom line which I think sums it up was: "It was worth that to me" This is true, but it's a subjective answer, not objective.

Have you ever been asked that question? What makes a Rolex worth thousands of dollars? How do you answer?

[123Blueface]

My answer would be:
Why does a Chevy cost less than a MB, which costs less than a Bentley, which costs less than a Bugatti? Aren't they all cars like watches are all watches?

[tkerrmd]

give examples people can relate to like a Ferrari vs a dodge neon

a Louis Vuitton pocket book vs whatever

[GB-man]

"It's a hobby strictly for complete lunatics"

[BigJoe]

One of the few things you can buy these days that will last practically forever. So the cost is quite low per year if you intend to keep it long term/pass it on to the next generation.

[Tri-Tip]

Originally Posted by 123Blueface

My answer would be:
Why does a Chevy cost less than a MB, which costs less than a Bentley, which costs less than a Bugatti? Aren't they all cars like watches are all watches?

I don't think you can compare different levels of watches with different types of cars like that. With cars you have performance differences, comfort differences, etc. With a watch, if it keeps near-perfect time and has any additional complications you want, they are basically all the same except for aesthetics. If you're comparing a Honda and a Mercedes, maybe, but when you get into Bentley and Bugatti territory, it's a whole different ball game.

I think if you are having this discussion with a woman, you can use handbags as a good analogy...a $3,000 Gucci purse will carry her things just as well as a $12 purse from Wal-Mart.

If it's a man, then maybe a nice suit would be a good comparison...$2,500 vs. $250. They both make you presentable for a certain situation.

My answer for the watch question is usually similar to Paul's...brand name, well built to last several lifetimes, mechanical (as opposed to battery operated), and that I earned it.

[GerardoG]

Originally Posted by tkerrmd

give examples people can relate to like a Ferrari vs a dodge neon

a Louis Vuitton pocket book vs whatever

x2. I also use examples they can relate to. If a female; Louboutin vs Nine West shoes works.

[Hpozzuoli]

I wish someone would ask my wife why her Hermes collection costs more than most peoples house. Maybe then she would stop buying them!

[AK797]

Luxury costs, but at least a watch is a tangible thing to be owned for years or even generations, or they can be sold like a Rolex after a few years for similar to what you paid, as opposed to first class flights and luxury hotels which cost thousands and last just hours in some cases.

[rr-nyc]

I don't really entertain questions pertaining to cost unless they already have a basic concept of watches and prices. I would find it odd for someone out of the blue to just ask, just as I imagine they wouldn't respond favorably if I asked how much they made last year; those are the same line of questions to me.

With that said, cost typically comes up as a discussion of what kind of deal I or they revived.


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[RichM]

Why? Because I can afford to. That usually ends it.

[FTX I]

Not a difficult job. You can start pointing out the differences between quartz and automatic movements. Then you can list complications and number of parts that these movements require. The difference between hand work vs mass production is important as well and the same with the history behind those brands. If she's still there and most important she's still paying attention, you can talk about marketing, the value it holds and materials used etc. If she's hot and you want to ruin any chance of getting lucky you can start talking serial numbers. On the other hand, the comparison with LV bags and stuff is shallow and a bit silly IMO.

[jwill051]

Quite simple way to answer is "Quality costs"

[Rolex addict]

Originally Posted by GB-man

"It's a hobby strictly for complete lunatics"

I thought that was Ironman triathlons. CRAP!!!! That means I'm 2 for 2.

[SpaceWanderer]

Never been asked this in my life. It's not a hobby, either. It's my watch. It just happens to be an unusually good watch.

[SearChart]

Bas, why would you pay that much for a watch? Because I can.

Friends have asked me and this is always my answer, if people don't see the value they just think it's wasted money whatever you say, so don't waste your time trying to explain.

[Lordofrolex]

Ive never been asked why i spent so much on a watch. Everyone knows a watch like a rolex cost a lot. And most of the time people know if you are wearing a rolex its because you like the brand. Same thing as if i was driving a BMW and not a honda. No ones going to ask me why did you buy a BMW and not a Toyota. Yes they both get there the same way but someone asking is just dumb.

[Etschell]

the market dictates the price. just like a car. and yes the secondary market always leads to a price reduction.

[cop414]

Originally Posted by BigJoe

One of the few things you can buy these days that will last practically forever. So the cost is quite low per year if you intend to keep it long term/pass it on to the next generation.

I think that thus is a great way to "justify" such an expense.

[sickened1]

Originally Posted by TheVTCGuy

Have you ever been asked that question? What makes a Rolex worth thousands of dollars? How do you answer?

I've never been asked that question before but then again, sometimes I can be very "unapproachable".

[dysondiver]

if its some one you know well , and asked in a nice way its a fair question ,,, the answer depends on how you see the question ,
if asked in a nice manner , ill explain ,
if asked in a cheeky way , i just say why not.

[GB-man]

Originally Posted by Rolex addict

I thought that was Ironman triathlons. CRAP!!!! That means I'm 2 for 2.

It's my way of letting them know it's not for everyone and I don't feel like explaining.

[dysondiver]

Originally Posted by GB-man

It's my way of letting them know it's not for everyone and I don't feel like explaining.

i usually say ,,, i asked for a Timex ,,, what did they sell me ,,

[The Joker]

I say "Because I'm worth it" then flick my head/hair.

[Etschell]

Originally Posted by TheVTCGuy

I am pretty sure we have all run in to this, at least in one form or another. I was talking with my co-worker at an event, he is a WIS and is really in to Paneri. Another co-worker, a very intelligent lady joins us and looks at both our watches; his Pan and my EX II. She very politely inquires how much we paid for them and a bit surprised, not being demeaning or condensending, then asks:

"What makes this watch worth X thousands of dollars?"

Understand she wasn't asking what I usually get,

"WHY would you pay so much for a WATCH?"

But rather a very reasonable straight forward question. Again, she was not judging why I spent so much on a timepiece, but why it costs what it does.

I fumbled through the answer, about the quality of it's components, that nice things cost money, yes, some of it was for the name, (like a Gucci handbag) but it was not an easy answer to come up with. The bottom line which I think sums it up was: "It was worth that to me" This is true, but it's a subjective answer, not objective.

Have you ever been asked that question? What makes a Rolex worth thousands of dollars? How do you answer?

ask her why she bought that shirt for $20 when it costs $1 to make it.

[Dan Pierce]

"Beats the hell out of me" would be my default reply.
dP

[Mosbrook]

The car analogy doesn't work because there are measurable differences there. A better comparison might be the diamond engagement ring on her hand. Why didn't she settle for cubic zerconium. You can barely see the difference.

[dysondiver]

Originally Posted by Mosbrook

The car analogy doesn't work because there are measurable differences there. A better comparison might be the diamond engagement ring on her hand. Why didn't she settle for cubic zerconium. You can barely see the difference.

id duck as i said that though....

[TheBluePrince]

Answer, mainly; Rolex has some real good advertising.

[RHIII]

Originally Posted by Mosbrook

The car analogy doesn't work because there are measurable differences there. A better comparison might be the diamond engagement ring on her hand. Why didn't she settle for cubic zerconium. You can barely see the difference.

I LIKE IT!!!

So --- I think when I'm looking towards my next acquisition...I may use this line on my wife....

and then I'll probably do this...

Originally Posted by dysondiver

id duck as i said that though....

Would LOVE to see the reaction...